Korean Job Discussion Forums

chilgok007 · Joined: 28 May 2006 Location: Chilgok

Hi all,

I am currently working for what seems to be the classic bad hagwon. I spent a year in China and had a wonderful time. I was a great teacher there, very popular, well liked and respected by the students, so I know the problems here are not really my fault (I hate to pass the buck off, but its true). There are two problems in particular that really bother me, but let me give some background first.

Yes, the place I work for is a well-known chain, but I'm not ready to reveal the name quite yet. I've been here for 4 months, and its been hell. Moral amoung the foreign teachers (there are 5 of us) is extremly low. The kids are all between the ages of 3 and 10. My boss is neither a teacher nor a manager, her only qualification is that she has a rich husband. She dosen't know what she wants out of us or out of the school, she only knows what she dosen't want, and thats practically everything we do. She constantly makes vague comments like "make the class more interesting" and "plan better," but when asked for specifics her classic response is "figure it out for yourself, thats not my job." She says contradictory things all the time. One week she tells me shes very happy with my progress, the next she says my classes are terrible. She tells me to play games with the kids, but then she chews me out for playing games! My games are all educational and the kids learn more playing them than they do being lectured at. No matter what I do, she is constantly expressing her dissapointment. I can't disipline the students in any way except take away their revered stickers. I can't raise my voice, can't send them to the corner or outside the classroom, lest they tell the customers...I mean parents. Yet she expects the kids to be perfectly still and pay perfect attention all the time. When I asked how I'm supposed to manage my classroom she tells me to "enchant them" with my mystical teaching abilities. Anyone whos had to deal with overworked, rich Korean kids know that Korean kids don't respect foreign teachers like they do the Korean teachers. When a kid fails to learn or sit still, of course, its totally my fault. Attempts at complaining or addressing these issues, no matter how polite or gently we bring them up, are met with open hostility.

My Korea coworkers are at times resentful, petty and unfriendly, though there are a few really nice ones. They suck up to the boss, even though she treats them like crap (I guess they have to). They are also overworked and stressed out by the boss, and unlike us, aren't leaving this pit in a year, so I can't really blame them for their attitudes.

There are some good things here. My apartment is comfortable and located close to work. My foreign coworkers are great. We are a pretty cohesive group, like minded, with similair interests and passions. I like Korea very much and enjoy studying the language and culture. I love my students and love working with them and they in turn love me. The thing that bothers me the most about Korea is the lack of creativity in terms of architecture. It seems the only colors in the whole country are brown, grey and white.

The two things that really bother me are the following.

One, we are OVERWORKED. I teach (yes, teach) from 9:30 in the morning until 5 at night without a break. Then I have to teach another 40 minute class after my long awaited half hour break. We don't even get a real lunch break because we have to sit with the kids (some of whom still require spoon feeding, despite the fact that they are 6 or 7 years old Western age). We have to act as janitors cleaning the tables and floors and cleaning the kids trays for them. Of course, we aren't paid for this work. Apparantly the boss doent realize or dosent care that giving us some down time during the day would have a dramatic impact on our productivity. Does anyone know if this is illigal? And if so, what can I do about it?

The second issue is about pensions. My boss isen't paying into our pension fund and all of the money comes from our paycheck. I have a feeling this is illigal, and am worried that I won't be able to get my money out of the fund when I leave here.

Sorry for the long post, I needed to get this off my chest. Any advice regarding any of the above would be greatly appricated, so PLEASE RESPOND!!! Shocked

cubanlord · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Location: In Japan!

The pension part is ILLEGAL. Call the labor board immediately. The long hours that you are working, are they in your contract (i.e. cleaning, sitting with the kids, etc.)? Remember, you are contracted to teach not to sit there spoon feeding kids. Is it in your contract to sit there during your breaks? I would say post your contract on here (removing how much you make and your name and the school's name) so we can look at it. If you mention to your hogwon owner that you will call the labor board, she will quickly become enraged. Just find a Korean friend and do it yourself.

Unless...you want to scare her and show her you know a thing or two about your rights, then tell her if she doesn't start paying (and back pay yours as well) you will call the labor board. NOTHING SHE CAN SAY AGAINST THAT. I DON'T CARE IF THE SKY IS FALLING! NOT PAYING IS ILLEGAL THE THE LABOR BOARD WILL FINE HER UP THE WAZOOOOOO~~~

That's my advice.

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

You have to get some balls. You have your E2, so I don't understand how you let all this happen. You can't teach 9:30-5 with no breaks. If you are, that's 1.5 hours of OT/day. Does she pay you any OT at all for that or your late class? *beep* eating with the kids. Tell her to piss off when she criticizes your classes.

I take it you called the pension office to verify how much was in your account. How much has she been deducting from your pay?

Go to town on her. Life's too short to pass up ripping her apart.

tomato · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:29 pm Post subject:

chilgok007 · Joined: 28 May 2006 Location: Chilgok

Yeah, I'm an idiot for putting up with all this crap, but things are definetly starting to reach a critical mass. I forgot to mention Tuesday and Thursday I have a "short" day working from 9:30 to 2, then again from 4 to 5. I'm not quite at the stage where I want to screw her over hard. I'd rather try gentler means first and hope things will work out (maybe I'm being a bit naive here?) Why does it seem that people who run the crappy Hagwons are all the same...usually underqualified rich females who have the "I know I'm a b*tch, and I don't care" attitude (sorry ladies, not a sexist, but I'd venture that most of the crappy Hogwon owners are female). We attended a field day type event with several other school in the area and it seemed all the female Hagwon owners looked and acted exactly the same way. very strange...

anyways, heres the contract, It dosen't mention anything about having to eat with the kids, but then again, its pretty vague (yeah, I'm an idiot, I know!). I'm just going to stop doing it, and see what happens...

---------
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR TEACHER

FIRST YEAR CONTRACT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT has been made this of _ _ , 2005 between .... established under the laws of South Korea at ... Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as the "Employer") and , a citizen of _______ _ whose passport number is (hereinafter referred to as the "Teacher") under the terms and conditions set forth below.

Both parties agree on the following terms and conditions:

CLAUSE 1 (APPOINTMENT)

a. The employer agrees to employ the teacher during the period stipulated herein.

b. The teacher agrees to accept the employment and will work in his/her full capacity for the school.

CLAUSE 2 ( PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT )

The total Agreement term is approximately one year, commencing from the date of arrival in Korea and to the last teaching day of the teacher's twelfth full teaching session, according to the .... calendar*.
The teacher agrees to discontinue his/her residence in Korea under the visa status arranged and sponsored by the employer within three days after the completion of this contract. The teacher will be allowed to stay in the housing provided by .... during this time. This condition will not apply if this contract is terminated for any reason before completion, and the employer has no obligation to maintain the visa status for any period of time beyond the termination date.
CLAUSE 3 ( THE EMPLOYER�S RESPONSIBILITIES)

The employer and teacher are equal individuals working together to provide quality English instruction under the terms stated in this contract.
The employer will honor the terms and conditions of employment for the teacher as stated within this contract.
The employer will guarantee the teacher a salary of _ _Won per teaching session* in consideration of the teacher�s teaching hours and proper preparation for the classes.
CLAUSE 4 ( THE TEACHER�S RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES )

During the terms of this Agreement, the teacher must cooperate and comply with the instructions and disciplines of the school. Assisting the Supervisor he/she must carry out assignments as directed by the employer. The Supervisor will be responsible for establishing and communicating the Standards of Performance as related to the duties stated in this contract.
The teacher must have adequately prepared for the classes in advance.
At all times during the term of this contract, teachers must maintain a clean and neat appearance. While suits and ties are not mandatory, a professional appearance is desirable.
The teacher�s work will include the following:
Teaching the English language (Target students� ages: 4 to 15)
Development of educational programs and materials
Curriculum design and implementation
Indoor and outdoor classroom activities for/with students
Grading, evaluation, and assessment of students
Providing students with individualized care
Attending teacher�s meetings and workshops
CLAUSE 5 ( WORKING HOURS )

During the term of this Agreement, the teacher should work in cooperation with the Supervisor from Monday through Friday.
Teachers will be required to attend some special events throughout the year (Workshops, graduation ceremony, etc.) which may fall on a Saturday. Teachers will not receive additional compensation for these days.
The teacher agrees to teach 120 teaching hours a session and to adequately prepare for classes.
The employer cannot guarantee the teacher�s requested teaching schedule.
CLAUSE 6 ( SALARY AND OVERTIME RATE)

The employer agrees to pay the teacher salary of _ _ won for 120 teaching hours per session for classes.
The payment of the salary is to be made on 7th of the following month.
Each teaching hour in excess of 120 working hours is considered as overtime. The overtime pay will be .... won per working hour. Attendance at scheduled staff meetings and workshops, along with preparation for classes is mandatory and not considered as overtime.
The salary for assigned teaching hours is inclusive of preparation, and all teachers will have a scheduled block of planning time each day.
CLAUSE 7 ( TAX )

Income tax and retirement taxes will be withheld from the salary in accordance with the Korean tax law.

CLAUSE 8 ( TRANSPORTATION )

Round trip economy airfare is provided with the one-year contract from the teacher�s nearest airport to the international airport in Korea and transportation from the airport to the teacher�s residence in Korea. Upon completion of this contract, the teacher will be provided with a return ticket.
If the teacher leaves the school before his/her contract period ends, the school will not pay for his/her return ticket.
If the teacher leaves the school prior to completing six (6) months period of this contract for any reason, the teacher must reimburse the school the cost of the ticket paid by the school or the school may deduct the equivalent amount from the teacher�s last month�s pay.
CLAUSE 9 ( ORIENTATION PERIOD )

Upon arrival in Korea, the teacher will be guaranteed two days for an orientation period, before being expected to begin his/her regular teaching work.
The teacher will be on the payroll from the day after his/her arrival in Korea, except for weekends and national holidays.
During the orientation period the teacher is required to be at the school making lesson plans and learning about the school system. The rate of payment for the orientation period will be .... won per day for the first two days and .... per day thereafter. Payment for the first two days of the orientation period will be paid upon the teacher�s arrival in Korea and payment for the remaining days (if any) of the orientation period will be paid on the last day of the orientation period.
The payment rate for the orientation period shall not exceed 5 working days. In the event that the employer cannot offer the teacher a regular teaching schedule after having worked at the school for more than 5 working days, payment for the work days exceeding the 5 day maximum orientation period will be prorated as follows: teacher�s salary divided by the number of teaching days in that session, multiplied by the number of days worked.
CLAUSE 10 ( MEDICAL INSURANCE )

The teacher will be covered by medical insurance under the Korean Medical Insurance Union, a private health organization.
Half of the insurance premium will be paid by the Employer and the other half by the teacher. (For reference, the current insurance premium rate is 1.5 % of the monthly salary) Teachers should be aware that medical coverage does not become effective until you have an E-2 working visa and have been issued an alien registration card from immigration in Korea.
CLAUSE 11 ( VACATION & HOLIDAYS )

The teacher will be allowed for national holidays and vacation that are indicated in the ....... calendar.*

CLAUSE 12 (EMERGENCY LEAVE)

The employer agrees that the employee is entitled to 5 working days of emergency leave, in the event of death in the employee�s immediate family. The immediate family shall include parents and siblings of the employee. For this emergency leave, no deduction of salary will be taken place.
The employer cannot provide the teacher with any additional compensation for airfare in the case of an emergency.
The employer has the right to request (upon return to Korea) reasonable proof for having granted emergency leave.
In the event that a period longer than 5 working days is required for emergency leave, it is up to the employer�s discretion to permit such a period.
CLAUSE 13 ( ACCOMMODATIONS )

The school will provide the teacher with furnished accommodations, either a two or three bedroom apartment, which is to be shared by two or three teachers and with a shared kitchen and bathroom. In either case, the teacher is to be allocated with a single separate bedroom.
Furnishings being provided by the employer include: television, refrigerator, washing machine, bed, wardrobe, fan, kitchen table, basic utensils, chairs, two-burner gas hot plate, and telephone. The teacher will be expected to provide his/her own pillow, pillowcase, and sheets.
Selection of the apartment will be made by the employer.
The cost of monthly service, utilities, and telephone charges for the accommodations will be paid by the teacher. In the case of a shared apartment, the cost will be shared by the roommates.
For the first three months, the Employer will withhold a deposit of 200,000 won each month, in order for the employer to pay off utility and telephone charges, received by the employer during the two months after the termination of the contract.
Any balance due the teacher after all bills have been paid will be transferred to the teacher�s account back home two months after the termination of the contract.
CLAUSE 14 (SEVERANCE PAYMENT)

Upon completion of this one-year contract, the teacher will receive one additional basic salary of _ _ won as a severance payment in accordance with Korean Labor Laws. This payment will be made at the time of completion of the contract period and income tax will be withheld from this payment.

CLAUSE 15 ( DISMISSAL OR VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION )

The employer reserves the right to dismiss the teacher from employment for the following causes:
Neglect or inability to perform his/her duties stipulated in this agreement
Frequent absences from work
Receiving two warning letters
Criminal behavior or misconduct
Teaching any private classes outside of the .... school
The employer agrees to give the employee 20 working days notice in the event of dismissal. However, in the case of a teacher�s criminal behavior or misconduct, he/she will be dismissed from employment immediately with no warning or notice.
In the event the teacher resigns from employment, he/she can do so giving 20 working days notice to the employer.
In either case of dismissal or resignation before completing six (6) months period of the contract term, the teacher must reimburse the employer the cost of the ticket to Korea.
In either case of dismissal or resignation before completing the contract term, the teacher will NOT receive any severance payment in accordance with Korean Labor Laws.
CLAUSE 16 ( GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION )

This Agreement is governed by the law of the Republic of Korea.
This Agreement is made final and firm unless any material modification or amendment to this Agreement is executed with the full knowledge and consent of the undersigned and incorporated into this Agreement.
* Teaching sessions and vacations and holidays (according to the .... session calendar) can be viewed in the �Job Opportunity� section of our web site at: .

In witness thereof, we have affixed our signatures hereon.

tomato · Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:32 am Post subject:

Hello again, Chilgok!

Do you need suggestions on classroom discipline?
Here is a thread which I just started:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?p=798545#798545

I agree with Cuban Lord and JACL:
if you tell your director exactly what you think, it won't hurt a thing.
I have told some of my directors exactly what I thought, and the sun always came up the next morning.

cypher · Joined: 08 Nov 2003

...don't kick him when he's down, don't kick him when he's down, I am not the grammar and spelling police.

Okay, if you are actually working from 9:30 to 5:00 plus 40 minutes after that, you must be working some overtime. Are you getting paid for it?

As for pension, you should be paying between 80,000 to 100,000 won a month, assuming you are getting paid around 2 million won, give or take. If the boss is taking the whole contribution off your pay check or is not paying into your pension, tell them where to go.

Your contract doesn't mention supervision of students outside of class, so you could also tell them what they can do about lunch time, depending on whether you want to rock the boat or not.

Don't expect them to appreciate it if you suddenly show a backbone.

chilgok007 · Joined: 28 May 2006 Location: Chilgok

Thank you for your advice, but the funny part is I really don't have any major discipline problems in my classes other than the occasional, totally normal incident you'd expect from a 3 year old kid. The boss says my classes "aren't under control," yet my classes are no different from any of the other foreign teachers in terms of structure and behavioral problems and not that different from the Koreans in terms structure and the activites I do (note: the Koreans ARE allowed to discipline the students). My boss, for what ever reason, has decided she dosen't like me, and everyone agrees I am often unfairly targeted by her. Yet despite all my supposed "problems," she never gives me anything specific to go on. I want to punch her.

jmbran11 · Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Location: U.S.

My husband, and many of my former friends, have the same complaints about their (mostly male-owned) hagwons. It comes from the people who own/direct the hagwons have no actual experience with teaching or education administration. They are trying to run a business. Your only role is to make them money, which means keeping ever parent happy all the time (while not offending any). In fact, you are supposed to also draw additional students to the school with your charm and fancy gymnastics. You should shit gold without breaking a sweat.

All you can do is do your best and try to let it go (the anger and resentment I mean). Find meaning in your work, some enjoyment, a definite paycheck - or quit. Stop feeling sorry for yourself - most people here experience some form of this frustration on a regular basis.

However, if the conditions are really unnacceptable, have a dinner (off school property) with your colleagues. Discuss what you can and can't live with. If you all go together, and threaten to quit, or threaten a work stoppage if your basic work needs aren't met - then they probably will be met if reasonable. Of course, teachers have to be willing to agree to go through with it. If no one will, then it's not honestly that bad, and you know you're being too sensitive.

Hagwon life is hard, which is why I'm not doing it anymore. Looking for support on this board is great. The question is, are you ready to draw a line in the sand?

Dan The Chainsawman · Joined: 05 May 2005

Wierd.. I hit my students with a stuffed otter on the head and my hogwan thinks it is a riot.

Call them out on the contract and take them to the cleaners.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR TEACHER

FIRST YEAR CONTRACT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT has been made this of _ _ , 2005 between .... established under the laws of South Korea at ... Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as the "Employer") and , a citizen of _______ _ whose passport number is (hereinafter referred to as the "Teacher") under the terms and conditions set forth below.

Both parties agree on the following terms and conditions:

CLAUSE 1 (APPOINTMENT)

a. The employer agrees to employ the teacher during the period stipulated herein.

b. The teacher agrees to accept the employment and will work in his/her full capacity for the school.

CLAUSE 2 ( PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT )

The total Agreement term is approximately one year, commencing from the date of arrival in Korea and to the last teaching day of the teacher's twelfth full teaching session, according to the .... calendar*.

Once again: The contract is for 365 days....exactly one year....never agree to this stupidity!

The teacher agrees to discontinue his/her residence in Korea under the visa status arranged and sponsored by the employer within three days after the completion of this contract. The teacher will be allowed to stay in the housing provided by .... during this time. This condition will not apply if this contract is terminated for any reason before completion, and the employer has no obligation to maintain the visa status for any period of time beyond the termination date.
CLAUSE 3 ( THE EMPLOYER�S RESPONSIBILITIES)

The employer and teacher are equal individuals working together to provide quality English instruction under the terms stated in this contract.
The employer will honor the terms and conditions of employment for the teacher as stated within this contract.
The employer will guarantee the teacher a salary of _ _Won per teaching session* in consideration of the teacher�s teaching hours and proper preparation for the classes.
CLAUSE 4 ( THE TEACHER�S RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES )

During the terms of this Agreement, the teacher must cooperate and comply with the instructions and disciplines of the school. Assisting the Supervisor he/she must carry out assignments as directed by the employer. The Supervisor will be responsible for establishing and communicating the Standards of Performance as related to the duties stated in this contract.

This should be listed clearly in the contract(attached)

The teacher must have adequately prepared for the classes in advance.
At all times during the term of this contract, teachers must maintain a clean and neat appearance. While suits and ties are not mandatory, a professional appearance is desirable.
The teacher�s work will include the following:
Teaching the English language (Target students� ages: 4 to 15)
Development of educational programs and materials
Curriculum design and implementation
Indoor and outdoor classroom activities for/with students
Grading, evaluation, and assessment of students
Providing students with individualized care
Attending teacher�s meetings and workshops
CLAUSE 5 ( WORKING HOURS )

During the term of this Agreement, the teacher should work in cooperation with the Supervisor from Monday through Friday.
Teachers will be required to attend some special events throughout the year (Workshops, graduation ceremony, etc.) which may fall on a Saturday. Teachers will not receive additional compensation for these days.

Stupidity again....you need clearly defined work hours...agreeing to working on Saturday Rolling Eyes

wow!

The teacher agrees to teach 120 teaching hours a session and to adequately prepare for classes.
The employer cannot guarantee the teacher�s requested teaching schedule.

Walkaway time in my books! You should have a set schedule 2-8....your time at the school should not exceed 6.5 hours a day. 1/2 hour of prep and 6 hours of teaching.

CLAUSE 6 ( SALARY AND OVERTIME RATE)

The employer agrees to pay the teacher salary of _ _ won for 120 teaching hours per session for classes.
The payment of the salary is to be made on 7th of the following month.
Each teaching hour in excess of 120 working hours is considered as overtime. The overtime pay will be .... won per working hour. Attendance at scheduled staff meetings and workshops, along with preparation for classes is mandatory and not considered as overtime.
The salary for assigned teaching hours is inclusive of preparation, and all teachers will have a scheduled block of planning time each day.

If you are going to schedule planning time then you should pay for it! Overtime is per day not per month! Set schedule with set amount of classes per day (5 ideally 6 if necessary)

CLAUSE 7 ( TAX )

Income tax and retirement taxes will be withheld from the salary in accordance with the Korean tax law.

Varies depending on salary(why you wouldnt list your salary or overtime rate is beyond me!) Generally about 1.6% on 2 mil!

CLAUSE 8 ( TRANSPORTATION )

Round trip economy airfare is provided with the one-year contract from the teacher�s nearest airport to the international airport in Korea and transportation from the airport to the teacher�s residence in Korea. Upon completion of this contract, the teacher will be provided with a return ticket.
If the teacher leaves the school before his/her contract period ends, the school will not pay for his/her return ticket.
If the teacher leaves the school prior to completing six (6) months period of this contract for any reason, the teacher must reimburse the school the cost of the ticket paid by the school or the school may deduct the equivalent amount from the teacher�s last month�s pay.
CLAUSE 9 ( ORIENTATION PERIOD )

Upon arrival in Korea, the teacher will be guaranteed two days for an orientation period, before being expected to begin his/her regular teaching work.
The teacher will be on the payroll from the day after his/her arrival in Korea, except for weekends and national holidays.
During the orientation period the teacher is required to be at the school making lesson plans and learning about the school system. The rate of payment for the orientation period will be .... won per day for the first two days and .... per day thereafter. Payment for the first two days of the orientation period will be paid upon the teacher�s arrival in Korea and payment for the remaining days (if any) of the orientation period will be paid on the last day of the orientation period.
The payment rate for the orientation period shall not exceed 5 working days. In the event that the employer cannot offer the teacher a regular teaching schedule after having worked at the school for more than 5 working days, payment for the work days exceeding the 5 day maximum orientation period will be prorated as follows: teacher�s salary divided by the number of teaching days in that session, multiplied by the number of days worked.

Stupidity to agree to this! You start working you start earning your salary...regardless! Crap contract!
CLAUSE 10 ( MEDICAL INSURANCE )

The teacher will be covered by medical insurance under the Korean Medical Insurance Union, a private health organization.
Half of the insurance premium will be paid by the Employer and the other half by the teacher. (For reference, the current insurance premium rate is 1.5 % of the monthly salary) Teachers should be aware that medical coverage does not become effective until you have an E-2 working visa and have been issued an alien registration card from immigration in Korea.

its now 2.24%

CLAUSE 11 ( VACATION & HOLIDAYS )

The teacher will be allowed for national holidays and vacation that are indicated in the ....... calendar.*

You should have demanded to see that calendar!

CLAUSE 12 (EMERGENCY LEAVE)

The employer agrees that the employee is entitled to 5 working days of emergency leave, in the event of death in the employee�s immediate family. The immediate family shall include parents and siblings of the employee. For this emergency leave, no deduction of salary will be taken place.
The employer cannot provide the teacher with any additional compensation for airfare in the case of an emergency.
The employer has the right to request (upon return to Korea) reasonable proof for having granted emergency leave.
In the event that a period longer than 5 working days is required for emergency leave, it is up to the employer�s discretion to permit such a period.
CLAUSE 13 ( ACCOMMODATIONS )

The school will provide the teacher with furnished accommodations, either a two or three bedroom apartment, which is to be shared by two or three teachers and with a shared kitchen and bathroom. In either case, the teacher is to be allocated with a single separate bedroom.

Shared accomodations Rolling Eyes

why anyone agrees to this I'll never know!

Furnishings being provided by the employer include: television, refrigerator, washing machine, bed, wardrobe, fan, kitchen table, basic utensils, chairs, two-burner gas hot plate, and telephone. The teacher will be expected to provide his/her own pillow, pillowcase, and sheets.

There should be a TV and air con listed as well as kitchen utensils!

Selection of the apartment will be made by the employer.
The cost of monthly service, utilities, and telephone charges for the accommodations will be paid by the teacher. In the case of a shared apartment, the cost will be shared by the roommates.
For the first three months, the Employer will withhold a deposit of 200,000 won each month, in order for the employer to pay off utility and telephone charges, received by the employer during the two months after the termination of the contract.

Bullcrap! dont agree to deposits they are illegal! return it to you 2 months later Rolling Eyes

riiiiggghhhhhtttt

Any balance due the teacher after all bills have been paid will be transferred to the teacher�s account back home two months after the termination of the contract.
CLAUSE 14 (SEVERANCE PAYMENT)

Upon completion of this one-year contract, the teacher will receive one additional basic salary of _ _ won as a severance payment in accordance with Korean Labor Laws. This payment will be made at the time of completion of the contract period and income tax will be withheld from this payment.

CLAUSE 15 ( DISMISSAL OR VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION )

The employer reserves the right to dismiss the teacher from employment for the following causes:
Neglect or inability to perform his/her duties stipulated in this agreement
Frequent absences from work
Receiving two warning letters
Criminal behavior or misconduct
Teaching any private classes outside of the .... school
The employer agrees to give the employee 20 working days notice in the event of dismissal. However, in the case of a teacher�s criminal behavior or misconduct, he/she will be dismissed from employment immediately with no warning or notice.
In the event the teacher resigns from employment, he/she can do so giving 20 working days notice to the employer.
In either case of dismissal or resignation before completing six (6) months period of the contract term, the teacher must reimburse the employer the cost of the ticket to Korea.
In either case of dismissal or resignation before completing the contract term, the teacher will NOT receive any severance payment in accordance with Korean Labor Laws.
CLAUSE 16 ( GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION )

This Agreement is governed by the law of the Republic of Korea.
This Agreement is made final and firm unless any material modification or amendment to this Agreement is executed with the full knowledge and consent of the undersigned and incorporated into this Agreement.
* Teaching sessions and vacations and holidays (according to the .... session calendar) can be viewed in the �Job Opportunity� section of our web site at: .

In witness thereof, we have affixed our signatures hereon

Jacl is right! Grow a freakin spine! You have laid down and let this woman walk all over you! People can only do that if you let them! IF you are letting them, then shaddup! If you dont like it....stand up to her and tell her that you will only be at the school for a max of 6.5(7) hours a day....anything over that is overtime! You wont eat lunch with the students, you wont clean the classroom, you are there to teach and then leave and if she doesnt like it then tell her to give you a letter of release and go find a better job.

You're in the classic bad hogwan because you didnt do your homework! Looking for sympathy? Its in the dictionary somewhere between shyte and syphalis!

guangho · Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 8:02 am Post subject:

What were you running from son?

alabamaman · Joined: 25 Apr 2006

chilgok007 · Joined: 28 May 2006 Location: Chilgok

guangho · Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 12:22 am Post subject:

Oh I just assumed since the Korean EFL scene is comprised mostly of deadbeats, criminals, the unemployable and the substance abusers-many being all 4- that...well never mind.

You can leave and try your luck here again but with the visa regs, why would you want to? Japan is right next door if you have a bit of spare cash. If not, China is just a wee bit off in the opposite direction.