Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cerriowen]

You know how they say "Third Time's the Charm"? Well who ever came up with that was obviously not talking about working in Korea. Actually it may have to do with how you count, because technically I never *worked* at the 2nd job.

I signed up with this summer camp for 4 weeks. The camp is going great, and I'm enjoying it.

I needed to get my visa situation squared away though. When I signed the contract, my boss told me that they were offering a higher rate, with the understanding I'd take care of my visa myself. Just maybe $200 for a flight. Not a terribly big deal. So I agreed.

He booked the flight for today for me. And called to tell me that it's actually over $400. Ouch. But such is life. I was booked to go to Hong Kong for just a one day deal.

Then last night, at 9:00 I get an urgent phone call telling me to check my emails when I get in. Change of plans. I'm going to Osaka, NOT Hong-Kong. OK. I can be flexible.

So I got up at the crack of dawn, took a ride to the airport (over an hour), then flew to Osaka. I got there at 12:45pm. I took the express train (about an hour) over near the embassy, and then walked about 20-30 minutes til I found it. My flight left at 4:55, so I only had about 30 minutes to spare in the Embassy. I can't believe how they packed the schedule in like that.

So I go in, and go through the process of standing in line, getting a photo taken etc. The application cost is another $55. My boss had told me it would be about $10. Then she tells me she got a call from my boss, and I need to call him. So I make an international phone call from a pay phone, at $1 every 30 seconds.

They made a mistake. The Embassy can't do a visa in an afternoon like the school promised me. I have to stay overnight, and go back the next day. I said "Well OK but with all the costs I've wracked up, I don't have money for a hotel room tonight or dinner..." He basically said that it's my problem, not theirs. I have a little money in my bank account, but it's a Korean account, with a "domestic" credit card. So it's useless in Japan. Japan also happens to be increadibly, terribly, horribly expensive. A hotel, without advanced reservation, in their peek season, would easily cost me $200.

I told him I had $50 total on me, which wasn't even enough to cover the visa cost. He just hummed and hawed with his co-workers, talking in Korean about what they wanted to do. Meanwhile I'm on hold... and the call cost me $20. Finally I told him I had to go, and I'd be returning to Korea tonight.

So after THEY made a mistake, they want me to pay to go back to Japan again, spend 24 hours there, all at my expense.

Here's the kicker...

Since technically I was "absent" today, they've docked that from my pay, and my next visit since I'll be gone for 2 days they'll dock that as well.

I'm increadibly frustrated right now.

The job isn't hot, but it's ok. I can do it. I like the kids well enough. I feel like I'm growing as a teacher. But with all this run around it's going to cost me 1/2 of my paycheck.

No way.

I'm not going to work 13 hours a day, 6 days a week, for less money than I'd make working part time at McDonalds.

I quit.

[Marlboro]

Bloody hell! that sounds awful man, so did you actually quit?

[seoulsista]

I just don't fucking get it. Did these people just start doing this business yesterday. They didn't know anything about how to get you there for your visa ect.

On the other hand if it is your responsibility then it's your responsibility. Which includes getting yourself there and paying for all the costs. However, how could you do that on such short notice without the required language skills.

So how much money did you loose on this little adventure?

[Ya-ta Boy]

That's awful. Just awful.

The employer should have been paying for the visa run.

The ONLY good thing I can think of at this point: when it's all over and you are safe and secure somewhere, it will make a great story. Scant comfort now, I know. It's the best I can do. Life is an adventure and there is no adventure unless the hero suffers. That's the way it is.

Good luck!

[Cerriowen]

Oh yea to clarify...

I quit that job.

I lost about $600 on that little adventure.

But I was offered another job... this time working for the military teaching english to officers.

[jinju]

[cubanlord]

Cerriowen,

You seem to fall into these situations a lot. IIRC, reading about your last situation, it's as if these things plague you. Do you do some homework before accepting these types of positions?

Please don't misunderstand. I am not saying it is all your fault. However, something tells me you just aren't looking at your work place hard enough before making decisions.

[jacl]

[Steve Schertzer]

Cerriowen, (and everyone else thinking of coming here),

Do you get it by now? Do you realize that these NAZI hagwon owners will screw with you until you grow balls and tell them where to go? Most of these people don't care about their own kids, so why in the world should they care about someone else's? Especially naive, stupid Westerners without an ounce of common sense and backbone!

How many times do we veteran teachers have to say this? NO MORE VISA RUNS TO JAPAN!!!!!!!! Get your E2 visa at home and DON'T MOVE from your comfortable sofa until the sticker is in your passport.

Don't trust these NAZI Directors for one second! Either they pay for it or you don't go. Learn this lesson. It's not that difficult.

Steve.

[buymybook]

If I didn't have enough money for a hotel, I would have found a place to hang out until the Korean Consolate opened next day.

Why didn't you?

[jajdude]

Sorry for your misfortune. The employer should cover the trip, at least the ticket, for a visa run.

$200 for a hotel room? I hope you didn't pay half that much. You can stay in a capsule for about $25. Just a place to crash. Information is on the visa run sticky pages.

[Milwaukiedave]

[jacl]

[Milwaukiedave]

As I said, I think that is in poor taste. Essentially by posting such remarks your potentially feeding the Korean media exactly what they want to print which is one or two remarks made by teachers which they make to look like all native speakers feel that way.

Call them slimeball (my favorite) or criminals.

[crystal]

wow cerriowen you seem to have the worst luck with jobs. By the sounds of things you are best off out of it. Hope that your new job goes better.