Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shifdog]

I have been working at my hagwon for over 1 week now. Today I asked the director for my diploma and transcripts. He said it would take 3-4 months to return these documents.

I asked why, and he said he needed to show them to the education office. I persisted further, asking "Why, why, why, etc.?". This doesn't sound right to me. His story kept changing. He said immigration kept the transcripts and students' parents wanted to see my transcripts.

He has made copies of my passport, transcript, and diploma. Previously he opened my sealed transcripts claiming it was a mistake, forcing me to send another copy. It was my understanding that all originals would be returned shortly after beginning work. This is worrying.

Any advice or comments?

[kat2]

Only your diploma will be returned. Transcripts are kept by immi, altough it sounds like your boss has one too now. But it won't do you any good opened. He should return your diploma immediately. Tell him you can't work until you get it back. If he wants you to accompany him to the education ofice later, you are happy to. But you are not happy to work without your diploma.

[formerflautist]

At least he's not keeping your passport. Yes, the education office needs to see your diploma. However, that only takes one day so request for your diploma back until the education office needs to see it. Sounds like this boss might being trying to hold your degree in order to keep you at the school.

[Yesanman]

Agreed. He's probably holding it to make sure you aren't going to do a runner. After 3-4 months he will have made enough money off of you to cover any money you might run on (plane ticket).
Demand it back immediately. The Board of Education only needs it for a day or so. I think they just make a copy of it to put in their records.

[shifdog]

Thanks for the good advice. I will do this on Thursday. The director said he is going to pick up my passport/ARC for me. I will do this after I receive both.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Holy Christing Hell. Are you really that gullible?

[shifdog]

I'm not that gullible. I suspected he was lying, and I wanted a second opinion.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Well, then, rock on my compadre. Rock on.

[wylies99]

shifdog- your boss is holding your personal documents so you can't leave the school or the country. POLITELY get your documents back in your possession, and then try to keep them in a safe place- out of his reach.
You may be honest, but your boss is not.