Korean Job Discussion Forums

dluvsseoul · Joined: 08 Nov 2006

I taught in Korea for a year then returned to the states for 2. I accepted a contract in September and came to Korea I did my visa run and prior to my start of teaching my father died in the states- they didn't want me to leave so obviously I just left. The school nor my recruiter believe that my dad died. I offered to give phone numbers, death certificate (which I think is ridiculous)- they won't even speak to me on the phone...how would I dinf out when and if I can return to teach? This is really unfair - any help would be appreciated.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 2:18 pm Post subject:

Because you aren't going to get a LoR, you must wait until your visa expires - one year.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

This shows how insensitive they (hagwon) are.

They really don't give a crap about you or your personal life. The only thing that they really care about is the $ that you can rake in for them.

If there are any slightest inconvience for them in raking in those $, they will screw and dump you in a heart beat.

If you are worried about your Visa status and they won't answer your calls, I would write to them explaining and showing them the proof (rediculous like you said) to them (hagwon & recruiter) and that you wish to return. If they don't want you back you can always ask them to cancel your visa, ask for release letter, and find another job maybe through another recruiter.

dluvsseoul · Joined: 08 Nov 2006

This wasn't even working for a Hagwon- believe it or not it was working for a Public School in Pusan....to top it off I hadn't even begun teaching....hadn't even been in Korea a week. I am so frustrated. I wrote to the consulate in NYC and they emailed me saying get a new sponsor and do my visa here in the states.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 3:19 pm Post subject:

But... you can't get a new sponsor without a letter of release from the Busan School District.

alpha_destroyer · Joined: 15 Oct 2006 Location: Korea

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

Sorry to hear about your father's death. I hope you got to spend some quality time with him before you came over.

I would suggest you talk to the Korean consulate in NYC personally. Bring whatever documentation needed. When applying for a new position, be clear to them about your situation, and see if they can help you out on this end. Maybe they know someone in the immigration office who can help you out.

On a side note, not all Hagwon's are shady. At my school, a teacher of ours' brother died. He had 2 months left in his contract. The school paid for his flight home, and gave him his bonus, even though he didn't finish the year.