Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Binch Lover]

I got offered a job with SMOE the other day. I have the contract ready to sign and all that stuff, but I'm not sure about a couple of things. Btw, I've tried searching (a lot!) about this stuff and couldn't find good answers.

The recruiter told me that SMOE decides on where teachers are placed. That's fair enough, but when do you find out? Does the recruiter know now and he's just not telling me or do most people sign on without knowing where they are going to be placed.

A friend of mine who works for SMOE at the moment said that a lot of teachers are being housed in a teacher's coop in Dongdaemun. Obviously, I want my own place. (I spent my first year here living with a 200 kilo American a*hole who'd leave chicken carcasses in our living room!) Also, I don't want a commute in the morning. Can they guarantee housing conditions ??

Last questions, it says something about not having to pay tax if I provide a residency certificate. What the hell is it, how do I get it and will it have tax implications back home if I do this? I'm Irish by the way.

[lover.asian]

[newinseoul]

I am also in a similiar position in thinking of signing for March 1st with SMOE. From what I was told, you will be given your accomodation within the first week of training. Also was told that the accomodation could be as far as thirty minutes away from the school, but they make every effort to make it within walking distance from where you'll be teaching.

Binch, I know what you mean about having your own place asap. I also lived in shitty accomodations in my first year in Korea. Although, can't compete with your carcass story!

Other than this, I was told by friends who work for SMOE that if you don't like your accomodations for some reason, that you can request other housing. In your contract there should be something stating that you can take the money (500,000) towards housing if you want to get your own accomodations.

I was told that I would be given my school location by mid-February.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you hear anything more specific.

[xCustomx]

[newinseoul]

Customx: According to my contract If the employer is not able to find housing , then 500,000 will be given in lieu for rent subsidy.

[xCustomx]

Are you able take the 500,000 , or is up to SMOE to choose b/w housing and housing allowance?

[Hyeon Een]

[newinseoul]

It sounds like if SMOE can't find you housing then they will give you the rent subsidy, and it isn't a choice that you can make having the subsidy instead of housing provided. That's something you have to ask them though.

Hyeon: Do you know where you stay during training? Whether it's in a motel or co-op housing.

[SeoulShakin]

Yes, the 500,000 a month for a housing allowance is correct. It is what my friend is getting, and it is what is in my contract.