Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dmbfan]

This has been talked about a few times, and I was how this was going to play out for me in the end. From what I have read, public schools generally do not give out a L.O.R. if you quite, even if you follow the proper steps according to the contract.

Well, things actually worked out at this public school in regards to that. They had promised to honor our agreement, and provide what I asked for and I even got it in writing. But, I was skeptical about what would really happen. I was thinking that after 6 weeks of sitting on my arss in my classroom for 9 hours a day, that they would phuck me in the end. Nope. They did everything they promised. Of course, I kept a low profile and really did not talk to anyone. In addition, I told them if they needed a recommendation for the next teacher, I would be happy to write one for them. I would have been cool about it, though. No sense in burning anymore bridges. Although, it did take them a good amount of time to get it done. It seemed they tried to just have me go to immigration without the LOR, saying "We don't have the format for a letter like that". So, I told them what to write, and even gave them a the standard Korean version you see on EFL/ESL law.com. The principle seemed reluctant to do it, and they really dragged it out. Forgetting to do this, that and what not. But, I kept on them, and they finally got it right.

I received my final pay.
We went to immigration and cancelled the visa.
I receieved a L.O.R. written both in English and Korean.
I will receive my deposit back tomorrow (after the final bills are taken out)
I even received my pension the day after I filed for it.


This was definitley a challenging experience. Going back and forth with the principle about leaving, staying, job duties, co-teachers, etc. Even the ones that were great and I got along with sold me out, but that is to be expected.

Ya know...I really don't know what to say at this point. I've spent the better part of four years here, and I guess I've finally realized that Korea is just not for me...it never was to begin with. What was I thinking the last for years? I know I really enjoy the job, and the kids....but I just can't get past the confusion culture, xenophobia and I just don't play their game. I have also decided that I will never teach with a public school in Korea EVER again.

1. 22 DIFFERENT classes a week
2. Horrible curriculum
3. Nobody seems to want to think past the memorization theory

That just is not for me, and I know that now.

But yet...I placed myself in this position, so that is my fault. But, I guess it is the same everywhere. I've looked at contracts/offers from Poland, Japan and eve Vietnam. They all suck, and they all give the same reasons/excuses for why things are the way they are.

Oh well, enough of that shite.

Anyway, it IS possible to get a LOR from a public school. It does happen. So, those of you that are in a pickle, don't give up on it.


Cheers, beers and tears.

dmbfan

[TiGrBaLm]

Hey mate, sorry to hear of your debacle but I also have been fvcked over by my public school (i posted my story in this forum today) and am having my contract terminated on the 10th and am leaving this place next weekend (july 13th).

If I understand correctly, we need to go to immigration first and get the visa cancelled? I assume you have around 14 days to get your arse out of the country after that, correct?

Would I then proceed to get the LOR from them?

As for the pension, how did you get it back so fast? Is this standard? Should I go file for it ASAP?

Cheers

[dmbfan]

[Mr Crowley]

Do you have to have a plane ticket before you can get your pension back?

[spliff]

You don't need a LOR if you have your visa officially cancelled.

[dmbfan]

[The_Conservative]

If you are NOT planning in teaching in Korea again, you do NOT need a LOR. You can just go. Immigration can only hold you if you have commited a crime. A LOR is simply a letter that allows you to teach at another school. You do NOT need one if you are leaving your job and do not plan on coming back.

[Fishead soup]