Korean Job Discussion Forums

[RoryB]

I have been offered a 3 month contract in Daejon at 2.3m won per month. I have not had any teaching experience in Korea before and I am thinking this might be a good way to get over and get a bit of experience. I could travel to Seoul, Busan and wherever else to look for a job after the contract is up and the boss has even said that I can stay in the apartment (which is in the same building as the school) for a while after the contract has finished to look for work.

Working hours are 4.20pm - 10.30pm, no saturdays or sundays. There will be 100 teaching hours a month and when I am not teaching I can pop on the elevator up to my apartment. They will also fly me out from the UK and pay for my visa run (they need me by next Monday). There will be no holidays besides the public holidays...not surprising as it's only a 3month contract.

What do you think about this offer? Should I take it? The boss seems quite desperate to get someone out there so may be able to negotiate something more in the contract but what should I even ask for?

I like my social life and enjoy having a few drinks and even going to clubs every now and then. Is there a lot to do in Daejon when I am working those hours (finishing at say 11pm)? Even if there isn't I think it may be worth it just for the flight over and experience alone. I can imagine I will look more appealing to schools with 3 months experience in Korea rather then none!

Thanks for the help.

[icicle]

One the face of it ... it looks reasonable ... to give you a chance to test the water as it were ... but in some ways how good it looks on the surface makes me wonder what the reason for such a relatively good deal for a short contract ... In your position I would probably seriously consider it ... Or at least look at the detail in the contract ... often the devil in these sorts of deals is in the detail in the contract ... But if it did include medical and pension (which are compulsory) and you are happy (or can live with) the other details included ... it may be a good option for you ... That is if a short term option is what you want right now ... I would probably just say to do a good search on the school on this site or the internet in general just to make sure that there is no obvious problem with the school itself that makes it not a good option even short term.

Icicle

[shaunew]

Stay out of Daejon, their was a huge mess down there a month ago. Don't trust the schools in that city. I bet they will make you work on a tourist visa for the 3 months. To many jobs out there to take a job like that. Pay is to low as well.

[RoryB]

I have read about the "mess" but not every school was involved as far as I can tell. The current teachers at least say they weren't involved. 2.3m won is bad for a newbie for 3 months WITH flights being paid for and a visa run to Japan? I will make sure this is written into the contract before I even think about signing.

Obviously I will be doing more research about the school itself but from the teachers I have spoken to, they seem very happy and it seems like a reasonable place to get my feet wet. One of the best thing (I think) is that the apartment is in the same building as the school - when you are not teaching you can just go up and chill out.

[xCustomx]

[RoryB]

Just got another email from them stating I would have to work saturdays. What would you ask to be changed before you accepted this if you were a newbie? I need to decide by tomorrow. Here is a copy of the contract:


Employment Contract For Foreign Instructors

The following agreement is made between the director of ?!?!?!?!??! known hereinafter as "A", and known herein after as "B"

1. PURPOSE

The instructor is hereby employed by the ?!?!?. The contract defines terms and conditions which the instructor agrees to follow.

2. APPLICABILITY CONTRACT

Within the parameters of Korean Labor Law, dispute between "A" and "B" shall be settled according to the stipulations set forth in this contract.

3. VALIDITY OF CONTRACT

This contract shall go into effect from "B" 's first day of teaching and remain valid until "B"'s final day as instructed under article 4, PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.

4. PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT

The period of employment under this contract is from the first day of �B� to the last day of �B�. ( 3 months )

5. QUALIFICATIONS

"B" must be judged qualified to teach and be able to submit all the necessary documents required by "A". Following visa issuance by the Office of Daejeon Immigration, all personal documents, including passports, transcripts, and diplomas, will be returned immediately to "B".

6. POSITIONS AND PAYMENTS

1) "A" will hire "B" as a 3 months contract instructor at the ?!?!?!??!.

2) The salary is 2,300,000 won per month, regardless of foreign exchange rates.

3) "A" will pay "B" an hourly wage for teaching classes exceeding a base of 30 hours per week as stipulated in clause 11-A

4) The hourly teaching wage (60minutes) is 25,000 won for classes exceeding the base 30 hours. Attendance at scheduled staff meetings and workshops (which is mandatory - no pay) cannot be considered as overtime.

5) "A" will provide furnished accommodations, including a bed, television, television stand, and refrigerator. "B" is responsible for all utilities.

6) Salary deductions for income tax and health insurance will be made according to Korean Law.

7) It is the responsibility of "B" to pay any cost accrued from the process of alien registration and departing/arrival documents.

Salaries, hourly wages, and other relevant payments owed by "A" to "B" is to be paid in Korean Won on the tenth of the following month. In the case of weekends and holidays, payment is to be made upon the next business day.

9) The time spent for class preparation is not considered as a part time of actual teaching hours. This is an unpaid responsibility of "B".

10) In the case of a training period set forth in clause 10-1,2,and 3, "A" shall pay 70% of the salary stipulated in clause 6-2.

7. DUTIES

1) The main duties of the "B" shall consist of the following:

A. Preparing class plans and materials.

B. Administrative duties related to the classroom.

C. Attendance at faculty meetings.

2) Additional duties may be asked of "B" based on a lack of classroom hours.

A. ESL instructor in any and all phases of the curriculum of the institute.

B. Substituting, making up classes, performing open lectures, level test and counseling.

C. Development of educational programs and materials.

D. Other activities related to the business of the institute and its holding company.

8. SCHEDULING

"A" retains the sole right of scheduling classes for "B". Any classes and/or school events scheduled on Sundays are strictly voluntary and must have the prior consent of "B".

In the event that the employer cannot provide employee with basic teaching hours, the employer will still pay the employee the above-mentioned basic salary per month. In such a case, however, the employee may be required to make English interviews with students who wish to enroll or perform other administrative duties in place of teaching hours. Employee will be asked to stay in the school for max 7hours a day from Monday to Saturday. (Monday to Friday : 4:00p.m. ~10:30p.m. / Saturday 2:00pm~8:30pm).

- to prepare classes, interview students attend teacher's meeting (if any) which will not be consider as over time. }

9. RESPONSIBILITIES AND POLICIES

1) "B" is extended to adhere to the policies and educational regulations of "A".

2) "B" is obligated to prepare his/her own classes, develop teaching materials ESL instruction, "B" must wear professional attire as deemed appropriate by "A".

3) When performing ESL instruction, "B" must wear professional attire as deemed appropriate by "A". At all times during the term of this contract, males should wear ties and females should wear dresses or professional pant suits unless otherwise instructed. At no time will a female employee wear short length skirts or what may be deemed as too provocative as seem by Korean acceptable professional dress.

4) "B" is asked to follow the instructions of "A"

5) "B" must follow the curriculum set forth by "A". Inappropriate teaching methods will not be tolerated and are grounds for dismissal.

6) "B" must complete the teacher training course and might be asked to attend intermittent workshops to improve teaching methods.

7) "B" is requested to participate in all of the Institution�s events. Five working day notice will be given for events.

"B" shall inform "A" of any recommendable changes in schedule, procedures, and anything related to the best interest of "A".

9) "B" is not allowed to perform ESL instruction outside the designated classroom without prior approval from "A".

10) "B" is not allowed to work at other institutions without approval of "A". In addition, "B" must have permission from the Daejeon Immigration Office.

11) "B" must not make the information public that "B" obtains at "A" while working or after resigning.

10. TRAINING PERIOD (optional )

1) "A" may require a one to four week training period. Notice shall be given prior to the first day of employment.

2) The training period may be shortened when "A" finds "B" 's teaching ability suitable to the standards of "A".

3) However, this period may also be extended when "B" is not able to meet the standards despite his/her efforts.

11. MONTHLY WORKING HOURS.

1) "B" is required to perform ESL instruction for up to 6 classes a day and up to about 35 classes per week according to the schedule "A" provides.

2) When inevitable, "A" may requests "B" to perform ESL. Instruction for more than the hours stipulated in clause 11-1. Additional teaching that exceeds the base hours will be based solely on mutual consent between "A" and "B".

3) In the event that the number of teaching hours for any particular month is below the base hours, "B" shall be required to achieve duties stipulated in clause 7-2, A-D.

4) When "B"'s base teaching hours are not fulfilled, "A" can request "B" to teach special programs such as one on one tutoring, business training courses and other classes deemed outside of the regular classroom parameters.

12. TAX

Taxes may be withheld each month. This monthly deduction is in accordance with the relative laws and subsequent agreements between the Republic of Korea and "B"'s home nation. (about 3.3 %)

13. AIR FARE

1) "A" shall purchase for the new-hire instructor an economy class one-way airline ticket from his/her point of origin to Seoul, Korea. "A" is also responsible for a second one way ticket upon completion of contract.

2) If the instructor purchases the airline ticket, it shall be reimbursed by the institute upon his/her arrival payable within a week. "B" must provide "A" with the ticket price prior to its purchase.

14. HOLIDAYS & VACATIONS

1) "B" shall observe the same national holidays that are observed by the rest of the staff at "A".

2) On the 1st year of contract "B" shall have 7-day paid vacation including Sunday and on the 2nd-year contract the teacher shall have 9-day paid vacation including Sunday. These should be taken during the institute's mid-term / between-term breaks depending upon the calendar of "A", "B" must give a one month notice and have mutual consent with "A" concerning the schedule of the vacations. (this only applies on yearly contract)

3) If �B� is a short term (3 months) contract instructor, �B� is not allowed to take any personal holidays during the contract.

15. ABSENCE & TARDINESS

1) "A" retains the sole right to judge the validity of an absence or tardy. In the event of an excusable absence or tardy, "B" must inform the institute at least 12 hours in advance in order to allow "A" to make necessary arrangements. A written explanation must be submitted before or after the incident. For absences other than illness, emergencies, or acts of God, five working days notice must be given.

2) If an absence or tardy is unacceptable, "A" shall consider such action an unexcused absence and will be dealt with according to company policy and procedures.

16. MAKING UP MISSED CLASSES

1) In the event "A" fails to find a substitute instructor, "B" might be asked to make up the missed class. A plan for the make-up class must be submitted in advance.

2) "B" shall not receive any additional pay for the make-up class(es) due to an excused or unexcused absence.

3) In the event that "B" violates the aforesaid clauses, the institute may penalize the instructor according to clause 22.

17. INSTRUCTION FEE DEDUCTIONS

1) In the case of an excused absence, "A" shall not deduct for the missed hour(s). However, the missed class must be rescheduled and made within a week.

2) In case of an unexcused absence, "A" shall not pay "B" for the missed hour(s).

3) In case of "B" arriving more than 10 minute late to class or leaving more than 5 minutes early from class, an amount equal to the hourly rate for that class shall be deducted from the "B"'s monthly instruction fee.

4) In the case that "B" refuses and/or neglects the duties stipulated in clause 7-1, an amount equal to the hourly rate for the missed duties shall be deducted from the instructor's monthly instruction fee.

18. HOUSING

A security deposit shall be withheld form "B" monthly salary in the amount of \100,000 for the first three months of employment. This deposit serves to recover any possible property damages done by "B" to "A". Following completion of contract, voluntary resignation, or dismissal, the deposit will be refunded.

19. PENALTIES

"A" may penalize "B" when he/she violates the contract.

The penalties are as follows.

1) Warning.

"B" shall be reprimanded and must submit a written apology.

2) Suspension and Retraining

a) "B" shall be suspended form teaching and if necessary, retrained.

b) The hourly rate during the retraining period shall be calculated according to clause 6-11.

3) Dismissal.

"B" shall be dismissed with a written notice of termination of contract.

20. VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION

In the event "B" voluntarily resigns prior to the completion of this contract:

1) "A" shall sign a letter of release form currently required by Korean Immigration Office to allow the employee to work for another organization in Korea.

2) "B" shall not receive return airfare to the point of original departure.

3) "B" shall owe the amount of the original airfare to the institute. However, if "B" has been of resignation is given at least three month beforehand, then "B" may resign without owing "A" the amount of the original airfare.

4) "B" will forfeit all of the end-of-contract severance compensation.


21. RESIGNING OF CONTRACT

1) "A" and "B" may resign a contract for a period of one year according to the laws set forth by the Office of Daejeon Immigration.

2) "B" shall notify "A" of his/her intention of resigning a contract in writing, at least 90 days prior to the date of completion as stipulated in clause 4.

3) "A" shall notify "B" of their decision in writing at least 60 days prior to the date of completion as stipulated in clause 4.

4) "A" and "B" are able to renew the contract two months in advance prior to the completion of the current duration of employment.

5) In event that the both parties fail to agree to extend the contract, the contract shall be terminated on the date stipulated in clause 4.

22. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT

A) �A" reserves the right to terminate this contract without obligation to give a prior notice in any of the following cases:

1) "B" is found to be in breach of contract.

2) "B" is involved in a situation that may tarnish the reputation of the institute.

3) Other circumstances for which "B" is responsible make it undesirable for "A" to continue employment.

4) Unexcused absences occur more than twice in a two month period.

5) "A" concludes that "B" cannot perform class activities, or lacks the qualities necessary to be an effective teacher.

6) Any documents and/or information submitted to "A" are proved to be falsified.

7) If "B" should take leave, vacation or otherwise, without approval, or fails to return by a stipulated date, "A" will regard "B" as having terminated this contract. "B" will receive only such benefits as are due prior to the date of termination.

When "B" leaves the employment of this institution, any payment(s) owed to "B" will be withheld for a period not to exceed 60 days. During this time, any financial obligations left to the institution by "B" will be settled. If applicable, the remaining payment due, and an itemized list, will be sent to a location specified by "B".

23. Non-disclosures and Non-competition Agreement(Non-disclosure)

While still in the employment of the employer's institute or after resigning, �B" must not make any information public that he or she obtains from the employer's institute or develops for the Institute. The teaching techniques, books, and materials of the employer's institute are proprietary and are to be protected as intellectual and copyrighted material. In no way are the employees to engage in a private tutoring or to be employed by another institute during his/her contract period.

24. Composition for accident

As in any other Korean institutes, in the event that "B" gets injured from an accident or a mishap that occurs outside the course of normal work duties which are duly prescribed by employer's institute policy or regulations, "A" shall not be legally obliged to pay to "B" any hospital and medical costs being in excess of those covered by medical insurance which "A" highly advises "B" to obtain. However, it is the moral responsibility of the "A" to help and take good care of "B" in the event such accident or a mishap takes place.

25. Infringement of copyright

The employee should agree not to infringe on the employer's (school) legal rights for the ownership of the teaching materials including textbooks, audio-visual materials (tapes & videos), sub-materials that the employee have participated to produce during the contract period.

26. INSTITUTE PROPERTY

"B" must return the following items when the contract is completed or terminated :

1) All items that "A" has rented or lent to "B".

2) All the money lent to "B".

3) Teaching materials.

4) Reference books owned by "A".

5) All other property owned by "A".

27. GOVERNING LAWS AND JURISDICTION

This contract shall be interpreted according to the internal (domestic) laws of the Republic of Korea. The competent court in Seoul, Korea shall have jurisdiction in regard to any disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with this contract.

27. DOCUMENTS

The following documents must be submitted after the instructor's arrival in Korea.

1) Passport (2 copies)

2) Graduation Certificates (2 copies)

3) Resume

4) Certificate (1 copy) *only for those who have certificates for ESL instruction.

5) Medical Statement.

6) Necessary documents the institute shall require.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties here to have executed this contract in the two(2) original copies on the date stated at the end of this contract, with each party retaining one copy.

INSTITUTE INSTRUCTOR

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

DATE DATE

WITNESS WITNESS


Employer : Director, ??!!??!?!

Employee : Date:

[icicle]

One problem with the contract is that it does not include deductions for Pension ... and does not specificially talk about half of the medical being paid by the employer ... It does talk about employer "A" strongly recommending "B" gets it ... but this is not in line with Korean labour Law ...

It also reads to me like one of the "to be avoided" hagwon contracts ... I would personally not touch it ... even for 3 months ... Especially where it requires you to work on 6 days of the week ... teaching for a lot of hours ... I don't think that it is the best sort of job to get your feet wet in ... unless it is to possibly find out how bad things can be ...

Icicle

[ttompatz]

3 month contract - 3 month tourist stamp.

Fly you here now with the promise of a visa run later (means working illegally for up to 3 months)....

More than enough to raise the hair on the back of my head.

You might end up working 3 months for the price of a 1 way ticket to Korea and if they forget to pay you then you have NO LEGAL RECOURSE because you do not have legal status to be working.

It only takes 12 days to process a proper E2 (if you have all your documentation ready) and keep everything on the up and up.

I wouldn't touch it.

[RoryB]

Hmmm, not what I was hoping for. Perhaps if I email them my concerns and ask that it will be written into the contract that they will get a visa for me and I will not start work without one. Will also ask for the pension and medical insurance to be written in and if they say no to any of these conditions I will say "no thanks!".

[icicle]

[Atavistic]

[frankhenry]

If you take this offer, you are positioning yourself for a royal screwing!

[tob55]

In addition to what everyone else is telling you, all you have to do is tell them you will be contacting immigration to find out about the 3 month work thing without an E2 visa and see what their response is, hehehe...They will certainly crap their pants and quickly become angry at the foreigner who would dare to question their professionalism...ALL they are doing is using smoke and mirrors to cover up their illegal activities...Stay away from this like it was the plague and you are someone who easily catches cold in the desert...