Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cmr]

I need to give Wenise Kim a call about this because at first glance it doesn't really make sense to me.

Wenise Kim from the GPOE and the teacher from my school who takes care of everything related to English (there's no coteacher) talked on the phone this afternoon because I had some questions that either one told me to ask to other one to get the answers. Finally, after talking together, they changed a dollar for 4 quarters: I get the ELI-1 level (+200,000) and the rural allowance (+100,000), but I lose the housing allowance (-300,000).

From what the theacher from my school told me of their conversation, it seems like I am not going to get a housing allowance because I "live" in Korea? Am I supposed to commute to Japan? I guess he probably meant something more like since I have my own apartment, they don't have to give me the housing allowance, but then why is there a housing allowance in the first place? Somehow, I feel cheated.

Anyone here who has some info regarding this kind of situation, please share what you know.

To those who have their own accomodation in Korea and work in a public school in Gyeonggy province, do you still get the housing allowance?

[Cerebroden]

so you think you should get both?
I own a house in the states, that doesn't mean my school is going to pay my mortgage. I get a housing allowance here (I have my own place) (granted it comes no where close to my rent) but I just use it to pay the electric

[cmr]

Get both what?

I don't see what your house in the States has to do with this. Perhaps my post was misleading when I said something about having to commute to Japan to get the housing allowance... it was only sarcasm. What I meant was that it doesn't make sense to me not to receive the housing allowance because I have my own accomodation in Korea. Where else would I be?

Anyway, don't people get a housing allowance because they do have their own place? I doubt a lot of us sleep under bridges.

[Cerebroden]

yes you should get the housing allowance, your post made it sound like you either got 300k or 200+100 to equal 300k meaning like you said they are trading you a dollar for 4 quarters. But you still are getting some sort of allowance yes?

[sadsac]

Cerebroden, I think cmr negotiated additional benefits that he is entitled too, plus the housing allowance. I think he should still get his housing allowance. Just because he has his own place shouldn't disqualify him.

[PaperTiger]

Makes you wonder if someone is just pocketing the money.

[antoniothegreat]

i think that is the point of the housing allowance, for people with relatives or someother accomodation made already.

i think what happened was you were getting the housing allowance but were talking about being at a higher level, so they agreed to put you at a higher level and then told you that you did not qualify for the housing allowance, correct?

this makes no sense to me. your contract does not say "if you own your own house you do not get a housing allowance" correct? your contract should say you get housing OR a 300,000 allowance. there are no stipulations. I think you need to play hardball, as this will make a difference of 300,000 times 12 months=3,600,000 over the year. they are trying to be cheap. i suggest just politely keep showing them the contract in what is says (unless it does have some disqualifying clause).

keep fighting and good luck, please let us know what happens.

[Cerebroden]

anyhow, it sounds like you could be getting hosed if you got a promotion and then they took your housing. What kind of promotion would that be?

[timhorton]

Tell them you want the Level I status ( including the 200,000 won raise that comes with it ) AND at least 300,000 won housing allowance.

By already having housing you are actually making it easier for them
( with regards to finding housing ) so yes by all means get at least 300.

If they don't.....there are many other jobs that will do this for you. And tell them that too.

my 2 cents

[cmr]

antoniothegreat,

I think you explained my own situation better than I did!

My contract ends at the end of February and it's for the new contract that I wouldn't be given the housing allowance any more.

What bothers me is that I was told all this after the teacher from my school talked with Wenise Kim from the GPOE. I'm not sure yet, but it seems that she's the one who told him that I wouldn't be entitled to the housing allowance. It's all pretty shady stuff to me. Anyway, Monday is off so I guess I have to wait until Tuesday to talk to Wenise and know who said what and why.

In the end, perhaps I should simply tell them to give me housing and find someone to rent the place! (just kidding)

[DHC]

You are entitled to a housing allowance. If they do not want to pay maybe you should start thinking about what else they might decide not to give you later.

[poet13]

Shoot, just tell them you are moving out of your place, so please give me the money or provide another apartment. Then you can rent out the place you have now, and make a few extra on the side. This will confuse the heck out of them.

[timhorton]

[lover.asian]

Where are all the public school apologists on this thread?

Clearly this is a case of the honest, thoughtful Korean public school administrator being exploited by the lazy, dishonest foreign teacher, isn't it?

I certainly hope you were required to pay at least a 900,000 Won housing "deposit"!

[poet13]

I'm guessing (hoping) the above was humor.