Teaching in Korea: Contracts

Recently a subscriber from YouTube contacted me and asked me to take a look at the ESL contract offered from a school. Normally, I wouldnt take a second look at such a personal matter, but seeing as how this has been a long-time subscriber and commenter, I thought Id offer up some help and Im glad I did, since the contract raised many red flags.

Please let me be clear that the following are my own personal opinions and reflect the way I do business and your situation and beliefs may be different. With that in mind, lets take a look at four (4) key areas of the contract.

First, the contract wanted this person to come to Korea one week prior to starting the position so that they could process the E-2 work visa. This was a massive red flag because it indicates the school is either shady or doesnt know how the visa process works. At this time, all new E-2 Visa applicants must be interviewed by the Korean Consulate in their home country before a visa is granted. Asking someone to come to Korea without a visa, is simply illegal. In the old days, one could simply go to Japan and get the visa there, but thats no longer the case for new teachers. Furthermore, if one comes to Korea without a teaching visa, then the school can drop you at any time, for any reason, and you have no legal recourse. In fact, they could fire you, boot you out of your apartment, and then youd be stuck with not only trying to find a new job, but also trying to get home all on your own.

Second, the terms of the airfare in the contract was bogus. Most schools in Korea will either front the month for round-trip airfare or reimburse you immediately after you get to Korea and pay for your ride home. This contract offered only a W500,000 allotment for travel. Seeing as how an average ticket from the US is over W700,000, its a bad deal. Furthermore, there was nothing in the contract about the return trip home. In my opinion, unless a school is willing to front the airfare or provide at least a W1,000,000 travel allotment, then its time to pass on the job. 95%+ of the jobs here in Korea will do that and one will be better off in those circumstances.

Third, take a careful look at your accommodations. In standard contracts, the school will provide not only a studio apartment, but also a bed, chair, table, TV, washer, and basic cooking/eating utensils (not to mention aircon/heater). Now some contracts will offer a housing allotment, and in that case, make sure it is enough to pay for an officetel/villa in your schools area (within walking distance). However, if they are going to provide housing, make sure they give you all the basics for free. If not, pass on the contract. There is no need to have to furnish your own apartment here.

Finally, we come to an area where many underhanded schools sock it to teachers: the pension. Schools usually tell rookie teachers that they dont need to pay into the Korean National Pension Fund. Schools tell teachers this will get them more money- this is a lie. Most contracts are stipulated that the employee and the employer pay into the fund at equal rates (e.g. 50%). If your school isnt participating in the fund, then, sure, you get more money each month, but you also lose out in the end. You see, if youre from the US, they you can withdraw your Pension fund and send the money home. By not participating in the program, youre losing out on an additional W1.5M each year (the exact amount is based on your salary). This is a tremendous savings for the school at the expense of the teacher.

If youre coming to Korea to teach, take some time out and look over the contract carefully. Compare it with other offers youve received, and ask around. Youll benefit from it. Trust me.

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[runtolight]

you don't have your utube contact up as far as i can see please email me - it could be blocked where i am at- not sure

[qiranger]

@runtolight Use the YouTube Message system. By going to my channel page, you can send me a message from there.

[runtolight]

where is your email. I wouldlike to drop you a line. I'm over seas but not in korea and would like to ask a few questions that maybe you can answer

[qiranger]

@runtolight Just send it through YT.

[onceatraveler]

Really should have seen this video for pension information. My boss is honest, but he's never signed me up (or any other teacher) for the pension system.

[qiranger]

@onceatraveler Such a shame. I'm looking forward to getting back almost $5k this summer.

[bcmariano08]

what's the difference between EPIK and other recruiting agencies? also when you taught in korea did you have a tefl certification prior?

[yadilyna]

I really like how you explain it, and also the video in between, made me wish i was there :) have a great day

[Grahamcracker6366]

Thanks for the tips.

[antieverybody]

Great stuff!