Want to leave Mokpo - Help me please!

[silver_butterfly]

Hi,

I have started my first ESL job here in South Korea at the end of August. Originally I had a job based on the outskirts of Seoul but this changed at the last minute to one in Mokpo (bit of a difference!!).

I'm from the UK and because of the educational industrial action I found that I wouldn't receive my degree certificate until October, I informed them of this before I came and they said I could work with my 3 month visa and then I can collect my visa in Japan in October. Of course once I arrived they informed me this isn't actually legal and not to say anything! Not much you can do once you're actually here!

I've worked at my current job for 5 weeks and I hate where I'm living, the school is also a franchise so I know there are better conditions elsewhere... but more than anything else I want to leave Mokpo. I've spoken to my recruitment agent about being transferred, but of course she can't promise anything but will let me know in a week or two. I should be getting my visa sometime this month, but someone I spoke to suggested I just hand in my 2 month notice, pay the airfare and leave. Because I don't yet have a visa she thinks I technically don't have a contract...

I didn't really want to ruffle feathers but I'm not sure what I would be better doing? I'm guessing the conditions of the other schools will be better because they're in a bigger city, I just don't like the 'I can't promose anything', knowing my luck that means I'll still be waiting for an answer in months to come!

I have a friend on the outskirts of Seoul who will put me up until I find another job if I choose to leave before I get my visa... I'm just worried no one will take me on or wonder why I'm here without one if I do it that way, or would I be better staying with my current school and hoping they move me?

I've informed my recruiter of my thoughts and said I'd like her to find my next job so she still gets paid, if I decide to leave. But at the same time I'd like the freedom to pick my own school, she's just a nice person!

Any advice would be much appreciated, this is my first ESL job and I don't want to mess things up for myself, but I know staying in Mokpo will drive me crazy!!

Thanks

[Antonio]

Just be careful now that you are teaching illegally. You can be easily replaced and the schools know this. In the end, if you are caught, then you will be the one blacklisted in South Korea with the visa office. I would be very carefully teaching for extended lengths without a work permit. If your current agent cannot give you a more definite reply other than "we are working on it", then time to move.

Yes, if you don't have a visa, then the school really can't hold you put. Start looking for work elsewhere on your own and then when you find something, tell your current agent you are handing in your resignation.


You've just arrived to South Korea, so you should be getting settled asap and enjoying your time rather than fighting a losing battle.

[Leif]

Hi,

I'm considering a position in Mokpo, and while I appreciate your individual predicament, was wondering if there's something objectionable about the locale. My understanding is that it's less urban than places like Seoul, Busan and Ulsan--which is something I think I'd like, personally.

Anyway, if there's anything you can share about the living conditions there that would help me in my decision, I'd appreciate your input.

Best of luck to you in your situation.

Thank you.

Leif

[cool ice]

Originally Posted by Leif

Anyway, if there's anything you can share about the living conditions there that would help me in my decision, I'd appreciate your input.

Did you not read my post at http://www.aacircle.com.au/forums/ko...snapshot.html?

What more can I say? It's a fishing area with a rocky shoreline and a transport hub for both ferries and trains. It's not like a big city such as Seoul.

[Leif]

Hi Cool Ice,

Yes, I did read your thread, thanks. I was asking the person who's desperately trying to leave Mokpo for her perspective.

Mokpo does sound like the kind of place I'd actually like--I'm from Michigan, Great Lakes sailor, used to all kinds of weather, and the fact that it's not Seoul or Busan makes it more attractive.

Are you working in Korea now?

Leif