FAQs...Part 2

Here's another FAQ entry to answer common questions that we at HandS Korea here pretty regularly! Don't worry, there's more to come!

* I have a wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/husband/children/significant other that would also like to come teach in Korea. Is it possible for us to live together?
Sure! The more the merrier! As long as your "other" is at least a bachelor-holder, then he/she is more than able to come to Korea. We tend to advise that couples don't work in the same school. Sometimes living and working together can become a bit much. However, it is very possible for you to live in the same accommodation. Just be sure to let us know what kind of living situation you'd prefer, and we're more than happy to help you out!* I have a wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/husband/children/significant other that would NOT like to come teach in Korea, but wants to come live with me while I teach. Is this possible?
Now this situation has proven to be a bit more difficult in our experience. While it is difficult, it is not impossible. Your "other(s)" would of course have to apply for a visa just as you do. It is a different kind of visa and usually for children, it is a bit more complicated to send them to a Korean school as in most cases, children do not have a working knowledge of the Korean language. As mentioned earlier, it IS possible, but can sometimes be difficult. If this is your situation, please notify HandS Korea and we will do our utmost to help you out.

* A starting salary of 2 million won per month sure doesn't sound like very much, especially when compared to US dollars. Will I be able to survive on this amount each month?
The answer is yes, but in most cases, a budget will most likely need to be established. While the cost of living in Korea is relatively low, especially in comparison to the USA, a budget is typically a good idea. The first couple of months may be hard as you are beginning to settle down and there will be a couple of more expenses than in the later months. (i.e. Any extra home appliances that you may desire that are not provided to you by your school.) However, after this point, many teachers find it easy to pay their bills back home as well as live a comfortable life in Korea. Personally, I usually advise teachers to budget 500,000 - 600,000 won per month for your own personal spending. The rest is up to you!

* Will the school pay for my trip home should I choose to visit my family in my home country during certain holidays?
Your school will pay for your initial round-trip airfare for you to come teach in Korea. Other trips are up to you. While there may be a school out there that is nice enough to help you pay for your trip in this situation, I haven't heard of one in my experience in the ESL teacher recruiting sector.

* What if I decide not to stay for one full year as stated in my contract?
Should you decide not to stay for you contractual 1 year period for any reason, you will be obligated to reimburse the school for your incoming flight cost as well as provide for your own outgoing ticket. It is a part of the majority of the contracts. You will also not be entitled to your severance pay as that too is conditional. If your contract is terminated before the 1 year period for any reason, you will not receive this bonus. You will however, have the right to collect your pension from the duration of your stay. That is up to you to file for and collect.

** Per usual, more FAQs to come! Be on the look out!