As the day of reckoning draws closer I decided it was time to contact i-to-i regarding my situation.

Naively I arranged my job through i-to-i paying them an absolute fortune for the privilege. It is incredibly frustrating to realise I could have avoided myself this situation and an awful lot of money had I done it myself. But alas it’s done and can’t be changed. I do have this advice for anyone looking at getting an English teaching job abroad: DO NOT use i-to-i. It is cheaper and easier to do it yourself. Just make sure you check you contract carefully and speak to foreign teachers at the school before you sign.

Anyway: i-to-i’s website states that they will provide: “Support as and when you require it throughout your time abroad.” On that basis they would support me in making sure I get the money I have earned. But no! After speaking with them on the phone last night I received the email below:

You must speak to John Lee your in country coordinator for advice regarding the details of your contract.  We are unable to get involved as the contract is between you and the school.  I do hope you mange to resolve your problems.

I had explained that I understand the contract is between me and the school but I signed on the recommendation of i-to-i, a supposedly reputable company. I also told her that I didn’t need “advice” as I was already aware of where I stood legally. What I needed was support in making sure I was paid fully as per Section 2, Article 27 of the Korean Labor Standard Act. So in short that email basically says f**k off, we’ve got your money so we don’t care.

I have since sent them a strongly worded email asking for a refund of the money I paid the to find my job because they are unable to offer the “support” they promised.

I’ll keep you posted on the latest developments. But I’m not holding my breath. I guess they condone their country coordinators duping people into ILLEGAL contracts and dodgy working practices.

* Posted by j150vsc on 24/04/2007.