Welcome to NLCS Jeju
2021 New Staff and Faculty Handbook
HALLA NORTH
NLCS Jeju
HALLA EAST
NORO
JUNIOR SCHOOL
GEOMUN
FIRST SCHOOL
MULCHAT SARAH JEOJI MEDICAL CENTRE
GIRLS’ BLOCK
DINING HALL
SIXTH FORM BLOCK
SENIOR SCHOOL MAIN ENTRANCE
THE ARTS
PAC
BOYS’ BLOCK
SPORTS CENTRE
JUNIOR BOARDING
Welcome to NLCS Jeju
2021 New Staff and Faculty Handbook We are looking forward to you joining us for the 2021/22 academic year. This welcome book contains information and answers to some of your questions about life here on Jeju. You will also have the chance to ask many more questions of your buddies and other new colleagues over the coming weeks and months. We will be sending out more information between now and your arrival on the island in August, at which point a formal induction will take place.
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Welcome from The Principal Meet the Senior Team North London Collegiate School The Island of Jeju Global Education City Shopping Getting Around Keeping In Touch Day-To-Day Living Eating And Drinking Moving In Pets Love It, Hate It Childcare Paperwork Final Things
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Dear New Colleagues, We are delighted that you are joining us for the new academic year. We hope your time here will be happy and successful and that you will grow to love NLCS Jeju and Korea as we all do. In choosing to come to Korea you are coming to a country at the forefront of international business and living. You are choosing a country that values education and personal growth through study. Students here love school and they want to learn as much and as widely as possible. Their parents are supportive of the whole academic process and they take a keen interest in their children’s daily timetables. We encourage you to make the most of being in Korea. Enjoy your leisure time and travel around the country and around Asia. You are in an amazing position to have adventures in this beautiful part of the world.
Meet The
Senior Team (Left - Right)
Luke Godley Bursar
Jeremy Freeman VP, Head of Junior School
Toby Waterson VP, Pastoral
Dan Coll
VP, Staff Relations and School Organisation
Lynne Oldfield Part of the joy of being here at NLCS Jeju is the sense of community that exists within the school. Your colleagues will be more than happy to help you before you start and when you arrive. There is a supportive HR Team and pastoral care here is second to none. My door is always open and I look forward to getting to know you and your families further when you arrive. Lynne Oldfield Principal
Principal
Jane Forster
Director, Marketing, Communications & PR
Julie Cocker VP, Academic (not pictured)
The Senior Team look forward to welcoming you to NLCS Jeju and are here to help and guide you, both during your initial crucial weeks and across your career at the school - do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions you may have.
A Short History North London Collegiate School has a rich and interesting history reaching back 170 years. It was founded in April 1850 by Frances Mary Buss in the family home in Camden Town, London. Miss Buss was Headmistress for 44 years and was a notable figure in the campaign for the education of girls in the second half of the nineteenth century. The NLCS family of schools is growing. Here at NLCS Jeju we are proud to be the second school established after London. NLCS Dubai followed some years later and NLCS Singapore opened in August 2020. As you join our school you are assured that you are joining a school with a tradition and a reputation which is second to none. As we say “Start here. Go anywhere!”
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Jeju-do - The Island of Jeju Jeju is an island located to the South of the Korean mainland. It is the biggest island of the Republic of Korea. It is a one-hour flight from Seoul, Korea’s capital city, with Shanghai and other cities a short flight away. The island is oval-shaped with Halla Mountain, an extinct volcano and national park, in the centre. The island stretches 73km from east to west and 41km from north to south. The island has a temperate, oceanic climate, with warm summers and temperatures that rarely drop below zero during winter. Jeju is a beautiful island with plenty of things to do, especially if you like walking, cycling and the outdoors. The beaches are great for swimming and are popular with staff families. The famous Olle Trails provide a wide variety of picturesque walks for all levels from professional to a stroll with the children. There are 368 Oreums (think of them as small
defunct volcanoes) on the island, perfect to climb on a sunny Jeju day. There are many caves to explore around the rich and varied coastline. Paths make exploring these areas on foot or by bicycle a true pleasure. Both polar and tropical wildlife can be found on Jeju. There are said to be over 870 types of insect, 8 amphibians, 8 reptiles, almost 200 birds and almost 80 mammals. It is diverse and fascinating to discover. The island is quiet and peaceful but also offers much for all ages and interests. Jeju is at the heart of the domestic tourist business and there are many museums, parks, trails, cafes and restaurants to explore. There is a long local history on Jeju and it was also significant during World War II.
We encourage you to look up Jeju’s attractions in both guide books like the Lonely Planet and on websites like, www.visitjeju.net/en. You will find it invaluable.
orange groves and the beautiful Gotjawal Forest. Osulloc Tea Plantation is near to the school and the Shinwa World hotel complex with its water park, restaurants and cafes is a short drive away.
When you arrive you can visit the Tourism offices and arm yourselves with maps and guides to the many things to do here.
Within the GEC there are several individual housing areas - mainly low rise apartment blocks set around parks and playgrounds with ample parking for cars and bicycles. Whilst it is quiet it does cater for your daily needs.
We all love that Korea - and especially Jeju - is a place of seasonal delights. As the four seasons are all very distinct you will love all the changes. Within a short walk of school you will find: • EduMart - a small, well stocked Winter is cold, crisp and fresh and you will find supermarket with many local and imported snow on the mountains - the children go sledging! brands and kitchen/homeware Korean blossoms in Spring are the finest in the world with festivals celebrating their beauty. • Market Origin - lots of organic produce - famous for its fruit and vegetables and Summer is a time of long, bright days, beaches and choice of imported dairy sea bathing. Then Autumn brings beautiful orange • Orga - an organic grocery store with leaves and harvest time. A feast for all the senses! many European brands - fresh, frozen and packaged • Coffee shops including local businesses and global and national chains such as Starbucks; A Twosome Place Dessert Cafe; Cafe Pascucci; Dunkin Donuts and more... • Hair salons, nail bars and a massage centre • Gyms and pilates classes • Small boutique shops and individual stores • Korean Barbecue and Hot Pot restaurants • Small restaurants and takeaways offering Mexican, burgers, pizza, Korean fried chicken and more. • An organic butcher NLCS Jeju is located in Global Education City, to • Patisseries and bakers the South West of the airport in Seogwipo. We are • Homemade ready meals from Canvas and the founding school in this area which has built SoSoHee up around us and now hosts several international • Bars and a wine shop schools and residential areas. • A book shop • Indoor golf, fencing and karaoke booths Surrounded by forests, mountains and greenery • Police station, fire and ambulance station the GEC is a peaceful and self-contained • Banks and ATMs urbanization. The area is very well designed and • Doctor, Opticians, Pharmacy and many schools and housing are linked by the central convenience stores (GS25 and CU chains) Pathway of Learning - which also doubles as a • Vets walking/running path. Beyond the houses are
The GEC
Jeju-si GEC
Seogwipo-si
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Shopping
While there is much in the GEC you will need to use the bigger supermarkets further afield to stock up. The good news is that Korea increasingly imports everything that you will need. There are several large chains that can be found on Jeju. These are similar to Western supermarkets and stock everything from groceries to electronics to homeware and pet care. You will be able to buy most of your favourite foods - and you will also be able to try lots of new Korean favourites. Come with an open mind and you will find things fresh, tasty and plentiful. Google Korean recipes before you shop and enjoy learning new things. You may find groceries more expensive than in the UK - but, of course, this depends on where you shop and what you buy! There are three major supermarket chains found on Jeju. These are as follows EMart - Seogwipo and Jeju City. Both are a 30-40 minute drive away • Beophwan-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (next to World Cup Stadium) • Nohyeong-dong, Jeju City (on the 1136 main road South from the airport) This huge EMart has a food court and is next to a 24 hour McDonalds • Samdo 2-dong, Jeju City (on the North Coast near to the Ramada Plaza) Opening Hours - 10.00 - 23.00 (Closed every 2nd Friday and 4th Saturday)
Homeplus - Seogwipo
• 1560-2, Donghong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours - 09.00 - 23.00 (Closed every 2nd Friday and 4th Saturday)
Lotte Mart - Jeju City
• 1, Yeonbuk-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Opening Hours - 10.00 - 23.00 (Closed every 2nd Friday and 4th Saturday)
There are also supermarkets and other key shops in nearby Moseulpo, a 15 minute drive away. During your induction there are a couple of shopping trips planned where you will be able to visit all of these larger outlets. You will find that they will stock all you need including the following basics: • Tea and coffee - a wide variety of brands and styles. The Koreans drink a lot of tea and coffee - it’s a national pastime - and there is little you cannot source • Bottled water, juices and soft drinks • Breads, bagels, cake, pastries, muffins and lots of cake and biscuits - both imported and local brands • Cereals - you may not be able to find all your favourites but you will find some. There are many Kellogg’s brands and imported British muesli such as Dorset is often found. The supermarkets all have their own brands • Dairy - imported butter and cheese can be found easily. Brands such as Lurpak butter, Lye Farm cheese, Total yoghurt and many more are currently available • Jams, honey, spreads and preserves • Pasta - and pasta sauces - are all imported and you will recognise brands such as DeCecco and Garofolo as well as Heinz and Buitoni sauces • Meat and fish - beef, pork, chicken, salmon, white fish and shrimp are plentiful • Both locally grown and imported fresh fruit and vegetables. We hope you love tangerines as they are a symbol of the island • Frozen foods • Wine and beer
More Shopping... Outside the main supermarkets there are many other retail outlets that you may want to use. These can be found in the area around school, the GEC or in Jeju City and Seogwipo and other bigger towns. Pharmacies Pharmacies here will generally stock all that you need. They have a variety of pain medication and other supplies. Many of the staff will speak English or you can use Google Translate to show what you need. The same system applies as the UK - some medication is only available via a prescription - others you can buy over the counter. There is a pharmacy in the GEC and several in Moseulpo. Toiletries One of the joys of Korea is the huge variety of beauty products and toiletries that you can buy here. Look out for the chain Olive Young which
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is similar to Boots in the UK. You can get many brands you will recognise from the UK, Europe and the US as well as fantastic local brands. You can source most vitamins and supplements, skincare, make up, hair products, bath and shower gels and lotions. Books And Magazines It is advisable to buy a Kindle or download the Kindle app onto your iPad before you come here so you can access all books quickly and easily. It is possible to buy some English books in the GEC. In Seoul, you can try Kyobo in Gwanghwamun for a big selection of English language books and magazines. Otherwise you can order online from The Book Depository and other sources though postage may be high. You can also use our wellstocked school libraries. Markets On Jeju you can source excellent fresh fruit and
vegetables, meat, dried goods and plants at the Five Day Markets which move around various locations including Moseulpo, Seogwipo and Jeju City. The closest is Moseulpo which is located 1089-15 Hamo-ri, Daejong-eup, Seogwipo-si. Clothing Outlets You will need to go to Jeju City for most clothes stores and larger outlets. You will find a selection of stores such as Uniqlo; ABC Shoes, which features many top brands; and Duty Free outlets stocking all designer brands. In Seoul and Busan, you can find Zara, H&M, COS and much more.
lights; stickers to cling wrap; headphones to placemats. There is one on the main road into the GEC. Online Not everyone delivers to Korea, but more and more online stores do. Notably:• www.iherb.com • www.next.co.uk • www.britishcornershop.co.uk • www.ikea.co.kr • www.amazon.com
Homeware / General The big supermarkets and the markets stock pots, pans, crockey, electricals, glassware etc.
You can also use two Korean online delivery services:• www.coupang.com • www.gmarket.co.kr
Korea is also home to the amazing store which is Daiso - it will soon be your favourite, too. It stocks everything from plug adapters to fairy
It is worth regularly checking these as they often change and update their services. Current staff and the rest of the GEC share tips and advice.
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Getting Around Jeju is small and there are many ways to get around. If you are used to big city living then it may take some getting used to - and most people need a car. You can, however, get to most places that you need to go either on foot, by bicycle or on the very efficient public bus system. Most importantly, our housing is walking distance to school making life simpler for you and your family. Cars Before you arrive do make sure that you have organised a 12-month International Driving Licence. Without this license, or a Korean licence, you will not be able to secure a car or drive on the island. The minimum age for driving in Jeju is 18 for cars and 16 for motorcycles. You can also exchange your UK Driving Licence to a Korean one but for this you will need to have the original licence apostilled in the UK and also obtain a Certificate of Entry and Exit from the GEC Office. Charges are minimal Buying A Car Many staff prefer to buy a car, as it is a cheaper longer-term alternative to car rental. Prices are similar to the UK/Europe, however, there are not the same choices you would usually have. Dealers can help you buy a car and assist with the relevant paperwork. It usually takes at least 24 hours for them to arrange. Also - teachers who are leaving - and other GEC residents may be selling their cars before they go, so it is worth checking the Facebook groups or asking your buddy as you may find exactly what you want! Insurance You do need to remember to budget for insurance which is in the region of KRW900,000 per annum or above. Renting A Car During the induction week, there will be a car
rental company in school for staff wishing to rent a car. This is not the only company on the island and there is no obligation for staff to use this company. Approximate car rental costs are below as a guide. (Prices can be higher for anyone under 26 years of age.) Prices are for monthly rental and include taxes and insurance, and may be subject to change by the time of arrival. KIA Morning, 4 People, 1000cc Petrol, KRW440,000 Hyundai Accent, 4 People, 1400cc Petrol, KRW480,000 KIA Sportage R, 5 People, 2000cc Diesel, KRW660,000 Typical rental per month based upon a two year contract. Current exchange rate GBP 1 = KRW1,514.
Driving Here Driving on the island is relatively easy, in that there are many quiet roads. There are, however, many speed cameras on Jeju and fines are common, although no points are awarded for exceeding the speed limit and they are relatively small (up to around KRW90,000). Parking tickets are around KRW40,000 and, you should take care in the GEC. Drivers and all passengers must wear safety belts. Drinking and driving is a serious offense in Korea and it is highly recommended that no alcohol is consumed when planning to drive as the tolerance level is very low. More information on the driving rules in South Korea can be found on the Korea4expats website, https://korea4expats.com/Living-in-Korea-qa. html.
A taxi from Jeju Airport to NLCS Jeju costs in the region of KRW30,000 ~ 40,000. 제주도 서귀포시 대정읍 글로벌에듀로 145번길 33
33 Global Edu-Ro, 145 Beon-gil, DaejeongEup, Seogwipo-Si, Jeju-Do Buses There are regular buses from Global Education City to Jeju City (no. 151 and 255.) These buses take on average 45 mins to an hour to reach the city. They are extremely cheap and efficient and run every 30 mins or so. They also run to Mosulpo on the coast where you can find many lovely bars, cafes and restaurants. Some tips: • Buy a universal payment ‘T-money’ card from GS25 or CU to tap on tap off • F ree wifi on buses and at bus stops. • Bus routes http://jejubnb.net/eng/transportation/ Bicycles Bikes are a great way to get around and see the island, which is regarded as one of the world’s best places for cycling. Many of our teachers buy bikes for the whole family and use them for leisure and for chores. Cycling is encouraged and safe here and there is an extensive cycle track network. There are cycling groups and great trails and tracks for all ages. There is a bike shop in the GEC, Alton Bikes in Seogwipo and several large-brand shops in Jeju City, catering for all levels and requirements. You can also have bikes delivered or buy from teachers selling their bikes before they leave.
Taxis Taxis are not expensive in Jeju. When you arrive at Jeju airport there is a rank immediately outside Arrivals. Make sure that you have the address of the school in Korean as well as English as sometimes the drivers do not speak English. It’s good to be on the safe side. Once in the GEC you may occasionally see taxis around but it is much easier to ask Security to call you one or use an app - KakaoTaxi, for example.
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Walking https://jejuolletrailguide.net/ Walking is one of the great joys of living on Jeju. You can walk to all the daily conveniences - and, of course, walk to work. Most of us love walking at weekends and in the long summer evenings. Hike coastal paths, forest trails and up the Oreums. Get a free guide to the 425km of Olle Trails from the airport or Olle huts and; buy an Olle Passport to collect the stamps and record your walks. Follow the Olle Trail Facebook page, or ask around and join one of the many informal groups. Most walks are easy with lots of ‘carpeted pathways’ in forests and up hills. Climbing Hallasan is a must-do for everyone! It’s the highest mountain in Korea and a beautiful, if strenuous, day out. Other favourites are: • O lle 11, Mouselpo to Murang • U do Island • 1 4.1 from the GEC (Osulloc) to Jeoji • 1 3 via the Chair Park • 7 along the Seogwipo Coast • 1 4 past the chocolate factory to HyeopJae
Keeping In Touch You should bring your phone with you and buy a pay as-you-go SIM on arrival.To secure a contract, however, you need your ARC card which is issued once you are here. The main phone and internet providers are KT and SKT. KT are present during the induction week and both companies have shops in Moseulpo and around Seogwipo and Jeju City, so it is a relatively easy process to arrange a contract. South Korea has one of the fastest broadband services in the world. Staff who live in boarding accommodation have access to the school Wi-Fi network. Staff living in assigned accommodation adjacent to the school or off-site will need to sign up to a Wi-Fi contract. Usually this is the same company as the mobile phone provider. There is also free Wi-Fi in lots of places, including public transport and most bars and restaurants. In general tariffs vary based upon connection speed, contract length and additional services. We will supply the latest details when we
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send out further information, but you can expect to budget around KRW25,000 per month for the basic 100mbps to around KRW55,000 for 1gbps. TV starts at KRW16,000 per month with the average package costing more. International Calls When phoning outside Korea the ‘+’ international exit code varies between carrier (and type of call). With most mobile handsets, just using ‘+’ works. An international call with KT will use, ‘001’, for example. To dial this London, UK number, for example: • (city code) 020 (phone number) 7123 4567 • Dial, ‘+’ 44 (no zero)20 7123 4567 To dial into South Korea use +82 (city or mobile code without the first zero) (phone number) To dial this mobile number from the UK: • (mobile code) 010 (cell number)1234 5678 • Dial, 00 82 (no zero)10 1234 5678
Day-To-Day Living Life in Jeju and in Korea is pretty easy. You will recognise many brands and many ways of doing things will be similar - but, it is good to know potential challenges in advance. Many signs and shop names are in Korean and English. To help with further translation, download Google Translate, or Naver Papago which works with text, voice and images. Google, Bing and Apple maps are not the best for local detail. Kakao and Naver maps are both excellent and have all the features one expects. KakaoTalk is favoured over WhatsApp locally, but most teachers still use WhatsApp groups. KakaoTaxi is an easy way to get around any language barrier when it comes to booking and paying for taxis. While Instagram is huge, the Koreans are not big on Twitter or Facebook. Power The power system is different in Korea from the UK and the US. You will save yourself a lot of trouble if you bring the following: • Round two-pin adapters for your foreign plugs • Multiple socket extension leads as they require only one adaptor for multiple sockets You may find that there are not as many sockets as you are used to. TV You will have an opportunity, during the induction week, to sign up to the cable TV service as part of your internet sign up. There are very few English speaking channels but they do have all the news channels - BBC, CNN, Sky News etc., plus National Geographic, AXN and a few others. The majority of staff stream TV channels from their laptop to a TV using Apple TV, Chromecast
or similar. Your ‘buddy’ is a good source of information here. Don’t forget that you will need to bring or buy your own TV and while you can access Korean Netflix and Amazon Prime Overseas, it is worth investing in a VPN. You might also want to bring your own laptop and iPad to supplement the supplied school laptop. If you have children, check with their class teacher or Head of Year as to what their requirements are. Some electronics are cheaper in the US/UK/ AUS and you may want to buy there. Money And Banking During the induction week you will sign up to a bank account with NH Bank (Nonghyup). This is compulsory as salaries are paid into this account. You will have two accounts, a US dollar account which your wages are paid into, and a Korean Won account for which you will have a debit card and can elect to have a credit card, too. Each month you will need to transfer money from the US dollar account to the Korean Won account for daily use. This can be done at the bank by setting up a direct debit, or using the banks internet banking service. Once new staff have their bank accounts we arrange an information session on setting up and using the internet banking service. This can also be used to transfer money to overseas accounts (within working hours). The nearest NH Bank branch is in GEC where the school is located. It is a two minute drive, or ten minute walk, from the school and has a dedicated English speaking team, from 10.0016.00 each weekday. While some are free to use, most ATMs charge a small fee for withdrawals, payments, tranfers and overseas use. They all allow for operation in English. 17
Eating And Drinking One of the best things about living in Korea is the food and drink. Korean food is tasty and (can be) healthy - and, it’s having a moment around the world right now! There are numerous restaurants and eating establishments from the traditional Korean Barbeque to well-known fast-food outlets across the GEC, in the resorts around the island and in the big cities. (See over for a selection of some of our favourites.)
You will also be able to eat lunch in the school’s dining hall. There are a wide range of options served - both Korean and Western as well as fresh salad, fruit and yoghurt daily.
Eating And Drinking Around school in the GEC and close by there are many options to choose from, here are some of our favourites.
From the Bluebird bar to Yemeni restaurant Asalam, Jeju is full of hidden delights - none more so than the speakeasy, ‘Booze’, which if you are over 30, in a group of less than four, and can find the garage, which hides the phone box you need to walk through, offers the best cocktails and service on the island.
A big favourite with staff is the Indian Kitchen, set in beautiful gardens and owned by a Nepalese chef.
Hyeopjae is renowned for its great beaches and a growing restaurant and bar scene. A favourite is Donatos Pizza.
On our doorstep you can find: Bangin Taco - a founding restaurant in the GEC with a lively bar with good Mexican food Burger O’Clock - wash down an excellent burger with good local beers from Magpie. SoSoHee - a bakery and coffee shop run by NLCS parents Nomas - a fantastic brunch stop. Moseulpo is brimming with restaurants, bars and cafes centred around the port. Try the extremely fresh fish and chips from Gla Gla’s or relax over a beer and cocktail while listening to one of the 9,700 records behind the bar at Boscos.
Sangbansan and Sagye is regularly visited by staff for its range of coffee shops and restaurants, stunning views and excellent walks along the coast. Try the Zen Hideaway Restaurant, Two Brothers Coffee Shop and many more.
Sample the excellent bars and restaurants at Hamdeok resort before staying the night in a caravan on the beach.
Jeju-si
Seogwipo Seogwipo is a bustling city, full of entertainment. Travelling along the coast from here to the famed Seongsan Peak at the eastern tip of the island, almost every bay has somewhere to eat and drink. Across the island, many of the venues are small family concerns that put on events like bingo, karaoke and quizzes.
Jungmun hosts 5 star hotels with buffet lunches and dinners, and a surfing beach. There are excellent cafes and brunch restaurants here too, both in and around the hotels and on the beaches. The Cliff is a famous bar with a wonderful view. Casa Di Noa and Raul’s are hidden delights in Andeok
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Moving In We appreciate that there is a lot to think about when preparing to come here. Please remember that when you arrive it will be at a furnished apartment where we have tried to anticipate your immediate and longer term needs- from beds, sofas and cupboards to kettles, plates, pans and other essential kitchenware. Please see the full lists in your inventory. Unless you have favourite pieces or specific needs, you do not need to bring your own furniture. We have provided most things - and you can also buy things at home, furniture and lighting stores here. Check out the school sale and the GEC and NLCS Facebook pages - people are always selling and are often willing to lend things, too. You will want to buy a dehumidifier and/or fans to keep your apartments fresh and dry as the climate is humid between June and Septemeber. There are a range of shipping options available from container shipping for families and individuals with large furniture items, to by-air services that are more suitable for boxes and smaller items such as lamps. We recommend you shop around to find the company that best suits your budget and to help you we have recommendations from staff who have joined in recent years, which may help. Please be aware that shipping can take anything from 4 weeks upwards so leave yourself enough time to plan, choose and pack. It is essential that you pack suitable clothes and personal effects to last in your new home, without your shipped goods. This should include professional as well as casual dress. Remember when you arrive it will be Summer here. Please check the dress code and if in any doubt then ask your buddy or your HoD.
Transit Pickfords is one of the big UK international movers www.pickfords.co.uk/moving-overseas, Crown Relocations is another international player. www.crownworldwide.com/en-us/crownrelocations/ “I recommend Santa Fe who helped us to move from Bangkok to Jeju. They were very informative and professional.” http://www.santaferelo.com Optimoving is also recommended as an efficient, quick and relatively cheap for moves within Korea and internationally. www.optimoving.com “We used sendmybag.com for six boxes - it took one week and was very cheap.” Please be aware that COVID-19 guidelines and regulations are regularly updated and these may cause a delay to your orders and shipping. Remember to check lists for prohibited items to avoid unnecessary delay with customs.
What About Pets? There are agents and companies who can help you get your pets here. Please ensure you check all the quarantine restrictions both in your current home and here. “If anyone is shipping a dog I used ‘Passports for Pets’ who were great but expensive.” “The Korean agent we used for the dog was gina@thefirstclasspet.com. I highly recommend these people - they were very helpful and the communication was very good.”
certain number of hours before the second flight. “Try jets4pets.com” There are vets both nearby and in the city and there are specialist pet shops, but these can be expensive. You can buy most of the basics from shops in the GEC, including convenience stores, and you can buy everything from the big supermarkets, but the cheapest food, litter and accessories are available from Coupang.
It may be a two stage and two company process…. Often the pets need to be flown to Seoul first - then on to Jeju. Depending on time of year there are restrictions as to when you can have an animal in the cabin or hold. Remember, animals have to be grounded for a
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Facebook will help you find sitters and lots of people who have pets here. If you do want to become a pet owner then there are animal shelters who will be delighted to meet you.
Love It, Hate It A few more thoughts on what to buy. We asked our current staff what they wished they’d known and wished they’d brought. Here’s a little list that might help you! See the previous sections on shopping and restaurants and, please, check your own professional dress requirements. Admissions can help with school uniforms and you can visit ‘Skoollooks’ at the Induction.
Child Care We want you to be prepared for your arrival so ask your buddy about the various options. Many teachers have young children and there are various options for childcare. There are lots of things to do for children in Jeju - from the beaches and mountains to museums and theme parks. Without extended family and a large population of keen teenagers, childcare can be a challenge. However, people find a way! Local nurseries Local nurseries are held in high regard by expat and local staff in terms of quality of care and cost. Generally the age groups catered for are from one year old to six years old. The service is heavily subsidised and monthly charges can include very modest fees for transport, day trips, lunch (often cooked on site) and activities.
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
A Kindle Teaspoons Tea towels Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Piriton Spray/roll on deodorants (expensive here) Oxo Cubes and gravy granules Plugs / adapters / extension leads - you can never have enough! Toothpaste - if you like your usual brand (you can easily get brands like Sensodyne here) Chutney Marmite Brown hair grips (they only sell black) Vicks rub Earl Grey Teabags Golden syrup and other baking goods Pillows, towels and bedding Photos and personal items Childrens’ swimwear Childrens’ sportswear Larger size trainers and other shoes Nappy bags Black leather school shoes for children (anticipate their growth) Clothes for young children with favourite brands (ie Monsoon etc.)
Nannies and babysitters These can be found on various Facebook groups or by word of mouth when you get here. Older staff children often babysit. There are other parents just like you and we help each other out! Feel free to contact these parents who, like others, will happily share advice and tips: Claire - cwashington@nlcsjeju.kr Caroline - csannegadu@nlcsjeju.kr
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Paperwork There is, of course, a lot of paperwork when you move jobs and move countries. We are here to help you - and you will have a full list from HR - but, please try and help us by having everything to hand that you might need. Please bring the following for all family members: • A4 birth certificates, as the abridged smaller versions are not accepted • Marriage certificate • Passport photos - you will need quite a few! • Driving License/International Driving Permit - Apostilled in the UK • Photocopies of passports • Certificates, including Police checks and, with apostilles where necessary During your induction week, you will undergo a medical check in order to obtain your ARC, (Alien Registration Card). Full details will be in the new staff induction programme which will be sent out in June. (It is important that you do not eat or drink anything 12 hours before the medical otherwise this can affect your results). The school will be in contact to inform you of the paperwork that you need to bring apostilled for your work visa and safeguarding procedures. Make sure that you leave plenty of time to allow the paperwork to be sent to solicitors, agencies, and embassies as required. This is very important as changes to the COVID-19 regulations and requirements may cause delays.
Final Things NLCS Jeju has great facilities, including a gym, squash courts and a lovely pool that staff can use (when not timetabled) in the evenings and holidays. If you play golf the island has an extensive range of courses and many are world-class. You can, in short, find most things that you want to do! If you can’t find it - then ask. Chances are someone has asked before you! You will love teaching here in Korea. The students are funny, bright, loyal, interesting, confident, chatty and delightful, so be prepared to ‘step up your game’ to challenge them academically, stretch their intellectual curiosity, and develop their language ability at all times. Facebook Groups Relevant groups you can join include: • NLCS JEJU Faculty • Jeju Marketplace • Jeju GEC Community • Jeju Island Social • Jeju Good Eats • Expat Moms in Korea • Every Expat in Korea Before you arrive, why not: • Watch some fabulous Korean movies (like Parasite!) • Listen to some K-Pop (BTS rock!) • Read The Korean Times and Herald online • Read our school newsletter • Follow us on social media • Ask your buddy questions • Download apps - Windy and AccuWeather - Naver and Kakao maps - KakaoTalk - Papago Holidays Jeju is served by many airlines and Seoul is only an hour away. In normal times, travel opportunities from here are a joy and a huge topic of conversation. Make your own adventure.
We ver y much look forward to meeting you. For more information contact: • • • •
an Coll, dcoll@nlcsjeju.kr - New Staff Induction Programme D Your Line Manager or Head of Depar tment - wor k queries H R, hr@nlcsjeju.kr - anything about your contract and admin Your ‘buddy’ at any time, about anything!