Switching EPIK Apartments

[chgreenv]

Has anyone successfully switched apartments during their 1st year in EPIK? How did you do it? I ask because I stated in my EPIK application that I am allergic to cigarette smoke, but my school placed me in an apartment where the previous tenant smoked.  When I approached them about my allergy they stated that they have no money to steam clean my apartment and they can't move me to another apartment.  But my health is in jeapordy and I need to move, and am not sure what to do now.

[matthews_world]

Actually in Korea the cleanliness of the apartment is the tenants responsibility.  The workplace can recommend a service to clean but companies do not generally foot the bill.

I'm sure there must be a interior remodelling shop that can re-do your apartment to your standards.  Also there are such things as hepafilters here to clean air.

[Ollie84]

I must say, I am pretty appalled by your school's attitude and unwillingness to help. That speaks volumes really.

Like the previous poster says, there is probably somewhere that you can get your apartment cleaned up.

Though check your contract. There may be a clause which states you are entitled to housing money should you find your own place.

I'd also suggest you contact your local office of education and let them know about the situation.

[MTBman]

Schools sign rental contracts when they lease apartments for NETs.  It is difficult, but not impossible, to change such a contract or even break it. 

The only EPIK teacher whom I know for certain who did change apartments did so because they were assaulted in the ground (first) floor apartment their school originally had leased for them.  It was an ugly scene from what I heard.  That NET didn't even ask to be moved.  The school decided to move her to a safer apartment on a higher floor, and just told her she was moving, after which a large group of that school's teachers descended upon that NETs original apartment and moved her right out on the spot to the other, "safer" apartment.

Frankly, you should try to work this out with your school first.  I think you'd be better off looking for a way to have your apartment steam cleaned.  I would ask your school to at least help to pay for.