EPIK: Application
If you are applying with KorVia, you don't need this section. They will walk you through everything and help you review it before they send it off for you.
1-4, 6-8,10-12, and 13-2, are straightforward so go fill those out first. No really, I will wait. Go ahead.
Done? Okay, let's roll. For #5, it is best to have open availability I imagine but write down the times that work for you best so they will give you a time that works for you and don't have to reschedule. If you leave it blank, there will be delays in your interview scheduling. You must have a skype account because that is how the interview will be conducted. If you have a weird ID like pinkbarbie4ever or bikedude69 GO MAKE A NEW ACCOUNT. First impression are everything for Koreans so you don't want silly names associated with you.
#9 Teaching experience. This doesn't have to be the typical teaching. It could be volunteering for helping teach kids in lab (as I did),TAing, tutoring, or anything you can think of. Try not to leave this blank.
#13-1 Placement Preference. This is important. You get one choice, if you don't get your placement of preference (First come, first serve with the documents) then you get some random place. I had initially thought of Incheon as my preferred city since it was close to the sea which meant fresher air but since close to Seoul (30-60 min by transit). When I had my consultant from KorVia look over my application, she informed me that Incheon only had 10 open positions. Due to that number I chose to apply for Seoul instead. There was more of a chance that I would get that placement since Seoul had more competition for positions but there were also more positions to be filled. If you have your heart set on a city, go for it. If not, go for strategy. Fill out the EPIK-Seoul attachment if you chose Seoul. Straightforward, not tips or tricks there.
#14 Medical Assessment. This is normal for Korea. Be honest but if it is something that no longer affects you, you do not have to mention it. Psychological health isn't understood as much in Korea and things like counselling or therapy sessions that are completely normal here are kind of a red flag there. As for asking for your general health, they want to make sure they have an applicant that won't have to take extra sick days or will be out of commission often. And asking for weight, I could be wrong but weight is associated with health in Korea. Again don't lie but rounding down if you are heavy won't hurt anyone.
1-4, 6-8,10-12, and 13-2, are straightforward so go fill those out first. No really, I will wait. Go ahead.
Done? Okay, let's roll. For #5, it is best to have open availability I imagine but write down the times that work for you best so they will give you a time that works for you and don't have to reschedule. If you leave it blank, there will be delays in your interview scheduling. You must have a skype account because that is how the interview will be conducted. If you have a weird ID like pinkbarbie4ever or bikedude69 GO MAKE A NEW ACCOUNT. First impression are everything for Koreans so you don't want silly names associated with you.
#9 Teaching experience. This doesn't have to be the typical teaching. It could be volunteering for helping teach kids in lab (as I did),TAing, tutoring, or anything you can think of. Try not to leave this blank.
#13-1 Placement Preference. This is important. You get one choice, if you don't get your placement of preference (First come, first serve with the documents) then you get some random place. I had initially thought of Incheon as my preferred city since it was close to the sea which meant fresher air but since close to Seoul (30-60 min by transit). When I had my consultant from KorVia look over my application, she informed me that Incheon only had 10 open positions. Due to that number I chose to apply for Seoul instead. There was more of a chance that I would get that placement since Seoul had more competition for positions but there were also more positions to be filled. If you have your heart set on a city, go for it. If not, go for strategy. Fill out the EPIK-Seoul attachment if you chose Seoul. Straightforward, not tips or tricks there.
#14 Medical Assessment. This is normal for Korea. Be honest but if it is something that no longer affects you, you do not have to mention it. Psychological health isn't understood as much in Korea and things like counselling or therapy sessions that are completely normal here are kind of a red flag there. As for asking for your general health, they want to make sure they have an applicant that won't have to take extra sick days or will be out of commission often. And asking for weight, I could be wrong but weight is associated with health in Korea. Again don't lie but rounding down if you are heavy won't hurt anyone.
Paperwork:
Before you start getting all your documents in order, here are some notes.
- 2 copies of your filled out application forms
- 1 passport sized photo paper clipped to your application (Professional attire and white background) [$20/6 photos]
- 1 sealed transcript from your university (one from each university you attended if you transferred) [$17 for 2]
- 2 original recommendation letters and photocopy of each
- 2 copies of of your passport information
- University Degree and Criminal Record Check notarized by a public notary [$50 for both doc] and final notarization by Korean Consulate [$8 for both] and photocopy of all pages of each document (photocopy and original of the CBC get stapled together)
Before you start getting all your documents in order, here are some notes.
- You will need passport photos for your VISA application and a residency card when you get to Korea. I got a couple extra just in case.
- You should get at least 2 transcripts from your school because the Korean Consulate needs to have one as well to notarize your degree.
- I did everything in person with the consulate and it took less than 30 min. Bring your notarized documents, your passport and a photocopy of your passport as well as cash for the payment. Their address is 1090 W Georgia, Suite 1600, Vancouver, BC. Call 604.681.9581 if you have questions. You will likely be put on hold since there are 3 people in the office.
- When you are making copies of your notarized items, make another copy for the Korean Consulate when you do the VISA process or else you will need another official transcript which will cost you more money.