27 minutes in and I'm laughing my butt off! I'm sorry that happened, but it's a funny story to tell. Thanks so much for the video, it's so helpful. I'll be applying in a few weeks.
I guess im randomly asking but does anyone know a tool to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost the account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me
@Gannon Jamir i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out now. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
I noticed that in your example lesson plans (The TALK one) and some other ones I have found online as well for EPIK ... there are no "previous class" sections, however; EPIK's format DOES require a previous class section. How do you recommend to do this. I am doing my lesson plan for the application on Daily Routines. I am wondering what a hypothetical advanced elementary class that I teach would have learned the previous lesson to a lesson about talking about one's daily routine.
I have a question about the letter of reccomendation. I understand they need an ink signature ultimately, but when you first put in your application online do they accept a PDF of the letter, unsigned, then when you go to send in your final paperwork, it is not until then they need an ink signature? I was told an electronic signature won't be accepted but how else to you signa PDF? Are they expecting no signature on the PDF version?
I really enjoyed watching your video! I’m in the process of gathering all of the initial documents for the fall 2021 application. I have a question regarding the letters of recommendation. I’ve previously worked as a tutor with 2 middle school teachers and I’d like for them to write me the letters since they’ve seen me worked with students in their classes. Do you think those letters will be acceptable?
Hi! glad the video helped you with the process of applying for epik :) as far as I know, you should be able to get the recommendations from those teachers because it sounds like you worked alongside them as a sort of co-teacher and epik accepts rec. letters from co-teachers!
All interviews from what I've heard and experienced are done through zoom :) I'm not sure about how they contact references. I know if you are transferring and already live in Korea, they contact them by phone but I would assume if you live abroad and if they choose to contact them it would be through email. But, again, not sure about that!
I taught in EPIK from 2006-2011, I worked in 2 rural middle schools. I maxed out at W2.7 million because I had an MS Ed, the won/$ ratio was pretty good then. For the most part, I really enjoyed it. There are times that I really miss it.
Hi Katherine. I’m applying for the Fall 2020 intake. I’m having a hard time with my lesson plan. I’ve looked at different sources and stuff, but I’m just so unsure. I’m just mostly nervous about my lesson plan. Would you be willing to send me your lesson plan just so I could use it as a guide? Thanks much !
hi Aspyn! I can definitely relate to being unsure about the lesson plan submission. I was asked to make a few changes to mine during the interview so I'm not confident mine would be very helpful to you...A current EPIK teacher with the channel called "Teaching in Korea with Korean Ollie" did a whole video going over the lesson plan he submitted so you can get a better idea from his example! I would recommend to start with choosing a topic you really enjoy (I chose traveling) and then decide on the key words/phrases you want to focus on related to your topic (I used weather terms and outside activities). My lesson plan involved an information gap activity with the topic of traveling around the world. To summarize it shortly, I introduced the idea of traveling with lots of pictures of different cities to pair with basic words, then did a little demonstration using the key vocabulary and phrases, and then ended the lesson with a game in which each student got an uncompleted chart and they had to go around and ask other students for answers to fill in their chart. Mine was a bit too complicated, so I'd say the more simple the better.
18:55 - Katherine, is it possible to use whatever the FBI channeler sends you via your email in the future for other job applications such as other TEFL opportunities abroad or is it a one-time security-enabled PDF document type of thing? It would be great to only have to get my CRC once and be able to use it for several applications.
Heyy! When you say you don't send your actual degree to be apostilled, you mean we can literally photocopy it like from a photocopier and send that to be apostilled? Just want to clarify! Thanks :)
I'm not sure if you will have the answer for this, but I want to apply for Fall 2022 EPIK early March. However, I won't have my diploma until mid to late May (because that's when I graduate.) Does that affect my chances of getting placed even if I pass the initial interview? And how quickly do they need the forms after the interview? Cause I could apply and interview in March/April. Then send the final forms in May.
Hi! You don't need your official diploma until required documents are asked for so you shouldn't have a problem with the initial application and interview process. It also shouldn't interfere with your chances of getting placed! If I remember correctly, for those who haven't yet graduated in the initial online application they will just ask when you plan on graduating to make sure it's before you leave for Korea. After passing the initial application and the interview, you will have most of the summer to submit your required documents! If you get your diploma in May or even June, you'll still have all of July to submit your documents! Hope this helps and good luck :)
10:35 - Do you think it would be kosher for me to use my green screen that I use for online teaching as my background for the interview to block out lamps and furniture ....? ... or would that be weird?
Hello! I actually did my TEFL course back in October 2019 before the world turned upside down with the pandemic...but regardless I chose to do an online course that had no in class practicum. If you’re looking for an in person TEFL course I’m not sure if there are any companies currently doing them and/or where. But the ones online are still going on! I got my certificate through a company called International TEFL and TESOL Training and you can just google that and their website should pop up. Back when I applied, they were doing in class TEFL courses as well but not sure if they still are. Hope that helps :)
@@walsh_ekatherine I found the one you linked to be a cheaper option to the one I was looking at which I’m so glad I found you for!!! But EPIK doesn’t require your TEFL certificate to have practicum hours? Say 20+? Also thank you sm!
@@Emma-ex4iu Nope, EPIK doesn't require any in class practicum for your TEFL certificate! Unless you specifically want to apply to work in Busan, then you have to have at least 50hr of in class practicum with your TEFL certificate but that's the only exception :)
How much time in advance did you start gathering all of the documents/everything to apply? I want to apply fall 2021 so should I start getting my stuff together in the next few months?
I started late and began collecting everything about 3 months before leaving but I would say start gathering things at the most 5-6 months before August if you want to apply for fall 2021 :) So maybe starting in March 2021
20:00 - What about ordering it on University Registrar's website or whatever entity one does that from depending on their country of origin and University and have it sent directly to EPIK instead of sent to onesself?
I am filling out the application right now for Spring 2021 and I have two questions: 1) Under "placement preference," it reads "select your preferred location." However, I wonder if that turns them off and there is an option to select "Flexible" instead of a specific city. I do want to have a preference but that does not mean that I am not flexible. Do you get me? I feel like there is something lost in translation on the EPIK side and the applicant side. Please advise. 2) Under "Start Preference," it reads "The majority of the positions are in February. Late intake positions start in March and April. Select your preference. However, below that, in the drop down menu, there are options such as "February Only." ..... Well, how is it a preference if I am selecting something that literally has the word only in it. That is not a preference. That is a selection. I do have a preference of February over March or April but I am open to all start dates. Please advise!
1) When I applied, I was able to select "flexible" since I had no preference. However, most people I talk to that came here through EPIK put down a preferred location. From my understanding, having a preference won't turn them off from hiring you. If you have an interview with them, they will talk about your placement preference just to clarify that you'll be okay with anything they can offer you. A lot of applicants only want specific cities (usually Seoul or Busan) and if they don't get that placement they drop out. So if you have a preference definitely put that on your application and when you have the interview you can clarify that you are also flexible with whatever they can give you. By doing this, they'll try to give you your preference but if they can't they know you will accept working in a difference city/province. 2) The start preference is a little more strict than the placement preference. If you choose "February only" then you can only get accepted for that start time. They won't place you in the late March/April intake unless you specifically tell them during the interview when they go over that section that you'd prefer starting in February however if that's not possible then you are okay with starting late. So just choose what intake you would prefer to start in and then clarify if you're flexible or not with start time during the interview. Good luck!
@@walsh_ekatherine You're awesome Katherine Walsh! Thank you. Now to submit. I hope I did not spend too much time on essays and lesson plan and now submitting 6 weeks after portal was opened. Now to start preparing for interviews!
3:25 - I think they asked me in my application for Spring 2021 term for it to be in JPEG or PNG format since it is an image but I guess it could have been different for you last year.
Hi! Sorry for asking, but do you think sending the documents mid-May would be acceptable for the Fall/August intake? 😅I was just wondering because I heard from Monument Visa today that due to the virus it's averaging 15 days for them to get diplomas apostilled and another 3-4 to ship them back to me and I'm kind of worried
for sure that should be fine! it might lessen your chances of getting a specific placement but EPIK will definitely accept them :) I submitted my documents a month before leaving so if you send them mid may you'll still have plenty of time.
@@walsh_ekatherine Oh thank you! 🙏 I've been in a mini-panic since they told me it would take a while! Haha, I'd be sad if I don't get into my preferred placement but I won't be like destroyed, guess it helps that many might be on the same boat as me 😅
What did you put for available interview times? Should I just copy and paste their interview times that they list on the application as my available interview start times....? "Mon to Fri from 09:00-17:00"
I can't remember what I put down for my interview time but just remember the time slot they provide (9:00-17:00) is in Korean Standard Time so you'll have to convert that into your time zone. My interview was at 9:30am for them but 20:30 for me. If you're available for that entire time lot, then you can go ahead and copy that.
26:15 - I am so invested in this story right now as I listen. Ah geeeze I am sorry that you had to go thru that Katherine. Not to rub salt in a wound, but couldn't you just use the copies you had made, make an additional copy of everything so you still would have copies, and then mail a second package by private courier...?
How far in advance should I apply? I plan to take the TEFL abroad in October. So I would like to teach Spring 2021. Do you think that would be too short of a time frame with visa and all that?
For your visa, if you're only away in October then it should be fine as long as you come back to apply and get your visa by mid January 2022. You'll have to wait for epik to send you certain documents from Korea to get your visa anyways and they usually only do that once you've been given a placement which is sometime between December and January. However, you should do the initial epik application at least before you leave (so anytime between Aug-Sept). You can still apply for epik without having completed a tefl certification program. You'll just have to give them a date of when you'll get your certificate but other than that, you should be good :)
Can the reference letter be from the same employer but two different managers? I’ve lost touch with all of my teachers from university since I graduated a couple years ago :(
I have a quick question! So I had my final transcripts sent to my house, and the way my University sealed it is by some scotch tape 😑 is this proper? And should I just have them send it straight to them if needed or do I need the send the “scotch tape” sealed copy that I have? I haven’t opened it obviously so it’s still sealed by that wonderful scotch tape
haha got to love that scotch tape, but you should be okay since you didn't open it! My transcripts weren't sent in anything fancy and I think they just used glue. As long as your envelope has no tearing, EPIK should accept it :) so I'd just send it together with all your other documents!
don't worry too much! Most people get their placement info in early to mid jan so you should be finding out any time now :) I got my placement email on jan 6th
I have a couple questions you may or may not have answers to: 1) Taking a picture of your tattoos is a little off-putting. I have one VERY small 2 inch tattoo on my lower hip below the panty-line and having to take a picture of that seems kinda invasive to me. How do they handle it? Is it a up close shot and you say it’s a covered area or can be covered? 2) I grew up in the military and moved around schools all the way up until middle school, I can’t remember where and when prior to 5th grade because the moves were frequent. Have you heard of anyone in that situation and how they were able to access any possible records on dates and schools? I know all the schools I’ve gone to have been public schools.
Yeah, it does seem quite invasive. I don't have any tattoos so I can't speak from experience but some of my friends that are teaching with EPIK do. They had to take close up shots of all their tattoos (you don't have to show where it's located in the picture, EPIK just wants to see the contents of the design I guess) and then they just included a short description of where it's located on their body. Since you have one that can be easily covered, I don't think you'll have any further questions or problems regarding it :) For the school list, I also moved around a lot during elementary school because of the military and couldn't remember the dates and such. I'm not sure about anyone else who had this issue. EPIK doesn't seem too detail oriented with this part of the application. They just want to see if you had schooling in English countries or at least schools that taught in English. You will need to figure out the school names, cities, states, and years for each grade. I had to research some of the schools online to remember, so it might take some time. And if you really can't find exact names, years, locations etc, you can just write that on your application and explain it during your interview if they ask. The main point for that is they want applicants who have been taught in English for the majority of their schooling years and if you have always lived in a native English speaking country you won't necessarily have to prove where you went to school.
I was wondering you said you didn't go with an agency and just to EPIK would it have made a difference if I were to go with an agency like is it necessary or maybe just helpful? I don't know it's just I've always heard of going through an agency I thought that was the thing you had to do I'm just wondering now 😂😊
I honestly thought most people just applied directly to EPIK and going through an agency was a rare thing. But most of the people I've met here went through some sort of agency haha so I guess I was the odd one. From what I know, going through an agency doesn't make a big difference and isn't necessary. They are just there to help you through the application process. If you feel comfortable just directly applying, I'd do that so you won't have to waste time on working with an agency. But if think you'll need help with organizing the process, applying through an agency can help you with that! No matter what you choose to do, you end up having to do the same amount of work so it's really just a personal preference :) hope that helps!
@@walsh_ekatherine ohh thank you so much haha I always thought it was through an agency but now I'll just be more comfortable applying directly through EPIK because I heard sometimes an agency may not be legit and I don't have the chance to run into that issue thank you for responding!! 😊😊
You may need to get your diploma notarized AND apostilled depending on what state you live in (or maybe any state). I had to get a notarized copy first and then send it to the Minnesota Secretary of State for the apostille.
3:45 - I would argue that the shortness (400 word maximum) of the essays makes it much more difficult and therefore, one must spend much more time refining their points. I probably spent way too long on my essays though lol.
21:35 - Yea ... I've lived in many foregone countries as an American and three things that I can say with absolutel confidence are: 1) Don't ever use a government institution if you don't have to 2) Employees of the post office or of private logistics companies in the USA don't know anything about anything foreign so they often will make grave errors for shipping something internationally 3) DHL over FedEx or UPS - I have horror stories and have heard validating and affirming horror stories from others about the second two as well.
@@itbelikethat4781 DHL International GmbH is a German courier, parcel, and express mail service which is a division of the German logistics company Deutsche Post DHL. The company delivers over 1.3 billion parcels per year.
@@itbelikethat4781 I would say that it is the largest (based on volume of shipments) and most reliable International Shipper and of course any company that is German versus based in Memphis, Tennessee (FedEX), or Atlanta, Georgia (UPS) is going to be more efficient and reliable. Just saying .. I am American and from Atlanta, GA so not hatin' ....
27 minutes in and I'm laughing my butt off! I'm sorry that happened, but it's a funny story to tell. Thanks so much for the video, it's so helpful. I'll be applying in a few weeks.
glad you enjoyed my horror story and won't make the same mistakes I did hahaha also good luck with the application! wish you all the best~
I guess im randomly asking but does anyone know a tool to log back into an instagram account?
I stupidly lost the account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me
@Ricky Johnny instablaster :)
@Gannon Jamir i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out now.
Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
@Gannon Jamir it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy!
Thank you so much you really help me out!
I noticed that in your example lesson plans (The TALK one) and some other ones I have found online as well for EPIK ... there are no "previous class" sections, however; EPIK's format DOES require a previous class section. How do you recommend to do this. I am doing my lesson plan for the application on Daily Routines. I am wondering what a hypothetical advanced elementary class that I teach would have learned the previous lesson to a lesson about talking about one's daily routine.
I have a question about the letter of reccomendation. I understand they need an ink signature ultimately, but when you first put in your application online do they accept a PDF of the letter, unsigned, then when you go to send in your final paperwork, it is not until then they need an ink signature? I was told an electronic signature won't be accepted but how else to you signa PDF? Are they expecting no signature on the PDF version?
I really enjoyed watching your video! I’m in the process of gathering all of the initial documents for the fall 2021 application. I have a question regarding the letters of recommendation. I’ve previously worked as a tutor with 2 middle school teachers and I’d like for them to write me the letters since they’ve seen me worked with students in their classes. Do you think those letters will be acceptable?
Hi! glad the video helped you with the process of applying for epik :) as far as I know, you should be able to get the recommendations from those teachers because it sounds like you worked alongside them as a sort of co-teacher and epik accepts rec. letters from co-teachers!
@@walsh_ekatherine thank you for the response, I also think the same as you.. but I emailed Epik just to be completely sure they can accept them 😊
@@iselacruz232 good idea haha hope they reply and say it’s okay!
Thanks for the video! Was the interview over Zoom or phone call? Did they also directly contact your references through phone or e-mail?
All interviews from what I've heard and experienced are done through zoom :) I'm not sure about how they contact references. I know if you are transferring and already live in Korea, they contact them by phone but I would assume if you live abroad and if they choose to contact them it would be through email. But, again, not sure about that!
I taught in EPIK from 2006-2011, I worked in 2 rural middle schools. I maxed out at W2.7 million because I had an MS Ed, the won/$ ratio was pretty good then. For the most part, I really enjoyed it. There are times that I really miss it.
Hi Katherine.
I’m applying for the Fall 2020 intake. I’m having a hard time with my lesson plan. I’ve looked at different sources and stuff, but I’m just so unsure. I’m just mostly nervous about my lesson plan. Would you be willing to send me your lesson plan just so I could use it as a guide? Thanks much !
hi Aspyn!
I can definitely relate to being unsure about the lesson plan submission. I was asked to make a few changes to mine during the interview so I'm not confident mine would be very helpful to you...A current EPIK teacher with the channel called "Teaching in Korea with Korean Ollie" did a whole video going over the lesson plan he submitted so you can get a better idea from his example! I would recommend to start with choosing a topic you really enjoy (I chose traveling) and then decide on the key words/phrases you want to focus on related to your topic (I used weather terms and outside activities). My lesson plan involved an information gap activity with the topic of traveling around the world. To summarize it shortly, I introduced the idea of traveling with lots of pictures of different cities to pair with basic words, then did a little demonstration using the key vocabulary and phrases, and then ended the lesson with a game in which each student got an uncompleted chart and they had to go around and ask other students for answers to fill in their chart. Mine was a bit too complicated, so I'd say the more simple the better.
18:55 - Katherine, is it possible to use whatever the FBI channeler sends you via your email in the future for other job applications such as other TEFL opportunities abroad or is it a one-time security-enabled PDF document type of thing? It would be great to only have to get my CRC once and be able to use it for several applications.
Heyy! When you say you don't send your actual degree to be apostilled, you mean we can literally photocopy it like from a photocopier and send that to be apostilled? Just want to clarify! Thanks :)
Hi! Sorry for the late reply but yes you’re correct! Just send a clear scan or photocopy of your entire degree and they can apostille that :)
@@walsh_ekatherine thank you!!
I'm not sure if you will have the answer for this, but I want to apply for Fall 2022 EPIK early March. However, I won't have my diploma until mid to late May (because that's when I graduate.) Does that affect my chances of getting placed even if I pass the initial interview? And how quickly do they need the forms after the interview? Cause I could apply and interview in March/April. Then send the final forms in May.
Hi! You don't need your official diploma until required documents are asked for so you shouldn't have a problem with the initial application and interview process. It also shouldn't interfere with your chances of getting placed! If I remember correctly, for those who haven't yet graduated in the initial online application they will just ask when you plan on graduating to make sure it's before you leave for Korea. After passing the initial application and the interview, you will have most of the summer to submit your required documents! If you get your diploma in May or even June, you'll still have all of July to submit your documents! Hope this helps and good luck :)
@@walsh_ekatherine thank you so much!!!
Wonderful video Katherine! I love it. Keep making them. You are awesome. Thank you so much as it was so helpful and so thorough.
How many times have you commented on this video?
10:35 - Do you think it would be kosher for me to use my green screen that I use for online teaching as my background for the interview to block out lamps and furniture ....? ... or would that be weird?
Hi! i was wondering what TEFL course did you select due to the pandemic and not being able to do practicums in classrooms or in person?
Hello!
I actually did my TEFL course back in October 2019 before the world turned upside down with the pandemic...but regardless I chose to do an online course that had no in class practicum. If you’re looking for an in person TEFL course I’m not sure if there are any companies currently doing them and/or where. But the ones online are still going on! I got my certificate through a company called International TEFL and TESOL Training and you can just google that and their website should pop up. Back when I applied, they were doing in class TEFL courses as well but not sure if they still are. Hope that helps :)
@@walsh_ekatherine I found the one you linked to be a cheaper option to the one I was looking at which I’m so glad I found you for!!! But EPIK doesn’t require your TEFL certificate to have practicum hours? Say 20+? Also thank you sm!
@@Emma-ex4iu Nope, EPIK doesn't require any in class practicum for your TEFL certificate! Unless you specifically want to apply to work in Busan, then you have to have at least 50hr of in class practicum with your TEFL certificate but that's the only exception :)
@@walsh_ekatherine Awesome. Thank you sm this was super helpful :)
How much time in advance did you start gathering all of the documents/everything to apply? I want to apply fall 2021 so should I start getting my stuff together in the next few months?
I started late and began collecting everything about 3 months before leaving but I would say start gathering things at the most 5-6 months before August if you want to apply for fall 2021 :) So maybe starting in March 2021
18:55 - So we do not need to get a physical mailed to us from the FBI channeler....? The electronic version is just as good ...?
What is it like teaching in S Korea during the Covid-19 pandemic please?
20:00 - What about ordering it on University Registrar's website or whatever entity one does that from depending on their country of origin and University and have it sent directly to EPIK instead of sent to onesself?
I am filling out the application right now for Spring 2021 and I have two questions:
1) Under "placement preference," it reads "select your preferred location." However, I wonder if that turns them off and there is an option to select "Flexible" instead of a specific city. I do want to have a preference but that does not mean that I am not flexible. Do you get me? I feel like there is something lost in translation on the EPIK side and the applicant side. Please advise.
2) Under "Start Preference," it reads "The majority of the positions are in February. Late intake positions start in March and April. Select your preference. However, below that, in the drop down menu, there are options such as "February Only." ..... Well, how is it a preference if I am selecting something that literally has the word only in it. That is not a preference. That is a selection. I do have a preference of February over March or April but I am open to all start dates. Please advise!
1) When I applied, I was able to select "flexible" since I had no preference. However, most people I talk to that came here through EPIK put down a preferred location. From my understanding, having a preference won't turn them off from hiring you. If you have an interview with them, they will talk about your placement preference just to clarify that you'll be okay with anything they can offer you. A lot of applicants only want specific cities (usually Seoul or Busan) and if they don't get that placement they drop out. So if you have a preference definitely put that on your application and when you have the interview you can clarify that you are also flexible with whatever they can give you. By doing this, they'll try to give you your preference but if they can't they know you will accept working in a difference city/province.
2) The start preference is a little more strict than the placement preference. If you choose "February only" then you can only get accepted for that start time. They won't place you in the late March/April intake unless you specifically tell them during the interview when they go over that section that you'd prefer starting in February however if that's not possible then you are okay with starting late. So just choose what intake you would prefer to start in and then clarify if you're flexible or not with start time during the interview.
Good luck!
@@walsh_ekatherine You're awesome Katherine Walsh! Thank you. Now to submit. I hope I did not spend too much time on essays and lesson plan and now submitting 6 weeks after portal was opened. Now to start preparing for interviews!
3:25 - I think they asked me in my application for Spring 2021 term for it to be in JPEG or PNG format since it is an image but I guess it could have been different for you last year.
Hi! Sorry for asking, but do you think sending the documents mid-May would be acceptable for the Fall/August intake? 😅I was just wondering because I heard from Monument Visa today that due to the virus it's averaging 15 days for them to get diplomas apostilled and another 3-4 to ship them back to me and I'm kind of worried
for sure that should be fine! it might lessen your chances of getting a specific placement but EPIK will definitely accept them :) I submitted my documents a month before leaving so if you send them mid may you'll still have plenty of time.
@@walsh_ekatherine Oh thank you! 🙏 I've been in a mini-panic since they told me it would take a while! Haha, I'd be sad if I don't get into my preferred placement but I won't be like destroyed, guess it helps that many might be on the same boat as me 😅
What did you put for available interview times? Should I just copy and paste their interview times that they list on the application as my available interview start times....?
"Mon to Fri from 09:00-17:00"
I can't remember what I put down for my interview time but just remember the time slot they provide (9:00-17:00) is in Korean Standard Time so you'll have to convert that into your time zone. My interview was at 9:30am for them but 20:30 for me. If you're available for that entire time lot, then you can go ahead and copy that.
26:15 - I am so invested in this story right now as I listen. Ah geeeze I am sorry that you had to go thru that Katherine. Not to rub salt in a wound, but couldn't you just use the copies you had made, make an additional copy of everything so you still would have copies, and then mail a second package by private courier...?
How far in advance should I apply? I plan to take the TEFL abroad in October. So I would like to teach Spring 2021. Do you think that would be too short of a time frame with visa and all that?
***spring 2022 oops
For your visa, if you're only away in October then it should be fine as long as you come back to apply and get your visa by mid January 2022. You'll have to wait for epik to send you certain documents from Korea to get your visa anyways and they usually only do that once you've been given a placement which is sometime between December and January. However, you should do the initial epik application at least before you leave (so anytime between Aug-Sept). You can still apply for epik without having completed a tefl certification program. You'll just have to give them a date of when you'll get your certificate but other than that, you should be good :)
12:40 - What do you mean by "they are going to give us suggestions on how to 'fix it'?" You mean on how to improve our application...?
Hello there, I was wondering if piercings are okay for the EPIK program? I have double cartilage piercings on both ears.
Hello! Piercings are usually okay, especially if on the ears :) I also have a few cartilage piercings and I had no issues with them.
@@walsh_ekatherine thank you for responding! :)
Can the reference letter be from the same employer but two different managers? I’ve lost touch with all of my teachers from university since I graduated a couple years ago :(
Yup it should be okay as long as they’re both managers :)
i might've missed this but where was your placement?
don't know yet, but I'll be in the Jeonbuk province!
Great video Katherine!
I have a quick question! So I had my final transcripts sent to my house, and the way my University sealed it is by some scotch tape 😑 is this proper? And should I just have them send it straight to them if needed or do I need the send the “scotch tape” sealed copy that I have? I haven’t opened it obviously so it’s still sealed by that wonderful scotch tape
haha got to love that scotch tape, but you should be okay since you didn't open it! My transcripts weren't sent in anything fancy and I think they just used glue. As long as your envelope has no tearing, EPIK should accept it :) so I'd just send it together with all your other documents!
Katherine Walsh thank you so much!
What date did you receive your placement? My documents were received on 23rd of November but im still waiting on Jan 3rd :( I hope it's soon
don't worry too much! Most people get their placement info in early to mid jan so you should be finding out any time now :) I got my placement email on jan 6th
@@walsh_ekatherine I really hope so :( I love your videos by the way, I remember watching this back in June when I was considering applying haha.
@@zzirGrizz00l awww thanks for watching :) and so happy to hear you've applied! wishing you all the best and hoping you'll get your placement soon
I have a couple questions you may or may not have answers to: 1) Taking a picture of your tattoos is a little off-putting. I have one VERY small 2 inch tattoo on my lower hip below the panty-line and having to take a picture of that seems kinda invasive to me. How do they handle it? Is it a up close shot and you say it’s a covered area or can be covered? 2) I grew up in the military and moved around schools all the way up until middle school, I can’t remember where and when prior to 5th grade because the moves were frequent. Have you heard of anyone in that situation and how they were able to access any possible records on dates and schools? I know all the schools I’ve gone to have been public schools.
Yeah, it does seem quite invasive. I don't have any tattoos so I can't speak from experience but some of my friends that are teaching with EPIK do. They had to take close up shots of all their tattoos (you don't have to show where it's located in the picture, EPIK just wants to see the contents of the design I guess) and then they just included a short description of where it's located on their body. Since you have one that can be easily covered, I don't think you'll have any further questions or problems regarding it :) For the school list, I also moved around a lot during elementary school because of the military and couldn't remember the dates and such. I'm not sure about anyone else who had this issue. EPIK doesn't seem too detail oriented with this part of the application. They just want to see if you had schooling in English countries or at least schools that taught in English. You will need to figure out the school names, cities, states, and years for each grade. I had to research some of the schools online to remember, so it might take some time. And if you really can't find exact names, years, locations etc, you can just write that on your application and explain it during your interview if they ask. The main point for that is they want applicants who have been taught in English for the majority of their schooling years and if you have always lived in a native English speaking country you won't necessarily have to prove where you went to school.
They are never going to see that so I wouldn't bother taking a picture of it. It's not like you're going to have to do a strip search.
I was wondering you said you didn't go with an agency and just to EPIK would it have made a difference if I were to go with an agency like is it necessary or maybe just helpful? I don't know it's just I've always heard of going through an agency I thought that was the thing you had to do I'm just wondering now 😂😊
I honestly thought most people just applied directly to EPIK and going through an agency was a rare thing. But most of the people I've met here went through some sort of agency haha so I guess I was the odd one. From what I know, going through an agency doesn't make a big difference and isn't necessary. They are just there to help you through the application process. If you feel comfortable just directly applying, I'd do that so you won't have to waste time on working with an agency. But if think you'll need help with organizing the process, applying through an agency can help you with that! No matter what you choose to do, you end up having to do the same amount of work so it's really just a personal preference :) hope that helps!
@@walsh_ekatherine ohh thank you so much haha I always thought it was through an agency but now I'll just be more comfortable applying directly through EPIK because I heard sometimes an agency may not be legit and I don't have the chance to run into that issue thank you for responding!! 😊😊
Please read my story...I work at a university and am free...9 hours a week and 6 months paid vacation!
I have a question do you know if you need to have your BA when you apply ? Lets say you apply Feb and graduate in May will that work ?
You can still be in school when applying for EPIK :) the only requirement is that your graduation date is before you leave for Korea
So if you apply in Feb for the Fall intake (Aug) and graduate in May, you’re good 👍
@@walsh_ekatherine Thank you SO much for the reply. This is really helpful ! I'm definitely applying then :)
No worries and good luck! ☺️
Is apostle like notarized?
Yup! It basically just means getting the document notarized
You may need to get your diploma notarized AND apostilled depending on what state you live in (or maybe any state). I had to get a notarized copy first and then send it to the Minnesota Secretary of State for the apostille.
Mariah Colby gheesh!
3:45 - I would argue that the shortness (400 word maximum) of the essays makes it much more difficult and therefore, one must spend much more time refining their points. I probably spent way too long on my essays though lol.
21:35 - Yea ... I've lived in many foregone countries as an American and three things that I can say with absolutel confidence are:
1) Don't ever use a government institution if you don't have to
2) Employees of the post office or of private logistics companies in the USA don't know anything about anything foreign so they often will make grave errors for shipping something internationally
3) DHL over FedEx or UPS - I have horror stories and have heard validating and affirming horror stories from others about the second two as well.
what is DHL?
@@itbelikethat4781 DHL International GmbH is a German courier, parcel, and express mail service which is a division of the German logistics company Deutsche Post DHL. The company delivers over 1.3 billion parcels per year.
@@itbelikethat4781 I would say that it is the largest (based on volume of shipments) and most reliable International Shipper and of course any company that is German versus based in Memphis, Tennessee (FedEX), or Atlanta, Georgia (UPS) is going to be more efficient and reliable. Just saying .. I am American and from Atlanta, GA so not hatin' ....
@@itbelikethat4781 www.dhl.com/global-en/home/about-us.html
Should i have a masters or a bachelors degree when applying? Do i have to have a bachelors?
You are not required to have a masters, but it is required to at least have a bachelors degree before applying.
For the letter of recommendation can i get it from my highschool teacher becquse i plan on taking online classes in collage
Unfortunately, I don't think so. On their website, EPIK says you can get a recommendation only from post-high school teachers/professors. :(
14:00 - LMAO 😂😂 "Ummm, ye, no!" I love you Katherine, your hilarious! That had me laughing so hard.
Do they pay for your flight?
Yes, within the first month of being in Korea EPIK gives you an entrance allowance of 1.3 mil KRW and most people use that to cover their flight cost.
This is so helpful ty so much for posting it!!!!!!!
no prob! glad it helps :)
Love your story, haven't like that much in awhile lmao
Lol glad it made you smile~
Monument Visa is really good for Apostilling.
It sounds exactly how it is spelled ;) Apostle (the first thing you said) is like the apostles from the bible.
You poor thing hahahaha north korea