Korean Job Discussion Forums

peachgaru · Joined: 12 Apr 2007

Did any of your hagwons request that you send yr original diploma in order to recieve yr visa? Why can't I send a copy? I'm afraid that my original might get lost in the mail or damaged....

CoDeReBeL · Joined: 04 May 2007

Apparently you can send a copy if it's notarized by a Korean consulate. I've been told that that takes 2 days and you'll have to have an official copy of your transcripts when you go to the consulate to get the copy notarized.

Personally, I never got a copy of my diploma when I did graduate and I've survived for 10 years without one, so I'm just going to send the original and order a duplicate later if I need one.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

OP- No. Handle it yourself through the Korean embassy or consulate nearest to you. If the hogwan objects to that, then something fishy is going on. Remember, if you are uncomfortable with ANYTHING, you can always back out. There are plenty of other hogwans and, of course, public schools in Korea that need teachers.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

It'd be ok to send original as long as you have more original copies of degree made from your university. It eliminates trip to K-embassy to get it notorized.

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

If you do choose to go the route of notarization, I suggest you get a couple copies, as immigration will keep your notarized copy for processing your visa, and you will need yet another for to register with the board of Education. Furthermore, if things don't go as planned, you would have extra copies on hand should you move on.

Ced · Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Location: Korea

Those things cost like $40, why are you so concerned? Don't be a cheapskate

willneverteachagain · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

do not send original

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

I sent my original (well, my second original since I lost my original original) and got it back from the school when I asked for it. It didn't really matter if they kept it since it only costs me $10 to get a new original.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

It's not really the cost of a new diploma so much as the hassle of replacing it, and having to wait for a replacement. OP- follow my advice. You can handle everything yourself.