Korean Job Discussion Forums

[luckbox2]

I have a question about this section on EPIK's application requirements:

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All applicants will be required to submit the following:

Completed application form (including two passport-size photos)
Personal essay
Personal medical assessment
Official medical report (must be submitted before interview)
Two recommendation letters
Original Diploma, Degree, Testamur (as appropriate)
Original sealed transcripts
Copy of passport photo-page
Criminal record check (Police check)
(If applicable) Teacher's certificate, TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate copies (100+ course hours)
(If applicable) Proof of teaching experience (full-time)
(For applicants of Korean heritage) Copy of citizenship or legal residency certificate(s)
(If English is not your first language) Proof of English education beginning from junior high school (transcripts or report cards from Grade 7)

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I understand Korean law now demands that ESL applicants produce an original university degree. I have my original, but don't feel comfortable throwing it in the mail, likely not to see it again. Obtaining a second original from my institution is a costly proposition so I want to avoid it if possible. Would it not suffice to send a photocopy with the application materials, adding that I will bring my original to the Interview in Canada or I can bring my original into the Korean Embassy for verification? How stringent is this rule?? Can they not simply call the records department of my university to confirm my graduation status - if they really had suspicions?

I've also learned from my university that they no longer send out "sealed" transcripts to third parties. They send me copies and I do what I want with them. So likewise, how strict is this rule in the EPIK application process?

Thanks.

[blunder1983]

I sent Incheon epik my original degree and they arent giving it back, they tell me they never had it which is a pathetic lie as they used it to get my visa. Basically they've lost it and dont wanna lose face. I strongly advise against bringing your original over.

[Ekuboko]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Don't give EPIK anything you can't afford to lose forever.

[denverdeath]

Make some copies of your degree and bring them or send them to the Korean embassy/consulate nearest you. They will stamp them "Certified True Copy of Original", and I think they also place some kind of sticker on them these days. Don't send your original. EDIT: You have to send or bring your original with you to the consulate or embassy, along with the photocopy/ies. I meant to not send your original to EPIK.

WRT the transcripts, have your uni send you them. Make sure that you instruct them to place each set in an individual envelope(you might want to get four sets in case you decide to stay longer than a year here and change jobs as you'll need to submit them to immigration again). Each envelope should have a seal/sticker across the back flap to verify that they've been unopened. You can then send EPIK the envelope in the larger envelope with your other docs.

[Jenia]

[dogshed]

I recommend getting 6 or 8 certified copies before you leave.

Here is something I wrote about what I did:

http://wiki.galbijim.com/Degree_Certification_%28reports%29