Korean Job Discussion Forums

sheisaeval · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Location: anseong, korea

So we applied to EPIK through an recruiter but didn't get placed in the locations we wanted. Since we had already gone through the EPIK interview and placement I'm not sure if we can try again with another recruiter or direct to see if we can get placed in a better location?

Or, we're thinking about GEPIK, SMOE, GPIG if we can't redo EPIK. I did the online app on the GEPIK website, how long will someone get back to me?

For SMOE, on the app I've read that non-married couples prob won't get housing together - we're engaged right now, would that help any? Or if we said we're married, would they ask to check our certificate?

EPIG - couldn't find a site or link for this program, can anyone give me contact details for this program?

We're looking to apply for the March start date.

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

For EPIK you are locked in with the recruiter you used. It is their rule. If you pursue a job with EPIK you have to continue with this. Sorry to bear bad news.

Subsequently, if you decide you want to switch locations after a year with EPIK etc... you have to do it yoursef as you can nolonger use a recruiter after your original entry......

jadarite · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 3:15 pm Post subject:

Sounds like the military, and you are voluntarily getting drafted. Can't back down after you sign away in blind faith that they will get you the location you want.

oldtactics · Joined: 18 Oct 2008

I'm not trying to stir the pot here, but I'm not sure that EPIK rule is strict if you're applying to a completely different province - It might be worth emailing another recruiter (or EPIK themselves) to inquire about whether you have any options at this point. Can't hurt to ask.

jadarite · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 4:12 pm Post subject:

Plus, what if they fill the job with someone else? Wait a month and go to the same recruiter.

sheisaeval · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Location: anseong, korea

If it makes any difference, we did the EPIK interview and got the job offer email, but we didn't send any other forms to them, didn't sign any contracts, or get any visa info, so we aren't technically signed in with EPIK or anything right now.

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

There are public school jobs available through recruiters that aren't a part of EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE, etc. Gangwon-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanam-do, Gwangju, Busan, and probably others operate on their own outside of those programs. (There are jobs in some of these places through EPIK, but why bother? Seems like such a shitty program) You'll see advertisements on various job boards, or just run google searches to see what recruiters handle these areas and apply to them.

sheisaeval · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Location: anseong, korea

jadarite · Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 10:56 pm Post subject:

I signed a contract through a recruiter which says GEPIK on it and has everything other GEPIK teachers talk about, but for some reason my school is telling me that I don't work through GEPIK and that I have a private arrangement with the principal. I don't teach out of the books, so there might be some validity to it. I am not at the point where I need to test the waters, so I am not making an issue of it.

I think you should find a school you want to work with, mostly likely through a recruiter, and then see if you get declined because you were going through another recruiter.

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

You'd think that with this nightmarish exchange rate and the fact that EPIK has SO MANY OPENINGS that EPIK would be especially accomodating for something simple like location.

OP, don't accept ANYTHING unless it's what YOU want. YOU are in the driver's seat.

Oh, and never trust a recruiter.

EzeWong · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Location: Seoul

If you rock the boat enough, EPIK can and will accomodate the place you really want.

I knew plenty of people during orientation that did this and some who outright refused to work unless they were relocated. One guy in fact, was stuck on some remote island somewhere when he asked for a city. He told them nicely and assertively that he would leave if EPIK didn't change his location.

What I would do, is talk to your recruiter first. Let them know this is a high priority for you. And that the alternative is that you would outright refuse to sign with EPIK if isn't the place of your choice. With that kind of ultimatium, the recruiter will talk to EPIK to get you relocated (That's a $1000 you're worth to them). If your recruiter fails, then talk to EPIK yourself. They are very personable people and nothing is written in stone.