Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sheisaeval]

Two quick questions.

I can't find the contact info or a website of EPIG, can anyone give me a link or an email contact for the program?

Secondly, Ive applied to GEPIK through the
link here. When would they get back to me for the rest of the process, phone interviews, the GEPIK application, etc?

Thanks

[English Matt]

I wouldn't apply directly to GEPIK - they have such a small team dealing with all aspects of the programme that you'll wait forever before you hear from them.

Much better to use a recruiter and have daily contact with someone who can be your liaison with GEPIK and any potential schools. With a recruiter, not only will the process be a heck of a lot faster, you may also be able to get contact info for the last teacher the school had. You will certainly get a lot more information about the school and the town than you would waiting to get an offer from GEPIK itself - this will help inform your choice.

I would recommend ESL Planet - I used them to come here and found Walter (chap who deals with GEPIK placements) to be more than helpful. Even if you decide not to use their services, they'll be more than happy to help and give you the lowdown on how to proceed.

[The_Source]

[some waygug-in]

Here's the person to contact for the EPIG program.

Name: Ms.Hwang Young Ju
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 055-330-3177(Office)/010-5235-8129


EPIG = English Program in Gimhae (not just the city but the rural district as well)

[wylies99]

I hear good and bad things about EPIG. Specifics?

They expect you to travel pretty far for your job and want you to do a lot of extra work.

They also pay more for OT, in some situations. Expect to negotiate everything.

EPIGlets- don't flame me. I'm just passing on what I've heard from a couple of your teachers.

[sojusucks]

Try applying to SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education) too.

[sheisaeval]

[some waygug-in]

[wylies99]

Oh, I forgot to post that EPIG schools often expect foreign teachers to teach classes alone. Not good.

Whatever happened to that committee of foreign teachers that was disbanded by EPIG?

[some waygug-in]

Well, that depends again on the teacher/ school.

I used to have classes that I taught alone last year, but this year I have a co-teacher for every level. I actually miss being on my own, I felt a lot more satisfaction from those classes.

There is a committee, but I doubt they will accomplish anything.

The problem being that some of these principals run their schools like dictatorships and when certain schools' ideas are in conflict with what the EPIG contract states, city hall is not very helpful at resolving these situations.

I think what teachers need to be made aware of is that if your school is breaking the contract, it's up to YOU to stand up for yourself. No one at city hall is going to help you.