Korean Job Discussion Forums

[proudman]

Good morning! I am in the process of getting all of my ducks in a row to get over to Korea ASAP to begin teaching English. However, I cannot locate my "original" college diploma. I graduated in 2000, and believe that my diploma was destroyed when my basement flooded. My university can get me another diploma for $55, however they let me know that the diploma will clearly state "duplicate."

It's hard for me to believe that I am the first individual that's wanted to go to Korea to teach English that has either lost or had their college diploma destroyed for one reason or another.

I've spoken with a few different recruiting companies, and they all indicated that they would need the "original." One was checking to see if the "duplicate" would suffice.

Please offer up any suggestions on how I can get through this, what I would consider, minor issue.

Would it be acceptable if the duplicate came directly from the university? Any help will be GREATLY appreciated!

Thank you,

Mike

[Straphanger]

My university does not issue duplicate diplomas because a diploma is not the method they use to communicate the fact that you received a diploma. Your transcript is. Get your duplicate diploma, apostille and send that, and then tell them you're not sending the original, that's yours.

[creeper1]

What a nightmare. Korean immigration are very fickle with this sort of thing. All you can do is try. Having something like duplicate printed on your diploma is going to look bad no doubt about it.

Perhaps use a Korean recruiter and get him/her to write a short note explaining the situation to immigration and then you'll either be accepted or declined. And I agree transcripts will be key. Hopefully the transcripts will convince them of your degree's ligitamicy.

Keep trying and if it falls through try getting a job in China if your heart's set on ESL.

[harlowethrombey]

[dean_burrito]

Don't sweat it. I used a duplicate here twice with no problem.

[Straphanger]

[hari seldon]

[Illysook]

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SEND YOUR ORIGINAL DIPLOMA TO A HAGWON.

I had to learn this the hard way. I just got out of a meeting about it. If I want it back, I have to resign my position. That really wouldn't be a problem, except that I do not want to sign a contract to stay here for another full year without getting to go home and do some other things first and I won't be able to afford that until I finish this contract. Still, it is my property and legally, they have to return it...but they think that they are above the law and they want insurance against me pulling a midnight run. Evidently, the last pair of teachers pulled a runner in their 10th month...I wonder what made them so angry to leave 2 months short of their bonus...and they didn't even have to work with my annoying, know-it-all-about-Korea co-worker!

[jdog2050]

[Illysook]

I have apostilled copies that I brought with me, and Central Michigan University educates so many teachers, that they fully understand what happens in Korea. I can replace my diploma for thirty dollars. So, if I really wanted to go and get another job, I could. I've decided that I don't want to commit to another year here, so I will finish this contract and go.

[Mallard]

Can't you just order another one from the registrar's office in your university? When I graduated I knew I was coming to Korea so I had like 5 printed. They're like the same price as transcripts.

[Proustian]

There are internet sites that offer to duplicate any diploma. Just give them an idea of what it looks like and they will do it. If anyone rings your school to confirm your degree they will get an affirmative. Easy!