Korean Job Discussion Forums

mluo84 · Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Location: NJ

I want to teach for EPIK this fall or summer. From what I've read in the forums, it seems that this is still possible. But the recruiter I'm using, Alistair from Korean Horizons, tells me that my application was not shortlisted. I submitted my EPIK app to her yesterday. And in less than a day, she emails me back and tells me that "due to intense competition amongst only a few public school vacancies left, you was not short-listed." I asked her if there are any EPIK positions left at all. She tells me only Chungnam which requires at least the 100 hr online tefl course. She asks me if I can complete the course in 2 weeks. Is there any truth in that there is no EPIK positions left at all except for Chungnam?

Just as background, I requested rural areas for both the rural bonus and I read that more people apply to metro areas.

espoir · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Incheon, South Korea

Lostone7 · Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Location: SE Asia

Yea, he is a Decent........I know some who really like him and some well not so much

But, he has a limited selection he has certian contracts with certian schools. Thus for him and his contacts what he is telling you is true.

As for Korea...........Not so much........I know some areas in Busan, Gimhae, Jin ju are still short teachers.

Another big PS hiring will start again aroud the end of June. A lot of teacher are leaving Korea then.

Good luck............Remember recuriters work for schools! not you! So as they use you you should use them.... only take what makes you happy!!

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

Let me guess, he offered you a hagwon contract instead?

You applied for Fall?

The 2 major public school intakes are March and September.
There is NO WAY that there are no spots left for September. EPIK has ALWAYS been under-subscribed, especially in the less popular destinations, and right now, they don't even know how many openings they will have as teachers who wish to renew only confirm that 60days before the end of their contracts. Meaning it's impossible for it to be "full" before July.

What happened is almost certainly one of the following:
1. Your specific recruiter has no EPIK positions available right now.
2. Your specific recruiter doesn't want to wait until September to place you, on the chance that you decide to go with another recruiter who DOES have positions available now.
3. Your recruiter is trying to earn the higher commission from a Hagwon placement.

Go to the Dave's jobs board. Look how many recruiters are offering public school positions for September. Apply to one of them.

mluo84 · Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Location: NJ

He didn't tell me to apply to a hagwon but gave me the site to an online tefl course instead and told me I had to finish the course in 2 weeks for the Chungnam position. So I guess I must have applied for the summer. I guess I'll clarify it with him. I read that applying to GEPIK with multiple apps hurts the applicant. Is it true with EPIK as well?

Robot_Teacher · Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Location: Robotting Around the World

Yep, I too used Alistair in Changwon with Korean Horizons. He's in business with his Korean wife so that may be the she. Smooth fast service. No problems other than last minute geographic location change which I just took as I wasn't in no position to turn around and go home after paying my flight here. The last minute change had nothing to do with the recruiter, but the POE.

I'd say he just doesn't yet know of the PS jobs for late August. I know Korea is a last minute culture so the jobs are handed out last minute. Even the PS school assignments are not made until the day you arrive in Korea as I was changed from 200,000 population city on the coast to 2000 population town in rural mountain country.

It very well could be that the job market is getting tight if they're talking about short listing applicants due to too many grads not finding working at home such as in the US. I'd say if you got a job, try to hang onto it until you really want to leave Korea. It makes it iffy now to quit a job to take a 2 or 3 month visit home and traveling before taking a 2nd year contract. Expect things to just continue changing for the worse when it comes to money, economics, and career opportunities.....