Korean Job Discussion Forums

lat125 · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Location: Gyeongju

Hi all,

I tried searching for an answer on this but didn't come across anything and hopefully I'm just being paranoid, but if anyone can help me out it'd be very much appreciated.

My girlfriend and I recently applied to EPIK directly through the EPIK site and received an email a few days later from a Mr. Joshua Kim to schedule an interview. What struck us as a bit odd was he asked us to call him just to schedule the interview (we can't schedule by email?) and we could only call between 9-9:50 am or 5-5:50 pm Korean time. He also noted that they "receive many calls" and to "be persistent and patient" if we don't get through.

Like I said, I'm probably just being paranoid but the threads here seem to indicate that an interview is usually scheduled by email, then they (maybe only recruiters?) will call you, not the other way around. Since we didn't go through a recruiter, is this normal for the EPIK program? I don't see how anybody else would have gotten our application, but with the amount of shady stories on this forum I'd feel better about it if I could get some insight.

Thanks for your time and any help!

the dakota kid · Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Location: Not in Seoul...

Sounds legit, there are only two folks, Joshua is one of them, in the office...EPIK could be a really good program, but they need to increase the staffing and change 50+ other things!

lat125 · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Location: Gyeongju

dakota, thanks even knowing the problems EPIK has that does make me feel better.

blonde researcher · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 3:37 pm Post subject:

Good luck if you are going to ask EPIK to arrange for you and your girlfriend to live together in the same apartment. In the contract this is not guaranteed at all, just like your final location, and EPIK are not that flexible for couples, espcially unmarried ones. They may agree if you say you will both go to a remote rural area, but it won't happen if you ask for Busan or Daejeon

the dakota kid · Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Location: Not in Seoul...

In Gangwondo, they seem to place couples together...but not always in a bigger apartment. You might be living in a studio together or a 3 bedroom high rise apt. It all depends on your school. I switched schools/cities and moved from a nice 14th floor highrise, 3 bdrm, view of the river apt to a one bedroom apt, no view. Throw in odd smells, noises, filth and....Not a good apt!

Good Luck!!!

lat125 · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Location: Gyeongju

Thanks all.

Getting a bit off topic, but we had read some threads on housing being scarce in Busan, but our plan was to combine our housing allowances and, if need be, pony up some of our income to get at least a small one bed apt on our own. Even doing this do you think it'll be that hard to find a place?

Again, thanks for any help!

kiboy6 · Joined: 06 Jan 2009

lat125 · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Location: Gyeongju

kiboy6, haha blast i was taking encouragement from that thread! last time i looked at it, it seemed like you were set to take on the finding-an-apt-on-our-own challenge. oh well best of luck to you!

kiboy6 · Joined: 06 Jan 2009

haha...

I reckon it probably would be a doable challenge if you were prepared for all the headaches and potential pitfalls...

However:
a) I'm not sure EPIK would even process your application for Busan if you announce that you are a couple (they didn't process ours until we changed our location pref, and we still haven't been given an interview time despite being really early applicants).

b) We decided that our location preference, while strong, wasn't enough to counter the faff involved in finding our own apartment, given that there are lots of other cool places...

good luck to you too!