Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kentucker4]

I was applyinh for an Epik public school position and was told I have to have an Apostille for both my CBC and my diploma. I thought this was excessive to say the least. How in the world do you get an Apostille for a diploma? Do hagwons in Korea also currently require these?

[the oak llama]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=153811

[Marissa0687]

Hagwons would much prefer your original diploma so that they can hold it hostage in case you find you want to jump ship. If you're comfortable giving a hagwon your original, they'll be glad to take it. Just be aware that there is a chance you won't see it again.

[Kikomom]

Here's another thread discussing the notarized diploma copy and apostille:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2032238&highlight=#2032238

I steered Wario clear of anyone wanting his original degree. Instead, I told him, like his birth certificate and passport, to never let it out of his own safekeeping. Sure, they're replaceable, but... He did take it to the consulate with him though (and Korea) for them to see it in person.

[dporter]

[kentucker4]

[the oak llama]

You can make the photocopy, but it's easier just to let the notary do it.

It shouldn't matter that your diploma was issued in a different state.

The important part is that the notary is from the same state where you get the apostille.

Notaries are registered with the state. The state department verifies that the notary is legit, and attaches the apostille. The point of the apostille is to show, internationally, that your notarized document is legit.

The apostille will cost you money. Go to the website for your state's State Department and look for guidelines for "Authentication of Documents" or something like that. Better yet just google it..

In my case, all the State Department required was a notary's seal. None of that county clerk bullsh--. The website should tell you everything.

[aarontendo]

Careful down there that be Bigfoot country.

[chris_J2]

[Kikomom]

Here in PA, the notary makes the copy from the original degree--in color even--then notarizes the copy. And the state depts do indeed apostille the notarized copy with a shiny gold seal.

This ain't rocket science but it is one of the various hoops they have you jumping thru. My theory is that it is to see if you're capable of international travel (getting yourself there). Most recruiting sites explain this quite clearly.

[chris_J2]

Thanks for clarifying US requirements, kikomom. Each of the 7 accepted English speaking countries, have different rules & bureaucratic processes.

This advice from the Korean Consulate is applicable to Australian applicants:

"As of 14th of July 2007, Korea became a signatory to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents and as a result we no longer certify Australian Public Documents for use in Korea.

Holders of documents requiring certification including university degree (you must get notorized by public notary before you take it to DFAT) are instructed to contact passport office of DFAT in Sydney and DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) office in QLD to obtain a stamp of Apostille.

Please contact the office below and they will be able to advise you.

* Passport office in Sydney

Address: Level 7, 26 Lee St. Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 9207-6904 Fax: (02) 9207-6908
Opening hours: Mon -Fri, 9am-1pm

* DFAT in Queensland

Address: 4th Floor, 295 Ann St. QLD 4000
Tel: (07) 3405 4799 Fax: (07) 3405 4782
Opening hours: Mon -Fri, 9am-1pm

Email: [email protected]"

And this from DFAT (Dept Foreign Affairs & Trade, Au):

"We are able to place an Apostille on the original police check document as it stands. We are not able to place an Apostille on a degree certificate as it stands. Before brought to us, the document, if from a government university, must either be endorsed as "a true and accurate record", and signed with an original signature from an Authorised Officer of the University that issued the document. We suggest you take your document to the Student Administration of the University that issued the document. If the document is from a private or interstate institution you may take your document to a Notary Public and they will be able to take a certified copy of the document. We will them be able to place an Apostille on the copy signed by the Notary Public. Contact details for Notaries Public may befound at : http://www.societyofnotaries-qld.org/index.htm . To have Apostilles placed on documents, you may lodge them at our office, Level 4, 295 Ann Street, Brisbane, at any time between 9am & 1pm Monday to Friday. There is a fee payable of $60 per document for the Apostille service which is payable by cash, money order, bank cheque, credit card or 'eftpos'. If we are able to process the documents turnaround time is generally between 15-20 minutes."

In summary, it was quicker & cheaper to get the apostille on the original degree, than to pay additional fees for a notary public. In any case, my degree was intrastate, & from a public, not private Uni. I asked my Uni to notorise the degree copy, but they declined, & insisted on notorising the back of the original degree.

The above information might assist future applicants from Australia. Maybe there should be a 'sticky' with a summary of requirements, for each of the 7 countries?