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Can't get copy of diploma in time ... yikes
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Chiseal



Joined: 12 May 2009
Location: Nashville
PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 4:44 pm    Post subject: Can't get copy of diploma in time ... yikes Reply with quote
Hey all:

I was just informed by the University of Florida that it takes three months to get a copy of my degree. They suggested getting an "official letter" but the recruiter said the degree has to have an apostille stamp. My question is: How can I do this? Does the apostille office require a hard copy of the degree (which I have scanned into my computer some time back and still have) or can they use any other document from my university? Yikes ... I am in the process of renting my apt. --- likely prematurely.

Thanks

Colleen
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Morning_Star



Joined: 21 Jan 2009
PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 4:59 pm    Post subject: .... Reply with quote
I'm kind of in the same boat but I'm hoping that a graduation verification letter is enough. Do you know if your school has that?

Also three months? What the hell do they do? Pave it in gold? Seriously, why does it take so fucking long for them to mail out diplomas?
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Ramen



Joined: 15 Apr 2008
PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
No copy of your degree = No E-2.

Verification letter won't do.
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Theo



Joined: 04 Jul 2009
PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I understand your dillemma and resulting anxiety. However, I think the fault lies with the ridiculous, cumbersome, and inefficient requirements imposed by KOREA.

I jumped through the many employment/visa hoops required of me last year, and regretted it all as soon as I arrived as my employer lied, deceived, and breached the contract from the start.

Based on my experience, you're not missing a thing if you pass up/lose employment in Korea.

I lived and worked in China for five very challenging and often frustrating years, but none of that compared to my brief, seven-month nightmare in Korea.
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Chiseal



Joined: 12 May 2009
Location: Nashville
PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:15 pm    Post subject: Thank you ..need info on apostille/diploma dilemma for China Reply with quote
I have decided to go with China and forfeit the money and the hassle. If anyone has a clue as to this diploma/apostille dilemma with regards China PLEASE let me know sigh

thanks
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cedarseoul



Joined: 16 Feb 2008
Location: nowon-gu
PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Theo wrote:
I understand your dillemma and resulting anxiety. However, I think the fault lies with the ridiculous, cumbersome, and inefficient requirements imposed by KOREA.

I jumped through the many employment/visa hoops required of me last year, and regretted it all as soon as I arrived as my employer lied, deceived, and breached the contract from the start.

Based on my experience, you're not missing a thing if you pass up/lose employment in Korea.

I lived and worked in China for five very challenging and often frustrating years, but none of that compared to my brief, seven-month nightmare in Korea.


It is much harder, though, to make good money in China; it can be done, I suppose, but for newbie teachers Korea is much more likely to be profitable, at least at first...
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Theo



Joined: 04 Jul 2009
PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
cedarseoul wrote:
It is much harder, though, to make good money in China; it can be done, I suppose, but for newbie teachers Korea is much more likely to be profitable, at least at first...


Yes, cedarseoul, you are correct that salaries in China are much lower. Howver, cost of living is also MUCH lower. I made a much higher salary in Korea, but my standard of living (my dwelling) was far below what I had in China. I was in central Seoul where rents and other costs were astronomical!

Mind you, I am not suggesting these two OPs should venture to China -- no! It is fraught with corruption, filth, etc., but compared to my experience in Korea, in hindsight, my China experience was far superior.

Were it not for the disability I now have as a result of being in Korea, and the terrible ESL employment conditions of China, I would go back there. I have ABSOLUTELY NO INTEREST in returning to Korea - EVER.
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Chiseal



Joined: 12 May 2009
Location: Nashville
PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:35 pm    Post subject: thank you all Reply with quote
I am bailing on Korea
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Theo



Joined: 04 Jul 2009
PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Great decision, Chiseal!

For a country in such dire need of more and more foreign teachers, they seem to be dedicated to making things as difficult for prospective FTs as possible -- and it seems to be getting more ridiculous each year.

Hopefully, if enough Fts begin to drop out of the E-2 visa process (and it will take THOUSANDS to do so) perhaps the Korea government will come to their senses and simplfy the process. IF I had known what was waiting for me in Korea, I would have NEVER complied with some of their unreasonable policies --- such as sending ORIGINAL diplomas and flying to a Korean consulate for a time- and money-wasting visa "interview."

Best wishes to you! Do you have an alternative plan/choice for ESL employment elsewhere?
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typo



Joined: 16 Jun 2009
PostPosted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 6:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I was in your boat. My uni told me it would take 8 weeks. It turned out to take 3 (or less, actually). YMMV
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ramen209



Joined: 14 Apr 2009
PostPosted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
You don't necessarily need an official copy. You only need a notarized photocopy for the apostille.

Try your local bank for a notary. Take your original degree and photocopy to them (if you have an account there) and they will prob. be able to notarize it.

I just photocopied my degree, and then had it notarized as an official copy. Then you get an apostille on the notarized degree. Should not take you more than a few days.
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