Korean Job Discussion Forums

dizzyl · Joined: 24 Jul 2010 Location: UK

So I am busy filling out the Epik application in the hope I get lucky and get a PS school job in the next couple of months as a few of the new recruits don't make the transition (I am told this happens and my chances should be good next month) and am stuck on the essay.

Try as I might I can find no recent examples of what should be included in them or even a suggested model to follow to make it the most acceptable or attractive.

Any recent Epik recruits out there just finishing or starting their journey want to shed some light on what it is they wrote to make them get picked out of the thousands of applicants? Any advice or guidance would be brilliant! I unfortunately have a slight habit of being overly poetic and descriptive and I really don't want to sound completely off with the fairies!

So please do help!

recessiontime · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:29 pm Post subject:

are you serious, Epik is now asking for essays?

It's quickly becoming the JET program. It really shows that times are changing and teaching English in Korea is quickly approaching saturation.

JD_Tiberius · Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Location: Korea

Is it the 500 word essay?

think of it not as an essay, but as a coverletter to describe your talents to an employer.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Think of your essay as being given 10 mins in an interview to say whatever you want to a prospective employer. It's an opportunity to sell yourself.
Hints: Make all these points positive.

- why do you want to teach in Korea?
- What experience do you have to help you teach/live in Korea?
- What special personality/qualifications/experience do you have to help K students learn English?
- What are your future goals?
- How do your goals fit in with teaching in Korea?
-What specifically are you interested in about Korean culture/traditions (lay this on thick)

- Stress that this is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity for you. Help children learn something to improve their lives, visit the Orient, study Korean culture - learn about Confucianism - live in dynamic Korea (mix of old and new cultures) bla bla bla.

Overall, be positive.
Oh, and don't forget that you're applying to be an English teacher. Any grammar, spelling, punctuation, style mistakes - will count against you.
Get your essay proof read by someone who knows Englisheee. Sentences should be short - rather than long - and make sure you use short paragraphs for each idea/point. Conclude your essay by summarising all your points in the essay (about 7 sentences).

PS: Get a really flattering photo - or they won't even look at your essay.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:21 pm Post subject:

Isn't it the wrong time of year to fill out and send out an EPIK application??

Still, good luck with the EPIK left over jobs!

Farang's post above is bang on. His advice is on target.

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Ramen · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

Just start writing "I love Kimchi because......"

They only read the first line and don't care about the rest. Razz

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 3:58 am Post subject:

WadRUG'naDoo · Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Location: Shanghai

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

These essays are most likely read by the Westerners EPIK use for recruiting/interviewing. I can't imagine "I Love Kimchi" helping you if they read your essay.

Still, good luck with it.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:12 am Post subject: