Korean Job Discussion Forums

saharat · Joined: 18 Aug 2010

Hi

American currently teaching in Thailand.

I want to start teaching in S. Korea around Feb./March 2011. I've been looking into the requirements for getting an E2 visa and they mostly seem do-able from Thailand. FBI check and uni degree both apostilled should be easy.

The problem it seems lies in the Korean Consulate interview in my home country. Is this requirement still in effect? If so, would it be possible to find a way around it. Over the phone? Video chat? It seems like there has to be another way.

Obviously, I'd rather not shell out the cash to fly back to America just for an interview. There must be another way!

BrenSmith · Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Location: Bundang

If you are applying from a third country you are eligible to skip the consulate interview. You need your prospective school to have your degree verified by the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE). This will allow you to avoid the interview.
I went through this process as a Canadian in NZ.

saharat · Joined: 18 Aug 2010

Did the verification by the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) require any effort or extra documentation on your part?

BrenSmith · Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Location: Bundang

Only that you ensure your school knows the process..and is willing to do it. You send your school the apostillized degree and they send it to the KCUE. It's just an extra hoop to jump through.
Speak with the Korean consulate as well to confirm they know it's possible. It's not a very common procedure but it's legit. I had to convince some underlings at the Auckland consulate that it was allowed.