Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mikesaidyes]

Simple question. I was rejected from EPIK (either my past drug arrest that I admitted or recent surgery). Is it a safe bet to presume that I wouldn't get a visa even if I went with another school?

My drug arrest may not even show up on my FBI check (it doesn't for local or state), but I had to be honest because I haven't gotten it back yet. With regards to surgery, I will be fully recovered by the time I want to teach abroad in August/Sept/Oct.

Thanks everyone!

[InDaGu]

If you admit to even having used drugs (much less being arrested for them), you will have zero chance of getting hired. If it shows up on your FBI check, you have zero chance of getting a visa.

Your only chance is to lie and hope your FBI check comes back clean.

[Wiltern]

start brushing up on your Chinese

[litebear]

[vw08]

Once you get your FBI CBC back, you will know your chances for getting a Korean visa. While you wait for it, do a bit of research on other positions currently available in Korea. There are other programs if you want to teach at a public school and there are always hagwon positions available. If you are going through a recruiter, I'd ask them what they recommend for a next step and if you are not working through a recruiter, I'd get at least two

If there is anything on your CBC, all bets are off for Korea. The visa regulations are set by the government not the schools, so even though a school may want you, immigration will say no unless you have a totally clean CBC. Drug arrests/convictions are especially looked down upon- just look at Korea's drug policy, especially toward foreigners!

However, China, Taiwan, Japan and southeast Asia are still options if you plan on teaching in the fall.

[Squire]

If you can get a criminal check with no drug offence on it then you can still get into public school work through recruiters. EPIK don't recruit for all parts of Korea, I found my public school job on hiexpat through a recruiter.

I feel bad for you having a drug offence on your record though. Chances are Korea won't be possible with it

[PatrickGHBusan]

Look for work in another country.

with a drug arrest, you are cooked in Korea as far as a work visa unless you have your record cleared or if the offense does not show up (unlikely).

[young_clinton]

[razfoz010]