Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Busan bound]

Hey guys

I'll be a first timer to korea come august after being offered a job with EPIK in busan. I have a few questions I hope that some of you can answer for me. Feel free to answer any part of my post! I know they will seem very obvious to the experienced out there!

Firstly, I'm from Ireland and ive never been to asia before. Do i need to get any injections before i go over? I'm finding different information on the net so would like to hear from people over there!

Two - In relation to EPIK housing, I'm going as a joint applicant with my GF. We plan on just moving into one of the two appartments we're given. Do the schools call into your apparts to check that you actually live there?

Three - Do the POEs pay any attention to the fact that you're a joint applicant? (place you near by)

Four - Insurance. According to EPIK.kr half of your insurance is covered by the school. Does this mean that you wait untill you get over to sort out insurance or do i need to get some before i go over?

Five - Busan, nice place? i've heard it is a really nice place with beautiful beaches. Whats it like to live in?

Appreciate any comments!

[ttompatz]

[edwardcatflap]

five. Busan looks like all the other cities in Korea - uniform concrete tower blocks, lots of gaudy advertising and neon signs and the same chain shops/cafes on every corner. Busan has some nice stretches of sand but they will be totally mobbed in summer. Coming from Ireland the sheer numbers of people around at this time of year might be overpowering. If you like lots of people, however, that's great and the nightlife is pretty good. Busan is pretty spread out too, so getting from one night spot to another can be very expensive by taxi or a hassle on local transport. If you've never been to Asia before you will probably find it pretty exciting at first but will be glad to get to somewhere a bit more peaceful and attractive (Thailand, Philippines) during your holidays. I'll leave it to other people to tell you to learn the language and make Korean friends etc...

[mdstriker]

One - Before I came over I got the hep B and the Tetanus. Before this, I had been told and had come across info on the net saying I didn't need injections but I went to my GP anyway. You would probably be ok without injections as Korea is pretty modern but it's better to be on the safe side. And if you plan on travelling around Asia (especially into rural areas) you will need injections. When I had my medical here in my first week the doctor asked me if I had gotten any vaccinations so I assume I also could have also gotten them there and then if I had to.

Four - I suppose travel insurance is the only insurance you'll need to sort out before you come over.

[Chris.Quigley]

My doctor told me that I didn't need to get injections for North East Asia... (The odds of catching something are the same as in Canada). However, if you plan on going to Thailand (or some other South East Asian destination) during your vacation I would recommend getting them.

edit: Well, I guess it depends on your lifestyle. In that case you might want to get vaccinations... for a lot of different things.

[Busan bound]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'm going to get the injections for any possible travels outside of Korea, better to be safe and all that.