Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HeatherG]

Teach Away contacted me again, this time regarding EPIK, which I planned to apply to anyway. Has anyone here been hired by EPIK through this agency? They want the documents within a week, which seems like a bit too soon considering I have to get recommendation letters and possibly a passport renewal. EPIK's definition of a "valid passport" is valid past February 2015 even though the contract is only through 2014. Mine expires in January 2015, a month beforehand. How long would it take for me to get my passport renewed?

That's the easy part, though. They reimburse airfare, but I don't have a few thousand dollars to spare for a plane ticket until they can pay me back. Is there any way to obtain a loan. They want my entire education history starting with elementary school, so I'd have to dig up the dates I attended every school.

Then the medical...I probably have to lie. I have allergies to dust and pollen and issues with depression and anxiety. What happens if you get caught lying? I can provide documentation from a doctor if necessary, but I'd rather not go into the issue at all.

I'm going to complete an online TEFL course, but right now, I don't know how to create a lesson plan, at least not if there's a particular format they want. Add to this the fact that people keep telling me South Korea isn't safe because it's a target for nuclear strikes from the North, and I'm about to bang my head against the wall.

[ttompatz]

[HeatherG]

Regarding the TEFL certification, my understanding is that they give preference to courses with in-class components but will still recognize online-only courses. What is the situation regarding a BA in English? I thought I remembered reading that the TEFL certification isn't required in that case.

There are people on one of the other boards advocating lying about mental health issues because no one will hire you if you tell the truth.

I suppose the best thing to do would be take everything one step at a time to avoid being overwhelmed, but now I'm wondering whether my medical situation and lack of qualification would present enough of a problem to just forget the issue. While I could probably find a TEFL course with in-class experience, money is an issue. I'm only doing the one I signed up for because it was heavily discounted.

[ttompatz]

[HeatherG]

Thank you for your help and patience. I do have a BA in English and limited classroom experience as a substitute teacher. I don't know if they will take that into consideration since it was not a full-time position.

I have inquired with the recruiter what the situation regarding online TEFL programs is.

[RLib]

My two cents re: depression & anxiety-- as long as you aren't currently on anti-depression or anti-anxiety medications, and don't think you will need to be on any while in Korea, I wouldn't bother putting it down on your application. You'll immediately be rejected. There's really no way around it and no explanation or documentation from a doctor will help you. If you are currently on meds and don't think you can manage w/o them, then you need to reconsider your options.

I wouldn't even bother mentioning the allergies to dust and pollen either. It's too trivial to matter.

As far as Teach Away, I initially started working with them last year to help me find a position. They were helpful and professional. Unfortunately, they weren't selected as official recruiters for the August 2012 EPIK intake, so I ended up having to apply directly to EPIK last minute. But, if they got their EPIK recruiter status back, then great for them! I knew a few people who were hired through them before the August 2012 intake.

Also, what documents are they wanting from you? Just the application and recommendation letters? You should go ahead and start the process to renew your passport now (in the US, I believe there is a rush option), but I believe you won't have to actually do anything with your passport until you have your contract and you have to get your visa. It would probably be easier to just clarify it with your Teach Away recruiter though.

[Guajiro]

[Charlie Bourque]

[Guajiro]

[HeatherG]

I spoke with the recruiter, and she said that while I'm a strong candidate, I could not get a visa if I told the truth about my condition. What exactly would happen if I got caught (I'm assuming they might somehow find out if I saw a psychiatrist while there). Do you know of any other countries that would not ask or would not deny me a visa? I've been trying to get a job teaching English overseas for several years but have had various issues with cost and the application process.

[Charlie Bourque]

[ttompatz]