Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rachelellenmcdonald]

Hi guys,

I've recently started the application process through a recruiter for either EPIK or GEPIK.
I'm in the beginning stages, and am trying to decipher the changes to the requirements that went into effect this year. I was in the process of shopping for TEFL certifications online when I came across a thread that said you must have 20 hours in-class as a part of your cert.
Questions:
1. Is this an ABSOLUTE requirement?
2. Does this apply to both EPIK and GEPIK?
3. If so, the only in-class courses offered in my area are through Oxford Seminars. Is Oxford Seminars a good idea? I've read mixed reviews.

Thanks!

[World Traveler]

As a newb you need that or a teaching certification (and maybe an English major could suffice as well). My recommendation would be to not work for GEPIK. They recently lowered their pay scales. EPIK is slightly better, but conditions there are deteriorating as well. There is less vacation (than GEPIK), and renewal vacation was chopped in half this year. Check out other countries to teach in. Keep Korea as an option but realize it is going downhill.

[ttompatz]

[ren546]

Oxford Seminars is a scam. Check out potential programs at a local college or university instead.

[Guajiro]

[tokkitokki89]

Hi, I have concerns about this in-class component as well, as I am looking into EPIK/GEPIK/SMOE for next year.

Currently, I live in Japan and am in my second year of the JET program. I have been googling like crazy, but in-class TESOL training seems a little hard to come by here. I found one program, but it was a week long and in Tokyo (and $1500). Living and working in a rural town four hours away from Tokyo, that kind of long program is a bit difficult for me.

So my question to those with experience: how much will not having the 20 hours in-class component hurt me, considering these credentials:

BA degree (not in English/Education/Linguistics)
Two years' full-time teaching experience in Japan
120 hours TESOL cert, minus the in-class component (I don't have this yet but will finish before applying)

Will that get me into at least payscale level 2+ for EPIK/GEPIK/SMOE? Do I have any hope of being hired at all? Like @World Traveler said, I have heard that the programs have been declining recently, so I worry that the competition will be high.

[ttompatz]

level 2 (one of):
· Teacher’s license
· TEFL/TESOL or CELTA certificate (100+hours)
· Bachelor’s degree in Education, English* or Linguistics
· Master’s degree in any discipline
· Juris Doctor
· 1 year full time teaching experience with Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
· At least 1 year TaLK Schlolar experience**

My guess is that 2 years of JET would qualify.

.