Korean Job Discussion Forums

poetryfoot · Joined: 16 Sep 2012

HI! I was just wondering if it were wiser to apply directly to EPIK or go through a recruiter....they said they process the ones who apply directly more quickly...but on the other hand, it seems like you could get more support/help by going through a recruiter. EPIK said they work with like 8 recruiters, I think? Is it ok to try several, or just go through one like Korvia? I've seen people on here saying to apply to as many as possible...how much is too much? (I'm also concerned I may not pass the EPIK stuff and need to look for another job--thus the advantage of a recruiter)....thanks for the help!

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Pick one route for an EPIK application.

IF you go direct then do not use a recruiter.
If you use a recruiter then only use one (the exception to the recruiter rule).

If EPIK receives multiple application from different routes from a single applicant then they reject the applicant rather than get into a tussle over who gets the recruiting fees.

.

isitts · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Location: Korea

poetryfoot · Joined: 16 Sep 2012

Thanks for all the help! Sorry about the multiple thread...I was trying to find the info, must have overlooked it. I am thinking about applying directly, perhaps, to get my foot (hopefully) in the door a little faster.

FabNatural · Joined: 14 Jun 2014

I am leaning towards applying directly to EPIK as well for the exact same reason. EPIK seems to stress that those who go directly through them will get an interview much faster.

poetryfoot · Joined: 16 Sep 2012

Well, it seems like Korvia might be a good way to go. I think I am going to check out each of the 8 recruiter websites, compare, and then pray that I make a good decision. I might end up going through a recruiter because I don't think my credentials are as good as some other applicants. If I can apply quickly with the recruiter, maybe I can get a shot. At least they could help with the paperwork (if it doesn't look right).

FabNatural, you are applying to EPIK for the spring 2015 semester? I have been debating about how to apply..it's a tough decision. Where do you want to go in South Korea?

[quote="FabNatural"]I am leaning towards applying directly to EPIK as well for the exact same reason. EPIK seems to stress that those who go directly through them will get an interview much faster.

FabNatural · Joined: 14 Jun 2014

I am now leaning towards Korvia versus applying on my own. I will use them as long as there is no delay in submitting my application. Otherwise I will submit directly. Yes, Spring 2015 is my goal.

As far as locations go, I would like to try Seoul, though I have heard that it's hard to get there. I have also kicked around Daejeon (not too far from Seoul), Daegu, Incheon (not to far from Seoul), and Busan. Busan may be out of reach though because they require 50+ TEFL hours to be in-class. I only plan to do 20 TEFL hours in-class plus an 120 hour online TEFL certificate.

Where are you hoping to land?

poetryfoot · Joined: 16 Sep 2012

Well, there was a blog post saying that Korvia seemed good, and you get a free cellphone, though I don't know how much that costs. I am going to check out the different websites this weekend and see what they say. It's almost overwhelming how much info there is and ways to go about applying, but then the competition to get accepted is a bit daunting also...but ya gotta try, right? I was hoping to go for Seoul, but that seems competitive. I guess I could try though. You should try for it if you want to go there. I guess my next hopes would be for someplace around Seoul like Inchon or one of the other cities, guess I need to research more on that. I don't think I will qualify for Busan because I just have an English BA and online TESOL with 150 hours (no in class component). I thought about going to get one through Oxford Seminars (since there is one around my state), but I don't know, people don't seem to recommend it. What type of TESOL are you getting?

FabNatural · Joined: 14 Jun 2014

Yes, I definitely am going to try Seoul and see what happens. I might make the cut. If I do not get into Seoul, I am hoping I can get somewhere close.

I am not even going to try Busan since they want so many in-class TEFL hours. I am only doing 20 in-class and 120 online hours through i-to-i TEFL which is internationally accredited. Also, many people I have spoken to that have taught or currently teach in Korea took a TESOL/TEFL course with them.