Korean Job Discussion Forums

[politica]

Okay, "meltdown" might be too strong of a word, but still. I'm about to lose my cool.

So, my timeline is pretty damn tight. I am hoping to book a flight to Korea for the 17th (I got a good itinerary), the problem is- I won't be back in IL til Monday, April 14th. I just found from a second-hand source that the Chicago consulate only does visa interview on Wednesdays and Friday (can anyone verify this?). If that's the case, then I pretty much need to get a visa interview for the 16th if I have any chance of making the 17th flight.

Here are some questions . . .
1) Is it possible to get the visa the same day as the interview, or will there definitely be a 2-3 day wait period?
2) Are people ever rejected after visa interviews? (I have all the necessary paperwork and a signed contract with GEPIK . . . and really no reason for them to reject me) i.e. If I get a visa interview, would it be safe to book my flight before actually having the visa in hand?
3) I was told by the woman at the consulate that I needed a confirmation number to schedule an interview. Upon thoroughly searching the paperwork sent to me by GEPIK, it appears that I have no confirmation number . . . there is one mysterious number followed by writing in Korean- could this be it? It's on the Notice of Appointment page . . .

Please help!!!!!!!

I'm so freakin' sick of bureaucracy . . .

Thanks,
politica

[MSU Fan]

Wow, this kind of reminds me of when I went through the same thing about three weeks ago.

- First of all, it is VERY VERY important that you schedule an appointment with the Chicago Consulate as soon as possible. The spaces can be filled quickly, as was the case with me. I believe I scheduled my interview on a Wednesday.

- I would also highly advise you not to schedule a flight so quickly, maybe wait until the 18th or so. My Visa was sent to me in less than two days, but you never know how long it will be processed.

1. It is unlikely that you will get the visa processed on the same day, but if you ask the Consulate they may, may allow it. More likely than not it will take 2-3 days. To save time at the Consulate, fill out this form http://www.chicagoconsulate.org/data/file/form/1171303623_3454bc04_BAF1C0DABDC5C3BBBCAD.pdf since everyone who was there had to fill one out.

2. The interview is rather easy if you know English, have your paperwork, and a good reason for teaching in Korea. You will go from the waiting room, with other people in the same boat as you, go through a door and have the interview at a small table. It lasts no more than 2-3 minutes and they questioner will ask what your education experience is and why you want to teach in Korea. You aren't grilled, in fact I had interviews that were far worse. As long as you are generally ready are willing to except that you will have to for some reason fill out another form, you should do just fine.

3. The first thing I would ask you is if you have ALL the paperwork ready before the interview. Paperwork to get into this country is crazy, but is well worth it for those wanting to experience a different place. Double check to make sure that all the proper paperwork is available and Apostilled. If you have done this paperwork already, you should have a confirmation number, mine had a few English letters first and then at least 8 numbers, here is an example, SU-BO-#########.

This is what my recruiter asked of me, I'm not sure if the same was asked in your case:

- Criminal Record (Issued by your Government, Apostille Required)
- Self-Medical Check List
- Your original diploma or Diploma Certificate (Apostille Required)
- 3 Transcripts ( Sealed one)
Your Transcripts Must Meet These 2 requirements.
#1. Must have a university stamp and signature(issuer's) on the back of
the sealed part.
#2. Must have an issued date in the transcript(not on the envelop).
- A photocopy of your Passport
- 4 passport size pictures (Colored Ones/Black and White Unacceptable).
- Your resume
-- The original signed contract

4. Hey, life is nothing but forms. However, the people on this site that whine about everything in this country just don't understand that things are not the same as the U.S. or Canada or any other country. The food here is spicy, but if I can eat it anyone can, most people are polite, there is some fabulous architecture and history, I've gotten over my TV addiction, and you can lose weight here - I've lost 10 pounds (5kg).

Trust me, this paperwork is a pain in the ass, but I have forgotten it already after being here for less than a month. Hope everything works out, but try calling GEPIK and the Consulate to make sure you don't have any unpleasant surprises

[TexasPete]

[blonde researcher]

You cannot find a visa issuance number, because you will not have one . You are holding a letter of appointment.
Chicago is slow to process visas at the best of times.

[politica]

Thank you to all of you that helped. I talked to the consulate and am no longer having a meltdown.

Turns out "blonde researcher" was right. I didn't need a confirmation number because I have a Notice of Appt., signed contract, etc. The visa officer just led me astray yesterday. I don't need an interview either, so I can go any day of the week.

It looks like my plan is going to be as follows:
Monday- Drop off paperwork and passport at the consulate, book flight
Tuesday- Home
Wednesday- Pick-up passport with visa, stay night in Chi-town
Thursday- Fly out

That's the week of April 14th . . . G-d, I hate being so crunched for time

[Ya-ta Boy]

[politica]

Well that's easy- you give all of the lower level kids a mentor

[cruisemonkey]

[MSU Fan]

That is terrible! I am teaching at a public school and so far things are going okay, but it does get annoying having to change my lesson plan three times in one week.

Much love for everyone teaching in Hogwans, I would not want to be in your shoes. However, if you party too hard the night before and have a hangover, it helps that your classes don't start until the afternoon. I have to be up bright and early.

I also like the fact that kids get their butts kicked if they show disrespect in the classroom. I substitute taught in an urban school in the U.S. and I learned some new swear words I hadn't heard before. Every time I would discipline them they would act like it didn't matter or would be sent back in less time than a commercial break. For all the stuff we have to go through here, I would rather be here than back at home getting paid $75 a day to deal with crap.

[bogey666]

[ciccone_youth]

i got my visa the same day as the interview.

i flew out to seoul the very next day.

[bogey666]