Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Figure8]

I've been told that Gangwon-do might be a good place for an EPIK posting, due to many obvious regional factors, such as the natural beauty and quiet, but also, beyond that, the teaching program itself. My question is, I've seen that with many EPIK appointments, airfare is reimbursed later. Is this true of Gangwon-do's EPIK program? Or do is airfare paid for before you get on the plane? I've seen an ad with, I believe, Footprints, possibly, that mentioned airfare "provided", which I take to mean, paid in full before you leave your home country. I could deal with it either way, but I am curious for planning reasons. Also, if I come with my girlfriend, can we live together? Is it possible to request this? I realize teaching at the same school or schools isn't necessarily possible or preferable, even, but will they make allowances for a requested shared living arrangement? Beyond that, from my limited and on-going research it sounds like a good spot for us. I would like to apply to arrive in August, whether through a recruiter or through EPIK itself. Any suggestions or insight is appreciated. I've seen that a few of you live and work there, including Schwa, who I cannot PM because I've my new-arrival status on the forum. So, this is a directed question, I suppose. And apologies for any redundant questions, but I haven't seen anything about the airfare to Gangwondo or the couples' housing question. Thank you.

[Figure8]

And sorry, about, all, of, the, commas.

[schwa]

Airfare isnt prepaid. 9 times out of 10 its reimbursed promptly but some districts have been known to drag it out a month or two.

Couple positions arent a problem -- lots of couples in the program. In rare cases couples have had to put up with single housing for a month or so till more suitable accommodations could be arranged.

Make it clear to the recruiter youre a couple. The recruiter & the program wont care that youre not married but schools & students might be more comfortable if you let on youre "engaged."

You almost certainly wouldnt be teaching in the same school.

Going through a recruiter might be in your best interests. They tend to have better communication with our head office than the national epik organization does.

[Rae]

EPIK reimburses your airfare after you arrive. As for couple housing, I think you can request for it and get them to give you a nicer place if you mention it early. Some of the smaller towns will require for you to say you're married, no bf/gf! I've heard a couple actually got lectured for it - they just made a fuss at first about them telling people they're married when they arrived.

Good luck to both of you.

[cruisemonkey]

[Figure8]

Thanks.

[Squeezy]

Hi,

You do have another option and that is to contact the Gangwon Education Office directly - they have two EPIK teachers in the office who you could deal with directly.

I'm half of a couple myself and while there is lots of suitable housing available, sometimes it can be difficult to end up in it. From all I've heard, the larger cities have better housing for couples - anything with over 70,000 people in it.

I'd be happy to exchange emails if you have any other questions (unless you can pm now).

And you are right - Gangwon-do is stunningly beautiful!

Best of luck to you

[Figure8]

thanks everyone, and squeezy...

i am probably applying to the SMOE positions right now with her, but gangwondo is still big in my mind as a back-up. in fact, if we stay more than a year, which we probably will, i personally would like to spend a year there, at some point, seeing how beautiful the place is. so, i'll keep the EPIK people in mind and bookmark this thread.

good luck with your year there. thanks.