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dyc
Joined: 16 Dec 2010
Location: Vancouver
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 Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:27 pm Post subject: Letters of recommendation |
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I have a few questions about reference letters for EPIK.
On the EPIK site, they state:
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| Applicants are required to submit the original hard copies of both letters of recommendation written by a professional acquaintance (e.g., supervisor, professor, director) that were submitted electronically with the initial application. The referee must have worked with the applicant in a supervisory role. Letters from friends, family members or co-workers will not be accepted. The letter must state the first and last name of the applicant. It should explain the writer�s relationship to the applicant (how long and in what capacity) and the strengths and weaknesses of the applicant relevant to teaching English in Korea. Letters of recommendation must be signed in ink, dated and contain an email address and the phone contact information of the writer. If possible, letters must also be written on the official letterhead of the institution of the writer. A template for acceptable letters of recommendation is available in the EPIK application instructions file . |
So...
1) The primary "supervisory" people I can use for references are my university profs, but I haven't really done anything to show my ability to teach English. Thus, I'm not sure if they'd make good references. Is there a way around this? Am I just missing something? Does the reference letter even have to be specifically about teaching English?
2) I have a reference letter from a tutoring center that I volunteer at. However, the owner has mentioned that he may be moving out of country, thus making the reference letter w/ the company name and information invalid. Should I get the owner to use the same letter but without a company letterhead (ie. make it a personal letter from himself)? Or should I just try to get another reference?
Thanks
Last edited by dyc on Sat Feb 26, 2011 6:33 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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sirius black
Joined: 04 Jun 2010
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| Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:10 pm Post subject: |
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They appear very flexible. I've used references from a director of an english club in my town that I volunteered for as well as the director a kids soccer team I coached at. I wouldn't worry about someone who can vouch for your teaching of english if you've never taught before. They know that. That's why ads say 'no teaching experience requred'. Its obvious you can't get one that says you are a good teacher. If you are going through a recruiter run the references by them. If you've taught before then it may be wise to get something from someone. References are a formality for the most part with the exception of getting one from your prior school if you are presently working for a school in Korea.
I would also recommend asking the person to whom you want a reference from if they would like you to write it for them and all they have to do is sign. Most people are happy to hear that. They never know what to say and if its not a native speaker in the case of a VP, co teacher or Principal or hogwon director for NETs in Korea, they worry about the quality of their english writing skills.
Also, you control what is said about you. You know specifically what qualities may enhance your application.
As long its not your buddy. |
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dyc
Joined: 16 Dec 2010
Location: Vancouver
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| Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 6:57 pm Post subject: |
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Okay thanks.
So I'm worried now about #2 in my OP.
The tutoring centre (pretty much a hagwon) which I worked at is closing the location which I am at. The other location is too far but the owner is pressuring me to tutor regardless. He wrote a good reference letter for me, but since the place has closed, the letterhead w/ the address, phone number, etc are now invalid, right?
Should I just get another reference? I could ask him for other info to be a reference, but tbh I don't trust him too much as he closed the location last-minute without really letting anyone know (like I said, like a hagwon). |
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Snowkr
Joined: 03 Jun 2005
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| Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 6:58 pm Post subject: |
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| Definitely get another reference if you can! |
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