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ab10
Joined: 14 Sep 2010
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 Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 9:31 am Post subject: EPIK by yourself |
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I am once again looking at applying for EPIK for next year and wanted to ask everyone's opinion on applying by yourself. I've applied to TaLK in the past with a friend, but he backed out (I also had begun the process of applying with another friend before that but they too backed out)....
I have a few friends that have gone, but they either go with someone or know people already there... it is normal too apply by yourself and go over without knowing anyone, right? Is it difficult to make friends (either/both Korean and non-Korean), or are there tons of chances to meet people? (I also realize that it would greatly depend on one's personality and willingness to get out, etc...)
Thanks in advance for your responses... |
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nero
Joined: 11 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:07 am Post subject: |
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| Once you become an adult it is normal to apply for jobs by yourself. |
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thegadfly
Joined: 01 Feb 2003
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| Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:36 am Post subject: |
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| nero wrote: |
| Once you become an adult it is normal to apply for jobs by yourself. |
Ouch! Honest and truthful, whilst still being insulting!
+2! |
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swinewho
Joined: 17 Aug 2009
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| Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 3:52 pm Post subject: |
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Even if you do come over with a friend, there is no guarantee that you will be placed in the same town or even province!
They might say that it will be ok but it is far from certain!
If the thought of coming to Korea bothers you, think about being in front of 30+ kids without having a clue what to do!
You have a clue right?! - THAT is what should worry you if you are thinking of applying! |
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Airborne9
Joined: 01 Jun 2010
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| Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 4:39 pm Post subject: |
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| swinewho wrote: |
If the thought of coming to Korea bothers you, think about being in front of 30+ kids without having a clue what to do!
You have a clue right?! - THAT is what should worry you if you are thinking of applying! |
But to be fair, how may of us actually had a clue what the hell we were going to be doing before coming here? |
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swinewho
Joined: 17 Aug 2009
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| Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 5:00 pm Post subject: |
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I prepared for the unexpected 
I was just pointing out the fact that they will be teaching when they arrive here - belive it or not, but lots of people don't really think of that before coming over!
Then it's 'oh beeeep' there are lots of things you can do to prepare yourself - reading about classroom managment techniques for a start.... |
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bentobento
Joined: 21 Jan 2011
Location: US of A (for now)
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| Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 6:59 pm Post subject: Re: EPIK by yourself |
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| ab10 wrote: |
| I have a few friends that have gone, but they either go with someone or know people already there... it is normal too apply by yourself and go over without knowing anyone, right? Is it difficult to make friends (either/both Korean and non-Korean), or are there tons of chances to meet people? (I also realize that it would greatly depend on one's personality and willingness to get out, etc...). |
I'm applying by myself. I have a friend who is going to be applying and know people over there, but it doesn't affect my decision. I'm not even sure if I'll be living in the same city as them so I think of it as going over not knowing anyone.
As far as meeting people, think of it as moving to a new city in your home country for a job. Not much different. There will be chances to make friends everywhere, but you have to be willing to put yourself out there and not be a loner in your apartment. |
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Weigookin74
Joined: 26 Oct 2009
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| Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 5:28 pm Post subject: Re: EPIK by yourself |
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| ab10 wrote: |
I am once again looking at applying for EPIK for next year and wanted to ask everyone's opinion on applying by yourself. I've applied to TaLK in the past with a friend, but he backed out (I also had begun the process of applying with another friend before that but they too backed out)....
I have a few friends that have gone, but they either go with someone or know people already there... it is normal too apply by yourself and go over without knowing anyone, right? Is it difficult to make friends (either/both Korean and non-Korean), or are there tons of chances to meet people? (I also realize that it would greatly depend on one's personality and willingness to get out, etc...)
Thanks in advance for your responses... |
I did a similiar thing a few years ago. I came over through a recruiter. Course it was easier in those days. No document verifications or lengthy phone interviews like now. Anyways, I ended up in rural nowheres. You can always meet people if you want. But it can be more challenging. If you end up in a mid size or even small city, there are more foriegners than when I arrived. So, meeting people will not be difficult. Only thing about a small town is those foriegners will be your friends whether you like it or not. Either that or find a hobby to keep you busy. I studied Korean and practiced with the locals. Now, Im in a bigger city and don't get the chance to as much.
Coming by myself was good for me because it let me get up close and personal with Korea rather than being with other foriegners and viewing Korea from afar. I guess what I'm saying is that I got more exposure to the culture and a more traditional side of life. But even in rural places that's beginning to change in 2011.
If you do this strategy, have a tough inner core or you'll end up running away. If you're weak, don't take a really isolated rural posting. Anyways, as another poster said, you should be able to make friends or at least aquantances. It really depends on you. There are more foriegners through out the country.
When I got here, I spent the first couple of years exploring, studying Korean, travelling around and got to know things pretty well. Now that I hang with foriegners and Koreans in bigger cities, I can form my own opinions about Korea and not listen to a sometimes jaded or filtered view of the country.
If you're tough, I suggest choosing some rural backwater for a year. (Maybe some random public school for pay stability.) Studying Korean and embrace the culture. Then move to a bigger city. Koreans will be surprised by your handle on the language and ability to eat spicy food. Ha ha. (This happened to me a year ago. I went into a Seoul restaurant and ordered some food in Korean. She was surpised I could speak Korean, use chopsticks, and eat spicy food. She spoke no English. Guess there are lots of waygooks in Seoul but not many going to random Korean restaurants. Was a pretty cool experience. Never would have been able to do that without 'sink or swim' that the rural area gave me.)
Anyways, long rant aside, come over and take anything just to get here. After a year, you can transfer to where ever. Try to get something that's stable and actually pays. That's the most important thing. |
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karri
Joined: 14 Jan 2007
Location: south korea
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| Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 7:45 pm Post subject: |
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I came by myself in 2007. It took 3 months before I met other foreigners in my town. Although now I live in one of the big cities I wouldn't trade the experience of small isolated town. I happened to arrive at a point when everyone one was off on holidays (January).
If you're coming over with EPIC you will have an orientation where you'll meet other people in your area. Even if they don't live in your town, buses are easy and cheap between towns here.
I think coming over on your own is a great way to find out what you're made of and a great way to discover Korea. Like a previous post said you end up having a different view if you're not in a secure group of friends when you arrive.
Good luck! |
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