| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
gdn35
Joined: 15 Dec 2011
|
 Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 6:33 pm Post subject: Applying For Public School - Some Questions |
 |
|
I have done a good amount of research on both Hagwons and Public Schools but I still have a few question that I'd like to ask. Help with this would be much appreciated.
Firstly, I have read on some websites that it is a risk to apply for both EPIK and GEPIK. Is this true?
Which one is more competitive, EPIK or GEPIK? I think I'd like to apply for GEPIK since I'd like to live within walking distance of the SEOUL metropolitan subway.
I will be looking to apply for the February 2013 positions. Therefore I would assume that it would best to start getting my documents ready in August, take a 120hr TEFL and apply in September to increase my chances?
Sorry if I am asking questions that have already been asked. Thank you for your time. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
RK12
Joined: 19 Feb 2012
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I would also like to second this. I graduate this December and worried about my options. Would anyone else also know if it's bad to apply to EPIK or GEPIK and also TALK?
I'm planning for spring 2013. I'm already in contact with Korvia (actually just had my interview with them today over the phone). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TheUrbanMyth
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Location: Retired
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 8:24 pm Post subject: Re: Applying For Public School - Some Questions |
|
|
| gdn35 wrote: |
I have done a good amount of research on both Hagwons and Public Schools but I still have a few question that I'd like to ask. Help with this would be much appreciated.
Firstly, I have read on some websites that it is a risk to apply for both EPIK and GEPIK. Is this true?
Which one is more competitive, EPIK or GEPIK? I think I'd like to apply for GEPIK since I'd like to live within walking distance of the SEOUL metropolitan subway.
I will be looking to apply for the February 2013 positions. Therefore I would assume that it would best to start getting my documents ready in August, take a 120hr TEFL and apply in September to increase my chances?
Sorry if I am asking questions that have already been asked. Thank you for your time. |
No EPIK and GEPIK are different agencies. That said if you get accepted by one and turn them down it may (may not) affect your chances later should you decide to apply with them again
GEPIK does not guarantee a placement within walking distance of the Seoul metropolitian subway. Many schools might require you to ride a bus or taxi a fair distance before arriving at the subway.
Public school have two main hiring periods (Sept and March). That said many hire at other times as well (I was hired in June of last year...and at my last school in January.)
If you apply in September you may be accepted then...are you willing to leave at that time? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TheUrbanMyth
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Location: Retired
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 8:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| RK12 wrote: |
I would also like to second this. I graduate this December and worried about my options. Would anyone else also know if it's bad to apply to EPIK or GEPIK and also TALK?
I'm planning for spring 2013. I'm already in contact with Korvia (actually just had my interview with them today over the phone). |
TALK is for those people who do NOT have a degree (still in university). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
RK12
Joined: 19 Feb 2012
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 8:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| TheUrbanMyth wrote: |
| RK12 wrote: |
I would also like to second this. I graduate this December and worried about my options. Would anyone else also know if it's bad to apply to EPIK or GEPIK and also TALK?
I'm planning for spring 2013. I'm already in contact with Korvia (actually just had my interview with them today over the phone). |
TALK is for those people who do NOT have a degree (still in university). |
Yes, I know. The problem is I go to a big public university and they don't give out the physical diplomas for a December graduate until mid-Feb to March. I'm worried about getting my diploma and all that before I leave February or March for EPIK/GEPIK possibly. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
gdn35
Joined: 15 Dec 2011
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 1:51 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Thank You for your reply, TheUrbanMyth. I would be willing to leave for Korea at any time after I apply. If I was a long way from the subway, I think I would have to re-consider my options. I assume you get to put down a top 3 choices? I�ve heard that when being accepted by EPIK, you don�t find out about the city/town you�re at until after orientation. Is this the same with GEPIK? I want to live near the Seoul subway, so I think GEPIK might still be my best option. Thanks for your time. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
rayray123
Joined: 27 Jan 2010
Location: korea
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 3:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
When I applied with GEPIK the jobs I was offered were no where near the cities I requested on the application.
Some GEPIK positions can be pretty rural. And even if you do live near the subway, you won't necessarily be able to get into Seoul quickly. I'm a 15 minute walk from subway line 1, but it's still about over an hour to get to Seoul. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
gdn35
Joined: 15 Dec 2011
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 3:50 am Post subject: |
|
|
| A 15 minute walk would be fine with me. I don't mind the long train journey to be honest, especially since you can't afford to be that picky as a newbie. Could I ask, when would you be likely to find out about the town/city you are placed at? Provided you get accepted of course. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
rayray123
Joined: 27 Jan 2010
Location: korea
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 4:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
| gdn35 wrote: |
| A 15 minute walk would be fine with me. I don't mind the long train journey to be honest, especially since you can't afford to be that picky as a newbie. Could I ask, when would you be likely to find out about the town/city you are placed at? Provided you get accepted of course. |
This year I was hired directly by the school. I still had to fill out the GEPIK application and contract, but I was already hired and knew where I was working when I sent it in.
My first year, 2010, before all the GEPIK cuts, I applied to GEPIK through Korvia. I wasn't placed in a school till after the school year had started. They kept telling me to wait and I would get a position. That was really stressful cause I didn't know if I was actually hired or not. Eventually they started offering me some pretty rural positions starting 1-2 months into the school year. I finally got one in Paju that was near a train station and wasn't bad. That place was more convenient that my current location I think.
I really like trains and the subway so being near a station was one of my priorities too. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
gdn35
Joined: 15 Dec 2011
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 4:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Thank You for your help. I guess I'll apply through a recruiter and make sure I tick the 'near subway station location' box and hope for the best. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
b-class rambler
Joined: 25 Mar 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
OP, is there some reason why it is specifically the subway that you are so eager to be placed near to?
Wouldn't a regular and reliable bus service into Seoul also satisfy your needs?
There are parts of the area covered by GEPIK where access to Seoul is well provided by buses, but not by the subway. There are also parts of the GEPIK area, which are served by the subway network, but from which it's actually much easier, both in terms of frequency and speed, to get into Seoul by bus. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
CentralCali
Joined: 17 May 2007
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 7:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
OP: Are you seriously considering misrepresenting your qualificaitons on your visa application and/or job application? In short: bad idea.
Be patient and wait until you get your diploma in hand. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TheUrbanMyth
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Location: Retired
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 8:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| gdn35 wrote: |
| ...I�ve heard that when being accepted by EPIK, you don�t find out about the city/town you�re at until after orientation. Is this the same with GEPIK?... |
Yes...however there are exceptions. I was hired directly by my school so I knew well ahead of time where I was going. But this was outside the main hiring period though, (that might have had something to do with it as well.)
But generally speaking you don't find out until you are at orientation. You CAN put down 3 choices but ultimately the decision lies with EPIK/GEPIK |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Modernist
Joined: 23 Mar 2011
Location: The 90s
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If you are getting all heated up about Line 1 in Gyeonggi, I would advise looking at Google Maps. Taking Line 1 all the way into Seoul Station from its terminus out in Sinchang takes something like 2 hours and 45 minutes. It's a LONG line, and almost no one ever actually does that. There are so many intercity buses running all the time, and they are cheap and get you anywhere you need to go. Not to mention the KTX and even the slower Korail trains as well. Public transport in this country is remarkably comprehensive. Obsessing about subway access is really pointless and will just get in the way of you finding a good slot.
Focus on the age you want to teach, the size of the school, and the distance from your housing to that school. What kind of services would be available in your town. Those are the things that will make or break your time here, not the subway. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
gdn35
Joined: 15 Dec 2011
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:32 am Post subject: |
|
|
I appreciate all the responses and information. The reason that I placed so much emphasis on being located beside the subway is because I assumed it would be a lot quicker. Ideally it would be good for me to be within 90 minutes of the centre of Seoul, so it wouldn't be too much of a problem for me to take a bus. If I apply early and tick the 'being close to subway station' box then hopefully I won't be too far out from the centre.
Thank You for the information though. I have never been to Korea and I am still unclear on many areas. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
