| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Envies
Joined: 19 Jan 2012
Location: Hokkaido, Japan
|
 Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:21 pm Post subject: Applying to EPIK from Japan, but am an American citizen |
 |
|
Hello!
I`m an Asian-American currently teaching on the JET Programme (Japan Exchange Teaching) in Japan and am looking to apply for EPIK for the Fall term once I`m done over here. I`ve read up on what documents are needed for the EPIK program and know what I have to do to get them. The only thing I`m worried about is will they allow someone residing temporarily outside their home country to apply?
I`m pretty positive I`m able to get all the documents on time and within the 6 months validity period. And if I`m able to get all the documents together and send it in by the deadline would it really matter if I currently live in a different country?
I also would like to use a recruiter if anyone can recommend me one that might accept people who had similar situations to mine. Or, should I just apply directly?
The JET Programme had similar document requirements and I actually was able to acquire everything via help from friends back home while I was studying abroad in a different country. So, I know how to go about the process, just worried that this will affect me getting an interview or my application being accepted. If anyone has ever been in the same situation as me or can help me, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Caffeinated
Joined: 11 Feb 2010
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I applied to SMOE (now part of EPIK) outside of my home country as well and was fine after getting all the documentation sorted.
As for recruiters, there's a huge thread on recommendations. A good recruiter will be quick to reply and clear on what hoops you need to go through. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:39 pm Post subject: Re: Applying to EPIK from Japan, but am an American citizen |
|
|
| Envies wrote: |
Hello!
I`m an Asian-American currently teaching on the JET Programme (Japan Exchange Teaching) in Japan and am looking to apply for EPIK for the Fall term once I`m done over here. I`ve read up on what documents are needed for the EPIK program and know what I have to do to get them. The only thing I`m worried about is will they allow someone residing temporarily outside their home country to apply?
I`m pretty positive I`m able to get all the documents on time and within the 6 months validity period. And if I`m able to get all the documents together and send it in by the deadline would it really matter if I currently live in a different country?
I also would like to use a recruiter if anyone can recommend me one that might accept people who had similar situations to mine. Or, should I just apply directly?
The JET Programme had similar document requirements and I actually was able to acquire everything via help from friends back home while I was studying abroad in a different country. So, I know how to go about the process, just worried that this will affect me getting an interview or my application being accepted. If anyone has ever been in the same situation as me or can help me, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks! |
As long as you are legally resident in a 3rd country there is NO PROBLEM applying to EPIK/GEPIK or any other E2 position in Korea.
No problem getting your visa while in Japan (at any of the K-consulates or the Embassy).
. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
shostahoosier
Joined: 14 Apr 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 4:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
To the OP (Envies) also lookup Ttompatz's advice on recruiters - it's great common sense and covers most of the insight you need regarding choosing them.
If Dave's search isn't working just use searcheslcafe.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
|
| Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 8:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| ttompatz wrote: |
The good one is the one who gets you a "DECENT" job.
They are all good and they are all bad. They all have some proponents and they all have some complaints.
Search yourself and you have access to perhaps 20-50 potential employers who may be able to actually READ your resume and perhaps can get you through the visa confirmation process (not always easy for 1st time applicants).
Use 20 recruiters and that number jumps up into the many hundreds or potentially over 1000 jobs, even if the employer himself doesn't speak English (lots of hagwan jobs, MOST private placement PS jobs and virtually ALL private K-12 jobs fall into this category).
The problem lies in the fact that most people do NOT understand the role of the recruiter.
They are an introduction to a potential employer that you yourself would not otherwise be able to find. Then, if they are any good at their job, they guide you through the placement and assist with the paperwork necessary to get you as far as the employer.
They are NOT your friend.
They do NOT work for you (they are paid for and work for the employer).
They are like a used car salesman.
You walk onto their car-lot (website), peruse the cars (available jobs), if you see one you like you inquire about it.
After you listen to the sales pitch you let YOUR mechanic have a look at it (due diligence checking out the school).
If it is all good then you make the offer (accept the contract) and complete the sale (begin the paperwork for your visa application).
A good salesman will ensure that the paperwork is in order to make the sale and allow you to register the car. (A good recruiter will make sure your paperwork is in order and help get you through the paperwork to get your visa.)
I have no problem with using a recruiter or telling anyone else to use one (or more the case, many). They are your best option for fining the BEST fit when it comes to a job in Korea (or most of Asia for that matter).
For someone who is abroad, no connections and no ability to communicate in Korean then recruiters are a necessary evil.
That doesn't mean it is a crap shoot.
ALL recruiters are good. All recruiters are bad.
BUT they are a bridge to a job that you would not otherwise find.
The trick is in understanding what they are and what they do.
| ttompatz wrote: |
Really, when it comes to a recruiter, who cares where they are from or where they are based?
A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.
Unless you have an extensive network of friends and/or colleagues in your target country OR can read/write and speak the local language and can apply directly they are a necessary evil.
REPEAT: A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.
Hello Mr. English speaker this is Mr Hakwon owner.
Mr. hakwon owner, this is Mr. English speaker.
Mr. English speaker, here is the contract. Please read and sign.
School, here is the signed contract. Pay me.
Good bye.
-You are not paying them anything (or you shouldn't be).
-THEY DO NOT WORK FOR YOU! - They work for the school.
-They owe you nothing once you get here.
-They are not your friend.
-They are not your baby sitter.
-They cannot help you if things go to *beep* after you get here.
Beyond that it is YOUR responsibility to check the school out.
Do NOT trust ANY recruiter. They are like used car salesmen. They will lie and sell their soul to get the signature on the contract.
Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE in regards to the school or get burned.
Use the recruiters for what they are. Use more than one and keep going until you get what you want. There is no rush and there is certainly no shortage of jobs.
When it comes to the school - again - repeat - Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE.
1st - READ the contract over very carefully. If that doesn't scare you away then...
The best you can do is minimize the risk by talking to MORE THAN ONE of the foreign staff and ask POINTED AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS (*when the boss is NOT listening over their shoulder). Don't accept non-specific answers and broad generalizations.
No foreign staff references to talk (directly and via e-mail) to = walk away now.
Accept NO EXCUSES for any reason.
ONE CAVEAT: if it is a public school there may not be a Native English Speaker to talk to but there is a chain of command OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL (your POE liaison) if you have problems and they are more strict in following the terms of the contract.
7777 |
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
judoka
Joined: 30 Dec 2009
|
| Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 4:09 am Post subject: |
|
|
| How many years did you do on JET? You do know you will take a pay cut moving from JET to EPIK. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
