Korean Job Discussion Forums

[6tall]

Hi all! This is my first post, so don't bite. I have been lurking and searched the site through Google but didn't find quite what I was looking for. I have a couple topics I'd appreciate feedback on below, but basically I'm considering my options for the August 2014 intake and trying to find out as much as I can!

1) Acceptance to EPIK

I assume only EPIK has the data, but do you all have any idea what the approximate acceptance rate might be in the last year or so? Do you think the odds are better since they implemented the revised qualification requirements, or were those applicants basically disregarded already, making this a zero sum game?

2) Geographical placement

I'm not concerned about being placed in Seoul or Busan like so many people seem to be -- in fact, I think I'd prefer to be elsewhere and only visit the biggest cities. In regards to the various POE and MOE preferences that can be listed on the application, I've read good (and less good) things about most places. Would it help my application to leave the preference field blank? Honestly, I'm open to being wherever the fates send me if I make it through the application process at all. If I were to express a preference, I'm thinking that Gangwon and Jeju both seem like places I would be interested in spending a lot of time because of my outdoorsy pursuits. I would, of course, check the box indicating I would accept other placements. And yes, I realize I have many months until I can even fill out the Fall 2014 application!

3) Chance I'll even be considered and whether it's "worth a shot" (yes, I remember the saying that was posted on every American elementary school wall about missing all the shots you don't take, but work with me here)

I will be graduating with a BA in the liberal arts (history) in May 2014, and am beginning to explore TEFL options. I have always planned to teach in some capacity, but am not sure which direction I'd like to go professionally and so would like to teach abroad for two or more years. After a great deal of research over the past few weeks, I am planning to take the CELTA course from mid-May to mid-June next year (I have read through numerous debates here about the value of getting a CELTA vs. other TEFL certificate options, and I am confident that this is the right option for me).

Korea is currently top of my list for TEFL destinations, partially because I am attracted to the organized concept of the EPIK program (though I'm well aware from threads here that any given situation may be less than ideal). However, before I throw my eggs into this basket at the exclusion of others, I'm trying to find any sort of metric that helps me understand how competitive the application process really is. I know that I will be on the lowest rung of the eligibility ladder since EPIK revised its criteria.

Besides the question of eligibility, it seems like many folks here at Dave's think the application is a bit of a crapshoot and is primarily based on being blonde, attractive, and female. I'm certainly blonde and female, and while attractiveness is subjective, I'm confident in my ability to produce a great headshot and come across well in an interview.


TL;DR how are the odds for EPIK applicants days? Will receive BA in May 2014 and plan to finish CELTA course in June for application to August intake. Yes, I'm blonde.

[Lucas]

[Rutherford]

[6tall]

Lucas, I should have phrased my reasons for interest in EPIK better. I know the experience is 99% the school, but the fact that the application process is handled through the government and placement is in public schools makes me more comfortable about exploring it as my first option. I have no illusions that EPIK would continue to be hands-on; I know it's a means to an end.

[6tall]

[Quirkyfire]

Hi,

Weirdly enough, I am also blonde, female, graduating in May 2014 and applying for the August 2014 EPIK intake. I feel like I have exhausted my resources in searching for an answer to the 'What are my chances?!' question.

I'm taking the TEFL 100 hour + 20 hour in class practicum, and should have that completed by the time they start accepting applications. 6tall, you are right in that they only consider full-time teaching experience, and since they don't include a resume section I doubt volunteer work is really going to help.

I guess I'll continue following this thread- I hope we come up with something. Good luck, and I hope to see you in Korea!

[Otherside]

Young, blonde, female, attractive and North American?

If you were a horse, I'd bet on you!

[Lucas]