Korean Job Discussion Forums

[zucchini]

Hello, I'm thinking of applying for EPIK and of listing Inchon, Daeggu, and Ulsan, in that order, as my 3 choices of location for employment. I'm not a teacher at all (although quite some years ago I did 3 years on the Japanese equivalent to EPIK, JET, as a teacher's assistant) but will do the CELTA course if I apply, which I probably will. I do not speak Korean, but will learn if accepted. For people on EPIK teaching in Inchon, Daeggu, and Ulsan, I'd appreciate your help with the following questions if possible. Do you always work with a Korean teacher in the classroom? If not, how often do you take classes by yourself ? Is there any teacher training at all provided by your city during the year ? How are your relationships with your Korean teachers of English, and the other teachers at your school? Really, I guess I'm wondering how friendly, considerate and open they are to people from other countries? Does your city provide a furnished apartment for EPIK people or are you finding your own accomodation on 300,000 won per month? Can you actually rent a studio/flat for that amount? I have heard from a workmate's friend that the key/bribe money on a small studio/flat may be 3,000,000 won! Is that true, and, if applicable, do EPIK folks pay about that in your city? Overall, how satisfied have you been with your EPIK and Korean experience, and working with Korean teachers - please feel free to list any good or bad points as you see fit. Thank you very much for your help.

[RachaelRoo]

double post

[RachaelRoo]

I'm not in EPIK but I find your choice of cities very curious. I've only heard bad things about Incheon, and I'm in Ulsan now and it sucks. What made you choose these three?

[zucchini]

Hi, although I would like to have Korean friends as well, I don't speak Korean so I'd like to be in a big city and increase the chances of meeting others from the English speaking countries. Two of those cities, Inchon and Daeggu I think, have the highest number of EPIK positions available for the cities, so if I choose them I'm increasing my odds of getting a big city.

[deessell]

I am part of EPIK in Incheon. I have had a great experience. My job is vacant in May and I would recommend it to anyone. I work with excellent English teachers and the students (for the most part) have been a pleasure to teach. I was treated very fairly in terms of holidays etc and was always treated the same as other Korean teachers. I am not renewing for personal reasons but as I said previously, it has been a very positive experience.


I would not apply for the program if you have no experience teaching. Level 1 only.