Korean Job Discussion Forums

[teacherman1234]

I'm at a loss at the moment whether to sign up with EPIK or another public school program here in the UK or just take the plunge and look for a position when i arrive in Seoul. Does anyone have any advice on this? Also did any other UK teachers have to provide sealed transcripts? Do the Uni's do that here? Many thanks

[valkerie]

Yes, you can get them. I have just ordered mine and it costs a tenner for up to ten copies. Bear in mid that they have a shelf life of maybe 3 months, so if you are planning on coming over to look sdoon then you should be ok. Worth making it clear how you need them presented. (Each transcript sealed in seperate envelope, with uni stamp across seal and name/addres stamp on front.) That should cover all bases.

(BTW- the first time I ordered transcripts it was free, so check with your uni.)

As for whether you should apply ahead or just come over...from what I have read here it seems last minute ads may not be for the best schools/positions. Public school maybe better done from home but you would get something if you wait until you are here, I'm sure. (Maybe not the best area though.)

[ttompatz]

[teacherman1234]

Thanks, i think i will get a place sorted before i leave. I've just qualified as a teacher in psychology but hopefully the practice will stand me in good stead to get a decent enough position. Im hearing and reading good and bad things about EPIK, so not sure whther to go through them for my first visit, any ideas?

[Bibbitybop]

From experience and lots of friends' experiences, I'd go with ttompatz's advice.

[yingwenlaoshi]

Just get any old hagwon or public school to fly you over. If anything looks out of hand and they are violating the contract (it's Korea, so chances are they'll be violating something), quit, get a letter of release, and look for a new job.

[Hotpants]

I think EPIK is a good way of getting in. You are assured of all the terms they are setting out in the contract, which cannot be said of some hagwons, and thus is more reliable when signing from abroad. However, it's a real lottery as to which school you are placed at, so of course their will be some people who say their EPIK school is bad, as well as others who have no problems with their school. Forget the 'teacher of psychology' thing, though. You will be edutaining your way up the popularity stakes whenever kids/teens are concerned. Such a qualification will only help you if you are trying to get into an international school, but even then, I don't recall ever seeing ads for psychology teachers.

I have to pay 20 quid each for transcripts - it totally depends on which uni you were at