Getting Started

If you're anything like me, there's nearly nothing you love more than a good ole checklist. If you're just starting the process of applying to the English Program in Korea (EPIK), this is a good place to start. This is by no means a comprehensive look at what you'll need to have, but it will get you started. 

1. Join the EPIK Facebook page for updates to the application release dates and FAQ's 

TIP: If you apply through EPIK you can ask them questions directly. If you apply with a recruiter you cannot. Check out my post on going through EPIK vs. a Recruiting Agency

2. Get a Skype Account. You will need to provide your Skype ID on the EPIK application for interview purposes.

3. FIll out EPIK application.

TIP: Do not fill out an application for a different term than the one you are applying for. (I accidentally made that mistake after I dropped out of the running for Spring 2014. EPIK very kindly pointed out to me that there was a new application form) Applications are subject to change every term. According to the EPIK team information regarding applications are generally released 4 to 5 months prior to the intake date. For example, new applications are available in August for the February intake. Here's my Application w/ more tips.

4. Get (2) letters of Recommendation. Here are EPIK's requirements on who they should come from and how they should look.

5. Get your background check. For me it will be the FBI CRC/CHC (Criminal Record Check/Criminal History Check.)

TIP: Do this as soon as your apply for the program. It takes up to 8-12 weeks to get it back from the FBI, but it also is a time sensitive document which becomes void if it is too old. Please reference my blog post about this process for more detailed information. Here's my adventure with apostilles and CRC's.

6. If you haven't already, enroll in an accredited TEFL/TESOL/CELTA course. It must be at least 100 hours though I recommend 120. EPIK recommends 20 of those hours are IN CLASS. This can get extremely pricey (in the high hundreds or even thousands) so if you simply can't afford it, don't worry about it. **** UNLESS **** You're applying for Seoul or Busan. Seoul REQUIRES 20 in class hours. Busan REQUIRES 50 in class hours. If you're set on being in one of these two cities I recommend Oxford Seminars. They are taught in class and are extremely reputable. *prices start at over $1,000*

TIP 1: Your certificate is not required with your initial application, however it will be required one month before you enter the program. Plan to have it finished at least two months before you plan on being in Korea. Here's my TEFL choice. I double checked they were accredited. 

TIP 2: You might hold off on this until you pass Stage One and are invited for an interview. Depending on when your interview is and how quickly you think you can get the program done (I finished mine in 2 weeks online), you might even want to wait until after you pass the interview. Like I mentioned before the TEFL certificate isn't due until one month prior to you entering Korea. However, if you plan on teaching abroad no matter what happens you might as well get it asap. Most countries that hire GET's (Guest English Teachers) require at least 100 hours of TEFL training

7. Begin the process of going through the Required Documents page, and begin procuring all that you'll need to submit before EPIK can actually recommend you to a POE. Document Collection Guide from EPIK (2014).