The "EPIK" guide to teaching English in Korea 2020 | Experiences from a Kiwi, Aussie and Brit |

  Рет қаралды 9,594

Odessa G

Odessa G

Күн бұрын

UPDATE: Anything to do with COVID that is mention in this video doesn't apply anymore!!! :)
Kia ora or hello... since me and my friends are from all different parts of the world I thought it would be good to talk about our experiences with EPIK and recruiters.
We broke down everything you need to know when teaching in Korea and getting here in the first place. Below I have timestamps because this is a long video and you might only want to know about a certain topic. If you have more questions feel free to comment down below!
DISCLAIMER: These are all our personal experiences obviously this whole process might be completely different for you.
TIMESTAMPS:
Different programmes: 0:50-1:35
Recruiters: 2:04-8:14
Documents: 9:15-13:43
Intake dates + NOTE for people applying this year: 13:44-14:28
Requirements: 14:29-15:30
Benefits: Housing 15:33-16:19
Benefits: Paid flights 16:20-16:43
Benefits: Severance Pay/ Renewal bonus 16:44-17:15
Benefits: Paid leave/ Sick leave 17:16-17:27
Benefits: Rural bonuses 17:30-18:07
Teaching- travel schools/amount of schools/class set up/ 18:09-19:00
Teaching experiences- 19:02-21:50
My friends socials:
Beth: / elizabethkatxo
Jared: / itsjaredbarley
COME FOLLOW ME:
TIKTOK: @odessagrayson
INSTAGRAM: / odessagrayson
EMAIL: workwithodessa@gmail.com
#korvia #EPIK #teaching #korea

Пікірлер: 67
@samanthaalexis5877
@samanthaalexis5877 3 жыл бұрын
My experience with EPIK has been...A LONG JOURNEY. I originally applied with Korvia because like you guys saw the reviews on KZfaq. Had an interview, thought everything went well, was told next steps and what documents to prepare. to then get an email the next day that they couldn't help me and apply directly to EPIK (OK!) Applied to EPIK, did pass, even got a placement in JLP for late spring 2020 intake...then Miss Rona struck. So my placement got moved back originally to August 2020 then CANCELLED. We were given the option to try for fall or defer for spring 2021. I decided to defer because it was a super limited amount of placements plus I didn't have the money for quarantine. Soooo here I am trying again. Fingers crossed it works out this time! Thanks for the video to see people's experiences from different perspectives.
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
Samantha Alexis ohhhh I feel you!!! It took me a whole year and 2 different times applying for me to get a placement. Hang in there and fingers crossed!!!! There are also other options outside of EPIK like hagwons as well if your sick of waiting. If you interested feel free to message me on Instagram and I can give you extra informatio + send you a link for jobs in Korea!!!! ❤️
@samanthaalexis5877
@samanthaalexis5877 3 жыл бұрын
@@OdessaGxox Thank. I'm hoping it works out this time. If not, I'll have to explore my options after that.
@nadan27
@nadan27 3 жыл бұрын
do you recommend going thru korvia or straight to epik?
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
sorry for the late reply, depending on the type of person you are. If you are on to it then I recommend applying direct especially if you want a specific city!
@samanthaalexis5877
@samanthaalexis5877 3 жыл бұрын
I did get placement for this coming up intake. We arrive next week for quarantine then orientation!! I'm so excited, nervous, and anxious all at once but I'm glad it's finally happening!
@RealKoreanLanguage
@RealKoreanLanguage 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your video!
@Gwynade
@Gwynade 4 жыл бұрын
Aa this was so helpful! Im planning to apply in 2021 spring! If you could do a video about packing for korea, tips before and after arriving, travel insurance, banking etc thank you💗💗
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 4 жыл бұрын
June DV I’m super happy this helped you 💕 yes! I will definitely film a part 2, to answer all your questions.
@TheSmiley84
@TheSmiley84 3 жыл бұрын
This was by far the best video i have seen on this topic, and you all just give off a chill vibe. Would love to know more about your experiences Are you aware of any teachers there who made it without a degree?
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
Awww thank you ! For epik you need a degree, you cant apply without one. But with Hagwons (private academies) there might be circumstances where they will hire without a degree.
@JemmahLorraine7
@JemmahLorraine7 3 жыл бұрын
This was so informative for me, I'm applying for the Fall intake and was tossing up whether I should apply through Korvia or direct. It's also really interesting because I have an acting degree so I'm glad the performing arts degrees are fine too!
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
I’m happy this has helped you 😊 if you have anymore questions feel free to to message me 💕
@JemmahLorraine7
@JemmahLorraine7 3 жыл бұрын
@@OdessaGxox Thank you! How did you go lesson planning and teaching for the first time?
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
Back in New Zealand I taught all ages dance, so I was quite familiar with teaching and in my degree I was also taught how to do lesson plans. So for me it was quite natural. I think for people who haven't taught at all don't over think lesson plans. 99% of the time in public schools you have a curriculum you have to follow so you don't have to make lesson plans from scratch. And if you are talking about lesson planning for your application make it simple yet affective - meaning lots of resources and hand outs as it strengthens your overall plan. Hope this helps in anyway!
@Whitewine-e2v
@Whitewine-e2v 4 жыл бұрын
Very informative video thank you! I’m planning to apply to the fall intake 2021. I noticed that you have a tattoo? did EPIK have any issues about your tattoos during the application?
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 4 жыл бұрын
Nbh so I had to take pictures of my tattoo and write down the size of it for the application. In the interview they did ask about it and they just asked how I’m going to cover it up etc and I just said the skin coloured plasters (so no issues). When it comes to teaching in school you have to cover it up, however my school is really open and allows me to not have it covered. I choose to cover it while teaching though. ☺️ Hope this helps!!!!
@nataliamalinowski9328
@nataliamalinowski9328 3 жыл бұрын
This video was super helpful! Thanks for making it! Do you already have to be graduated from University and have your diploma before you apply?
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
I’m happy it helped you!!! ☺️ no you can still apply before graduating as long as you have your diploma when you submit your final documents. I hope that makes sense.
@ameee596
@ameee596 Жыл бұрын
As with everyone else, this is one of the most informative videos I’ve seen on teaching English in S Korea - so thanks! Just a question for Beth: I’m starting to gather all my documents now so they’re ready in time for the opening of applications to EPIK in February 2023. With the police check, do I go just for the general one or do I need to one with fingerprints? I had initially assumed just the general police clearance would do, but I’ve since read about people having their fingerprints done as part of their Police check..does this apply to Aussies too? Also, how long does it take for my application for a Police check to be processed and get back to me? Cheers!
@kpopperprincess
@kpopperprincess 3 жыл бұрын
This was very helpful and informative although I kinda wish the Brit gentleman spoke a bit more about his application process because I'm from the UK too and would like to know more about his application process. Overall thank you though! ^^
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
I have added his social in my description, so feel free to give him a message he will be open to answer all your questions :) Thank you for watching!!!
@kpopperprincess
@kpopperprincess 3 жыл бұрын
@@OdessaGxox thank you! Question, if I apply for the fall intake next year, do you think there is high chance of it being deferred? I'm hearing about these deferrals that's been happening.
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
@@kpopperprincess I think for fall you will be okay it’s more the spring intake it’s a bit iffy atm because of Corona and the quarantine process in Korea atm. I feel like you will be fine, my tip is just be on top of everything and give yourself a lot of time. Get them documents in ASAP! 😊
@kpopperprincess
@kpopperprincess 3 жыл бұрын
@@OdessaGxox Is there a reason why you guys all have gone through a recruiter and not straight through EPIK?
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
@@kpopperprincess terrible organisation -all of us😂 I knew I would forget stuff so going through a recruiter they pretty much double check everything and I’m happy I did because I screwed up one of the documents and they were right on top of it. 😂 when I reapplied for Seoul this year I didn’t since I already knew the process.
@nadinecheri-leighwilliams8281
@nadinecheri-leighwilliams8281 3 жыл бұрын
Hello, thank you for the videos... It's very exciting to see your experiences. I recently received news that I passed my interview. Do you think that your GPA affects whether or not you get placed and where you get placed?
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
Noooo it doesn’t, as long as you passed your degree you are fine :) my gpa wasn’t the best and I never got them questioning it etc also congratulations!!! 🥳
@CherryWallflower
@CherryWallflower 4 жыл бұрын
This video was sooo helpful! I'm applying for 2021! I was wondering, did the people who wrote your letters of recommendation get contacted by EPIK? I'm asking people from my work to write it for me but I don't trust them responding in a timely manner if they get contacted LOL
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 4 жыл бұрын
CherryWallflower TV I’m sooo glad that this has helped you 🥰 No from experiences EPIK does not contact your references so you should be fine 😊 good luck!
@liammccleary5690
@liammccleary5690 2 жыл бұрын
So my question is, does a diploma from tafe and a completed tefl course qualify me to work in korea?
@Luz-hr1vz
@Luz-hr1vz 3 жыл бұрын
What about Puerto Rico does it count?
@katyslf9202
@katyslf9202 3 жыл бұрын
Love ur vids ! Hey do u guys have tattoos? I’m wanting to apply but I’ve heard that tattoos are not allowed. Odessa I can see one on your right arm, do u have to hide that ? Xx
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! So yes tattoos are allowed you just have to cover them with coloured tape or your clothes. In the application they ask you to take pictures of your tattoos and write down the sizes and places where they are. My school is real chill and let’s me have mine out, I still choose to cover it when teaching the students. I think it depends on the school but in the contract is says they have to be covered. Hope this helps 😊
@katyslf9202
@katyslf9202 3 жыл бұрын
@@OdessaGxox thank you!! That helped so much. I’m only in college but I’m getting a tattoo for my 18th next month 😂. It was really bothering me because I’ve always wanted a job like this but I couldn’t think of a place that would hide the tattoo. Now I’m just going to go for it!! Keep up the hard work in Korea !! ♥️
@sprintbuc
@sprintbuc 3 жыл бұрын
I went through Reach to Teach to apply to EPIK. They were good people, but like any recruiting program they will overbook, so the first time I was about 3/4 of the way through the process when they sent me an email stating they were full and I would need to apply again for the next intake.
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah that’s the problem with recruiters, and since EPIK has become so popular it’s even more difficult. I hope everything sorted itself out for you though 😊
@sprintbuc
@sprintbuc 3 жыл бұрын
@@OdessaGxox yup, been here going on 5 years now. No regrets.
@misybilly
@misybilly 2 жыл бұрын
What is the time frame from giving the interview, getting through and leaving to SK approximately. Helps decide on quitting the current job.
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 2 жыл бұрын
hmmmm like 4-6 months, It took me a year and a half because I didn't get through the first 2 times but I still had a job secured while applying. Also it's not 100% placement, I have heard people not making it through the interview stage or even after the interview stage. So I would suggest keeping your job for the time being :)
@mahbagheri5125
@mahbagheri5125 2 жыл бұрын
I'm a Certified tutor with over 6 years of experience, I teach English online, but I'm looking for teaching jobs abroad, but I'm disappointed, because I live in Iran, so can I teach in Korea??
@sophiemarie1905
@sophiemarie1905 3 жыл бұрын
Hey I heard a lot of people are having to pay off student loans from the US. I'm from the UK, do you earn enough to have to start paying the student loans back? I think it was £25k or £24k per year. I just want to know how I need to budget.
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
Hey!!! I can’t speak on terms for the uk or au but for nz you can get a 1 year exemption for paying your student loans however after the year you have to start it doesn’t matter how much you earn either you still have to pay.
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
But I’m pretty sure we don’t earn in that bracket
@nadan27
@nadan27 3 жыл бұрын
Hello, I’m an American, if I want to teach in the fall like around august or September, what month should I apply? Like early January? College senior btw thanks
@goldhawk151
@goldhawk151 3 жыл бұрын
The epik application opens up on February 1st for the fall intake i believe
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
Start gathering your initial documents (all on the epik website) do that you can apply straight away when it opens at the start of February 😊
@phyukhine8135
@phyukhine8135 2 жыл бұрын
Interesting video. I have a question, which tesol/tefl courses are accredited and available in Australia? Or is any 120hr + course considered accredited by EPIK? Anyone know what the process is like for non-EPIK applications such as applying privately to a hagwon/private language academy? And do any of these jobs come with korean language classes? Sorry for all the questions!! :)
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 2 жыл бұрын
I'm pretty sure most TEFL courses are accredited by EPIK and hagwons. When applying for hagwons it's more like applying for a job than the process of EPIK, you go straight to the hagwon that you are interested and apply with them. I think it really depends on the hagwon when it comes to language classes; you can always ask during the interview with the school. But usually you have to seek out language classes yourself which is easier enough to do as there are government funded programmes and other classes you can apply depending where you are in Korea :) hope that helped you a little bit with your answers... I don't have a lot of experience with hagwon so these answers are just from what I have heard from friends etc
@esasamonts6468
@esasamonts6468 3 жыл бұрын
What was the program your friend paid for? I really rather pay $2000 and get 100% placement with no second interview.
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
CIEE, but my friend said do your research as they didn't promise half the things she was promised like refunds etc during the pandemic etc. And in the end she still didn't get Seoul even though they promised her.
@Llyian
@Llyian 3 жыл бұрын
You didn’t mention, but are you all fluent in Korean? If not, did you study some Korean before arriving there?
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
No not at all, my Aussie friend she studied korean for two years prior to Korea and me and Jared didn’t study at all. My Korean is still at the bare minimal after a year, but I plan to study it more this year since all Korean classes were cancelled due to the pandemic 😊
@narilee8658
@narilee8658 3 жыл бұрын
but what is the most likely way for me to get seoul? cause that is where i wanna teach.
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
Probably EPIK with no recruiter and applying super early, or a private academy like a hagwon which you find yourself
@MARWHAL
@MARWHAL 3 жыл бұрын
Do you guys know anything about brining pets with you/having pets or know anyone that brought their pets along??
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
I’m not sure about bringing pets with you sorry! You can get pets here, but it’s up to your housing if they allow it ☺️
@MARWHAL
@MARWHAL 3 жыл бұрын
@@OdessaGxox okayy thank you. I appreciate it 🥺
@Kadergani09
@Kadergani09 2 жыл бұрын
Is it possible for an Indian to get a job with a tefl certificate in south korea?
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 2 жыл бұрын
There are hagwons that do hire non-native speakers but you do really have to research and there aren’t many.
@shawno2380
@shawno2380 3 жыл бұрын
Just stumbled on this video. Interesting. I was surprised to hear that there were too many applicants. The only other time this happened was during the Great Recession years ago for a while. I wonder if folks are escaping the covid recession? I like Korea but the cost of living has gone up a lot. Everyone from cleaning ladies, to bus drivers, to factory workers have gotten big time raises over the years while most ESL teachers have not. It will be difficult to save too much money or make a big difference on your student loans at 2.1 to 2.3 million won. Nowadays, China is paying a lot for ESL teachers. There are private and public schools hiring. I have seen jobs paying 4 to 5 million won a month also with free housing. A cheaper living cost, you will save much more money and pay off more student loans. Public schools also have much longer vacations which means you can come to Korea to visit anytime. Korea save 500 US dollars a month versus China save 2500 US dollars a month. If you work in Korea and want to get paid more with easier workloads try China. If you want to still come to Korea but can't get in, try China. It is much easier to get contracts. Try to find 23000 RMB and up. (Look up the exchange rates. But 4 million won aprox.) Korea is not the only game in town anymore. There are lots of options.
@shawno2380
@shawno2380 3 жыл бұрын
These are some Facebook ESL job groups: ESL English Teachers Jobs Teaching Jobs in China Teaching Jobs in Asia ESL Teacher China ESL Job in China and Taiwan TeachChina ShenzhenJobsForeign
@OdessaGxox
@OdessaGxox 3 жыл бұрын
Funny you said that, China was actually my first option before Korea! I taught dance in China for a month during my university degree and I loved it. Actually thinking about going possibly next year! ☺️
@shawno2380
@shawno2380 3 жыл бұрын
@@OdessaGxox I am hearing that more and more too. Much more than even I thought. I think Korea's past reputation has gotten it many teachers but it is not what it was. If you do go to China, I hope you will also post videos from there too. Best of luck.
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