EPIK - Korea
The program was established in 1995 with the aim of improving standards amongst students and to further cultural exchange.
The program places teachers in March and September in various locations throughout the country. Some locations are more desirable than others so if you have a preference it is very important to apply early.
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Schools
When you apply your application is firstly dealt with by EPIK. If approved, they will then pass it on to a Provincial Office of Education (POE) who will take it from there. The POE will decide specifically which school you will work in and it is with the POE that you will sign a contract (not EPIK).
As a teacher you will work at primary and secondary schools within a designated POE, but you may also be asked to work at other educational facilities within the EPIK program.
Work
EPIK has 1 year contracts starting either March or September.
Before beginning there is a 10 day orientation and training program in Seoul.
A typical working day is 8 hours, with approximately 22 hours/week of actual teaching time. Overtime pay is available if teachers are asked to work additional hours. You will only work Monday to Friday.
Most teaching work is as an instructor alongside a Korean teacher. There will also be some materials preparation and possibly teacher training to Korean teachers.
Requirements
To apply for EPIK you must:
- complete the application form
- pass the interview
You will need to be:
- a citizen of a country where the primary language is English
- a native speaker of English
The documents you will require are:
- a degree
- transcripts
- criminal record check
- 2 letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources
- copy of passport
Optionally you can submit:
- copy of TEFL Certificate
- proof of full-time teaching exprience
You must also meet the requirements for an E-2.
Pay and Benefits
Pay is based on qualifications and experience and location with higher salaries for more remote locations.
It ranges from between 1,600 USD - 2,400 USD per month (1,200 - 1,800 EUR, 1,000 - 1,500 GBP).
The benefits of working for the EPIK Program in Korea
- free housing provided by the EPIK Program (utilities not included)
- entrance allowance of about 1,150 USD (860 EUR, 730 GBP) to purchase a one-way ticket
- exit allowance of 1,150 USD (860 EUR, 730 GBP) or a renewal Bonus of 1,750 USD (1,300 EUR, 1,100 GBP) for resigning
- settlement allowance of 270 USD (200 EUR, 170 GBP) when you first arrive to help get sorted and buy for the apartment
- paid vacation for 21 working days plus 13-15 national holidays
- medical insurance and pension, 50% of which is covered by the EPIK program
Applications
The application to the program can be made in several ways either contacting the EPIK offices directly (if you are in Korea) or through your local Korean embassy or finally through a third party recruiter.
In all cases the documents will need to be submitted and checked and also there will be a face-to-face interview.
If this is successful you will receive notification and then apply for the E2 visa.
To make an application to EPIK see here: Official Site
