KOREA IS DYNAMIC...
This application process has been an example of the dynamic structure of Korea, and I went thru a recruiter. I can only imagine what the people who applied directly to EPIK went thru. This is what I did to get here...
1. Found Footprints Recruiting via a random page on craigslist.
2. Decided to teach English in South Korea....
3. Filled out 13 page application+ 2 page essay of every aspect of my life from since I was born until now.
4. Obtained two letters of recommendation from two different sources...had to figure out who to get recommendations from because the sources list was limited. Seeing as, the time of filling out the application I was unemployed, so no recommendation from my employers. Recommendations from the school could not be from the same department. Either way, could barely remember any of my professors. One ear and out the other. Pastors recommendations were only acceptable if the other recommendation was strong enough. So, I decided to go educational...somehow.
5. Received recommendations from Melissa (study abroad adviser) and Alma (Mexican program directer/teacher).
6. Submitted application mid October. Applications submission only started less than two weeks prior.
7. The second week of November, I am offered a phone interview. I pass my interview and within a week. I am offered a position. YAY!!
7. I then began to collect documents, transcripts, original copies of my recommendations, apostilled copy of my diploma, passport photos, FBI background check which later needed to be apostilled, VA criminal background check and a few more items.
8. Most of the documents in hand, I am only missing my second letter of reference from Mexico.
9. I asked my mom about every day, if I received mail. She was more frustrated than I was. We were told from the beginning that this is a numbers game. The first who apply get their first choice of city, first choice of school (elementary, middle or high school) and acceptance into the program. I really wanted my city on the beach.
10. After about a month of waiting and not receiving the letter, I am left with obtaining a third letter or not going. I decided to ask my pastor.
11. Pastor Graham agrees to do my letter, I am sooooo excited because I am able to complete my packet, send my documents to Korea and get placed in my first city (hopefully)!
12. Pastor Graham had the flu, so in about a week I was able to pick up my new reference letter. After trying to stalk his secretary, and everyday she told me he was still sick.
13. After I sent in all my documents, I signed up for a TEFL course. The 170 dollar course, gives me a 200 dollar raise every pay check.
14. I began the 100 hour course online. I am not going to lie, I procrastinated a bunch.
15. After submitting my documents in December, I wait for 2 months to receive my notice of appointment, without word from EPIK. The recruiters kept telling us it is the longest wait. My TEFL course was due January 20th. I received mine a little late but they still took it.
16. I was supposed to arrive in Korean Feb. 17th. I receive my notice of appointment (need to get my visa), contract and other documents about 2 weeks before.
17. I applied for my visa which took a week to get back, then finally bought my one way ticket to Busan for orientation...the ticket buying was approx. 3 days before I was to arrive in Busan.
