Some places just get into your blood — and for us that place is Korea. Here is why we are heading back and what we are hoping for.
So, a few of you know already, but Adam and I are looking to head back to Korea next year for a few reasons…
* We miss Kimchi
* Save some mula, more than we can here
* Travel
* The culture
* We will be celebrities!
(These are just a few of the simple reasons, of course Adam and I have gone into much more detailed discussions)
We have applied for the EPIK program with the public school systems, hopefully to be placed in Ulsan on the east coast of the country (last time we lived on the west)
We sent our applications away at the beginning of the month and have just been told that we have passed the initial application review and have Skype interviews set up for Tuesday.
The public system is very different from the private sector which excites us a bit for a new experience. Here are some of the differences:
* We can be placed at more than one school
* We work days
* We will be working with a Korean teacher within the classroom
* We have more days off
* We will be paid more
* I will hopefully be placed in more of a training position!
We will keep you posted. Promise to blog more, especially about our time here in Colorado too.
🇰🇷 Such an exciting post — the anticipation of going back to Korea is so palpable! Here we go:
🏷️ New Title:
We’re Going Back to Korea — Kimchi, Savings and a Skype Interview That Could Change Everything
✏️ One Line Intro — Add at the Very Top:
Some places just get into your blood — and for us that place is Korea. Here is why we are heading back and what we are hoping for.
❓ 5 Q&As — Add at the Bottom:
Q: What is the EPIK program in South Korea? A: EPIK stands for English Program in Korea and is run by the Korean public school system. It places native English speaking teachers in public schools across the country working alongside Korean co-teachers in the classroom. Compared to private hagwon teaching the hours are better, the pay is higher, holidays are more generous and the overall experience is considered more stable and rewarding by most expat teachers.
Q: How do you apply for the EPIK program in South Korea? A: Applications are submitted online through the EPIK website and the process involves an initial application review followed by a Skype interview. Successful candidates are then placed in schools across Korea based on their preferences and availability. The process takes several months so applying early is strongly recommended.
Q: What is the difference between teaching at a public school versus a private hagwon in Korea? A: Public school teaching through EPIK offers more paid holidays, better job security, a Korean co-teacher in the classroom and generally higher overall compensation. Hagwons are private academies that often involve evening and weekend hours. Both have their merits but EPIK is widely considered the better experience for long term expat life in Korea.
Q: How much money can you save teaching English in South Korea? A: Savings potential in Korea is genuinely impressive — especially compared to the US. Housing is typically provided, healthcare is subsidized and the cost of daily life is very affordable. Many teachers save between $1,000 and $2,000 US dollars per month depending on their lifestyle and location.
Q: Why do people keep going back to South Korea after living there once? A: Korea gets under your skin in a way that is hard to explain until you have experienced it. The food, the culture, the warmth of the people, the incredible public transport, the affordability and the sheer adventure of daily life create an experience that most people find impossible to replicate anywhere else. We are living proof.
Discover more from Adventures We Seek
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Hooray for coming back to Korea! I work in the public school system (I'm with RLP though, not EPIK) so if there is anything I can help you all with please let me know. The Ulsan area is GREAT and I actually was thinking about moving there next contract. 🙂 Wish you two the best!
LikeLike
Omg!!! If you come please go when I go!!! lol I leave on August 3 – 5, 2012 but I haven't decided which city I want to live in. I want a city with a lot of cultural activities and places to visit. Plus, one that's closer to my friends. Ill give you more of an update in Feb since that is when everything happens. Best wishes and as always…you inspire me!!!
LikeLike
Kristi,Thanks…we will keep that in mind. Mariah…I am still so happy for you…you are living and trying new things that other people only dream of!!! That is what is most important!
LikeLike