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Public School Positions: FAQs

Teach in Korea!

Although we've tried to cover as much ground as possible, I'm sure there are things that can be added so if you have any suggestions or questions, drop us a line at info@eslstarter.com and we will do our best to address them as quickly as possible!

How much do I have to pay for ESLstarter’s service?

You don’t pay us anything. All our services to teachers are completely free.

What kind of salary and benefits can I expect from an EPIK position?

Salary varies according to experience, but public school teachers with EPIK make between 1.9 and 2.7 Million KRW per month.  Please ask ESLstarter for an official pay scale which categorizes the various levels of salary. Rural and provincial allowance can also be added to basic salary depending on where you are placed.

Other benefits are plentiful and include free private apartment, airfare reimbursement, severance pay equal to one month’s salary, settlement allowance, not to mention 35 day’s paid vacation plus around 12 Korean national holidays.

What is the housing like?

The housing is of a high standard. You will be provided with a private, furnished apartment, usually very close to the school. The accommodation includes TV (most with cable), washing machine, cooking facilities and utensils, shower, under-floor heating, air-con and queen size bed plus bedding. Internet access can also be provided and is super-fast.

What is the application process?

Well, firstly you need to fill out an application form (which can be requested from ESLstarter).  We will then arrange an interview for you with one of the EPIK coordinators.

If the interview is successful, you need to send the visa documents to us. We will then send you the Appointment Package. You take this to your local Korean Embassy and pick up the visa. The main thing to remember is that we will be on hand to help and guide you through this process every step of the way.

If I have an F4 visa, do I still need to send my documents?

Yes, you will still need to send all of the documents. In the case of an F4 visa, this is not an immigration requirement, rather a requirement of EPIK.

How does the flight reimbursement work?

EPIK teachers are given an entrance allowance of 1.3 Million KRW (US$876) to cover the cost of your flight to Korea. This allowance will be paid to you within two weeks of arrival. You are also entitled to this allowance even if you are already in Korea and starting a position with EPIK.

Will somebody meet me at the airport?

Absolutely! You will be met by an EPIK representative as soon as you walk through the arrivals gate. Depending on the arrival date, somebody from ESLstarter should also be there to meet you and take you to the orientation.

What happens at the orientation?

The orientation is a chance for you to get to know your fellow EPIK teachers. Around 600 teachers are expected at the August orientation which includes Korean cultural tours, social events, performances, tips for adjusting to life in Korea, guides to effective lesson planning and much more.  Orientations are always held at nice resort areas and represent a gentle ‘easing in’ to life in Korea!

How will I get paid?

You will be paid monthly in local currency and into your Korean bank account. Being a government sponsored organization, one of the great things about working with EPIK is that pay is delivered on-time and in full every month.

How will I set up a Korean bank account?

Setting up a Korean bank account is very straightforward and somebody will be on hand to make sure you get one started within a day or two of your arrival. It is also easy and cheap to send money home from Korea, a telex transfer costs around 15USD per transaction.

Can I get a cell-phone?

Yes! Usually, foreigners get set up with a prepaid service cell phone. You’d have a local number and can top your phone up with cards from local newsagents and supermarkets.

How much are monthly utility bills?

Thankfully, very cheap! Electricity, water and gas combined usually come to around 70,000KRW.

All Korean apartments have under-floor heating which makes them very snug in winter. Even with the air-con blasting away all summer, you’ll rarely pay more than 75,000KRW a month in bills.

My Korean isn’t what it used to be so how will I cope?!

Don’t worry. This really isn’t as much of a problem as it seems. Once you get out to Korea, you’ll find that the locals go out of their way to help foreigners.

Although English is not always widely spoken (especially in rural areas), a combination of hand-waving, sign language and sense of humor is almost always enough to get by.  In the larger towns and cities, bus and train stations have signs in English whilst taxis also provide interpreter service.

Is it easy to meet other foreigners?

Another great thing about working for EPIK is that the orientation provides a great chance to establish contact and friendships with other foreign teachers who are in exactly the same boat. Also, such is the boundless Korean enthusiasm for learning English that even the smallest towns and villages have sizeable expat communities.

How will I be assigned a location?

When you fill out the application form, you need to list your three most preferred provinces in order of preference. The EPIK coordinators will then work to make sure you are allocated a position in the area you want. Your placement location will be confirmed at the orientation. Also, if you want to be placed with your partner or a friend, simply state this in your application and we will make sure you are working at schools very close together.

What will I teach?

This will differ according to school but you will be given plenty of guidance and assistance in preparing your lessons. This will be provided both at the orientation and be ongoing from when you arrive at your school. Also, when you are in class teaching, you will have a Korean co-teacher to assist.

Who do I go to if I have problems after I’ve arrived in Korea?

You can simply contact ESLstarter. We will be on hand to assist you whenever you need us. If you have an issue with the school and don’t want to ask them about it directly, we will support you and help you reach solutions with them whatever your problems. We will be there for you and at your service throughout the entire duration of your contract.

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