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Tefl in South Korea

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  • Registered Users Posts: 100 ✭✭inverted_world


    I know this might be a stupid question, but my degree is from NUIG and its all in latin. I have a copy of it and Im going to get it notarized soon. But Im just wondering will that be ok? Will they need an English copy? Im pretty sure you can get these from some office in Dublin? Or will a copy of the original be ok?? Why is this process so confusing?? :(

    I didn't get mine translated and there were no problems.


  • Registered Users Posts: 209 ✭✭babyfratelli_x


    I didn't get mine translated and there were no problems.

    Aw really? Was yours from an NUI aswell? I wonder does it make a difference depending on the school, or is it simply for visa purposes?


  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    Think I'm gonna risk it with just the final years results. They were the only ones that mattered towards my degree anyway (did a B.A. in Animation, kinda works a bit different than a more academic course). Also I think my garda check is back, and I'm going to arrange my references now. What is the difference between getting my degree and birth cert notarized and getting it apostilled? The application process for this is a little to get my head around, but this is definitely the part that has me most confuzzled :P How is apostilled pronounced? Silent or sounded 'T'?


  • Registered Users Posts: 100 ✭✭inverted_world


    Aw really? Was yours from an NUI aswell? I wonder does it make a difference depending on the school, or is it simply for visa purposes?

    Yeah, it's from UCD. I was never asked for a translation from any of the recruiters I dealt with, and my school is a public school.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,766 ✭✭✭squeakyduck


    Yeah, it's from UCD. I was never asked for a translation from any of the recruiters I dealt with, and my school is a public school.


    Mine were from UCD too. I never translated either of mine and it was ok. I got my transcripts back from the school after I got here. They weren't opened or anything.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,425 ✭✭✭guitarzero


    Hey

    I'm gonna be starting an online TEFL course soon and have been giving S Korea some consideration. Thing is, I dont know much about the place.

    Having been reading through the last few pages it seems that theres more focus being given to those who have made up their mind and things on travel, garda clearance etc etc.

    I'm quite curious as to what life is like in the big cities for Irish folk. Things like the language barrier, social life, meeting other english speakers, prices etc etc.

    If anyone wants to give me a little run down that would be much appreciated.


  • Posts: 17,381 Anna Abundant Hairstylist


    If you're feeling really cautious, you could travel a bit first.. Get to Bangkok, do a few weeks around the country and see if you like being surrounded by asian people who don't speak English. If ya like it, teach in thailand of somethin for a few months and then think about korea.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    Andy!! wrote: »
    Think I'm gonna risk it with just the final years results. They were the only ones that mattered towards my degree anyway (did a B.A. in Animation, kinda works a bit different than a more academic course). Also I think my garda check is back, and I'm going to arrange my references now. What is the difference between getting my degree and birth cert notarized and getting it apostilled? The application process for this is a little to get my head around, but this is definitely the part that has me most confuzzled :P How is apostilled pronounced? Silent or sounded 'T'?

    Get it notarised by a commissioner of oaths and get it apostilled by the department of foreign affairs.

    The background check is notarised by the superintendent of the Garda station you get it from, so this only needs to be apostilled.

    The copy of your degree needs to be apostilled, then notarised.

    Your birth cert??? Does that need to be done now??


  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    cloneslad wrote: »
    The copy of your degree needs to be apostilled, then notarised.

    Oh man thats ridiculous! :pac: Thanks for the heads up.

    I dunno, I thought I read somewhere your birth cert is required for something. Good idea to bring copies with me anyway. Garda cert came back, and as I suspected, I've not killed anyone or robbed any banks so thats good. :pac: Next on my list is references, then I will get around to getting my degree apostilled and notarised.


  • Registered Users Posts: 100 ✭✭inverted_world


    The only thing you MIGHT need your birth cert for is the police cert. One garda said I needed a copy of it, but another said I didn't as a copy of my passport was enough.
    But I suppose having copies of it wouldn't be any harm.

    You should clarify with your recruiter about transcripts. I needed a complete set, but I think that's only a requirement for public schools now. I suppose it's better to have everything you could possibly need to avoid a last minute scramble once you accept a job.




    Just wondering; is anyone going on the GEPIK orientation next week?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18 bizzleodrizzle


    Hey,

    I'm hoping to move to Busan in August. I've been in touch with a number of recruiters, Footprints, ATC etc but all of them have dismissed my chances and almost laughed of my chances of getting a job there. Is it really that difficult for Irish teachers to find work in Busan?

    Also, I was hoping to play GAA over there but it looks like Busan and Seoul are the only cities with football teams? Is this correct?

    We're thinking of maybe going to Ulsan or Daegu instead. Anyone have any thoughts on these cities?
    Thanks in advance!


  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    Hey,

    I'm hoping to move to Busan in August. I've been in touch with a number of recruiters, Footprints, ATC etc but all of them have dismissed my chances and almost laughed of my chances of getting a job there. Is it really that difficult for Irish teachers to find work in Busan?

    Also, I was hoping to play GAA over there but it looks like Busan and Seoul are the only cities with football teams? Is this correct?

    We're thinking of maybe going to Ulsan or Daegu instead. Anyone have any thoughts on these cities?
    Thanks in advance!

    Really? Damn I was hoping for Busan. Did you do a TEFL course?

    I'm looking to use youtube to increase my knowledge on teaching/ESL teaching. Anybody know of any channels that are good for this?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭R.D. aka MR.D


    Hey,

    I'm hoping to move to Busan in August. I've been in touch with a number of recruiters, Footprints, ATC etc but all of them have dismissed my chances and almost laughed of my chances of getting a job there. Is it really that difficult for Irish teachers to find work in Busan?

    Also, I was hoping to play GAA over there but it looks like Busan and Seoul are the only cities with football teams? Is this correct?

    We're thinking of maybe going to Ulsan or Daegu instead. Anyone have any thoughts on these cities?
    Thanks in advance!

    Busan was my first choice too when i originally decided to come over but i realised that to get a job in Busan you have to be lucky or willing to wait a while until one comes up. I didn't want to wait! I'm glad i came to Seoul though.


  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    Oh damn. Best start applying for jobs now then, got most of my documents.


  • Registered Users Posts: 318 ✭✭SpatialPlanning


    Hey,

    I'm hoping to move to Busan in August. I've been in touch with a number of recruiters, Footprints, ATC etc but all of them have dismissed my chances and almost laughed of my chances of getting a job there. Is it really that difficult for Irish teachers to find work in Busan?

    Also, I was hoping to play GAA over there but it looks like Busan:cool: and Seoul:( are the only cities with football teams? Is this correct?

    We're thinking of maybe going to Ulsan or Daegu :eek: instead. Anyone have any thoughts on these cities? :eek::eek::eek::eek:
    Thanks in advance!

    Hey. Busan, Seoul and Daegu have GAA teams. A new league has just started (kicks off tomorrow - we're hosting it in Busan) that will be played once a month up until the Asian Gaelic Games in October.

    I wouldn't risk Seoul - I hear they eat their own children up that way.
    Daegu is another dodgy spot. I'd liken it to Chernobyl.

    Busan is where you want to go for GAA. Look up Laochra Busan on facebook... http://www.facebook.com/LaochraBusan

    If you are very keen to get a job quickly then join the facebook group and ask there if there are any jobs going. You'd be very surprised by how many jobs are filled via word of mouth! Shoot me a PM if you need any help.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    Busan is full of Irish people, those telling you that it's not possible to get a job there are just trying to get you to go places they find hard to fill, as they know they can fill Busan positions easily.

    Look for jobs that aren't using recruiters, or that are using decent ones (if they exist)


  • Registered Users Posts: 209 ✭✭babyfratelli_x


    hey there,j ust another quick question. Do you have to get the Police Certificate notarized first and then get it apostilled, or do you just get it apostilled?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭R.D. aka MR.D


    hey there,j ust another quick question. Do you have to get the Police Certificate notarized first and then get it apostilled, or do you just get it apostilled?

    Just apostilled, it doesn't need to be notarized because the garda signature is enough.


  • Registered Users Posts: 209 ✭✭babyfratelli_x


    Thanks, was thinking I saw someone else on here say the same thing, but just wanted to double check. :)

    The people on this thread have been more helpful than the recruitment agencies, I dont think most of them are used to dealing with applicants from Ireland. When I make it to Korea (fingers crossed) I think I owe some of you a thank you pint :D


  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    hey there,j ust another quick question. Do you have to get the Police Certificate notarized first and then get it apostilled, or do you just get it apostilled?

    Doesn't it come apostiled? If I knew what that meant it might help lol. I was in the department of foreign affairs today getting my degree apostled, do I have to back and give them another twenty for the background check? :/ Also, anyone know of a cheap notary in Dublin? That can be any solicitor, right? Or is there a specific place I should go.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 209 ✭✭babyfratelli_x


    Andy!! wrote: »
    Doesn't it come apostiled? If I knew what that meant it might help lol. I was in the department of foreign affairs today getting my degree apostled, do I have to back and give them another twenty for the background check? :/ Also, anyone know of a cheap notary in Dublin? That can be any solicitor, right? Or is there a specific place I should go.

    Heya, no you definitely need to get the background check apostilled.
    I would say that you will have to go back and pay another twenty.

    I dont think just any solicitor notarises documents, they have to be a public notary, theres a list of them all in this link.

    http://www.notarypublic.ie/finding_a_notary.html

    I thought you had to get something notarized first though and then get it apostilled? This process is so confusing!! :mad:


  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    http://www.notarypublic.ie/finding_a_notary.html

    I thought you had to get something notarized first though and then get it apostilled? This process is so confusing!! :mad:

    Right there with ya :D Thanks for that link. I read documents had to apostilled then notarized, but I guess maybe it doesn't matter? Gonna try and track down a notary tomorrow.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭R.D. aka MR.D



    The people on this thread have been more helpful than the recruitment agencies, I dont think most of them are used to dealing with applicants from Ireland. When I make it to Korea (fingers crossed) I think I owe some of you a thank you pint :D

    Well i'm in Seoul you can pm anytime!!!!!! :P


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 seamie89


    an-nyung-haseyo :)

    I thought id write a little post about my experience so far! I'm no expert, but i have just recently been through the EPIK system and i might be able to offer some information,assistance etc!

    Im located in Pohang, its a nice size city on the South East coast. I'm about 1hour bus from Deagu and 1 hour 20mins bus from Busan. My location has about 80-100 foreign teachers, including a mixture of public and Hagwon teachers. All the teachers hang out together, socialise, offer help, plan trips etc together! I feel completely safe here and have no negative feedback to offer so far. The only downside of Pohang is there is only 5other Irish people and one is soon heading home. Therefore we are a minority by a long shot, there is loads of South Africans,Americans and Canadians.
    So i came with the most recent EPIK intake there at the end of Febuary.
    Orientation is great fun and a brilliant way to meet new people, at least 20 people from my orientation came to Pohang with me :)

    If I could offer any advice it would be to get all your documents in order asap! It doesnt take too long once you begin to get the ball rolling! I have no experience with applying through a recruiter as i applied directly to EPIK in October. They were amazing as I had one lady (co-ordinator)who i dealt with at al times, she constantly sent us emails with updates, information and anything i may have not known about etc. This lady was also the person who interviewed me via skype at 6am-nothing to worry about with the interview, basically just asking why you chose to be a teacher in korea, what do you know about it, and then she offers a situation in the classroom and asks you to say how would you deal with this if it happened to you.

    I booked my flights myself and just forwarded on the information to my co-ordinator. I flew with Etihad airways for 600euro, this allowed me one large suitcase- 22kg, hand luggage 7kg-yet mine was over 10kg!, handbag and laptop could be carried on seperate also! At the check in desk i signed up as a new flyer and was atuomatically allowed an extra 5kg..happy days, as i had another bag packed to ask could i bring it on! The flight was so long and not too nice but there is no way around this as it is 18hours of flying!
    On arrival in Pohang, i thought omg i live in a city..it's huge!!!coming from a small town girl in Ireland! but after a week/two it is not really that big, there is a great bus service and taxi's are so cheap and constantly flying by on the road. The most you would spend gettin around is about 10,000won(7-8euro) and that is going in a cab for 20mins!

    Im in an all girl's middle school which i love! i'm on my 9th week of teaching and the girls are great. They are quite disciplined and want to learn!
    Now onto co-teachers!..before leaving i read many posts here about howyou will have one co-teacher they deal with everything and help you with whatever you need. Also i had the impression it was normal to bring over a SMALL PRESENT from home for your principle, vice principle and co-teacher..which i did! It ends up my vice principle is a lady (i bought for a man) and i have 7 co-teachers! :):) you can just imagine how i felt when i realisd all of this, then i asked a few foreign teachers here who have been here for awhile and they laughed at me! Basically it is NOT necessary to bring over presents, the normal thing is AFTER your FIRST paycheck, the new teacher usually brings in something small for all teachers e.g. loads of fruit (strawberrys and oranges are really appreciated) and leave them into the teachers room for everyone..or else buy some doghnuts or something like that. It isnt a big thing where you must buy presents and spend loads of money..i went to my local market and spent about 20,000-30,000won (20-25euro) on fruit and they were in awe when i arrived in on the Monday with all this fruit, they were extremely appreciative :) Needless to say i did give the small gift from Ireland to the principle, vice principle and my main co-teacher who is the lady who collected me, brought me to my appartment and is the one i go to for help, even though i share an office with 2other co-teachers who always offer me help.

    So over 2months here and i love Korea! already thinking of staying a second year :)

    I heard that the EPIK system is changing rapidly and you can no longer apply jointly with a friend or specify what area you would like to be place...I only got to choposer the province i go to and did not find out where i was going until the LAST day of orientation! It's grand though because everyone else is in the same boat..We all departed orientation on buses and no1 knew where they were going...kinda scary but with internet, facebook, etc you will soon find out where your new friends are!

    Also your mobile phone will NOT work over here! Your co-teacher will help you get a phone you want, more than likely you will be on contract and have a monthly bill of about 50,000 won..depends on if you want a smart phone etc..!

    Well i hope this was insightful and offers some people a little help. Feel free to ask me any questions and i can try to help, also there is many Hagwon people in my area and i know a little about their experiences :)
    Also want to thanks everyone on this thread for all their valuable information as i was constantly reading posts getting information befre i departed! woop keep up the good work every1 :D

    Cheers :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 14 chris6


    Hi Guys,

    Moving to Seoul in 3 weeks and I'm looking into mobile phones at the minute. The Arrival Store keep contacting me in relation to their offers but I want to see if there are any better options out there? Looking at getting a smart phone and will be there fore 12 months.

    Thanks,

    Chris


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭R.D. aka MR.D


    chris6 wrote: »
    Hi Guys,

    Moving to Seoul in 3 weeks and I'm looking into mobile phones at the minute. The Arrival Store keep contacting me in relation to their offers but I want to see if there are any better options out there? Looking at getting a smart phone and will be there fore 12 months.

    Thanks,

    Chris

    Are you moving here to teach? Do you not just want to wait until you get your ARC?


  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    Great post seamie :D

    Sigh... had a discouraging day today. Spoke to a notary who was extremely unhelpful, wish I hadn't left the house in this ungodly rain. Do we really need our documents notarised? Notarising seems to do the same job as getting it apostilled. They guy quoted me €30 per document, after I've just spent €20 on each document. Emigration tax I guess. Will try another few tomorrow.


  • Registered Users Posts: 209 ✭✭babyfratelli_x


    Andy!! wrote: »
    Great post seamie :D

    Sigh... had a discouraging day today. Spoke to a notary who was extremely unhelpful, wish I hadn't left the house in this ungodly rain. Do we really need our documents notarised? Notarising seems to do the same job as getting it apostilled. They guy quoted me €30 per document, after I've just spent €20 on each document. Emigration tax I guess. Will try another few tomorrow.

    Aww thats no fun. It really is worth ringing around first, I rang a load in Cork yesterday, and the prices varied from a tenner per document, to 80 :eek: (although she kinda confused me I think she said they would notarize and send them of to be apostilled for me, but ehh nope, still riduculosuly pricey) Everywhere else quoted 20, so that seems to be the norm, wouldnt pay any more than that tbh, unless maybe ones in Dublin get away with chargin more?

    Anyway I think you just need the degree notarized, not the CRC. But again Im no expert, just being going on advice from people in this thread! :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 23 seamie89


    Andy!! wrote: »
    Great post seamie :D

    Sigh... had a discouraging day today. Spoke to a notary who was extremely unhelpful, wish I hadn't left the house in this ungodly rain. Do we really need our documents notarised? Notarising seems to do the same job as getting it apostilled. They guy quoted me €30 per document, after I've just spent €20 on each document. Emigration tax I guess. Will try another few tomorrow.


    wooooah!dont go paying ridiculaous money like that! i heard 10-20 euro per document is average...but it all depends on the solicitors i suppose!
    I literally walked into a random solicitors office at home and asked the lady at reception would it be possible to get some documents notarised...she was a little hesitent at first, but once i informed her about what i needed them for she swiftly took all my documents, brought them into the solicitor and viola! best part...she didn't charge me a cent :)


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  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    Hey you got lucky! :D might try that approach.

    For the waygookin already over there, if a recruiter asks for scans of documents like a passport, is it pretty safe to do so? Would be wary just handing out that info. Anyone here particularly knowledgeable on different recruiters/schools? Just wanna check out who is making me offers.


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