EPIK

	English Program in Korea	File:EPIKlogo.GIF
Dates	1995-present
Country	Republic of Korea
Role	Education
Participants	Native English Speakers

EPIK (English Program in Korea is affiliated with the Korean Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology Development and is operated by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). Established in 1995, EPIK aims to improve the English speaking abilities of students and teachers in Korea, to foster cultural exchanges, and to reform English teaching methodologies in Korea. The EPIK program allows Korean students and Native Guest English teachers to share a meaningful and profound educational experience while encouraging a spirit of multilateral cooperation.

History

Formally created in 1995 under the name KORETTA, EPIK has placed Guest English Teachers in Korean classrooms for over a decade. The program has undergone many administrative changes and is overseen by the NIIED. Currently, participants live and teach in 16 different Provinces and Metropolitan cities.

1981-1996	200 American Peace Corps teachers placed in secondary schools and universities throughout Korea
1992	30 American teachers (under the age of 30, holding Bachelor’s degrees) recruited via the Korean-American Educational Commission’s Fulbright program and placed in middle and high schools throughout Korea
1994.7	Selected as one of the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Development’s primary projects for fostering international education
1995.5	"Reinforcing foreign language education” and “Reinforcing globalization education” promoted as education reformation tasks
1995.7	54 EPIK Teachers (or GETs; Guest English Teachers) recruited (Training Center: National Institute for International Education)
2007.1-2007.6	EPIK jointly operated by Korea National University of Education (KNUE) and National Institute for International Education(NIIED)

Organization

EPIK is overseen by the NIIED, a division of the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Development (MEST). The NIIED provides recruitment and Guest English Teachers support from a central office in Seoul. In conjunction with the NIIED, Provincial Offices of Education offer assistance with sundry daily and work related affairs to Guest English Teachers. Participants can seek guidance from representatives at their Provincial Office of Education and at the NIIED.

Job Description

EPIK participants are placed at a local school for one calendar year. While working in concert with a Korean English teacher, Guest English Teachers assume a myriad of roles and duties. Participants are encouraged to be flexible and willing to contribute to the improvement and refinement of the English education curriculum at their schools. As much as they are English teachers, they are cultural ambassadors too.

Several duties are uniformly common for Guest English Teachers.

Notable tasks include:

• To conduct English conversation classes for Korean teachers and students
• To prepare teaching materials for English language education
• To assist in developing teaching materials for English language education
• To assist with activities related to English language education and other extracurricular activities
• To assist Korean teachers with their English classes and/or jointly conduct English classes
• To perform other duties as specified by the host POE

Application Process

EPIK hires according to the public school calendar. There are positions available for March (first term) and September (second term) of each year. EPIK hires through several channels including online, via email, through a consulate or embassy or through a recognized Recruiter.

1. To apply one must:
   • Be a citizen of a country where English is the primary language.
   • Hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
   • Be a maximum of 55 years of age.
   • Be mentally and physically healthy.
   • Have a good command of the English language.
   • Have the ability and willingness to adapt to Korean culture and living.
2. Prospective participants must first send an application to one of the above mentioned organizations.
3. Those who pass stage one of the process are invited to interviews which are conducted either through the phone or in-person.
4. Once offered a position, applicants must collect several documents to prepare for the E-2 visa.
   • Documents include: an Apostilled copy of the diploma, two original sealed transcripts, an Apostilled criminal record check, one sealed recommendation letter, and a copy of passport photo page. Additionally, copies of TESOL/TEFL/Teacher's certificates strengthen an application.

Procedure	March Placement	September Placement
Possible participants submit an application to the EPIK offce, the Korea Embassy/Consulate-General or Recruiting Agencies	Oct-Dec	Apr-June
Applicants have an interview with the EPIK office or with the Korea Embassy/Consulate-General or Recruiting Agencies	Oct-Dec	Apr-June
Document Screening (EPIK)	Oct-Dec	Apr-June
Final Review (Members of the EPIK Committee)	Oct-Dec	Apr-June
Applicants receive 2 original contracts from the Province of Education & the notice of appointment from EPIK by mail	Oct-Jan	Apr-Jul
Applicants apply and obtain an E2 visa at the Korean Embassy/Consulate General in their country	Jan-Feb	Jul-Aug
Applicants arrange flight	Jan-Feb	Jul-Aug
Airport Pick-up Service	Late Feb	Late Aug
Applicants attend orientation (about 10 days)	Late Feb	Late Aug
Applicants start work	March 1	September 1

References

1. <ref>http://www.epik.go.kr/

External links

• EPIK webpage
• EPIK forum