한국에서 영어를 가르치고 싶어요 :: I want to teach English in Korea
언어가 문화의 지도라 할 때, 우리는 여러 지도를 이해하는 능력을 갖춤으로써 보다 풍요로운시각을 가지고 삶을 탐험할 수 있게 돼요. 미국인 기자 플로라 루이스 (Flora Lewis)는 “다른 언어를 배우는 것은 같은 사물을 표현하는 다른 말을 배우는 것 뿐만 아니라 사물을 생각하는 또 다른 방식을 배우는 것"이라고 말했어요. 저는 이민자의 딸로 이중 언어를 배우며 자라면서, 언어를 배우는 것이 독특한 경험과 놀라운 기회를 열어 줄 수 있음을 직접 목격했어요. 영어 선생님으로서, 저는 학생들에게 세상을 보는 새로운 가능성을 열어주는 문화의 다리가 되는것을 목표로 하고 있어요.
If language is the roadmap of a culture, having the ability to understand multiple maps leads to fuller and more enriched perspectives as we navigate through life. American journalist Flora Lewis is quoted as saying, “Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things”. Growing up as a bilingual daughter of immigrants, I’ve seen firsthand that learning languages can open doors to unique experiences and wonderful opportunities. As an ESL teacher, I aim to be a cultural bridge for my students, revealing to them new possibilities of seeing the world.
That’s debatable, because every person will have a unique experience. But here are some questions I can answer.
1. What is the fastest route of applying?
Emailing your application directly to EPIK or combing the internet for some job listing from a contracted recruiter or director within an MOE/POE.
2. What are the cons of applying directly to EPIK?
It may be faster, because there is no middle man, but you won’t receive as much guidance and support throughout the application and interview process.
3. What is the safest way of applying?
Applying with a Recruiting Agency. If you go this route, then the application/interview/document process could take anywhere from 3-6 months, depending when you start the process. It sounds like a long time, but it goes by quickly, because of the amount of paperwork you have to obtain from different places. It’s the safest, because they can catch any mistakes in your application before it is mailed to EPIK.
4. Is it better to apply to EPIK through a recruiter?
Not necessarily. It depends on your definition of “better.”
5. What are the pros of applying through a Recruiting Agency?
Recruiting Agencies have experienced teaching staff (or they should). You’ll be able to ask tons of questions and not have to wait days for a response. Recruiting agencies are completely FREE to the applicant and they want you to get hired since they are investing time into you. So they will put in the work by reviewing your application, essay, giving you interview tips and guiding you throughout the entire hiring process. Seasoned recruiters will break it all down for you, so you don’t miss any of the important details.
6. What are the cons of applying to EPIK through a recruiter?
They have a large number of applicants to assist and coach through the process. Most recruiting agencies get busy during the placement periods, because they are dealing with tons of paperwork and EPIK. So expect delayed email responses of 2-3 days during that those times. But other than that, I really don’t think there are any drawbacks to utilizing a recruiter. Just make sure you are applying through one of the designated Recruiting Agencies outlined on EPIK’s website.
7. What is the easiest route to become an EPIK teacher?
The process took me half a year. -__- Was it easy? No. But I had a recruiting agency helping me. But after becoming an EPIK teacher, I met other foreigners who told me they started the process only weeks before receiving their placement. UM WHAT? I’m not entirely sure how this works, but some teachers said they found a job listing from the Jeju Provincial Office of Education and did an online interview directly with the program director before they even completed the EPIK application packet. Talk about the easiest route into EPIK.
As you know I've been working on the very aptly named EPIK application. I'm near to completing the lesson plan segment of the application. I have to say, doing a lesson plan for the first time ever was rather challenging. I couldn't seem to get my brain into gear at all. I managed to get something down on paper, and over the last few days I've been constantly tweaking it.
(I'm going to go to my favourite Vietnamese place for the last time on Saturday, will post a review)
Anyway, if you're reading this and have ever been an English teacher abroad, would you mind critiquing my work?
