Ready to take the next step with EPIK? You can find the perfect opportunity for you by following these simple steps. Start off your journey by visiting their website and submitting an online application form!

To fill out the EPIK (English Program in Korea) online application form, follow these steps:

  1. Click here to access the online application form.
  2. Select “Korvia Consulting” as your classification.
  3. Complete the personal information section, including your name, contact information, photo (smile!), etc.
  4. Fill out the education and work experience sections, providing detailed information about your background and qualifications.
  5. Upload your recommendation letters. Make sure they are pdfs!
  6. South African and Quebec applicants must also upload proof of English education letters for grades 7-12.
  7. On the next page, read all the questions carefully. Provide any details and pictures of tattoos and other necessary information.
  8. Complete the 3 short personal essays. Make sure to read the questions carefully!
  9. Create a lesson plan. Each section has specific word counts and instructions, so pay close attention!
  10. Submit your application and wait for further instructions from our Korvia-EPIK team!

It is important to carefully review all information and ensure that everything is accurate and complete before submitting your application.

Online Application Tips & Common Errors:

For a smooth application process, you’ll need to create an account before getting started. Don’t forget; accounts are deleted every term, so if you’ve used the page previously, be sure to get yourself set up with a new one! Make sure your email address is easy for you to access – and we recommend avoiding university emails as these cannot be changed afterward.

  1. Time Spent Abroad:
    Make sure to include all of the time you’ve spent outside your home country! Whether it’s travel or study abroad, it needs to be included. We recommend listing them starting from the most recent.
  2. Education Background:
    In the Education Background section of your application, list all of your schoolings in chronological order – from Elementary through High school (grades 1-12). Hit “Add” if you need more rows. If there aren’t enough rows, just list the most recent ones, then email your recruiter the rest in detail.
    If you’ve had the opportunity to travel and experience studying abroad, make sure that your Tertiary Education section reflects those experiences. For study abroad experiences, the degree section should be ‘N/A’, with a Major of “Study Abroad” or the name of the program completed.
  3. Personal Essay & Lesson Plan Word Counts:
    The Personal Essays and Lesson Plan sections of your application are crucial in helping the Office of Education make its final selection. Make sure to pay attention to details such as the following word limits, including relevant information for each section! Don’t forget you can save your progress along the way. Please make sure to proofread before submitting.

Professional Photo

Please upload a professional-quality image that has been taken from the shoulders up and facing forward. Make sure it’s on an uncluttered background, with no parts of your head or face cropped out. You can smile in this shot and wear glasses – but make sure sunglasses, hats, scarves, etc. are not included.

Two Letters of Recommendation

All applicants must upload pdfs of their recommendation letters as part of the initial application process. Please make sure each letter is a single pdf file that is no larger than 10MB (i.e. you should have 2 pdf files for 2 recommendation letters). Keep in mind that you must get hard copies of these letters with ink signatures later on!

Having a flawless letter of recommendation can make all the difference in achieving your desired outcome. That’s why we take care to ensure each and every one meets our strict criteria–so you have the best chance at success! Let us guide you through what it takes for an impeccable LoR:

  • Letters must be from a supervisor, professor, academic advisor, co–teacher, or other professional sources.
  • Letters of recommendation from volunteer groups or organizations, social clubs, etc., will only be accepted if the experience is based on a teaching or education–based context.
  • Letters must be on official letterhead, OR the referee’s business card must be attached.
  • Letters must have the name of the referee and their title clearly stated.
  • Letters must be ink–signed. Digital signatures will be accepted for the initial application only.
  • Letters of recommendation must contain the contact information of the referee (phone number and email).
  • Letters must include a typed date within 2 years from the opening of the application period.
  • Letters must include the applicant’s full first and last name as it appears on their passport.
  • Letters may be in either Korean or English.
  • Letters should be 1–2 pages in length.
  • Letters should be addressed to “Whom it May Concern” or to the “EPIK Team.” Do NOT address them to Korvia or specific offices of education.
  • Letters should clearly state the relationship between the referee and the applicant, including the length and nature of the relationship.
  • Letters from online TEFL/TESOL/etc. course providers are not accepted.

Tattoo Photos

EPIK applicants must demonstrate acknowledgment and respect for cultural practices by providing photographic evidence of their tattoos, along with an accompanying plan to keep them covered at all times while teaching. Tattoo photos should include details such as location, size, and description. Only one file, which is either in PDF or JPG format, can be uploaded (not exceeding 10 MB). It may be necessary to combine multiple pages/photos into one single document before submission.

Although it may seem like a lot of work to prepare all the necessary documents for your initial online application, it will be worth it when you start your EPIK adventure in Korea. You can only submit your application through the official online system, and having all of your documents ready ahead of time will make the process much smoother. The documents listed here are only those required for the initial application stage – additional documents will be necessary if you are invited to interview. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your online application today!

Featured image by Unsplash rawkkim