UPDATED: 01/04/2022
A Personal Essay is a required component of almost all of the public school program applications in Korea. In it, applicants are prompted to write about themselves and their philosophy on teaching.
The essay is primarily used as a screening method to see an applicants dedication as well as command of the English language. Applicants submit it with their application during the Final Documents Submission period.
Personal Essay Formatting
| Program | Instructions | Length |
|---|---|---|
| EPIK Program |
Applicants must respond to each question box included in the EPIK application | 300-400 words per question |
| GEPIK Program | Applicants must respond to an essay prompt and form included in the GEPIK application. | 300-500 words total |
| GOE Program |
Applicants must respond to an essay prompt and form included in the GOE application. | 500-800 words total |
Standard Prompt Questions
Each program may have a different essay prompt so please consult each application form for specific topics. Typically programs ask applicants to respond to the following questions:
Hello! Just to clarify, the personal essay altogether needs to be 500-800 words singled-spaced correct? And do you prefer to have each question numbered and answered separately or incorporate all three questions into one formal essay?
Hi Abbygail!
While specifics for each program varies, all essays are to be single spaced. EPIK has a certain prompt where you answer the questions as an answer, whereas the GEPIK program asks you to incorporate it in the form of an essay. The GOE program’s requirements resemble GEPIK’s.
Oh okay I get it now. So the personal essay format depends on which program you’re applying. Thank you for answering my questions.
For the essay,
If you have completed all three essays for the EPIK application, s the option to print out the essay page? Or would I need to write the questions and answers on a separate word document and print that out instead?
Would someone please tell me the difference between Epik, SMOE, GOE, GEPIK?
If you’re applying for the SMOE program, would it be the same then for how EPIK wants the essay written?
Hello Jena,
Yes! Since SMOE has merged with EPIK, they will be asking the same essay questions.
Where do we send this essay?
Hi Andile, the essays must be done on EPIK’s online application. You can find the application on the official EPIK website.
When I am sending in my Final Documents package, do i simply print out the Essay and Lesson plan section from application and turn them in? It asks for my app to be printed out but also asks for the LP and PE separately so I’m confused.
You just need to print the 12 pages of the application! No need to print the pages of the essays and lesson plan again.