| Type | Teaching English as a foreign language |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1995 |
| Location | South Korea |
| Website | http://www.epik.go.kr |
EPIK (English Program in Korea) is affiliated with the Korean Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) 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 encourages cross cultural exchanges while promoting the development of English language competencies for Korean students.
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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.
| Year | Details |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| 2007.7.1 | EPIK transferred to NIIED, an institute under the Ministry Of Education Science & Technology |
| 2008.3 | Renewed EPIK home page and began to receive on-line applications |
| 2008.12 | Established personnel management system on EPIK Teachers |
| 2009.3 | Total 3,377 EPIK Teachers recruited and trained |
| 2010.3 | Total 4,818 EPIK Teachers recruited and trained |
| 2011.12 | Total 6,831 EPIK Teachers recruited and trained |
EPIK is overseen by NIIED, a division of the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST). EPIK provides recruitment and Guest English Teacher support from a central office in Seoul. In conjunction with NIIED, Provincial Offices of Education offer assistance with various daily and work related affairs to Guest English Teachers. Participants can seek guidance from representatives at their Provincial Office of Education and from EPIK.
EPIK participants are placed in a local school for one calendar year. While working along side 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 also cultural ambassadors.
The duties of a GET are as follows
General Guidelines:
Further information: GET Job Description page.
EPIK hires according to the public school calendar. There are positions available for February (first term) and August (second term) of each year. Additionally there is limited availability for positions that start in March, April, September and October. EPIK hires through several channels including: Online via email (direct), through a consulate or embassy or through a recognized recruiter.
EPIK starts accepting applications for the Fall semester on April 1st and for the Spring semester on October 1st of every year. EPIK advises candidates to apply as soon as the application process opens.
There are a number of phases to the recruitment process:
1. Applicants need to submit a completed application form with two scanned letters of recommendation via Email.
2. Once a candidate has submitted the initial application form they will be scheduled for a 40 minute interview with one of the EPIK coordinators.
3. EPIK informs the candidate of the result of the interview within 2-3 business days.
4. Once a candidate receives notification of a successful interview, they will submit their documentation in order to secure a position with the program. Applicants can only be considered for a position after successful submission of all required documentation.
EPIK advises preparing the necessary documentation prior to being formally accepted to the program. This is especially important for applicants from the United States.
Please note that FBI Criminal record Checks can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks to be processed. For the Fall 2012 semester, EPIK advises prospective applicants to apply for their FBI checks in the mid-January 2012.
A comprehensive list of the required documents can found on our website at www.epik.go.kr by following the link to 'Applications' and then by clicking the 'Required documents' tab.
EPIK's goal is to successfully hire and place Native English speakers within the public school system in Korea. There are a number of steps an applicant must follow in order to be successfully placed in the program. In order to have the best possible chance of securing a position with EPIK for the Fall 2012 semester, early application to the program is essential.
For those interested in applying to the EPIK program, EPIK has created a mailing list for prospective applicants. Applicants who are interested in applying for the Fall 2012 semester are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Applicants who register will be notified in advance with specific information to help facilitate the application process.
As mentioned previously, early application to the program for the coming semester is essential and signing up for the mailing list will offer you the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the application process, placement or document related questions in advance.
The EPIK program will begin accepting applications for the Fall 2012 semester from April 1st, 2012 and those registered for EPIK's mailing list will receive helpful reminders and be more better prepared for the upcoming intake.
If you wish to be placed on the mailing list, please take the following steps:
1. Go to our website at www.epik.go.kr
2. Click on the 'Whats new section'
3. Click on 2012 Fall application and follow the steps.
4. E mail the stated E mail address with your name and nationality and we will endeavor to reply to you as soon as possible.