EPIK: Take the Plunge

I remember thinking that the EPIK application process was like a wild goose chase - multiple documents to mail in, never getting any answers, and finding out at the last minute whether or not I'd be going to Korea in a few weeks' time.

It turns out that the application process was actually a pretty good inkling of what it's like to live in Korea.When I first arrived,I had no idea what was going on. Teacher dinners, hikes, and school performances materialized out of nowhere. I just decided to say yes to everything and keep a very flexible schedule.

After 1 year in Korea, I have learned the ropes. It might seem daunting at first, but you will figure out what's going on. However, don't look to EPIK to answer all of your day to day questions. Outside of the initial comprehensive orientation, I have had very little contact with EPIK.

That's because you do most of your learning by living your specific situation. It's impossible to generalize everyone's experience, because each one is different.

I teach elementary school kids in Gangwon-do. I have a spacious apartment within walking distance of work. My teaching hours have ranged from 22-30 hours per week, and each class has approximately 30 kids.

Another EPIK teacher I know lives in a studio apartment, takes a 40 minute bus to her school, where she plans 17 different lessons a week and teaches an average of 12 students per class.

We live in the same town, but our experiences of Korea are dramatically different.

Teaching with the EPIK program is a great way to jump into a new culture, get out of your comfort zone, and learn a new skill set. It's rewarding, it's challenging, and it's worth it.