Paige Miller recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University in August of 2018. While at the university, Paige was an active part of the Hallyu Wave Club (the Korean pop culture club) and the Korean American Student Association. She participated in learning and performing k-pop dances, some of which include “Bboom Bboom” by Momoland and “Mic Drop (remix)” by BTS and Steve Aoki.
Because of her interests in both Korean culture and teaching, Paige decided on teaching English in Korea after graduation. In February 2019, she began to teach in Seoul, South Korea at Seoul Dongho Elementary School. Keep reading to find out her initial process and how to apply to the same EPIK program Paige did.
How long have you known that you wanted to teach in Korea?
“I have been interested in Korean culture since I was in high school. However, it wasn’t until my junior year of college when I found out about the job opportunity from a family friend who had previously studied abroad. After further research and a burst of courage, I started to pursue teaching in Korea in my senior year of college.”
What is EPIK? (Are they a recruiter for foreign English teachers in Korea?)
“Firstly, EPIK is an acronym that stands for the English Program in Korea. Essentially, they are a government program that seeks to improve the English-speaking abilities of students while also facilitating cultural exchange between the students and English teachers. So while EPIK is not exactly a recruiter, I did use a recruiter called Korean Horizons to help facilitate my application to the program.”
Where were you placed and what type of school will you be teaching in?
“As of now, I only know that I have been placed in Seoul. EPIK will not alert me of my exact school location until the last day of our new student orientation on February 27.”
How was the passport process when you were updating or applying for one?
“I received my passport in January of 2018. I had to apply in-person and receive a new one. This was because I hadn’t updated it since I was a toddler. The overall process was pretty easy. I showed up with an old passport, a money order, and a passport-sized photo in hand. I completed a passport form at the approved location. From there, they sent it off to the U.S Department of State and I received my new passport less than a month later.”
How was the visa process to begin teaching English in Korea? Did EPIK help you apply for a visa?
“For the visa process, as throughout the entire overall process in applying and receiving the teaching job, my recruiter with Korean Horizons helped facilitate it. Once the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education approved my position under EPIK, they sent my contract and my notice of agreement certificate to my recruiter. He then mailed these to me, alongside a visa application form. Upon arrival, I signed my contract, filled out the application with an attached a passport picture, my passport, a return envelope, and a $45 money order before mailing it to the Korean Consulate in Atlanta, Georgia. I received my passport back with the visa less than a week later.”
Did you need to get an apostille for your diploma? If so, how was that process?
“I was required to get an apostille for my diploma. I filled out another application form as well as a criminal background check before sending my diploma to the Secretary of State to have it both notarized and receive an apostille.”
How far in advance did you book your plane ticket?
“After I received my visa, I booked my ticket two weeks before I left. It didn’t fully hit me that I was leaving for Korea until a few days before I left. That’s when I started to pack and get everything ready to begin the adventure of teaching English in Korea.”
What are you most looking forward to when you arrive and begin teaching?
“I am most looking forward to finally knowing what school I will be teaching in. I can’t wait to begin building a good relationship with my students. I’m excited to go to concerts of artists I’ve been following since I was back in America. Plus, I can’t wait to go on trips around Korea and other parts of Asia!”
I concur with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your future updates about Seoul, South Korea. The usefulness and significance is overwhelming and has been invaluable to me!
Thank you for reading! I’m so glad you enjoyed Paige’s journey and that her info was helpful to you.
– Zoe Ezechiels
Hey! I simply would like to give an enormous thumbs up for the great info about Seoul and your departure. I hope you are enjoying the county. I will be coming back to hear your updates.
Hopefully I can get a year update from Paige in February! She signed a contract renewal so I’d like to interview her about how her year went!
Fantastic website. A lot of helpful info here. I’m sending it to several pals ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you on your effort!
I’m so glad you like Dreams Abroad and have been sharing it with friends! It’s people like you who help our community grow! Thank you 🙂