The EPIK program, which stands for English Program in Korea, is a prestigious initiative led by the South Korean government. Here's what you need to know:
- Purpose: EPIK places international educators in South Korean schools to serve as English language instructors, promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing the quality of English education.
- Popularity & Benefits: Recognized as one of the largest programs of its type, EPIK offers attractive salaries, a plethora of benefits, and a unique cultural immersion experience.
- Opportunity: Each year, over a thousand qualified teachers are welcomed to South Korea through EPIK, providing them with a memorable teaching and living experience.
If you are interested in the EPIK program, we recommend reaching out to our TEFL recruitment partner Reach To Teach. Reach To Teach is an official partner of the EPIK program (English Program in Korea) and works with the Korean Ministry of Education to place English Language Instructors (ELIs) in Korean public schools throughout the country.
Table of Contents
What are the requirements for the EPIK Program?
What does the EPIK Program involve?
Where will I be placed on the EPIK Program?
What are the benefits of the EPIK Program?
What are the requirements for the EPIK Program?
To qualify for the EPIK program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Be a native English speaker with a passport from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K, or the U.S.
- Education: Possess a university degree.
- Criminal Record: Ensure a clean criminal history with no convictions.
- Certifications/Experience: Hold at least one of the following:
- A TEFL/TESOL certification of 100 hours or more, ideally with a teaching practice component.
- A BA or MA degree focused on teaching, TESOL, second language studies, or education.
- An official teaching license from your native country.
- A minimum of one year of full-time teaching experience.
This framework ensures participants are well-prepared to contribute effectively to the English education landscape in South Korea.
What does the EPIK Program involve?
The EPIK Program engages participants in a year-long teaching journey, with contracts commencing either at the end of February or August. During this period, educators adhere to a structured weekday schedule, typically spanning from 8:40 a.m. to 4:40 p.m., ensuring weekends remain free. While immersed in the Korean educational ecosystem, they are entrusted with around 22 hours of direct teaching each week, thus fostering a blend of language instruction and cultural exchange.
Where will I be placed on the EPIK Program?
On the EPIK Program, educators can be strategically placed across various provinces in South Korea, ranging from bustling urban centers to serene rural areas. While the program considers individual location preferences, it operates on a first-come, first-served principle. Participants might find themselves enriching students in both primary and secondary educational institutions within their allocated region. It is advised for those with specific location inclinations to apply early. For a deeper dive into placement intricacies, the official EPIK website remains a comprehensive resource.
What are the benefits of the EPIK Program?
The EPIK Program offers numerous benefits. Teachers are entitled to a competitive monthly salary between 1.8 million to 2.7 million KRW, equivalent to approximately 1,500 to 2,300 USD, based on their expertise and credentials. Besides financial rewards, participants are provided with a fully furnished residence and are compensated for their travel expenses to and from South Korea. Additionally, they receive a 300,000 KRW settling-in allowance and are given 18 days of paid vacation alongside all national holidays. A bonus equivalent to a month's salary is presented upon the successful completion of the contract.
