What EPIK Doesn't Tell You | Do Does

Hey guys!
Here are a few things I think you should know before coming to teach in South Korea. I should preface this by saying that in no way am I trying to bash EPIK. I think it's a great program and I'm super thankful to have the opportunity to work in South Korea through them. However, there are things I wish could've been explained or told to incoming teachers. Also, I included a short list of things I'm regretting not packing in my suitcase!
I hope this video helps you to iron out some things before making your journey to South Korea! (:
As always, like, comment, and subscribe!
xoxo,
M
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SnapChat 👻: MikiDough
Instagram 📷: MikiDough

[@carl056]

This was great. No sugarcoating, no trying to hide everything and making it sound better or worst. Im sure everyone now have a better picture of what it's like .

[@mikidough]

Awwh, thank you! (:

[@AlfonsoEspina]

As someone who is planning to apply next year in Korea, this was super helpful! #FutureEnglishTeacher

[@jenjenjen2791]

the water filters may be expensive because its not common in korea ! most people buy water dispensers and jugs of water at a time or have refrigerators that filter water on its own. from what i know, korean sink water is different than american sink water because in american culture its more common to drink it so fluoride and other nutrients may be added(?) but thats not the case for korea

[@mikidough]

제니퍼 yeah I’ve noticed that! I’ve been buying water bottles :)

[@filmblooms]

i think i'm very fortunate that i didn't get the chance to apply for epik right away like i initially wanted to - i don't get my degree until december, even though i finish in june, and that means i can't apply just yet. so instead, i applied for the talk program and i literally just had my interview yesterday and they cover... all of this. they talked about the isolation, the getting around without knowing the language, expenses, etc. and it just seemed like a really good way to prepare their teachers? because they basically make sure that we KNOW what we're getting into and that this job was never supposed to be easy, you know? i'm glad you covered this for epik teachers too, since i'm sure there are so many people who want to go straight into a full time position with little to no knowledge of what to expect. thank for this video!!! xo

[@mikidough]

BloomyDays I’m glad that they prepped you on that!! Yeah, I think everyone is too excited to worry about the loneliness and bad stuff that comes with moving abroad. But you have to be prepared for it! I hope you have a great time in South Korea :) it really is a wonderful country!

[@filmblooms]

@@mikidough Thank you so much! I'll definitely be using your channel for advice when it comes closer to the moving date, you give some really valuable tips! :)

[@jadeleza6047]

Thank You! I have been wanting to apply but I was scared because everybody else in their videos paints the whole thing as picture perfect and I always wondered if it truly was like that, you know too good to be true mentality king of thing, but after seeing this I know the people that go do struggle sometimes and it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, which helps a lot to keep me grounded and not go with the highest expectations, so again thank you!! I hope you got used to the place and are feeling better about your decision on going!

[@mikidough]

Jade Leza I’m so glad the video helped you :) being here for 8 months now has really made me realize that it does get better lol. There were a lot of times at the beginning when I felt like I wasn’t going to be happy but now it’s great. Just keep focusing on adjusting and you’ll be fine :)!

[@jadeleza6047]

Do Does yeah I’m guessing it takes getting used to, I’m sure not knowing the language plays a big part in not feeling comfortable since you can’t communicate much, but I’m sure it gets better, I’m planning on applying to go on 2020, but I’ve been doing research starting now cause I want to see my options, but this seems like a good opportunity, do you have any suggestions for the interview process? If you wouldn’t mind sharing

[@mikidough]

Jade Leza doing research is the best thing you can do because the process changes slightly every year. I know I looked up a lot of tips for the interview process and watched a ton of videos. Also, depending on your recruiter (if you choose to go through one) they might set you up with a mock interview. That helped me a lot because I was able to receive feedback on what I would say. I recommend practicing with someone because a lot of the interview questions are online!

[@jadeleza6047]

@@mikidough Ok perfect, thank you so much for sharing, again i really appreciated your video! Hopefully I'll be able to share the experience in the near future, best of luck in the remainder of your stay in Korea!

[@uhgoodlife8489]

Honestly wish more people who had a hard time could speak on it ! I like being realistic .. and I like planning ahead. This was great !

[@mikidough]

Uhgood x Life glad I could help you out :)

[@tonafirnges7971]

I love that you're telling us exactly what we will need to know once we are left on our own. Who brought you to your apt ?

[@mikidough]

I'm glad I could provide some insight (: My coteacher brought me to my apartment.

[@carolinepzh]

I’ve been in Korea for 2 weeks now and I recently found out I will be teaching at 6 schools... 😌 I really hope I can adapt well sooner than later & that I won’t cry as often. 😢

[@mikidough]

Caroline Perez oh my goodness! How is that even possible?? There are only 5 weekdays! Good luck girl. I’m sure you’ll be able to adapt quickly :)

[@carolinepzh]

Do Does Yeah I’ll be teaching at 2 Middle schools & 4 Elementary schools (2 on Mondays & then only 1 school for each day of the week) EPIK said I would only teach up to 4 schools & then I come to find out during orientation that the province I got (Jeollabukdo) usually has teachers placed in 4-6 schools. But I’m grateful for the community of foreign teachers that live in my town & have been guiding me throughout this process. 😊 Thanks for your encouraging words! 💕

[@mikidough]

Caroline Perez ohh I see. I’ve never heard of that. But at least you’ll always have a different pace. And honestly, I enjoy teaching at more than one school just in case you don’t like your main school 😂

[@carolinepzh]

Do Does That’s true 😂 I just have to look at the bright side of things & with time I’ll start to get the hang of it! 😁 Thank you for taking the time to reply! Have a great one! 🤗

[@mikidough]

Caroline Perez of course! Hope you have a great year :)

[@robertsullivan2515]

I have my second interview with them this Wednesday. At 1:40 am. Can't wait. How are things going for you now?

[@mikidough]

Robert Sullivan that’s exciting! Good luck :) Things are better. All the initial setting up of stuff is done. Once you’re good with that, it’s pretty much just adjusting to living in another country!

[@sachet_b]

im 16 and i would like to teach in korea and i think this was helpful

[@mikidough]

SACHET so glad I was able to help! :)

[@sachet_b]

Do Does good luck though😇

[@gracielyons732]

I'm 15 and would LOVE to do this but you can't until you're 21 💔😩😭

[@NicoluuChan]

samee

[@Jennylove7]

Currently applying to EPIK. Hope you're feeling better now! Fighting!

[@mikidough]

bcjournalist thanks! I’m actually back in the states but I hope you get in! :)

[@karenholl2489]

ah im currently applying too! Completing all my annoying background check stuff right now haha

[@chris230230]

Thanks so much, probably the most helpful video about EPIK I've seen yet! Just got my job offer, can't wait!

[@mikidough]

Chris Welburn ahh! Good luck :) and I’m glad the video helped ya.

[@pillyhere]

Thank you this is super helpful, luckily I'm learning Korean before heading over there.

[@kiannasanderson14]

You’re adorable! 😄 can you do a video about how to dress? Almost done my schooling so hopefully I’ll be in Korea soon too! Also what’s your social media? (;

[@mikidough]

Kianna Sanderson thank you!! That’s awesome. I wish you the best of luck! Yeah, I can definitely make a video about how to dress :) thanks for the suggestion! My social media is in the info box. Mikidough on Snapchat and instagram :)

[@IronLeBlanc]

I’ll be going in Spring 2019. Super helpful video.. TYVM!

[@mesooolisavlogs7651]

congratulations ! did you feel that the process was hard? im trying to get into Fall 2019 because i think its too late for spring 2019

[@chris230230]

Me too!

[@Princessmom9]

I hope you are more adjusted by now. Thanks for posting this video.

[@dougfinlay7531]

My son is about to apply for Sth Korea after completing his CELTA certification. Lucky for him his step mum is Korean and therefore there are family members living in Korea to help him if required. Most of them are teachers also in either the public school system or hagwons.

[@mikidough]

Doug Finlay that’s awesome! I wish him all the best 🤗

[@cknoway]

This is supppper helpful, and I'm excited to apply! :) thank you

[@nellehuot7929]

My plan is to teach english in skorea once i get my degree! (less than 2 years to go) I really enjoy your videos so far! I hope you enjoy your experience and i wish you the best! Also, what are your thoughts on learning korean? Would you recommend learning as much as i can before going? I think i plan to learn it either way, but with school im just not sure how much i will actually have time to learn!

[@mikidough]

Hi! That’s a great plan. I would definitely recommend staying on top of getting your documents in :) it’s a lot of waiting and so many people are prompt so get your stuff in on time! I totally recommend learning korean as much as you can before. I only learned how to read Hangul and some basic phrases and it’s a little difficult. Not to say that you can’t get by with not knowing anything, but it’s a good skill to have :) good luck with everything!!

[@SCVillas]

Thank you for being honest and posting this video. You are doing great. Keeping it real girl.

[@mikidough]

Aileen Brazeau awwh thank you! :)

[@gubbygoob]

i love your videos! could you do one explaining your application process if possible?

[@mikidough]

Thank you!! Yeah, I’ll try to make a video about the application process soon :)

[@haiiithereee30]

this video was great and super helpful. thank you so much!

[@worldprincess4712]

I’ve never lived on my own and am from a rural area. I want to do this but I’m so scared I’d have a panic attack the second I close the door to the apartment...

[@mikidough]

World Princess awwh, don’t worry! I know the feeling. It’s definitely overwhelming at the beginning. I think I cried like everyday for the first month. But honestly, it gets better!! Soon you’ll get the hang of living on your own and Korea has so many great things to offer :)

[@servalevy]

thank you that was very helpfull and eye opening!

[@nathanlim9330]

awesome video! As a curious potential English teaching candidate, what made you choose EPIK vs. a Hagwon?

[@mikidough]

Nate Lim I chose EPIK for the security. I’ve heard a lot of bad reviews about hagwons and how they don’t really follow their contracts. I didn’t want to be stuck in a contract at a bad school! I know there are a lot of good hagwons too, but since this was my first time doing something as crazy as moving to another country, I wanted to apply to a program that has a little more credibility. And if I’m being really honest, I also didn’t want to do all the research to find a good hagwon. 😅

[@cutiepatootie4286]

Just fyi, if you choose the hagwon route, I'm sure you can break contracts and find better ones if the one you want isn't up to your standard. I've done lots of research on that so that seems to be a good pro about them.

[@joonchild.9393]

Thanks so much for all the informational videos. Do you plan on staying longer than a year (renewing your contract) or just being there for a year? If you stay there longer, it would be really fun to meet up if I get into the program!

[@mikidough]

RJ. [REST] hi! Unfortunately, I’ll just be here for a year. There’s so many great people that you’ll meet during orientation though. You’ll have a great time! :)

[@joonchild.9393]

Thanks so much! What do you plan on doing next? Do you want to travel to another country or do something back in the states?

[@mikidough]

RJ. [REST] umm, I’m not entirely sure exactly what I’m doing yet, but most likely I’ll be doing something in the states :)

[@joonchild.9393]

Well, best of luck to you! Have a good day!

[@Hannah-lk2jv]

How do you know if you will be working at more than one school? Do you sign up for it or does EPIK just put you in more than one school?

[@mikidough]

Unfortunately, you won’t even know where you are placed until the end of orientation! You find out all the info about your school and location on the second to last day of orientation.

[@Hannah-lk2jv]

@@mikidough then how will you find an apartment or place to stay if you decide to not take the apartment that is given to you?

[@mikidough]

@@Hannah-lk2jv that’s something you’d have to disclose in your application and/or talk to your recruiter about, I believe. I’m not super familiar with that process, sorry!

[@Hannah-lk2jv]

@@mikidough ah I see. Thank you though!!

[@misshulagirl05]

Keepin it straight 💯 Thank you!

[@1person1me]

When do they normally tell you where you will be placed (city wise)? Is it before you come to Korea or after the orientation?

[@mikidough]

YesPlease they’ll tell you on the second to last day of orientation. That’s when you sign your official contract.

[@1person1me]

@@mikidough so until you're in Korea, you don't know which city/area you will be living in? That's crazy!

[@mikidough]

@@1person1me Yeah, it's a little scary, but honestly, you should keep an open mind when applying to EPIK!

[@BackStreetAngel14]

this is so, so, so helpful!

[@mikidough]

brit m so glad it helps you!! :)

[@zeyneb9900]

Love the video! I'm just curious about one thing. Does EPIK decide on how many schools you can teach? I personally would want to teach in 2 or 3 schools.

[@mikidough]

Zeyneb thank you! EPIK does decide that. However, you can always mention that you would like to teach at more than one school. I would say that more than half of my friends teach at 2 schools. I haven’t heard of 3 schools in my intake group, but I’m sure there are some people! :)

[@zeyneb9900]

thank you very much! your channel is honestly really helpful as it answers almost all the questions I have about EPIK. I'm really glad I discovered it :) I wish you all the best with EPIK

[@mikidough]

Ahh, that means so much! (: thanks a lot!

[@mylifesjourney7579]

This is great information!! Thank you for sharing. Also for the water filter check amazon, if you get it out there. I believe another KZbinr who taught in South Korea got her water filter that way. Not a 100% sure though. 😊

[@mikidough]

Brittny Johnson ooh okay. Thanks for the info!! :)

[@daisichains]

I love this video can't wait to start

[@TheNextBestSelling]

How do you get a phone plan without an ARC? I heard those can take a while to get, and they are required for a good phone plan (unlimited data, etc). Also the extra money you suggested, do you bring the extra money in cash/krw???? Cause you can't open a bank account there without an ARC either. Or can you use your American/home country's bank card?

[@mikidough]

TheNextBestSelling I was actually super lucky and came during the AT&T free international data plan for the Pyeongchang Olympics. I used my phone plan from home until the end of March. My friends got prepaid sim cards though and kept refilling them. I brought around $1,500 in cash and exchanged it at the airport. I didn’t really need to use my American card, but I do have credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. It’s annoying to have everything dependent on the ARC but you kind of just have to deal with the inconvenience until everything’s set up! Hope that helps! :)

[@yolissma]

Thanks for keeping it real.

[@elalir26]

hey girl! What orientation group were you in? The Busan group I felt like didn't stress LP'ing so much and we had some talks about what to expect the first month or two, but we also had a couple current EPIK teachers as the class teachers, so maybe that's why... & I think it's all about getting settled into a routine - I feel you on thinking I made a huge mistake, the 1st day I got in my apt I thought I was going to get on the plane and go back home lol. Anyway, I hope your experience continues to improve!! :)

[@mikidough]

Hello! I was in the Gyeonggi, Seoul, Chungnam, and Chungbuk group. Our group stressed lesson planning waaay too much. And don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a good thing to have a plan, just not as structured as they lead on! Yeah, I think everyone feels the homesickness one the first day alone. Especially since you’re surrounded by EPIK teachers during orientation. I’m definitely feeling better about working and living here. Thanks so much for your support :)!

[@elalir26]

true! it went from being with all English speakers to being totally alone and w/ basically no English speakers at all ;_; That's great! Let me know if you're ever around Busan, and I can tell you what places to hit up or we can meet up! :)

[@mikidough]

Oh, that’s so nice! I’ll let you know if I’m in Busan! :)

[@earthlycolorbrown6246]

What is an "ARC?"

[@mikidough]

Hi! It’s an Alien Registration Card :)

[@emilyherron67]

im so excited to go :)

[@mikidough]

lovely pcy good luck! :)

[@FLgurl100]

Did you ever get a good co teacher to work with or are y still struggling with them?

[@mikidough]

linda t I didn’t stay after my first year. So I never got a new coteacher. I ended up relying on my good coteacher from my second school and she was amazing!

[@stuartdicks2082]

What about bringing coffe, is it expensive.... you dont have any other teachers to spk to

[@mikidough]

Umm, I don't drink coffee, so I can't say. However a lot of Koreans drink coffee. I would say that they're probably the same price as in America.

[@jackeduprecruit]

Wait, but to get a visa there you need like 5 grand in your bank account right?

[@mikidough]

jackeduprecruit nope. Idk where you heard that! You just need to apply for your visa after you get your contract and pay around $75 I believe. I don’t remember the exact price.

[@mahimapereira8531]

Can I get some information on an Indian graduate wanting to move to Korea as an English teacher? I heard they only prefer people who have their first language as English (selected 7 countries)

[@mikidough]

Hi! I’m not sure if I’m misunderstanding you, but are you a resident of one of their preferred countries? If so, if you’re fluent in English, you should be fine. English was not my first language but since I was in high school and college in the US, I didn’t have an issue. I don’t know about the process if you’re living in another country though. Sorry!

[@rabbanikausar5912]

Hi Mahima did u get any information regarding the same, can Indians who have TESOL certificate and have medium of instruction as ENGLISH since school days. Can we apply for the EPIK program?

[@rabbanikausar5912]

@@mikidough thanks Miki do

[@chimwemwemaryjanechiusiwa9354]

thanks for your videos. I wanted to ask, how long does ReachtoTeach take to reply after one has contacted them?

[@mikidough]

chimwemwe mary-jane Chiusiwa Hi! It took them about 24 hours to contact me back! :)

[@chimwemwemaryjanechiusiwa9354]

maybe there's a certain way of writing?because they haven't replied to me yet :-(

[@mikidough]

chimwemwe mary-jane Chiusiwa hmm, who did you contact? My first advisor was Jason and then John. Maybe try emailing them directly!

[@chimwemwemaryjanechiusiwa9354]

I used this email: [e-mail]. It was not a particular person. Is there another email address maybe? sorry too many questions lol need help

[@mikidough]

chimwemwe mary-jane Chiusiwa no worries! You can try emailing John. [e-mail]. He’s the founder of the recruiting company. He lives in Taiwan though! So the time difference will affect his response rate :)

[@isabellamcclintock716]

do you have to speak korean im an english speaking only but i want to study abroad

[@mikidough]

안녕하세요Its.izzymcx if you’re studying abroad, you’ll most likely be near people who speak English. However, I would learn just the basics to get by :)

[@MsDreamGirl098]

Hi, is there a dress code for teachers at school?

[@mikidough]

Hello! It really depends on your school. I teach at 2 different schools and one is more laid back than the other. Honestly, I haven't heard of super strict dress codes at any schools yet! I have heard that middle school teachers have to dress a little more professional since the students have to be in uniforms.

[@stuartdicks2082]

How much can you bring on the plane two cases?

[@mikidough]

I brought 2 checked luggages, a carry on, and a personal backpack! It depends on the flight that you take though, so I would check the regulations of the airline.

[@stuartdicks2082]

Thanks, I'll get you a beer

[@FLgurl100]

Are these co teachers working for EPIK?

[@mikidough]

linda t they do not work for EPIK. They work for the schools that I guess partner with EPIK.

[@gubbygoob]

stay strong💖

[@niloofar9113]

How can you get the city of choice? Like if we want to teach in Seoul???

[@mikidough]

Monet Babazadeh to be honest, I have no idea. People have made videos about how to get Seoul but there’s not really a guaranteed way that I know of. All I recommend is starting early and getting everything in before everyone else Bc it’s first come first serve. There is an option on the application that says you’ll either drop out if you don’t get Seoul or if they can relocate you. That’s up to you which one you check. Sorry I can’t give you a better answer. Good luck! :)

[@niloofar9113]

Thanks girlfriend:) I hope to come spring early summer

[@mikidough]

Are you planning on going through EPIK or a Hagwon? With hagwons, you’ll have a better chance at getting into Seoul bc theyre always hiring. For EPIK, the main intake is spring (get there in feb start date March).

[@niloofar9113]

Do Does if it’s ok I will DM you on Ig and ask few more questions.

[@Daylightfulness]

IT'S DO DOES!!

[@Oeufcoque]

"are you okay with working at 3-500 different schools?" Me - FUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!! "your coteachers may be a disrespectful twats" Me - FUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!! "you may end up rural and have to drive a car in South Korea, good luck" Me - FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!" "you may have to share a living space with other teachers" Me - WTF EPIK!!!

[@misshulagirl05]

😱😩

[@Daylightfulness]

Your video just popped up! (= Let's collab together if you are ever in Seoul!!

[@mikidough]

Hiii! Yes, 100% we should! :)

[@Daylightfulness]

Yay! Just message me any time!:D