This is just a short blog about the “hidden” or rather the not so apparent costs of documentation needed to apply for a TEFL job in Korea, for anyone who might be considering applying. This information is from my personal experience of applying to both the TaLK and EPIK programs set up by the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Both of which have my highest recommendation, they look after you very well. :)
Mandatory documents which you will be asked for:
- A Copy Bachelor’s Diploma with Apostille - A copy of your Bachelors degree is not required for TaLK applicants, however if you are applying for EPIK or higher pay, you will be asked for a copy. This well cost around £65
- Original sealed Transcripts - depending on your university, this could cost anywhere between £10 and £30 per copy.
- Criminal Record Check (CRC) with Apostille - Across the UK the standard price to get a criminal record check is £10, and takes around 40 days to get back to you. On top of that, to get a CRC apostil led it will cost around £55.
It is possible that you may also asked for the following:
- Doctors note - depending on how well you know your doctor, they could fill out a medical check and sign it for free or they could charge you up to £30.
- Interview at the embassy - depending on weather you apply through TaLK, EPIK or a third party recruiter, you may or may not be asked head down to your nearest embassy for an interview in person. Take into account the cost of transport, whether you have to stay over night in the area or not.
- Finally the cost of sending documents securely is something worth noting. After gathering all this information you want to make sure that your documents get to their destination securely! Taking into account the weight of all your documents and their copies, the fact that it has to go by airmail, fast and recorded delivery, your looking in the region of £140. However, if you Apply to TaLK, they have you send your documents to your nearest embassy, and they forward on the documents for you, saving you the cost.
In total you’re looking at around £143.00 - £330.00 if you’re applying from the UK, provided that your other documentation doesn’t cost you anything, and your recruiter only asks for one copy of the above.
With that I’ll leave you with one last note. It’s really important, for your own stress levels, that you look at whichever recruiter’s website at what documents they require, and to get them organised before you begin your application. There is nothing worse than putting your application in jeopardy because you’re still waiting for your CRC and the closing date for final documents is quickly arriving.
Good luck with your applications ^^
