LaSt ChAnCe EPIK and a little more expense

Last night I applied for a job with EPIK through a couple of Agencies approved by EPIK and I have already received a couple of responses from two Agents.  So, although I appear to have missed the official deadline for applications via the EPIK website - I still may have a chance.  As a bonus I have requested the areas that I want to work in; Bun-Dang, Suji Jok Jeon Dong or Suji.

I Just added this to my application email to the agency, expecting to be told that you don't get a choice where to work with EPIK.  One of the agents has sent be details of a couple of jobs in Bun-Dang and Suji Jok Jeon Dong.  One is an elementary school and one is a middle school.  I think this would be ok for me, so I am quite interested.

I also found out that I need to get my degree certificate signed and stamped by a notary before having the Apostille put on it.  This means another appointment with the local public notary at a cost of £50 and then I need to send it to the FCO to have the Apostille attached this will cost £30.

It seems I may need a sealed transcript of my results, this will cost £10.  A little extra cost - see below, but not too bad.  I need to decide on a budget for the move. It would be nice to see the spend against a buget stack on the chart. But the reality is that I don't have a budget, every extra cost is just a bit more pain on the finances, but I don't really have a choice, therefore no predefined budget.

Kind of expected but a bit of a blow!

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in the EPIK Program. Unfortunately, our deadline (December 1st, 2011 18:00 KST) has already passed and thus we will not be able to accept your application for our current hiring period.

 If you are still interested in working in the Korean public school system, we encourage you to apply for our Fall 2012 positions which start in August. The Fall 2012 Application will open on April 1st, 2012 at 9:00 KST.

Thank you again for your interest in the EPIK Program.

 Sincerely,

 The EPIK Team

BACK TO PLAN A!

PaRtY!!!

Had a great night out on 2nd Jan, My friend and his wife were visiting from Spain and I went to his family party, which i have done many times in the past - always a good event.

Will probably be the last time I see him for a while, so was good to catch up!

Now back to the daily grind and realising that the Christmas break has really impacted on the progress of the house sale.

We are now waiting for the buyers solicitor to respond, raise any enquiries and complete any searches.

Our 'Online' conveyancing team has prepared and sent:

1.         Official copies of title including filed plan; 

2.         Contract and transfer deed;

3.         Seller's Property Information Form; and

4.         Fixtures List. 

So far they seem to be working effectively. I am hoping to hear news of progress this week.

2012!!!!!!!!!!!

Well it is now 2012!

Yesterday was 1st Jan and also my birthday! I am now 35! And this
really is going to be a year of big changes, challenges and
opportunities!

I keep having moments of blind panic!

I am moving miles away from my home! I don't have a job (yet)! I don't
have a place to live (yet)! I still have to care and provide for a
wife and 2 children!
I don't have any money (yet)! I don't have a good enough grasp of
Korean (yet)! And when you put it like that they all end with "yet"!

When deciding on a name for this blog i was going to call it moving to
a warzone. While this is technically true it doesn't relate to the
move so I quickly scrapped the idea! And at the moment the possibility
of war is probably greater than ever. But it has never really bothered
me! Am i right to be so blazé about it!

Well I am going to approach 2012 with an open mind and hopefully a lot
of energy... Because I think I will need it!!

--
Sent from my mobile device

EPIK - Application

Against my better Judgement I have been preparing my EPIK application form.

Why do I think this is not a good idea????   WELL...

FINAL APPLICATION DATE WAS 1st DECEMBER 2011 

(It was nearly 1 month ago)

But my wife thinks I should still Apply and as much as it pains me - she is usually right!

The form is a bit of a monster and 2 letters of recommendation are required!

To work in Seoul there is an additional form and you have to submit a lesson plan.

We know someone who applied in February and started working in March so there is maybe a chance!

I am just waiting for the letters of recommendation and I will submit the form and hope for the best!

Fingers Crossed!

APPLICATION SENT

Well just got Christmas and all the dramas that go with it, out of the way and finally got around to sending my Visa application!

A rather LARGE envelope containing:

1. Application form
2. Notarised sponsorship form
3. Marriage certificate
4. Marriage certificate - Certified copy
5. Marriage register - KOREAN
6. Birth certificate
7. Land registry for House (House contract) 2 - Signed by Buyer and seller
8. Bank Statements - Nationwide /  Nat West
9. Mortgage Statement - NAT WEST
10. UK Passport
11. Photo (2)
12. £80 FEE

EXCIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITED!!!!


SPENDING SO FAR

LeGaLiSaTiOn!

Legalisation of Documents >>>  There are 2 different "Legalisation of documents" that you will need to get your head around when you apply for your Korean visa!

1. Notary
2. Apostille 

If you have a sponsor (In my case my wife) to support your application (I think in the case of E2 visa applications - this will be the school your contracted to work at) you will need to get the document witnessed and  stamped by a notary. Basically this is all it is they watch you sign then stamp it to say they have witnessed it.  They will need to see ID of the  sponsor and your CASH! - You can find a local notary >HERE< they are usually based at a solicitor, but not all solicitors have a notary! 
Prices vary . There are 2 in Peterborough they quoted £60 and £50.  I was surprised that the guy wanted cash and didn't give a receipt ... I guess you just expect solicitors to work within the boundary of the law and pay taxes like everyone else!!! or is that just me?

The  second is the Apostille. - THIS CAN ONLY - be issued by the foreign Office it costs £30.
These guys offer to take the pain out of it for you but will charge you £79.79+VAT