EPIK Application Guide: Timeline & Documents

So you’ve decided you want to teach English in South Korea — amazing choice. The EPIK Program is one of the most popular ways to do it, offering a solid salary, paid vacation, and the chance to live in one of Asia’s most dynamic countries.

But the application process can feel a little overwhelming at first — especially with documents, deadlines, interviews, and visa steps to keep track of.

Don’t worry — this guide breaks it all down.

Whether you’re applying directly or through a recruiter, you’ll learn:

• 🗓️ When to apply for the spring or fall intake
• 🧾 What documents you’ll need (and when to submit them)
• 🎥 How the EPIK interview works
• ✈️ What happens after you’re accepted — from placement to visa to orientation

Let’s walk through the entire EPIK application process so you can go from interested to accepted — and eventually, on a plane to Korea.

When to Apply to EPIK

EPIK hires teachers twice a year, and the process starts well in advance — so applying early is one of the best things you can do.

📅 EPIK Intake Periods

• Spring Semester

  • Start date: Late February or early March
  • Applications open: August to October (previous year)

• Fall Semester

  • Start date: Late August or early September
  • Applications open: February to April (same year)

📌 Most positions are filled months before the semester begins, so the earlier you apply, the better your chances — especially for more competitive placements like Seoul or Busan.

🕰️ Sample Timeline

If you want to start teaching in March, your application timeline might look like this:

Month	What to Do
August–October	Submit online application + interview
October–December	Gather and submit documents
December–January	Final approval + Notice of Appointment
January–February	Apply for visa, book flight, prep for Korea
Late Feb	Arrive in Korea, attend orientation

💡 Pro tip: Start working on your documents (like your TEFL certificate and criminal background check) before applications open. These take time — and they’re the #1 reason applicants miss deadlines.

Step-by-Step EPIK Application Process

The EPIK application has a few moving parts, but it’s very manageable if you follow the steps in order. Whether you’re applying directly or through a recruiter, the general flow looks like this:

1. 📝 Choose a Recruiter (or Apply Directly)

• You can apply directly through the EPIK website
• Or apply via a trusted recruiter like Korvia
• Recruiters offer free help with:
  • Document checks
  • Interview prep
  • School preferences
  • Support after arrival

🧭 First time applying? A recruiter can make the process smoother.

2. 📄 Submit the Online Application

• Includes basic info, education, work history
• You’ll also upload:
  • Personal essay (Why Korea? Why teaching?)
  • Sample lesson plan
  • Resume and passport scan
• Tip: Make sure your documents match your resume exactly

3. 🎥 Interview Stage

• Conducted via video call (Zoom or Skype)
• Done by EPIK staff or your recruiter
• Expect questions about:
  • Teaching philosophy
  • Handling classroom situations
  • Korean culture and your motivation to live abroad
• They may ask you to explain your lesson plan

4. 📬 Preliminary Acceptance

• If your interview goes well, you’ll receive conditional acceptance
• You’ll then be asked to send in your hard copy documents

5. 📦 Submit Hard Copies of Your Documents

• Documents must be apostilled, sealed, and complete
• This is the most paperwork-heavy part (details in the next section)
• Once accepted, you’ll receive your Notice of Appointment (NOA)

6. ✈️ Visa Process & Orientation

• With your NOA, you can apply for your E-2 visa
• Book your flight after your visa is approved
• EPIK will assign you to a school and city
• All new teachers attend mandatory orientation upon arrival

📌 From initial application to landing in Korea, the process takes 4–6 months — so apply early and stay organized.

Next, we’ll go over all the required documents and when to submit them.

Required Documents (Full List)

EPIK is known for having a document-heavy application — but once you understand what to prepare and when, it’s totally manageable. You’ll submit some materials digitally at first, and others as apostilled, hard-copy documents after your interview.

📄 Stage 1: Digital Uploads (Initial Application)

These are submitted online or via your recruiter:

• ✅ Application form (filled out completely and accurately)
• ✍️ Personal essay (about your motivation to teach in Korea)
• 📚 Sample lesson plan (for your preferred age group)
• 🛂 Passport scan (valid at least 12 months beyond your start date)
• 📄 Resume/CV (aligned with your documents)
• 📜 TEFL/TESOL certificate scan (if already completed)

📬 Stage 2: Hard Copy Documents (After Preliminary Acceptance)

Once your interview is successful, you’ll submit official, notarized, and apostilled documents by mail:

• 🎓 Original bachelor’s diploma + apostille
• 📄 National-level criminal background check (CRC) + apostille
• 📦 TEFL/TESOL certificate (original hard copy)
• ✉️ Sealed university transcripts (at least one set)
• 📝 Two letters of recommendation (signed, dated, sealed)
• 🩺 EPIK Health Statement form
• 📸 Passport photos (3–5 copies — used for visa and school files)
• 🇿🇦 For South African applicants: Proof of English-medium education

📌 Be sure to double-check the expiration dates on documents like your CRC — it must be issued within 6 months of submission.

🧠 Tip: Start Gathering Early

• Apostilles can take 1–4 weeks
• TEFL courses take time to complete
• Letters of recommendation can hold you up if you wait too long

🧳 These documents are your key to teaching in Korea — so stay organized, make copies, and send them as early as possible after conditional acceptance.

Next: Let’s get you ready for the EPIK interview.

Interview Tips

Once you’ve submitted your initial EPIK application, the next big step is the interview — usually conducted over Zoom or Skype. This is your chance to show you’re prepared, passionate, and adaptable.

Most interviews are about 20–30 minutes long and feel more like a conversation than a formal exam — but it pays to be ready.

🎯 What the Interviewers Are Looking For

• Strong communication skills
• Cultural sensitivity and flexibility
• Genuine interest in Korea and education
• Willingness to work with children and co-teachers
• Clear, professional attitude

💬 Common EPIK Interview Questions

• Why do you want to teach in Korea?
• How would you handle classroom discipline?
• Tell us about a time you faced a challenge and overcame it
• What’s your teaching philosophy?
• Walk us through your sample lesson plan
• How would you adjust your lesson for lower-level students?

👔 Interview Tips

• ✅ Dress professionally — even if it's a video call
• ✅ Speak clearly and confidently
• ✅ Smile and stay positive — attitude matters
• ✅ Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses
• ✅ Review your own application beforehand (they may refer to it)

💡 This isn’t a test of teaching expertise — it’s about showing you’re excited, prepared, and able to adapt to life in Korea. Don’t worry if you don’t have classroom experience — many successful EPIK teachers are first-timers.

Next: Let’s look at the full timeline from application to arrival so you know what to expect.

Timeline From Application to Arrival

The full EPIK application process typically takes 4 to 6 months, depending on when you apply and how quickly you gather your documents.

Here’s a general timeline to help you plan ahead — whether you're aiming for the spring or fall intake.

📅 Sample Timeline: Spring Intake (March Start Date)

Month	What Happens
August–October	Online application + interview
October–November	Submit final documents
December–January	Final acceptance + Notice of Appointment (NOA)
January–February	Apply for visa + book flight
Late February	Arrive in Korea + attend orientation

📅 Sample Timeline: Fall Intake (August Start Date)

Month	What Happens
February–April	Online application + interview
April–June	Submit final documents
June–July	Final acceptance + NOA
July–August	Visa process + travel plans
Late August	Orientation + school placement

⏱️ Document Processing Time (Estimates)

• Apostilled degree or diploma: 2–4 weeks
• Criminal background check: 2–6 weeks, plus apostille
• TEFL certificate (if not yet completed): 4–8 weeks
• Letters of recommendation: Depends on your references!

🧭 Apply early and prep your documents as soon as possible — especially your TEFL and criminal background check, which often cause delays.

Next: What happens after you’re accepted and preparing to leave.

What Happens After Acceptance

Once you’ve submitted all your documents and received final acceptance from EPIK, you’ll officially be on your way to Korea! There are still a few important steps to take before you pack your bags.

📄 1. Receive Your Notice of Appointment (NOA)

• This is your official job offer, confirming your acceptance into the program
• It includes your school district, contract dates, and next steps
• Required to begin the visa application process

🛂 2. Apply for the E-2 Visa

• You’ll apply through your local Korean consulate or embassy
• Required documents usually include:
  • Your passport + visa application form
  • Notice of Appointment (NOA)
  • Contract
  • Passport photos
  • Visa processing fee

💡 Visa processing can take 5–10 business days, depending on your location — don’t delay!

✈️ 3. Book Your Flight

• EPIK will give you an official arrival window for orientation
• You’ll purchase your flight and be reimbursed after arrival
• Some recruiters help with flight selection or group bookings

🧳 4. Attend Orientation in Korea

• All new EPIK teachers must attend a 7–10 day orientation
• Orientation includes:
  • Korean culture + classroom training
  • Guest speakers and teaching demos
  • Lesson planning workshops
  • Basic Korean language classes
• Meals and accommodation are covered during orientation

🏫 5. Move to Your Placement Location

• After orientation, you’ll move to your assigned city or town
• You’ll meet your co-teacher and school staff
• You’ll be shown your apartment and get time to settle in before classes start

✨ After months of planning, it all becomes real. You’re in Korea, teaching English, and about to start a brand new chapter of your life.

Next: Let’s wrap up with a few final tips and helpful reminders.

Final Tips & Common Mistakes

The EPIK application process is very doable — but it’s also competitive and time-sensitive. Here are some final tips to help you stand out, stay on track, and avoid delays:

✅ Top Tips for Success

• Start early — especially with your TEFL course and background check
• Apply as early as possible to improve your chances of urban placements
• Use a recruiter if you want extra guidance and document checks
• Tailor your personal essay and lesson plan — show enthusiasm and effort
• Stay organized — track deadlines, copies, and mail delivery

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to start your criminal background check
• Submitting a TEFL course under 100 hours or without practicum
• Getting recommendation letters that aren’t signed or sealed
• Sending documents too late — or missing the apostille step
• Not checking your email regularly during the process

🧠 EPIK isn’t just looking for qualifications — they want organized, flexible teachers who are serious about living and working abroad.

Coming up next: a few final thoughts and helpful links to guide you forward.

Final Thoughts & Resources

Applying to the EPIK Program might feel like a big process — but it’s also the first step toward an unforgettable experience abroad.

Whether you're drawn to Korea’s food, history, K-pop, or just the thrill of teaching and traveling, EPIK offers a rare opportunity to build your career while living in a new culture. And the earlier you start preparing, the smoother it all becomes.

✨ Take it one step at a time, stay organized, and remember — the adventure starts the moment you apply.