How To Get Accepted into the EPIK Program

The EPIK (English Program in Korea) Program is a great way to teach English in South Korea’s public schools. It is a popular program that offers English teaching positions in public schools across South Korea.  This guide provides tips and strategies to increase your chances of being accepted into the EPIK program.

EPIK Acceptance Rate & Tips

To be accepted, applicants need to meet the eligibility requirements and submit a strong application that showcases their teaching qualifications, experience, and passion for teaching in Korea.

How Competitive is THE EPIK Program?

The EPIK program is highly competitive due to its popularity among English teachers. Acceptance rates vary by location and season, but applicants with teaching qualifications, experience, and a strong application have a better chance of being selected.

Read more: What is the EPIK Program for Teaching English in South Korea?

Lucky for you, I share a few tips below to secure acceptance into the EPIK program and guide you through EPIK’s application process.

EPIK Application Process: How to Get Accepted

To get accepted into the EPIK program, follow these 4 tips:

1. Make Sure You Meet the EPIK Requirements

2. Apply Early to Improve EPIK Acceptance Rate

3. Complete a Background Check

4. Develop a Lesson Plan & Take Your TEFL Course

Let's take a look at these tips in detail:

1. Make Sure You Meet the EPIK Requirements

You don’t want to spend hours on end on the application just to find out that you don’t meet the basic requirements for the program. So, take a couple of minutes to find what you need for EPIK acceptance:

• BA Degree of above (from an accredited college or University)

• Native English speaker with citizenship from either Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, or Ireland)

• Clean Criminal Background Check (CRC)

• Meet all visa requirements for an E-2 or F-4 visa

• TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certificate, BA or MA in Education, or a teaching license. Teachers with 20+ hours of in-person practicum are preferred

NOTE: Applicants with an interest in teaching English in Busan must have 50+ hours of in-person practicum hours with his/her TEFL course.

Read More: What are the EPIK Program Requirements?

2. Apply Early to Improve EPIK Acceptance Rate

Do not procrastinate if you want to get into the EPIK program. Increase your EPIK acceptance rate knowing the following:

• Applications must be submitted between Feb-July for the Fall Term and between Aug-Jan for the Spring Term.

• The first applicants to interview are the first ones to get placed. If you procrastinate on the application, you may be put on a waitlist or not get placed at all.

• Get started on your letters of recommendation ASAP. All applicants must also have the original hard copies of their letters of recommendation that were sent in electronically with the application.

Read More: EPIK Timeline

3. Complete a Background Check

• You will want to start this process prior to your interview with EPIK in order to make sure your background check comes back in time.

• This process can take anywhere from 3-8 weeks long.

Read More: Greenheart Travel Background Check

4. Develop a Lesson Plan & Take Your TEFL Course

• Create an organized and engaging lesson plan as part of the application. This is your opportunity to impress EPIK!

• Taking your TEFL course early will prepare you to create an attractive lesson plan for the EPIK application.

• The practicum portion of the course will give you hands on experience teaching English prior to your interview with EPIK.

• The sooner you enroll; the sooner you receive Job Search Guidance and the sooner you can begin working with your student affairs advisor on further tips for your EPIK application.

Read More: Greenheart Travel Lesson Plan

Go further:

• What Are EPIK, GEPIK & SMOE Programs for Teaching English in Korea?
• The Requirements for Teaching English in Korea
• How Much Do English Teachers Make in Korea?
• A 6-Step Plan to Find English Teaching Jobs in South Korea