The TaLK Process

Applying for TaLK
So for me this was a very stressful process because I had a ridiculously busy semester too.
I took on 7 courses, worked a minimum of 15 hours a week, volunteered and tried to prepare for the TaLK application. Basically its been a tough 5 months....

So I'll start with the process from the beginning... or at least what I can remember

IMPORTANT
TaLK announced on May 12 that they are unsure about the future of the TaLK program and as of now they will not be accepting applications after June 1st. This Fall intake (15th generation) will be the last it looks like.

My timeline

Online Application
So it all starts with your online application, this is filling out 2 application pages. They are really just your typical information (name, birth date, nationality, education, experience). The second form is more to do with your health, don't worry too much about this they are just making sure you are physically able to do the job and that you're not bringing in any horrible illnesses.

On the second application you will add a short essay. Mine was about 2 pages single spaced. I talked about who I am, why I chose this program and Korea, my hobbies, experience and why they should choose me. I will post my essay on a later date.

Confirmation
After the online submission you will get an email once it has been processed. I applied early so it took me a couple days I think. Use this time to finish up any documents needed.

Interview Setup
You will get an email from your nearest TaLK office to set up an in person interview. For me this was in Toronto. I had mine March 16th or 17th I think. HAVE ALL YOUR DOCS TOGETHER! The faster you can give them everything the faster they can process you.

This interview was simple for me he just asked me about my previous trip to Korea and why I chose my university major. (B.A in Applied Linguistics TESOL)

I had everything together except for one letter of recommendation (which my prof mailed to them....it's been 2 months they still haven't got it. So I sent them another one after my skype interview) and my Criminal Record Check. It is okay to not have the CRC because there is a letter of pledge that you fill out as long as you are in the process of getting it.

Once you are done the interview a couple days later your TaLK page will say you completed the interview and if you are missing documents.

WAITING
I think I waited about 3-4 weeks for my Skype interview

Skype Interview
You will get an email from the Seoul office for a Skype interview. They give 3 possible dates (you can also request a date too). So this is where you need to be careful...when they give you a date and time they are giving you the KOREAN date and time. DO NOT MESS THIS UP!!!
I knew this and I still managed to mess it up. I got the wrong date but right time haha lucky for me I had just come back from a nice dinner and looked professional. So I found out last minute and completed my interview.

It was about an hour long and they asked more typical job questions here. Tell me about the program, if this happened what would you do.....etc.

YOU'RE IN
If they like you then CONGRATS you got the job!!!!!
You will be notified again 2-4 weeks after the interview.
You have to accept the offer on your TaLK page  within 7 days or you will not actually have the job.

I know TaLK is not continuing but it has a very similar process as EPIK from what I hear so maybe this can help someone out. Besides it isn't for sure that TaLK is done.

It's Starting!!

Hey everyone and anyone I'm going to start with a little recap first....

I have applied to the Korean government TaLK Program (Teach and Learn in Korea), this is like the part time version of EPIK.

Basically this program is a scholarship program allowing foreigners with minimum 2 years of university completed, to work in Korean schools and explore the culture and country. 

• You work 15 hours a week (roughly 3 hours a day Mon-Fri)
• Apartment and Airfare provided
• 1 month orientation/ training
• Among other benefits

This program only places the applicants in rural areas. So if you are looking to teach in Seoul or Busan...this probably isn't the choice for you. I have chosen this program because of the short hours allowing me to travel and learn the culture, and the fact that it is a rural area. In a rural area English will not be common meaning I HAVE to learn the language. I am not going to Korea for Kpop or entertainment I am going for the culture, traditions, the fact that I love teaching and languages and to learn the Korean language. For me this is a great start up choice so that I can advance my skills and knowledge in this profession. 

So that's just a really really brief description of this program.

Why am I telling people this? 

I GOT THE JOB!!!!

Last night at 10:30pm I got an email from the office offering my the position...I of course took it!

At this time I will not find out where I am placed yet or exact orientation dates but I can safely say that the first week of August I will be in Korea starting the life I have been working towards since 12 years old!

I think the actual acceptance package (that I need  to get my Visa) will come in June. 

As I get updated on things I will post more information but for now I don't have much information. 

I will post again this week about the application process I went though and any tips I can think of. :D

The Start Of My Crazy Ride

Hey :)

I'm Kat a 22 year old Canadian who loves culture, language and teaching.

I just finished University and now I'm headed out into the big world. Since 12 I knew I wanted to teach English overseas and at 14 I had my heart set on South Korea. To clarify no I am not a Kpop fan -_- I have a genuine interest for culture and language. 

The view from my old Goshiwon in Sinchon Seoul

My major is Linguistics TESOL.

I have been to Korea before (Seoul) and I LOVED it!!!!

Basically I want to share what I can with others because I know growing up I read blogs like this and watch Youtube videos 24/7. I hope I can help people out or at least satisfy some curiosities. 

I won't start posting until maybe mid summer but I hope to post at least once a week when I start. I am not the best writer so be patient haha

Here are some topics I am hoping to post about in the future, see if your interested

• Application/ Job finding process
• Settling in
• Korean Culture
• Food (LOTS OF FOOD)
• Cities other than Seoul
• Traditions and holidays
• Teaching strategies and practices
• Makeup and Skin Care (I have an obsession with skin care and Korean skin care is on point!)
• Music (Mainly Hip hop and Jazz)
• Places to see and things to do