GEPIK as backup

I emailed the recruiter about GEPIK.  I said I want to apply in case EPIK doesn't work out.  I didn't really understand her response.  She said she can promise me placement through GEPIK if I fail the EPIK interview?  promise me?  Are they desperate?  I wanted to apply through GEPIK not so much cause I am worried I will fail the EPIK interview (I am a little worried, but not too much) but because I am worried I will get put in some place I don't want to live.  Like anywhere other than Busan or Incheon.  I'll go almost anywhere in the GEPIK area, but not anywhere in the EPIK area. 

waiting...

I've done everything I can do now I am just waiting.  First, for the criminal background check from the state police so I can take all my documents to be apostilled.  Second, I am waiting for my certified diploma copies from my university, which will then be sent straight to the secretary of state to be apostilled there.  I should have everything next week if all goes well.... 

EPIK application

First of all, I'm really late with applying to EPIK.  Second, I don't even have my documents.  Its first come first served for placement based on when you can get your docs in, I am told.

Always read all the application information and requirements as soon as you get them.  I didn't.  I have no idea why, and I have no excuses.  Lately I have had a lot of other shit on my mind and this application process has just been more stress. 

I got the info from the recruiter, long email with the applications attached.  I skimmed it and then sat around wondering if I should apply.  I don't want to wait till march 1st to start, what should I do....?  After a week of doing nothing I read the whole thing on Sunday, and see the application is due by email to the recruiter Friday Nov 20, less than a week.  And I don't even have my recommendation letters.  So I have to talk to my references to have them hurry with my letters, and scan them (they asked for scanned copies of signed rec. letters) and email them to me (both of them asked me to write the letters for them).  Ended up asking on Thursday if I could have anymore time with the app.  She gave me till Sunday at 3pm.
 
The recruiter said get your criminal background check ASAP cause it takes a couple weeks.  "Oh I already have it."  Yeah, now I am reading something and it is saying you need a state background check.  I keep seeing state, and not local like I had done.  Turns out public schools need a state background check.  local isn't good enough.  Looks like I don't have that background check after all. (**FBI background check is now required for Americans in 2011**)

Saturday night I stayed up late writing the required essay.  Got everything finished and emailed it all out Sunday morning.   

Monday the next step is to start on the background check and diploma copies.  the diploma copies and apostilling are two other things I don't totally understand how they work.  I know I should have done this shit when I was planning on applying to a hagwon, but I didn't.  I suppose I should have at least figured out what I need to do, but I didn't do that either.

Another recruiter

I talked to another recruiter, Korvia.  Much better than the first one as they actually seem to want to place me.  It turns out it is hiring time for public schools, I didn’t know that.  So I'm going to apply for EPIK (I  think I want to live in Busan) if it's not too late.  The deadline is Friday, so I have to get my letters of recommendation and write my essay.  I'm also going to apply with GEPIK (Gyeonggi-do).  Busan vs Seoul metro.  Which do I want?  I don't know.  Busan is nice.  Nice beaches and supposed to be slightly warmer than Seoul.  Seoul metro is huge, and that is kind of cool.