Moving thousands of miles across the world to start life in a new country can be pretty intimidating. Especially when you consider that you will be living and working in a country that uses a different language and has a whole set of cultural customs and ideologies that may differ from your own. Seems an awfully daunting task, doesn’t it?
Well, it doesn’t need to be. With ThinkOutside’s help, and with a few simple steps to follow before you leave, this transition can be rather simple.
What to get ready before you apply:
To obtain a job teaching in South Korea, there are several documents and other small tasks that must be completed (SEE E2 VISA REGULATIONS). To make this process go as quickly and painlessly as possible, it would be best to have the following items in hand before applying (or at least in the process of being completed):
- the actual copy of your university diploma
- a set of sealed transcripts from your university’s registrar
- a criminal background check -a self-medical check (FORM CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE)
- a set of passport photos
What do get ready before you leave for Korea:
After you successfully interview and obtain a position with a Korean school, there are some things that may be helpful for you to get ready. Before you come, you may want to inquire with your new director what types of things are included in your apartment. This would give you an idea of what you’ll need to bring, what will be provided, and what you can buy in Korea. In all cases, here are some things to keep in mind:
The “Essentials”
- Enough money to get you through to your first paycheck (ideally, it should be $500-700 USD)
- Some clothing appropriate for all four seasons (LINK TO WEATHER SECTION).
The “Optional Items”
A power converter
-Korea uses 220 volt outlets, which have two long pins. If you are bringing electrical devices, such as computers, MP3 players, etc., it might be wise to purchase one (though they can be obtained in Korea fairly easily and cheaply).
-Skincare products or contact lenses ? Korea does have more than its fair share of skincare stores and optometrists. However, you should bring enough of your preferred brand to last you until you get situated and can find what you need where you are living.
Toothpaste
Koreans, concerned about their dental hygiene, have a ready supply of toothpaste, so don’t worry. The difference between Western toothpaste and Korean toothpaste is that the Western toothpaste contains fluoride. Also, and to a lesser extent, the flavors of Korean toothpaste may seem odd to the Western tongue, though by no means is it inferior to Western toothpaste.
Multi-vitamins and prescription medicines
Again, you can find these products easily throughout Korea. However, you should bring enough to last you comfortably until you get situated enough to find similar items around where you live. In most cases with prescription medicine, you should bring what you need, and then you can visit a doctor here (with a translator, though there are English speaking doctors) and he can write you a prescription for a Korean pharmacy (yak-guk, 약국 “yahk-gook”).
Deodorant
This too can be found in Korea, but usually during specific seasons and at a premium price. In Korea, deodorant is considered a seasonal item and thus is only truly offered during the summer months, and usually for around $7 USD per 1.8oz stick. There may be some cheaper places that you can find it if you look, but the best rule of thumb would be to bring several sticks of your favorite, or have your loved ones send some over around Christmas time!
Feminine Hygiene Products
Korean women are just as concerned about their feminine hygiene as Western women and as such, products such as tampons and sanitary pads are readily locatable at most convenience stores and what you’ll come to know as Discount Marts (SHOPPING SECTION). However, you may want to bring an initial supply to last you until you are able to find a source near your new location.
Laptop computers
If you already own a laptop computer, you can feel free to bring it along to Korea when you start your new job. Once you grab yourself a power converter, you can feel free to use your computer at your leisure. The Korean IT infrastructure is extremely advanced and quick, offering a fast internet connection for you to use. Plus, if you bring your own computer, you won’t need to worry about the headaches of trying to figure out the Korean version of the computer’s operating system (though, after some practice, this gets easier and easier.)!
Big/Large size clothing
Its true that Korea is inhabited by people of all shapes and sizes. However, Korean sizes do tend to run a bit small for many Westerners. To give an example, a size 34 waist, which is considered medium in America, is considered XL in Korea. Thus, you might want to follow some of these rules:
-Men: If you wear a XL or larger shirt, or require pants sized 38 or larger, you should bring your own clothes. Also, as far as dress shirts, bring your own. Korean shirts tend to have shorter arms than Western styles, so finding shirts that fit may be difficult.
-Women: You should bring most items of clothing if you wear US size 8 or over. Also, if you wear a C cup bra or larger, you may want to bring your own as well, as those sizes are especially difficult to find in Korea. Shoes: If your foot size is US 11 (US 8 for women) or larger, then it is highly recommended that you bring your own shoes. You may be lucky in Korean department stores, but you’ll be paying quite a price.
Vaccinations
To enter South Korea, there are no required vaccination shots for citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States. However, you never know exactly where you may want to travel while in Korea, so some recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A and B and rabies. To find the nearest locations at which you can get those shots, or to find out more about different vaccinations regulations for countries in South East Asia, please check out these websites:
