On the next step

Something peculiar is happening nowadays with my friends in the EPIK program. There's this air of pressure and uncertainty about what the future holds. There were worries last year as well, however, they were mostly just musings on what the next year would hold. No, this year is decidedly different. There are people actually applying for graduate schools, teaching programs, and actively searching for jobs.

To those keeping score, it's April in South Korea. Those leaving at the end of this February EPIK contract have nine months to create and execute a plan to avoid going home with nothing to do. Nine months, or roughly 270 days (not that I'm counting) to make a decision that will alter the courses of their lives.

Luckily, having already graduated college, the options are practically limitless for EPIK teachers. Here's an overview of the choice that are available to people who complete the EPIK program. Note: most of the women I know share similar passions for both travel and social services. This list may be biased towards those options.

Graduate school. Ah, the steady stand-by of institutionalized education. Graduate school is something most of the people here have already attempted to do, or have planned to accomplish after EPIK. some people in the EPIK program joined specifically to finance their degrees. Graduate school is a great option and investment if you have a defined career path in mind. I would warn against spending the money on graduate school if you've yet to decide exactly what you want to do with your degree. The cost--upwards of $50k--is not something to be taken lightly.

Continued teaching. Whether you travel to another country (Spain, United Arab Emirates) or stay in South Korea,you'll find that spending at least two years in the EPIK program qualifies you for a wide range of job opportunities. Some EPIK graduates have gone on to university positions in Korea, jobs that have vast benefits and decent pay. Others have taught in Spain, enjoying paellas and siestas for years. A drawback to Spain is that your pay will have to be subsidized with either private tutoring or your EPIK savings. The UAE is considered the number one place for those that plan on making a career teaching English abroad. The pay is spectacular and the benefits rival any country in the world. However, be prepared to spend at least two years in the UAE, as most programs require a longer commitment.

Volunteer work. Teaching in SE Asia is a rewarding experience, and wanting to continue this feeling of goodwill and change a popular sentiment I hear from friends in the EPIK program. There are plenty of options for volunteer work. Some take you to a certain country or region for several weeks, others, like the Peace Corp, place you for several years. Be warned that volunteering for a short amount of time usually costs money, and many have reported feeling under utilized. On the other hand volunteering for several years, especially in the Peace Corps, is a serious endeavor that requires a lot of thought and planning (and lack of showers).

Regular work. The EPIK program provides some teachers with their first taste of a real paycheck, apartment, and bills to pay. Some people came to get teaching experience, so they could better find a job in their home country. Some people just needed a break before joining in corporate "rat race". Either way, these people are ready to make some money in their field of choice. With the economy finally on the upswing, people from the EPIK program will make competitive candidates for their careers.

Finally, I'd like point out that none of these choices are mutually exclusive. Some people volunteer when they have a regular job. Others travel and then go back to graduate school. Some people even come back to Korea for a life long ESL career. The common theme here is choice. After the completing the EPIK program you have a unique experience that can be applied toward whatever your heart desires. As for me, well, can you guess what choice(s) I'll make?

xoxo

Imani