While researching jobs and E-2 work visas tonight, I found out about Korea’s new requirements for Americans who want to teach here. Pass on this info! 

Starting Sept. 1st, 2010:

You must get a copy of your university degree notarized (preferably by the univ. itself) and then get an apostille for it. No more sending in the original degree and NO transcripts required. However, it’s probably better to continue ordering a few copies of your transcripts anyway, just to be safe. 

Starting Jan. 1st, 2011: 

Everyone MUST get an FBI background check. It must be notarized and have an apostille from your home state too. This requires fingerprints and takes 12 weeks (or longer) to process. 

**If you come to Korea with a state background check this year and your ARC is not processed before Jan. 1st, you will have to get an FBI check too.**

AND…

Teachers who are already in Korea and want to renew or extend their contracts after Jan. 1st may need to submit an FBI check too. 

If you submit an FBI check, complete a 1-year contract in Korea, leave the country, and plan to come back for another year, you will not need another check as long as you return within 90 days.

Check Dave’s ESL Cafe and other sites to find out more information. 

Omg.  Glad I won’t have to do all this.  They are also now testing for marijuana (as of July 15th I think) once you get here and have to do your medical check-up.