How to Prepare Your EPIK Application Documents

FBI Criminal Background Check (or, Criminal Record Check):

1. Obtain at least two sets of original finger print cards
2. Complete this order form
3. Obtain a money order in the amount of $18.00, made payable to the Treasury of the United States
4. Complete this review checklist and this website to make sure you didn’t miss anything
5. Mail the finger print card (just one is necessary, unless you’re concerned about the quality of the finger prints), the order form, and the money order to: CJIS Division – Summary Request, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, WV 26306
6. Receive your CRC in the mail 6-8 weeks later. Send it out to get apostilled., ideally along with your college diploma copy, for ease/efficiency/expediency.
7. Receive it again about 10 days later, this time with the apostille.
8. Still have questions? Check out FBI Criminal Background Check FAQs.

College Diploma:

1. Obtain your original college diploma or, if you don’t have it yet, a letter from your university stating that you will soon.
2. Make a copy of your diploma.
3. Visit a public notary  (at the Secretary of State or some FedEx locations) to have your diploma notarized. Then send the notarized copy to get apostilled (along with your CRC).
4. OR, send your diploma to an authentication agency where it can get notarized and apostilled all at once (along with your CRC).
5. Receive it back in the mail 10 days later, with it notarized and apostilled.
6. Still have questions? Check out College Diploma FAQs.

College Transcripts:

1. Contact the Office of the Registrar at your university and ask for 4 sealed copies to be mailed to you.
2. Don’t open any of them. Ever.
3. Include one sealed copy with your application materials and save the rest in case you randomly need them again later.
4. Still have questions? Check out College Transcripts FAQs.

Proof of Teaching Experience Letter:

1. Write the letter based on these guidelines.

Passport Photos:

1. Visit a CVS or Walgreens and ask to have your photo taken.
2. Purchase at least 6 pictures. I bought 10, just to be safe.
3. Send/use pictures as needed (2 to your recruiter when they submit your final application following the EPIK interview, 2 for your E2 vica application, 2 when you arrive in Korea for your Alien Registration Card and school ID).
4. Visit this site for any remaining FAQs regarding passport photos.

Copy of first page in your passport:

1. Make sure your passport is good for at least 18 months after your potential start date in Korea
2. Make a copy of your passport (black-and-white or color, it doesn’t matter)

The above is based on my experience applying to EPIK and is supplemented by information found on the Reach to Teach Recruiting website.