Ok, so if you're considering teaching abroad, specifically in South Korea, here are a few things you need to know, and a few things I wish someone had told me before I arrived.
First, plan at least 4 to 5 months in advance. Lots of paper work is involved, and it can be quite costly to send the paperwork if you are in a rush.
I recommend you find a recruiting agency. I used Footprints. They were superb in ensuring I had all of the forms I needed for processing, but they were not AS organized once it came to me actually arriving in the country.
First, fill out an application. As you are waiting for your round of interviews with EPIK or Footprints or any other recruiting agency, get to work on your documents...
First: Apply for criminal background check with the FBI in Washington, DC. You must state on your criminal background check that you NEED a seal and signature for an apostille.
Second:If you are a US citizen, start the tax residency form 8802. We all know how quickly the IRS processes things (that's sarcasm folks).
Third: Complete any other necessary paperwork that is required for obtaining a notice of appointment
Fourth: Start saving money immediately. Get a job, change your addresses, and notify your banks of your planned absence as soon as you get your notice of appointment.Food in Korea is relatively cheap, but clothing is NOT. Make sure to have some cash ready for the currency exchange at the local KEB. I DO NOT recommend using the airport as the fees are RIDICULOUS.
Once you get to Korea, things are NOT all Roses and Diamonds. In fact, it's more like weeds and hot coals. You will probably arrive in Korea just a week or so before your school begins...or maybe not. You may arrive, get off the plane, meet your co-teacher, and teach the next day. Either way, you will have to setup a bank account, get a cell phone, set up internet/cable if you wish, all of which require an ARC. An ARC is a Alien Resident Card. It is synonymous with the green card in the US. Basically, you can do NONE of the above without your ARC. Depending on the season in which you arrive, your ARC can take 1-4 weeks to process.
I suggest going to get your ARC ASAP. You will have to apply, and then wait for the actual card. In the meantime, you must request a temporary ARC or your ARC number. It costs 20,000 won for an ARC, plus 1000 won for a temporary (about 20.00 USD and 1.00 USD). If the office tells you they cannot give you a temp ARC, go back and ask the next day. You will probably have to wait a day or two for your ARC to actually be input into the system, so until then, you STILL cannot open a valid bank account or get a cell phone.
Wait a day or two for your temporary ARC to process, then head to the bank and THEN cell phone service store.
Plan on needing money for the bus, and any other extraneous charges that come up.
Also, be aware that you will NOT be able to find certain things in Korea, so bring most of your hometown items with you in bulk. The post offices and banks are NOT open on the weekends, so you will need to be sure to arrange all of your shipping and banking needs during the week.