An EPIK pre-orientation review — Robert Riley

Before applying with Korvia I spent a long time researching the various forums, agencies, and YouTube videos I could find about teaching in Korea. From my very first contact with Korvia I felt a sense of reassurance and comfort — the application process was smooth and handled extremely professionally.

Once I received my EPIK acceptance, I decided to enrol in the Korvia pre-orientation package because it would simplify the logistics that worry every new arrival: setting up a bank account, getting a pre-paid SIM plan, and finding the right transport to the official EPIK orientation.

I arrived 40 minutes early on the day. A few of the other foreign recruits were already there and we ended up exploring together. Korvia had prepared a welcome bag along with a few snacks. Speakers from the Korvia team and past EPIK alumni shared their experiences and answered the questions running through every newcomer's head.

The whole organisation for the transport was superb. Meeting Korvia staff face-to-face after months of email correspondence, forming friendships with the other recruits, getting the bank and SIM logistics sorted in one afternoon, and being walked from venue to bus to orientation — all of that took a real weight off my mind.

If I were facing this same decision again — coming to Korea during the coronavirus period — I would not hesitate to sign up for the Korvia pre-orientation event. Considering the cost, the services, and the networking, the package was absolutely great.