FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Getting prepared for your big adventure

 

Q: When can I start my Program?

Our Host Organizations are usually flexible regarding your start date, but keep in mind that once you have sent your Internship Application and Program fee, you must wait for confirmation of your Internship placement as well as your visa confirmation before organizing your flight. Further, in case your program placement was confirmed for a specific date, the date is in most cases not changeable, but should you not arrive and or be present you might be fined.

Q: When will I receive the confirmation?

Once we’ve received all the documentation for the application, we’ll process your information and confirm availability. Then you’ll receive a position proposal according to your profile and interests. The process takes up to 8 weeks, including confirmation from the Host Organization

Q: What are the lengths of the programs?

It depends on the location chosen, the field of interest, and the Host Organizations. The minimum length of 8 weeks, in case you are part of a customized program, it might take up to 12 weeks, which is why we recommend participants to apply at least 6 months prior to the anticipated starting date. You can consult with your program supervisors if you would like to extend your program for more than 4 weeks if it is possible might depend on your nationality and the legal requirements (visa)

Q: Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone from 18+ who is curious about the world, enjoy new challenges. Priority is given to those who demonstrate open-mindedness, flexibility, and understanding of the meaning of “Team Work”. Or maybe you are a student who has not decided on a course of study yet but who wants to have some previous working experience before making up your mind can also apply.

Q: Do you arrange accommodation?

In some of our programs accommodation is included, in case it is not we can arrange your accommodation. For further information, please contact us to guide you and manage your booking. We offer different types of accommodation for every budget.

Q: Do I need to speak Korean?

It is recommended that you have at least an Intermediate level of Korean OR be fluent in English before starting your Internship. You will be working in a Korean-speaking environment. This is a very crucial barrier some students face. Not knowing the language prevents you from performing many activities so keep in mind that the more Korean you know, the more responsibilities you will be given and in turn, you will learn more. However, attitude and openness are often more important than language skills. If you have any questions about your language proficiency, do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff members can offer you advice about your skill

Q:What if my program is unsuccessful?

We cannot predict how your experience will turn out to be, but we will do everything we can to make your Internship a great experience. In case of any inconvenience, we have trained professionals to solve and/or manage a new search, if necessary. Our selection process is designed so that it is unlikely for our Participants not to be successful in their internship.

Q:How are the placements done?

Once you are accepted into our program you will receive a placement proposal according to your academic needs and your professional profile. That proposal is subject to the Host Organization's confirmation, based on availability when you apply, as well as on the information you submit in the Internship application. If the placement you chose has been already assigned, you will be presented with an Internship placement of similar characteristics. In some rare instances, the Internship placement or the Host Organization’s workplace culture may not meet your needs, it is important that you speak to our local mentor and the company tutor to document your concerns. Our local mentor will act appropriately to ensure that your Internship or workplace environment responds to your needs. However, in some cases, it will not be possible for the Organization to meet your requirements, if that should accrue by mutual agreement, your Internship would be terminated. Korea Gapyear would be under no obligation to find you an alternative Internship but is responsible to evaluate the particular case and act in accordingly.

Q:Do I need an insurance?

When going abroad we generally recommend having an accident, illness, and third-party liability insurance coverage.

Q: What happens after the confirmation?

On your first day, we will welcome you with an orientation. (Full package) You will also receive a welcome folder containing useful information about Korea and its location. Our staff will also clarify all doubts, concerns, and questions you may have upon arrival about your Internship program. During your first meeting, the Korea Gapyear Mentor will inform you of your role and the tasks you will be completing during your program duration.

Q: Do I need a visa, if so what kind of?

You can use a tourist or student visa, depending on the country you select and its regulations. * For further information, we suggest visiting the following websites:

 ➔ Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

➔ Korea Immigration Service 

➔ Hi Korea (e-government for foreigners)

 ➔ Korea Tourism Organization 

➔ Korea Visa Portal 

* KoreaGapYear cannot sponsor any kind of visa. It is the participants' responsibility to apply for the rightful Arranging and obtaining the visa is solely the responsibility of the applicant.

* KoreaGapYear can if necessary provide documentation to support a visa application, however visa denial cannot be held accountable for it. 

* Therefore a refund is not applicable. [please refer to the Terms and Conditions or contact us for more detailed information] 

* All pictures and reviews from participants have been given with the permission of marketing purposes

Q: Do you offer paid positions?

We generally provide unpaid internship placements for participants to have a way to expand their life experiences and/or curriculum through a time abroad, in South Korea. We want to give them the opportunity to really develop their hard and soft skills through internships in NGOs, social enterprises, and start-ups. Having a paid internship position is not something KoreaGapYear focuses on since our mission is to create ways to have international work experience and enrich yourself with experiences and connections.

Q: Will I receive a job offer after the program ends?

SInce Korea Gapyear is an intermedium agency and you will be working at a different company, we cannot guarantee that you will be receiving a job offer, since that will be depending on your skills and the relationship you have established with the company. However past participants have received permanent positions after their internship ended

Q: Is South Korea safe?

South Korea is one of the safest countries, and more than of often we have heard from our participants that they feel safer in their home country and can be comfortable alone at night without having to worry. Yet KoreaGapYear recommends being safe and responsible and not to do any irrational actions, to ensure your safety

Q: How does the payment work?

What payment methods are available depends on the program you choose. Typically, full payment is required upfront. Alternatively, if a deposit system is in place, the remaining sum is due after confirmation of program acceptance. For international applications, we primarily accept bank wire transfers and do not currently support credit card payments. Further details on payment methods you can consult your KGY-Operator or other KGY-Staff

Q: How many months can I stay in South Korea?

It is up to you how long you plan to stay in South Korea for your program there is no time period or limit attached to our programs. meaning, if you would like to have a 3 or 6-month experience you can do so, but please you should take into consideration having the allowed permit to stay in South Korea. (VISA) When apply for our programs, a KGY Staff will inform you for proper Visa options

Q: How fast will Korea GapYear get in contact with me?

Once you send an email to program@koreagapyear.com, we will contact you and reply to you within within 48 hours.

 

Should you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us via E-Mail.

program@koreagapyear.com

We are already looking forward to hearing from you!