So it seems there is a pretty extensive process for those planning on teaching in Korea. I suppose it discourages people who are simply applying on a whim. Anyway, I submitted my fingerprints and FBI background check today. In the mean time I have many more documents to collect. Here are the required documents:
- 1 FBI background check notarized and apostilled
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Bachelors Degree with notarization and apostille
- Masters (if this applied to you) with notorization and apostille
- 2 copies of sealed transcripts
- 5 passport photos
1) Print and fill out the application form located on the FBI site
2) Print off a copy of the finger print sheet (I recommend more than one, in case there are smudges or one is deemed unusable.
3)Fill out and print off a payment form
4)Bring all of these forms to your local police station and have your finger prints done
5) Place fingerprints and all forms in a letter with a request for the FBI
6) Write a cover letter with your current contact information and a small section that reads, something along the lines of: " Please include with the background check a FBI seal and signature from a Division Officer. The purpose of this document is to be sent next to the US State Department for a Federal Apostille to be used for teaching in South Korea"
7) Next, you will mail your applications, payment forms, fingerprints and cover letter to:
FBI CJIS Division – Record Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
The contact number for the FBI Office in West Virginia is 304-625-5590
8)Once you receive your background check, you are then ready to send it off to The Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. I recommend using an expediting service like ProEx to speed up the process.
This process is enough to drive anyone crazy. The FBI check can take up to 12 weeks to it's really good to start as early as possible!
