Greetings from the TaLK Office.
Regarding the next intake, we regrettably will not be processing applications for February 2022 or beyond. Due to complications brought on by COVID, along with administrative changes across affiliated Offices of Education, we have determined that it is no longer feasible for us to continue running the Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK) Program. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the conclusion of the TaLK Program after what will be 27 fruitful generations over the course of 13 and a half years.
We are proud to have served in the role of supporting English Education in the rural areas of Korea, and have seen countless amazing teachers come through our program and witnessed equally amazing growth from the young elementary school students here. Just the same, we are also honored by the fact that our Scholars have shared with us the meaning and reward that our program was able to provide for them. Through our program, they were able to learn more about Korean culture and to create unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. Through this experience, many of our wonderful Scholars have discovered something new about themselves and have used their TaLK experience to advance themselves in their careers. We have seen many Scholars continue their life in Korea after the program, and we have also seen many return to their home countries to continue down the path of an educator.
We are also sincerely thankful to everyone over the years for their interest in the TaLK Program. Without your interest and support, we would not have been able to keep the program going for all these years. We are especially grateful to our MOU university partners for the efforts they have put into helping connect us with highly motivated students to participate in our program, even during the COVID pandemic.
Although we will not be able to bring in any new Scholars from 2022 onward, we will continue to support the new August 2021 intake along with current TaLK Scholars who will complete their scholarships in the upcoming semester. We intend to continue with opportunities such as the newsletter and contests for Scholars to participate in until the end of the semester in January. Former TaLK Scholars can still reach out to our office if a scholarship verification letter is needed. The last day of TaLK operations is set for January 31, 2022, which marks the end of the 27th Generation.
We understand the regret and disappointment the ending of TaLK may bring – it is a feeling we share especially after seeing all the lives our program has touched. However, for those who are still interested in teaching in Korea, please consider applying to our sister program, English Program in Korea (EPIK). You can find out more information on their requirements and application process on their website at http://epik.go.kr. They will begin accepting applications on August 23rd for the Spring 2022 intake.
We thank you once again for your interest in the TaLK Program. Although our journey may be coming to end, we wish you well in your endeavors in teaching and learning in Korea.
Sincerely,
TaLK Office