Necessary Pre-Departure Expenses

Note: The information below is based on the experience of myself and fellow 2024 SK ETAs; a working, unofficial list. I can only guarantee that the information written below is accurate for the 2023-2024 grant year, as procedures, timelines, etc may change over the coming years.

While there are many things covered by Fulbright, there are also many that are not. There are also a few things that Fulbright will reimburse you for, but not until the successful completion of your grant year, so keep reading to see how much you will want to set aside for pre-departure expenses

A list of unavoidable [pre-]departure expenses to expect, required for in-processing documentation, approximated:

• ($1-$35) Passport/visa photo printing

• ($20) Registration of CBC (Criminal background check)

• ($55) Monument Visa Apostille Service

• ($60) International shipping of Apostille to KAEC

• ($50-$90) Fingerprinting scans for CBC

• ($30+ depending on your insurance) Physician appointments for medical clearance forms

• ($40-$75) TB test

• ($35-$90) Drug test

• ($30+) Flu shot and other necessary immunizations

• ($30 x2) Mailing passport to consulate (only necessary if your local consulate requires a stamped addressed envelope for your visa application) (cost of flat rate priority express)

• ($5+) Renunciation, naturalization, family history certification costs (if applicable)

• Second medical exam upon arrival (if required by placement school/city)

Expenses Fulbright will cover, but not until the end of your grant, so you will need to pay for the upfront costs and be reimbursed a year-ish later (so keep your receipts!):

• ($350 ) Luggage expense allowance

• ($85) Fee for IRS form 6166 (Korean income tax exemption form)

Potential/Optional (but not really) expenses:

• Gifts for teachers, co-teachers, homestay family, principal, etc

• Official transcript order from your school, if necessary/required

• ($15-$30/month) Korean sim card

Things you will NOT be expected to pay for (up-front, or at all):

• Plane tickets for economy flight from US to Korea

• TESOL/TEFL online certification course

• Transportation to orientation site from airport

• Housing for the entirety of the grant

• Meals: either provided or funding provided, depending on housing placement