The Catch-up

So here's a little timeline to get everyone up to speed... Sorry its so long, the rest shouldn't be this long!!!

March 17 - I get 'all' of the application package

-~- during this time Korea is being researched etc.

May 4 - 'all' forms are sent to me

-~- during this time communication with Scotia Personel (recruiting in NS) is over the phone

July 10 - Scotia now wants my application in word format rather than just hard copy SENT

July 11 - Scotia wants my 'dear family' letter emailed rather than hard copy SENT

July 19 - family to review - Kim

July 20 - I accept the family - Leslie at Scotia advises she will have the family call me to chat and that the process will take 4-6wks

July 25 - Leslie asks how things are going

July 26 - I reply that the family has yet to call me

July 27 - Leslie speaks with the office in Korea and advises the Kim family will be calling

July 31 - the Kim family finally calls me. the mother sounds quite organized

Aug 1 - "the family accepts you" email from Leslie
- say what? I thought that already happened
- oh and by the way, here's your contract to sign and an invoice for $400!!!
- I reply saying that I should have known about this earlier as they've placed people with the Korea recruiters
- I've finally been given the family's correct email addy
- oh wait... it's still wrong

Aug 3 - Leslie sends me the correct email for the family

Aug 8 - forms please? I already sent them. my 400$ is wired over and you have my police check and signed contract

Aug 9 - Eunice (my host family's mother) sends me a long and detailed (exactly what I wanted) email with the help of her english teacher in response to my email of questions

Aug 14 - oh lets work on your "working holiday visa" now
- application filled out
Aug 15 - don't use the word "tutor" the Korean Embassy doesnt like it. wha? also you need a letter showing that you have access to funds in the case that you are injured and have to go home. relatively informal

Aug 16 - oh no you need to have a bank statement showing you have $3000 in your bank. just put the $ in and print the statement and then take it back out.
Aug 17 - I call the Korean Embassy in Montreal (from my computer using skype) and I am informed I have to have
1) a passport stamped photo, and
2) not $3000 but $6000. I call Leslie and she says that she never rec'd notice of any increase. I ask her to double check the info, she does and yup, they changed it, you now have to show $6000. WTF???
- calculating what I have available from my credit cards (yes 2 cards, kinda long story) Im still short $1000

And Im like W T F?????

mini-update : my brother fresh from graduating Basic Miltary Qualifications gave me the $1000, so I printed my papers and now he gets his $ back! Thanks Peachy!!!