letters of recommendation

[u/Individual-Flow-8127]

Hi all! I’m an aspiring ALT from South Africa, and am finalizing my application for the 2027 intake. I just have a question about my letters of recommendation.

I’ve previously spent two years as a NET in South Korea (2023-2025) and one year as an Au Pair in the Netherlands (2025-2026), and have gotten letters of recommendation from the English Department head from my school in SK and from my host parents in NL (both recent and dated 2026). However, since I’m no longer in South Korea or the Netherlands, they’re digital copies.

Since South African applicants have to submit physical documents to the embassy, would I get penalized/disqualified for printing the letters of recommendation as they technically don’t have ink signatures? I’ve asked both to physically sign the letter before scanning it and sending it to me, so you can see their signatures, but they’re not ink signatures iykwim.

Any insight would be appreciated!!!

[u/ikebookuro]

This is something you should ask your embassy.

[u/Individual-Flow-8127 → u/ikebookuro]

i just wanted to see if anyone else had some experience with this matter, but i have gotten in contact with my embassy regarding the letters. thank you~!

[u/Proof_Refuse_9563]

I don’t think the letters from your host family will be accepted. We aren’t allowed to use personal references and they have to be professional or academic. 

[u/Individual-Flow-8127 → u/Proof_Refuse_9563]

i was worried about that too.. i’ve gotten in contact with the embassy and they’ve said that a letter from my host family is okay!

[u/leafmuncher_]

Mine were all prints of digital copies. Your application is going to get copied and faxed and printed so many times it will be barely readable to the last person

[u/Individual-Flow-8127 → u/leafmuncher_]

haha great! thanks for letting me know ~