South Korea has an attractive English teaching market and a great teaching salary. Among others, the country boasts of vibrant culture, amazing food, beautiful scenery, and a whole lot more. Let’s take a look at all you need to know about teaching English in South Korea. Education is regarded as a high priority for South Korean families as success in education is often a source of pride for families and within South Korean society at large, and is a necessity to improve one’s socioeconomic position in South Korean society. When applying to teach in Korea, you will have to decide if a private school (Hagwon) or a public school is the choice for you. If you don’t fully understand the differences, this article is yours to read. See the table of contents below.
Why Should I Teach English In South Korea?
South Korea is a favorable destination to teach English abroad. The country provides a balance for internationals through its reasonable cost of living, incredible salary, reasonable visa requirements, and a whole lot more for ESL teachers. The Land of Morning Calm is obviously the home to one of the best food on earth. To further buttress the vibe and feelings, take a look at the top 5 reasons why you should teach English in Korea.
Low cost of living
The majority of things in South Korea are remarkably cheap: restaurants, bars, alcohol, transportation, buses, subways, clothes, and a whole lot more. So, as a newbie, you won’t have to spend much money on essentials. This will help you build a colorful financial stronghold. With a wide variety of modern concept malls, giant shopping centers, traditional department stores, and busy market places, there is a shopping hot spot for just about every taste and budget, with opportunities to shop literally all day and night.
Access to free accommodation
As part of the contract, ESL teachers in South Korea are provided with free accommodation. This will help offset the cost of housing. The properties where ESL teachers are placed differ based on the location and the nature of the job. Housing ranges from sizable two-bedroom separate kitchen apartments to smaller one-bedroom places with mini kitchen areas. With an all paid accommodation, teaching English in South Korea is a profession thought inviting.
Amazing food
While Korean food is very typical of Asian cuisines in the fact that it uses many spices and rice-based dishes, it is in fact one of the most unique cuisines of the continent. Koreans use their own unique blends and combinations of ingredients that you are unlikely to find elsewhere, and while you may have been to a Korean restaurant or two outside of Korea, you haven’t experienced the joys of Korean food until you’ve tried it in-country. Some of the most well-known dishes are bulgogi (marinated beef), ddukbokkie (spicy rice cake), bibimbap (rice bowls full of vegetables, meat, and other yummy ingredients), and kimchi (fermented cabbage). I’m sure you can’t wait. Related Post: Summer Volunteering Programs For High School Students
Beautiful Scenery
Conversely, if trees aren’t your thing, Korea’s big cities have everything else that you might want. Up in the North, the capital Seoul is alive with perpetual happenings and it has the deviation from Korean culture that foreigners need every once in a while. Much more variety exists in Seoul than in the rest of the country, especially in the foreign food district, Itaewon, and in the music and party district of Hongdae. In the South there’s Busan, the second biggest city in Korea with an entirely different atmosphere. Lying on the Southeastern tip of Korea, the beaches are beautiful and best viewed in Spring or Autumn to avoid the mad rush of Summer sunbathers and to get the best views of the East Sea. The third-largest metropolitan area is Daegu, well-known for its strong links to Buddhism and many temples. It also showcases a lot of festivals and sports, providing one of the best nights out in the country. SEE ALSO: Best Universities In South Korea for International Students
How To Become An English Teacher In South Korea
To become an English Teacher in South Korea you need to be a native English speaker from an approved country (for the E-2 visa), have a bachelor’s degree, and pass a criminal background check. If you satisfy these qualifications, decide where you would like to teach (public school, international school, university, private academy) and apply to your preferred programs. Some good places to start are EPIK and Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. Remember that these are just the requirements for acquiring an E-2 teaching visa set by the Korean government – individual employers will have their own unique requirements, and the requirements for teaching English in Korean public schools differ from those of private schools (or “hagwon”).
What Are The Qualifications To Teach English In South Korea?
To qualify to teach English in Korea you need to apply for an E-2 (teaching) visa through your nearest Korean embassy or consulate. To qualify for an E-2 visa, there are four minimum requirements that you should meet:
Possess a bachelor’s degree/diploma from an accredited institution.Be a resident of the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, or New Zealand. (Note: residents of India may likewise be qualified If they have a teacher’s permit in English. Likewise, If you are from Quebec, at that point you may have to show that you are fluent in English, for example, by having a degree/certification from an English-speaking CEGEP or college). Pass a health and drug test.Have a clean national-level criminal record.
These statutory requirements were set down by the Korean immigration authorities to help obtain a visa. Your employer may have additional requirements. For instance, If you need to teach at a public school through EPIK, there are a couple of other basic criteria you should meet. Read also: 19 Masters Scholarships in South Korea
Do I Need A Degree To Teach English In Korea?
Yes, you do. One of the determining requirements to teach English in Korea is holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Beyond this, you will also need to have citizenship from a native English speaking country: the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. You’ll also have a background check, and, depending on the school placement, need teaching experience or a TEFL certificate.
What Are The Requirements To Teach English In South Korea
Before you are allowed to teach English in South Korea, you need to meet the set requirements and tender the following documents as listed below. To meet the above requirements, present these archives to your nearest Republic of Korea consulate or embassy when you apply for your E-4:
A duplicate of your diploma/degree. If you are a non-Canadian or non-US resident, get your diploma/degree apostilled. Canadian and US applicants should get their diploma/degree ensured through a notary public. Sealed university/college transcript. (Please, don’t try to use unofficial copies you printed at home.) Passport photographs. Your original passport. Copy of your employment contract, which will be supplied by the school or recruiter.National level criminal background check. In Canada, this is acquired through the RCMP, while in the US it is through the FBI. Non-Canadians should have their background check apostilled. Canadians need their C certified through a notary public.
When Is The Best Time To Apply For A Teaching Job In South Korea?
The best time to apply for a teaching job in South Korea solely depends on the type of job you’re applying for. If you’re applying to teach public school, like through English Program in Korea (EPIK), it’s best you apply up to six months out. This is so because it takes public schools a long time to accept applications. However, public schools usually offer the best benefits and tend to really hold your hand through the process. If you’re looking to start as soon as you can, consider applying to teach at a private school otherwise knows as hagwon. These academies often hire year-round. But, for the best selection, note that most jobs are usually posted in February or March, around the start of the new semester. In spite of the fact that the hiring process for hagwons is typically quicker than for public schools, still, give yourself a few months for both you and the school to prepare the necessary documents and accommodations.
English Teaching Jobs In South Korea
Public School Jobs
One of the most sought after English teaching jobs in South Korea is a public school position. These jobs usually ensure a normal 9-to-5 (or similar) job schedule with actual teaching hours assured not to exceed 22 per week. In addition, pay scales are usually set per office of education area and vary with qualifications. All public job benefits generally include a small settlement allowance, free furnished housing or a housing stipend, severance, an entrance and exit allowance, national insurance, national holidays off, and 18 workdays paid vacation. However, these jobs are also typically the hardest to land, especially if you’re skeptical about which city you want to end up in. Most of the available public jobs are in elementary schools (third through sixth grade), although some middle and high schools hire, too. Additionally, public school jobs require a co-teacher to be present in the classroom with the native English teacher. Co-teacher duties and relationships vary per school, so you won’t know your exact duties until your first day of teaching.
Private Academy (Hagwon) Jobs
Not all public school jobs are exactly the same, but most follow similar guidelines. Hagwon jobs, however, vary greatly. Unlike public schools, teaching hours in hagwons exceed 22 hours per week and less vacation time is offered. However, private academies offer two large benefits over public school jobs: quicker hiring turnaround and higher pay. Additionally, most private academies don’t have co-teachers. Teachers who teach young children often work mornings, whereas teachers who teach middle and high schoolers often work nights. If you’re more of a “night person,” taking up a job in middle or high school will be perfect for you. Because hagwons are fully business-oriented, the teachers employed are maximized to the fullest and paid more. Teaching English in South Korea comes with certain obligations as you get to pay apt attention to not just the students and school authorities but also the parents of the students who usually have inputs to make. READ ALSO: Best Countries to Study Abroad
University Jobs
Finding a university job in South Korea isn’t easy. But, with a master’s degree and some teaching experience, you’re likely to get into the theater of learning. University positions pay very well and require low teaching hours (as low as 10 per week), so it’s no wonder they’re highly coveted.
How To Teach English In Korea Through EPIK
When searching for an ESL teaching position in Korea, decide whether you need to teach at a public or Private school. If you plan on teaching at a public school, you will probably do so through EPIK (English Program in Korea). The application process for EPIK is more complicated and restrictive than it is for working in a private school. You can apply for EPIK either directly or through a recruiter. You must understand that because EPIK is for public schools, teaching positions are only accessible at the start of the school semester. So all EPIK positions start in one or the other February or August. While applying for EPIK, you will need to provide all of the documentation outlined above for the E-2 visa.
Other Requirements for Teaching with EPIK
You should be TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certified, although this requirement is deferred if you hold either a bachelor’s or graduate degree in education. You will also need to complete an interview. If EPIK doesn’t hire you, don’t lose hope! Sometimes, public offices of education, like the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE), will post some of the available positions on their job boards. While it’s commonly harder to get public school work by applying directly along these lines, it isn’t outlandish. If this is your first rodeo, I encourage you to use a recruiter, who will assist you navigate your contract and guarantee there are no language boundaries between you and your school. Nonetheless, if you’re quite familiar with the terrain and have done the required research, or have experience teaching abroad, you can browse through job listings and apply directly.
EPIK vs Hagwons: Which one is a better option
There is no clear advantage of teaching through EPIK instead of in a Hagwon. The hours will be comparable, although you are bound to be teaching during school hours through EPIK. Still, in Hagwons you might be approached to do more morning and night shifts. The pay is likewise similar in both. You will likewise require a degree to teach as an ESL educator in Korea, whether you work at a Hagwon or through EPIK. Both Hagwon and EPIK additionally give comparative advantages, for example, roundtrip airfare and basic facilities. Hagwon jobs are simpler to get just because there are so many Hagwons in Korea. Regardless of whether this is your first time teaching ESL, you can even now find a job at a Hagwon in Seoul or another vast city. Hagwons also hire throughout the year. The disadvantage to Hagwons is that since they are private and there are so many of them, the quality can shift a lot. If you’ve just researched ESL jobs to teach English in Korea, at that point you may have run over a significant number of shocking stories about working at Hagwons on ESL discussion sheets. You ought to take these stories with a huge grain of salt. While there are surely some bad apples in the Hagwon business, by far most of the schools are expertly run and treat their teachers well. Those upbeat teachers in both sectors have a great deal to bring to the table, choosing which ESL training position is appropriate for you can be an overwhelming assignment.
What To Be Aware of Before Taking Up An English Job in South Korea
Before you say, “Annyeong,” to South Korea, here are a few things you should be aware of before signing your teaching contract:
Working hours vs. teaching hoursSalary (including overtime salary)Roundtrip air flight, settlement allowance, severanceVacation (and how many days can be taken at once)Healthcare/PensionHousing provided vs. housing stipendLesson planning/prepping requirementsCo-teacher and co-teacher’s duties (or lack-of)
If the above isn’t outlined in your contract, speak to your recruiter or school about what to expect, and don’t be afraid to ask for the contract to be redrafted. So, while you might get enlivened about the new offer, ensure the offer isn’t a depleting one. That is why it is essential to research your opportunities carefully and ask a ton of questions but those that might seem irrelevant like, ‘I hope teaching in South Korea is not stressful.’ Let’s find out.
Is Teaching In South Korea Stressful?
In Korea, school never ends at the bell. After school, they all rush off to English school followed by music classes, sports practice, tutors, and hours of homework. As a teacher and foreigner, this is very hard to witness. The pressure on students in Korea is insurmountable. Starting at a very young age, Korean children are thrown into ESL Kindergartens and the pressure begins there. Many five-year-old students have tutors after class and on the weekends, Tae-Kwon-Do lessons, and music lessons all crammed into one day leaving little time for rest or play. Middle schoolers said they averaged four hours of sleep a night due to their busy schedules, the pressure of test scores, and endless classes. According to Aljazeera, “Korean education is like a jungle. There is a lot of competition, you eat and get eaten”, says Young Hwan Kim, an articulate 17-year-old with a dark blue school uniform and glasses. Here, Kim and his classmates study between 8 am and 3:40 pm every day. Many stay to do homework until late at night – the library is open til 11 pm. Others go to private institutes called hagwons for evening classes. One of them is 17-year-old Inchae Ryu, who studies 12 hours a day, including homework and extra English classes twice a week. “I have no time to think about my future or my dreams”, says Ryu. Herded to various educational outlets and programs by parents, the average South Korean student works up to 13 hours a day, while the average high school student sleeps only 5.5 hours a night to ensure there is sufficient time for studying. Hagwons consume more than half of spending on private education – Nytimes. With these comments from students, it’s not out of place to say that teaching in South Korea is stressful.
How Much Do English Teachers In South Korea Make?
According to gooverseas, an English teacher’s salary in South Korea can range between $1,350-$3,100 USD per month. Your salary range may change depending on if you teach at a public school, private school, university, or international school.
Is Living In South Korea Expensive?
Living costs in South Korea are pretty reasonable. To give you a general idea, here are a few cost of living prices: $2.75 for a beer, $6 for a meal at a restaurant, ~$1 per trip for public transportation, and between $350 to $675 USD per month to rent an apartment (depending on if it’s rural or in a city). Living in South Korea is not as cheap as living in some Asian countries like Laos or China, but it is also not as expensive as Japan or Singapore. In general, the most expensive living costs in the country will be found in the capital, Seoul. Everywhere else, expats can expect to earn a decent wage and save a good bit of it without having to pinch pennies or live on a stringent budget.
Conclusion
South Korea has an attractive English teaching market and a great teaching salary. Take advantage of this opportunity and explore the beauty of the Land of the Morning Calm. The best time to apply for a teaching job in South Korea solely depends on the type of job you’re applying for. If you’re applying to teach public school, like through English Program in Korea (EPIK), it’s best you apply up to six months out. To become an English Teacher in South Korea you need to be a native English speaker from an approved country (for the E-2 visa), have a bachelor’s degree, and pass a criminal background check. South Korea is a favorable destination to teach English abroad. The country provides a balance for internationals through its reasonable cost of living, incredible salary, reasonable visa requirements, and a whole lot more for ESL teachers. According to gooverseas, an English teacher’s salary in South Korea can range between $1,350-$3,100 USD per month. Yes, one of the determining requirements to teach English in Korea is holding a bachelors degree from an accredited institution. Beyond
