South Korea is a country of TEFL or ESL career-opportunities and is also one of the largest teaching English abroad job markets. There are so many possibilities when it comes to teaching English in South Korea, Seoul is clearly a prime choice for many but there are more with the online TEFL course program.
The country is also a land of art and technology, captivating traditional palaces, incredible street food and striking snow-topped mountains. With this, online TEFL course possibilities are growing more with establishments to prepare ESL enthusiastic.
Key points of TEFL jobs in South Korea
What are the normal teaching hours and class sizes should one expect? This will differ depending on the sort of job you accept. Usually, most public schools will fund your flights to and from South Korea, but this also may vary.
How can you find English teaching jobs in South Korea?
If you are interested in public schools, you’ll have to use a government-funded programme like EPIK, TaLK, SMOE or GEPIK. Here, you’ll submit an application form on their websites and follow it up with a Skype or phone interview. To apply for these programmes, you must also have at least 120-hour TEFL course online. Along with these, you also need to have a clean criminal record, a police certificate confirming this, and health and drug tests are necessary.
Seoul and Busan are among the most popular locations for English teachers in South Korea. You may also consider Gyeongju. The majority of teaching English jobs in South Korea can be found at hagwons. “Hagwon” is the Korean word for a for-profit private educational organization (school). This operates like businesses and is separate from the South Korean public-school system.
Visa process
To get a work visa to teach English in South Korea, you must acquire the following documents:
- Resume
- A signed copy of the contract
- Two original letters of reference
- Photocopy of your passport
- FBI criminal background check
- Three sealed university transcripts
- Bachelor's degree which should be notarized and then apostilled
The E-2 visa will license you to teach English in South Korea for a year with a single entry. Moreover, most outsiders working at public or private schools meet the requirements for the school-sponsored E-2 visa. Once you have started the whole process, you will need to send your apostilled documents to the Korean consulate.
Living in South Korea
Generally, the cost of living in South Korea is reasonably priced. Of course, the cost can get a bit more expensive if you live in a bigger city. Also, it's common to nod your head in a slight bow to your elders to show respect in South Korea. However, initially you may find living in South Korea challenging as the culture will be different and the language barrier can be visible.
South Korea has one of the fastest internet networks in the world and the infrastructure is cutting-edge. Schools are outstanding, health care industry is outstanding too. If you’re a diehard foodie, this country will never leave you unhappy.
ESL jobs are competitive and pay well as there’s a huge demand for English teachers in South Korea. Teaching English in South Korea offers great career possibilities, so narrow your search by accessibility, ideal location, and kind of project.
Make the correct choice and you won’t regret it!
