Become an English Teacher in South Korea!

 Become An English (EFL) Teacher in South Korea

(In 6 Months or Less):

Your Complete Guide

 I nervously sat in the uncomfortable airplane seat. My palms were sweaty as the plane took off, carrying me towards an uncertain future. I had texted my girlfriend (now wife) about my departure, (see my post about dating like a professional). Now, with a one-way ticket, I was flying halfway around the world. Anything could happen.

Are you a recent graduate eager to explore the world? Do you crave a completely different life experience? Perhaps you've always dreamed of living in Korea or Japan. Or maybe you simply yearn for adventure after a lifetime in your home country.

I understand completely. After graduating with my Master's, I felt the same restlessness.

Ready to take the leap? This guide will show you everything you need to know about teaching English in Korea.

 

Meet the Requirements

 To teach English in Korea, you generally need: 

• A Bachelor's degree (or Master's for university level)
• A TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate
• Citizenship of the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, or India (if you have a teaching license)
• Be under 62 years old
• A clean criminal record
  

Earn a TEFL

Your next step is to earn a TEFL certificate to qualify as an English teacher.

• University option: Obtain an accredited TEFL certificate from a local university. This may even be part of a degree program.
• Alternative route:  If you're not pursuing further education, consider a TEFL certificate from a reputable institution. This is a common choice for many English teacher.
   
  
  Regardless of your chosen path, thoroughly research your options to ensure you receive a strong recommendation for your future endeavors. 
  
  
  You may choose to do this part time while you are working a job, or you may choose to take a break.  Either way, make sure to plan a good 6 months to get this completed.
  

Get Experience Working with Kids 

Expect to work with children, often those as young as 5 or 6. Include any relevant experience, even if it's with family like nieces or nephews. While most positions are for middle school and up, always check the job description and tailor your resume accordingly.

Tweak your Resume

Customize your resume:

• Highlight relevant skills: Tailor your resume to each specific job application, emphasizing education, employment, and any experience working with children (docent, volunteer work, etc.).
• Emphasize relevant roles: Include experience in mentorship or supervisory roles, as these demonstrate valuable skills.
   
  

Prepare Your Documents

 Securing a job in South Korea can take time, primarily due to document gathering. Starting your application process early is crucial.

Begin your preparations for teaching in South Korea by taking these steps:

•  Make sure you have a passport for travel
• Get your bachelor’s degree notarized and apostilled
• Request sealed transcripts from your university.  (This can take some time.  Allow a few months.)
• Apply for an FBI background check and get the results apostilled
• Write a cover letter to submit with job applications
  

Do all of this before you apply for jobs!

Search for Jobs

 While searching for jobs, you have the following options:

• Use a recruiter. Recruiters offer a free service for job seekers. They help secure you a position and assist you through the visa process.
• Search a jobs board. Search over seas job boards to find great jobs. You can also find positions through independent websites like Dave’s ESL Cafe.
• Apply for the government teaching program. EPIK is a competitive program that places assistant teachers in public schools across Korea.
• Work with your TEFL provider. Reputable TEFL providers will help alum with job placement after they complete their certificate. 

Different Types of Jobs 

The types of places you will be teaching will include: 

• Public schools: programs such as EPIK place teachers in public K-12 settings.
• Hagwons, or English Villages: private language academies where students study English at an accelerated level.
• Universities: these positions can be hard to come by and generally require a master’s degree.
  

Ace your interview

Landing any teaching job in Korea, whether through EPIK or a hagwon, requires a successful interview. Here are some key tips for acing your interview.

• Present yourself professionally for your video interview. This includes appropriate attire (e.g., blouse/shirt and suit jacket) and neat grooming (men: clean-shaven; women: natural makeup).
• Read your resume and cover letter again. If you’re asked questions about yourself from your cover letter or CV, you’ll want to make sure you know what you wrote.
• Practice common interview questions. Why do you want to teach in Korea? How would you manage an unruly classroom? Interview questions help your future employer get a better sense of you and how you will respond to students.
• Smile! It’s important to come across as a warm and friendly person – who wants a stiff and intimidating teacher? Even if you’re nervous, smiling and head nodding show you’re engaged with the interviewer.
  

Sign Contract

Your contract outlines your salary, benefits, and job responsibilities.  Don’t just sign it without reading it and understanding it fully! 

Get your visa!

English teachers in Korea require an E-2 visa, a long-term visa specifically for foreign language teachers.

You will need to submit the following documents:

• Passport
• A recent passport photo
• Completed application form
• Official job offer
• National criminal background check with apostille
• Up-to-date resume/CV
• Notarized copy of bachelor’s degree with apostille 

Learn Korean (Recommended)

I highly recommend that you learn, at least a conversational level of Korean.  You can do this through such apps as Duolingo, or some other program.  This will help you to integrate and make friends in your new home

Learn About the Culture (Recommended)

 To gain a better understanding of Korean culture, consider:

• Talking to friends who are Korean or of Korean descent.
• Reading books or articles about Korean life and society.
  

Prepare yourself for moving to South Korea by talking to people who are from there. Make sure you understand the intricacies of Korean culture before you move.

Congratulations!  You have now earned your spot to further growth as traveler and world citizen!   Enjoy your time in South Korea.  It is a wonderful country!