Teach English in South Korea

Quick Facts

Eligibility Requirements

You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in South Korea. You do need:

Required

• A passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand
• A bachelor’s degree issued in one of the seven designated English-speaking countries in hand in any field – no teaching experience required
• A Native English Speaker
• No criminal conviction whatsoever (even misdemeanors).
• No major medical or mental health diagnosis or medication in the past 5 years
• No communicable diseases
• No visible tattoos, such as on the face, neck and hands

Preferred on case-by-case basis

• Between 20 – 39 years old

Get Started

Unsure? Get expert advice and guidance

We’ll send you more info, explain the program and answer all your questions.

Program Options

What’s included for each Program Option

Full Program Highlights

• Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance

  • Getting the necessary documentation prepared prior to departure.
  • Assisting you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgets and booking flights.
  • Answering your questions to help ease any anxieties you may have regarding your trip.

• Logistics and safety when arriving

  • Airport pickup and assistance to accommodation.
  • Sim card setup assistance.

• A toolkit for navigating Korean culture

  • Cultural Orientation.
  • Social events and meet and greets.

• Practical Teacher Training

  • To hone your craft and ensure confidence before you begin teaching professionally.

• Guaranteed Job Placement

  • At carefully vetted schools.

• An Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL certification

  • The knowledge required to teach english successfully.

• A support network of fellow teachers

  • Lifelong friendships and travel opportunities.

• 24/7 In-country support

  • Ex-foreign teachers and local, on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
  • You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as translation help, legalities, emergencies, travel options or school queries. Someone is on hand.
  • Teacher meet-ups.
  • We check in with you regularly and keep up to date with your teach abroad experience.

• Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee

  • Teach somewhere else after your contract and explore new cultures.

• Self-development and advantageous future employability

  • Add teaching abroad to your CV to stand out from the crowd.

Guaranteed Job Placement

We find you a teaching job or jobs to ensure you have the maximum work hours allowed under your visa.

• Teaching philosophy and environment
• Teaching materials
• School code of conduct
• Local staff support and English proficiency
• After school activities and requirements
• Disciplinary processes
• And many more considerations!

So you might find a job but you’ll be unprepared from a teaching, cultural, financial and emotional perspective.

Lifetime Placement Guarantee

• Pay one fee and you’re able to teach in any partner school on your program line as long as you like.
• It’s a once-off fee for a lifetime of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your students and travel the world in a sustainable way.
• For example, once you’re finished in South Korea you can travel over to Japan or Thaiand and experience a whole new cultural adventure.

Boost your employability

You might think you’re taking a step back by taking a year off but nothing could be further from the truth!

Although you may think it’s a halt in your education journey, you’re actually fast tracking yourself through:

• Learning independence.
• Learning how you react to different situations.
• Learning how to master and grow your confidence in public speaking.
• Learning how to overcome obstacles.
• Learning about yourself through your own personal self discovery.
• Learning how to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.

These would normally take much longer in a normal, sheltered environment and wouldn’t be nearly as much fun!

When you do head back home, you’re not just another resume in a pile of resumes – you are someone different who’s done something interesting and rewarding.

Teaching Placements

Teaching Placement Overview

Teaching Placements

There are two main types of schools in Korea: Public Schools and Private Language Centers.

Private Language Centers – “Hagwons”

Private language centers are where students go to learn English either as a supplement to their public school education or as a replacement for their public school education.

As a result, language center are generally open from 09h00 until 22h00. The shift you will work depends on the age group you are teaching. Generally, kindergarten and elementary teachers primarily work from 09h00 until 18h00. Elementary and middle school teachers usually start around 13h00 until 22h00.

Language centers typically offer high tech facilities and have lots of resources for teaching and lesson planning. They offer a well-supported working environment to new teachers. Most language centers we work with are large companies with many different branches all over South Korea.

• Class sizes tend to be around 8-15 students per class
• Teachers have access to internal systems where they can share lesson plans
• Minimal lesson planning is required
• There are many books and resources to help plan for classes
• Classrooms are well equipped
• Around 30-35 teaching hours per week
• Teaching in the afternoons and evenings
• There is generally more than 1 native English teacher at each school

Grace with her kids in South Korea.

Marek, an English teacher from the USA, in front of his class. Our placements offer both public and private school options.

Korean students are generally well behaved and eager to learn, at least compared with children in the West!

Your school will provide and train you on their specific curriculum. The schools have specific curriculums and curriculum support.

What are the age groups I will be teaching?

Mixed ages but mainly children. Anywhere from 4 – 18 years old. The age group depends on the school you end up in.

Do schools provide lunches?

Schools sometimes provide lunch options for teachers. You will always have a lunch/dinner break scheduled into your daily routine.

Can I be placed with my friend or partner?

We can do our best to place you in the same town as your friend or partner. You might be teaching in the same school or in nearby schools, depending on the availability of jobs. We unfortunately cannot guarantee that you will be able to be placed together due to a number of factors, but we have previously successfully placed many pairs together (couples, friends etc). 

Holidays

As Language centers are open all year round, teachers will not share the usual school holidays. Instead, participants may take vacation leave and take some public holidays which will be at the discretion of the school. Paid holidays are usually between 10 – 15 days (Exact amount differs between schools).

Are there sports or activities after school which I will need to attend?

No, you generally won’t be required to do anything at school after teaching hours.

How long is the teaching contract?

Your placement duration is for 12 months or more. Placements are renewable so you can choose to teach English in South Korea for several years if you’d like!

Do I get any bonuses?

Yes, you’ll receive an end-of-contract bonus pay (13th paycheck).

What is the dress code for teaching?

Dress code is smart-casual – collared shirts for men and conservative for women. Covering the shoulders is especially important for women but the length of skirts and dresses is less of a concern.

Is transportation provided from accommodation to work?

Transportation is not provided by schools. This will be for the teacher’s own expense and is relatively inexpensive. In most cases, teachers either live within walking distance from the school or a short bus ride/train ride away costing anything from USD 2 – USD 5 return per day.

Medical services and insurance?

NHI (National Health Insurance) is provided by your school a couple of weeks after you begin teaching. It takes some time to process the documents and you will be required to pass an in-country medical examination in order to apply for your ARC (alien registration card) which is your identity in Korea. Once you have your ARC then you are able to see a local doctor. We recommend you have travel insurance for the first three months of being in Korea.

What are the chances of schools deducting money from my salary?

This depends on the school and details will be stipulated in the contract. Some schools deduct $250 USD per month for three months as a housing deposit and this will be paid back at the end of the contract minus the cleaning expenses, unpaid utility expenses or damage beyond general wear and tear.

Do you get paid overtime?

Yes, in most cases and this will be stipulated in their contract.
What are the chances of getting a salary increase?
Quite high for your second contract but your salary is typically fixed for your contract duration. But there might be opportunities for overtime work.

Cultural Preparation

Part of the success of your experience comes from understanding the culture that you’re going to be living and working in.

Our Program Includes:

Pre-departure Support

We assist you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgets, booking flights and any questions or information you need. 

Pre departure Support

• We’ll outline the entire process you’ll follow to realise the teaching abroad dream.
• You’ll be provided comprehensive information relating to each step in the pre-departure process and you’ll have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like, no matter how silly you may think they are!
• We’ll explain and help you get the necessary documentation prepared prior to departure.
• We’ll assist you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgeting and booking flights.
• We’ll ease any anxieties you may have regarding your trip and share the positive and life-changing adventures of the teach abroad experience.

Logistics and Safety when arriving

We’ll pick you up from the airport and introduce you to your support team in-country.

Logistics and Safety when arriving

• We’ll pick you up from the airport so you won’t have to stress when you arrive off the plane.
• We’ll introduce you to your 24/7 support team on the ground.
• We’ll take you to your pre-arranged accommodation. Read more about our course accommodation.
• We assist you with your SIM card setup so that you can contact your loved ones back home and your new friends you’re about to make on your epic orientation!
• We assist you with your local bank account setup so you can save money on international withdrawal fees. Your salary is paid into your local bank account.

A toolkit for navigating your new country

The perfect foundation for adjusting to life in your new country and meeting your fellow teachers and in-country stafff members.

In-class TEFL/TESOL Participants experience the following:

Our 1 week cultural orientation on Korean culture and language gives you the perfect foundation for adjusting to life in South Korea as well as an opportunity to bond with your fellow teachers-in-training and in-country staff members.

Learn foundational Korean language

We help you with foundational language to help you navigate:

• The bustling markets.
• Grabbing a taxi.
• Ordering a delicious meal.
• Garnering respect from locals.

(plus it’s pretty cool to impress your mates at home or add it to your resume!)

Cultural and History lessons

• Learn from local Korean staff and ex-foreign teachers who have made their home in South Korea.
• You’ll understand the cultural dynamics so that you don’t feel like a fish out of water.
• You won’t be making any faux pas or disrespecting the locals.
• How to address locals and your fellow teachers.
• You will know what you can and can’t do in Korean classrooms.

Relevant Cultural Excursions

Excursions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Gyeongbok Palace Tour, commonly known as the Grand Palace, the largest of 5 grand palaces in South Korea.
• Korean War Memorial.
• Korean Cooking Class with Chef Hero.
• Taekwondo Martial Arts Class.
• K-POP Dance Class.

Grand palace Tour and Hanbok Experience

This is the highlight of our orientation week. Participants are taken to a Hanbok (traditional Korean Dress) cafe to get dressed in the traditional clothing. They are then taken back in time to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace which was built during the Joseon Dynasty (1395) and given a guided tour of this grand palace. This is a great photo opportunity for all and is a wonderful experience.

Korean War Memorial

Participants will head out to Seoul to visit the Korean War Museum and Memorial. This excursion is a detailed look into the “Forgotten War” and participants will be given a guided tour by an expert in the field. They will be able to walk around and see different displays as well as original vehicles, planes, boats etc that were used during this conflict. The Korean war is a major part of the peninsula’s history and is a great learning opportunity for all.

Korean Cooking Class with Chef Hero

Korean food is fast gaining in popularity around the world, and for good reason. Participants can see how the food is made and learn about the ingredients used in making certain dishes. They will then be shown how to cook some of Korea’s most famous dishes, cook these dishes themselves, and then devour a feast prepared by themselves and the charismatic chef Hero. Some dishes that they will learn to prepare are Bulgogi, Gimbab and Kimchi Pancakes.

Taekwondo Martial Arts Class

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. We will be visiting a ‘Dojang’ where the Taekwondo master speaks excellent English and will cover things like correct form, self-defense and participants even get to test their strength by breaking a wooden board!

Korean Language Class

6 hours of Korean language lessons taught by a qualified Korean Language teacher. These are broken down into 3 x 2-hour lessons and covers the basics of the Korean alphabet up to basic conversational content to help the participants better grasp the concepts of the Korean Language. * Exact scheduling is subject to change

K-POP Dance Class

This latest addition to our awesome and action-packed orientation week gives the teachers the opportunity to blow off some steam and learn some awesome new dance moves to their favourite K-POP songs. Lead by an expert dance teacher, this is sure to be a winner for everyone!

Online TEFL/TESOL & Placement Only participants experience the following:

Cultural Orientation Weekends

For those who choose to do the Online TEFL certification or already hold an accredited 120 Hour TEFL/TESOL certification, will be able to experience a full Korean cultural program as part of a group, meeting many other teachers who are also going to, or are already, teaching in South Korea.

The course takes place over a selected weekend spread out throughout the year. These weekend activities and excursions will be held on Saturdays in the capital, Seoul.

On Sunday you will be free to meet up and hang out with your newly made friends and explore the great city as you wish and at your own pace.

We can help to recommend or plan anything that you may like to do!

Excursions

Excursions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Welcome dinner.
• Gyeongbok Palace Tour, commonly known as the Grand Palace, the largest of 5 grand palaces in South Korea.
• Guided tours by a professional Korean tour guide.
• Insadong and Bukchon Hanok cultural area walking tour.
• Wearing a traditional hanbok (Korean traditional clothes).
• Traditional Tea Tasting in Insadong.
• Bukchon Village or King Sejong Museum.

* Exact times and activities are subject to change and will be released closer to the orientation date.

Included in your fee:

• Welcome dinner.
• Entrance fees and activities during cultural excursions.
• Accommodation for the Saturday night of your cultural.
• Hanbok rental fee.
• Professional tour guide for the duration of the entire Saturday.
• 1-Month of free online Korean language classes.

Exclusions

Below is a list of expenses that will not be included in the orientation program and program fee, both online and placement only, and will need to be covered by yourself as required:

• Transport to and from Seoul for the orientation weekends.
• Food during cultural excursions and lunch.
• Accommodation outside of the Saturdays during the orientation
  weekends.
• Transportation costs to activities (we will take the subway or
  busses, so it is relatively inexpensive).

Support Networks

In addition to the personal assistance and 24/7 in-country support we provide, you’ll also have a support network of fellow teachers.

A support network of fellow teacher travelers

In addition the personal assistance and 24/7 support we provide, you’ll also have a support network of fellow teachers.

24/7 In-Country Support

• Ex-foreign teachers and local, on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
• You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as translation help, culture shock, legalities, emergencies, travel options or school queries. Someone is on hand.
• Teacher meet-ups.
• We check in with you regularly and keep up to date with your teach abroad experience.

Have some fun and embrace your new adventure!

Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL Certification

There are so many options when it comes to TEFL/TESOL courses that it can be quite overwhelming to understand what’s legitimate and what high quality schools require from teaching staff.

A quality TEFL/TESOL course helps teachers avoid the frustration and pitfalls of being unprepared in the classroom and provides all the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively teach English.

Educational Philosophy

Course Location

Our headquarters is on Yeongjong Island, Incheon, with offices, meeting rooms and a large classroom for TEFL/TESOL training.

It is footsteps to accommodations, tons of food shops, loads of great outdoor activities and numerous green spaces.

It is also located right on the airport express subway line and is just 40 minutes away from downtown Seoul.

Course Components

• Information and discussion about South Korean culture, history, politics, and society to provide exposure and help students navigate their new environment.
• Significant instruction in Korean language.
• Strong grounding in the history and theory of teaching English as a foreign/second
  language. This is taught in a way that emphasizes application of theory to enhance
  success in the classroom.
• Significant practical training in teaching listening, reading, speaking and writing in the
  classroom, including extensive lesson planning, presentation, and feedback from
  peers and instructors.
• Tons of tips, tricks and examples of how to teach English to every age group.
• Advice and guidance for effective classroom management.
• Teacher practicum in a local charity school and/or language center.

Detailed Course Overview

Week One – Orientation

The first week of the course is an amazing, interactive orientation on Korean culture and language, as well as an opportunity to bond with other teachers-in-training and staff members.

The program encompasses Korean language, culture, and society. The course is taught by area experts and includes several exciting and informative cultural excursions.

Week Two

The second week of the course is a deeper exploration of theory in the discipline of English as a second language and how to teach grammar.

Students learn about the structure and key elements of a lesson plan. Every lesson requires a detailed lesson plan that lays out the procedures of the class, and encourages teachers to consider the challenges, technology resources, and other factors that can impact a successful lesson in the classroom.

During week two, students will also learn how to teach speaking and grammar. Grammar can be challenging to teach. One of the reasons for this is that it has been a long time since native English speakers have reviewed grammar rules, so the course provides students with a bit of a refresher.

The major assignments for week two are to create a lesson plan for teaching grammar and to present a full lesson just as a teacher would in a classroom.

Week Three

The third week of the course focuses on how to teach reading and listening.

The major assignments for this week are to create lesson plans for teaching reading and listening and present full lessons just as a teacher would in the classroom.

During this week participants will learn more about teaching young learners and practice planning lessons for kindergarten students.

Additionally, our participants will learn about curriculum development for long term learning goals for their students.

Week Four

The final week the class is dedicated to classroom management and preparing for and conducting the English camp.

While classroom management may be the final topic covered, it is in fact extremely important, especially in cross-cultural contexts.

Classroom management is about setting ground rules, applying them consistently, getting to know your students, and earning and maintaining their respect and commitment.

Students spend several days preparing their lessons for the English camp. The camp typically lasts 2 days.

During the final week there will also be an in-class final exam.

International Accreditation

Our internationally accredited in-class and online TEFL/TESOL courses are accepted by employers around the world and is accredited by Accreditat. Accreditat is registered under the UKRLP (UK Register of Learning Providers), Number 10065351. Registration on the UKRLP means they have been verified against a recognised legal source.

Graduates of our internationally accredited 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course have used their TEFL/TESOL certificate to successfully find employment in ESL teaching and education fields in nearly every Western, native-English speaking country, as well as across Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the TEFL/TESOL Course

Your accommodation for your in-class TEFL/TESOL course is all pre-booked and sorted for you before you arrive in South Korea.

Transfer from the airport to your arranged accommodation is included for in-class TEFL applicants.

You may arrive anytime from the Friday to the Sunday before the course starts, and pick-ups are available between 8am and 8pm. 

If you arrive after 8pm, you may need to take a taxi, but it’s better if you can arrive earlier in the day.

If you arrive before 8AM or earlier in the morning, you may have to wait until more or less 8am to be picked up.

Airport transfers are not included for those opting for Placement Only programs.

In some cases, depending on the school, a transfer from the airport to your accommodation may be arranged. If no actual pick-up at the airport is provided, then full guidance and support are given in order for you to make your way from the airport to your front door.

Accommodation after the TEFL/TESOL Course

Below is an example of a typical accommodation for teachers in Korea.

Another example of South Korean accommodation.

Magda, a biology graduate Ontario, Canada in her accommodation in South Korea.

Most teacher apartments in Korea are one-room or studio type apartments and can be rather small by western standards.

Bathrooms in Korea are also Asian style wet-bathrooms and the shower,sink and toilet will likely not be separated. Expect your showerhead to be above the sink. This is completely normal.

Apartments are semi furnished and provided free to teachers. However, teachers are responsible for monthly electricity, water and internet costs as well as monthly maintenance.

Some items such as cutlery, crockery, bedding, towels, curtains etc may not be supplied but all the large basic items such as a bed, washing machine, A/C unit, refrigerator will be included.

The internet in South Korea is one of the fastest in the world and quite cheap.

Internet and cable generally costs about $35 USD a month. Utilities can cost around $40 – $150 USD a month, depending on the month and season, which will cover electricity, gas, water and maintenance fees.

How much will rent cost?

Rent will vary depending on where you are living, but is subsidised by your school so it is affordable.

Will I be living with someone?

If you are placed with a friend or partner, you will hopefully be able to live together. Otherwise, your school will organise a bachelor flat for you.

Let us know what your needs are in terms of accommodation and we’ll assist with finding the best living environment for you.

Dates

• One of the huge advantages of taking the TEFL/TESOL course in South Korea is that the course itself prepares people thoroughly for teaching in Korean schools and language centers and gives you first-hand experience in the classroom during the practical portion of the course.
• Placement-only candidates will be invited to join one of the cultural weekends designed specifically for placement only teachers.
• Online TEFL/TESOL courses start on the first Monday of each month.

Budgets

• There will be costs that you should be prepared for before your departure after you first arrive in South Korea, and ongoing expenses that you will need to pay each month.
• Although South Korea may appear inexpensive due to favorable currency exchange rates, costs do add up and it can be easy to overspend.
• You shouldn’t expect your first payday until the end of your first month of teaching.
• The approximate budget outlined in this document is what we believe to be the minimum required before receiving your first paycheck, however, we highly recommend you budget following your spending habits.
• PLEASE NOTE: You will be reimbursed for your flight to South Korea from your employer (in addition to your first salary) to assist you recoup initial budget outlays.

Fees

The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in South Korea.