TEACHING ENGLISH in SOUTH KOREA Teaching English in South Korea TABLE of CONTENTS

TEACHING ENGLISH IN SOUTH KOREA Teaching English in South Korea TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW Job Overview……………….….1

CHAPTER 1 Public vs. Private……………….4

CHAPTER 2 Job Search………..………..…...7

CHAPTER 3 How to get a Visa………..…11

CHAPTER 4 Experiences……..……..…...17

OVERVIEW

Welcome to International TEFL Academy’s the best countries to work in for teachers E-Book on teaching in South Korea. This who are looking to be able to save money document is a collection of some of our while working. most popular articles and Q&As on teaching in South Korea. This includes the differ- English teaching positions can be found ei- ences between teaching at a hagwon and ther in hagwons (private language schools) with the EPIK program, the process of find- or public schools. Many public school posi- ing a job in South Korea, as well as the dif- tions can be found through government- ferent documents required for your visa. run programs, such as EPIK, GEPIK or This is just a portion of the information SMOE. available, so make sure to review the full list of ITA’s resources for finding a job in Recruiting agencies will be your primary South Korea at the end of this document tool for job placement in Korea. There is no charge for using a recruiting agency. If you South Korea has the largest English teach- come across an agency that wants to ing market in the world with nearly 20,000 English teachers in the country. It is one of

1 charge you, it is most likely a scam. Recruit- ers should only be paid by the school that ultimately hires you.

There are thousands of available English teaching jobs in South Korea every month, which makes it a great option but also a bit overwhelming. Jobs can easily be found in Seoul, Busan and other cities and smaller towns throughout Korea. Recruiters are a good starting point for anyone looking to work in Korea. They help with the entire process and can be a good mediator between a teacher in the western world and the jobs in the east. Recruiters typically work directly for schools in Korea. There- fore, they do not find jobs for English teachers at schools that they don’t have contracts with. What one recruiter might To legally teach English in Korea you must tell you about job opportunities in a spe- meet certain standards and be able to pro- cific town or city can be completely differ- vide certain documentation. In many ent than what another recruiter will tell you about the same town or city. cases, documents must receive an international notarization known as an apostille. Anyone interested in working in South Ko- To teach English in Korea you must meet rea should begin their search around 6 the following criteria: months prior to when they actually want to be in the country. The entire process,  Citizenship from a recognized from gathering necessary documents for a English-speaking nation: U.S., work visa (E-2 Visa) to going through the U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, interview process and accepting a position New Zealand or South Africa. can be lengthy.  Bachelor’s degree/diploma from an accredited college or univer- What are the basic requirements sity (4 years in US/3 years in UK). to teach English in Korea?  Original national level criminal record check (FBI in the U.S.) that All English teachers in Korea must apply is free of any charges or convic- and interview for positions – this can be tions – DUIs, DWIs and any other done through a variety of recruiters and misdemeanors or felonies will government programs, as well as directly through language schools and institutes.

disqualify any prospective teach-  Passport photos ers from receiving an E-2 visa re-  Original contract (to be provided quired to teach English in Korea by your employer for visa pro- (minor traffic violations will not cessing at consulate) disqualify you).  Original passport that is valid for  Clean health check and drug test. at least 12 months

During the process of applying and interviewing for English teaching positions, and getting a visa processed at the consulate after signing a contract, prospective teachers should expect to be able to produce the following documents:

 Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree/diploma  Sealed college or university tran- script  Original national level criminal background check (FBI in the U.S.)

For some positions, particularly those in public schools and universities, English teachers in Korea may be required to pro- vide the following during the application and/or visa processes:

 Proof of full-time teaching experience  Copy of TEFL certificate (at least 100 hours of class time, either online TEFL or in person TEFL classes)  Copy of teaching license or certificate

CHAPTER 1 PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE

Those interested in teaching English in Ko- Private language schools tend to offer rea will need to decide whether they want more variety in terms of work schedules, to teach in a public school or in a private class size, curriculum, and pay, which tends school (private language schools in Korea to be a bit higher than in public schools, are often referred to as hagwons). Many where the set-up tends to be more stand- positions are similar in that they involve ardized. Those teaching in public schools teaching English to school children and will typically enjoy more paid vacation and teachers in both private and public schools slightly fewer working hours each week. can expect excellent benefits, including Also, public school positions are more free furnished housing, reimbursed airfare, likely to be found outside of major cities paid vacation and salaries that enable the and those teaching English in Korean pub- teacher to save $800 - $1,000 a month af- lic schools will likely have few, if any, for- ter expenses (sometimes even more). eign colleagues.

Those looking to teach in either public  Notarized and apostilled photo- schools or private schools will interview copy of your university diploma and apply for jobs in advance in their own  Sealed university transcripts country prior to their departure for Korea.  Updated Resume All teachers will also receive their work visa  Valid passport valid at least 12 prior to their departure. months past planned start date in Korea  National criminal background Recruiting and Hiring check (obtained from the FBI in U.S. and can take 12-14 weeks to Public Schools – The procedures and cal- process; using a Channeler is endar for recruiting English teachers for more expensive, but has a much Korean public schools is far more rigid and quicker turnaround) competitive than it is for hagwons. With  Letters of Reference some exceptions, applications are typically  Applicable program application accepted and interviewing starts at the be- forms ginning of April for August/September  Letter of proof of professional start dates, and on October 1 for Febru- teaching experience (for profes- ary/March starting dates. Many of those sional teachers) and/or TEFL Cer- who teach English in Korea in public tification schools will get hired through official government programs that are largely based on region. Some of the more popular pro- Private Schools – Because private schools grams include EPIK (all of Korea, except for are not necessarily beholden to the official metropolitan Seoul), GEPIK (suburban academic calendar of public schools and Seoul area), and SMOE (within the Seoul due to the fact that there are far more po- city limits). sitions at hagwons than there are in public schools, demand for English teachers is so

high that schools are hiring year-round and Positions are limited and are filled on a first-come-first-served basis for qualified applicants. It is critical that applicants have all of the required documents prepared to submit as soon as applications are accepted. These documents, which can take up to three months to obtain, typically include:

6 the job market is less competitive. Still, positions in both public schools and private those interested in applying for private schools in Korea. school positions in Korea will need to pro- vide most of the same documents listed above (national criminal background check, university diploma, sealed university transcripts, for example) and should count on interviewing, signing a contract, and making all of the necessary arrange- ments for visas and travel to take 2-4 months on average.

* International TEFL Academy enjoys part- nerships with several government-recommended recruiters for public school programs in South Korea. These recruiters assist our students and graduates with the application process for English teaching

BENEFITS OF PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE SCHOOLS Public Schools Private Language Schools VACATION DAYS Approximately 20 days per year plus Approximately 10 days per year plus all national holidays all national holidays HEALTH CARE Teachers pay about 50% of their Hagwons use either Korea’s national health care that they receive through healthcare plan or private health care Korea’s national health care plan for their teachers. Teachers will be responsible to a portion or all of their healthcare LOCATION Can be placed anywhere depending Teachers are able to be pickier in re- on where the programs needs are – gards to where they teach. Teachers cities, suburbs, or a rural area of south are not placed in a specific city or Korea. Teachers need to be flexible. town. TEACHING As an English teacher it is possible Will work with many other English that you will be the only native English teachers at your school. Typically, not ENVIORNMENT speaker at the school. Public schools the only native English speaker in typically only have one to two English town depending on where you chose teachers working at each school. De- to teach in South Korea. pending on location and placement, the teacher may also be the only native English speaker in town, TYPE OF STUDENT Pre-K through high school All ages – children to adults. Teaching adults is rare in South Korea and its pay is typically much lower than teaching children. CLASS SIZE Larger classes than in hagwons. Clas- Smaller class sizes than in public ses can have up to 30 – 35 students. schools. Classes can range from one to 15 students. Classes for pre-k or kindergarten students tend to be larger. DAILY SCHEDULE/WORK Teachers typical work a normal school Teachers can work in the mornings, af- day from about 8-4. ternoons, and/or evenings. There is HOURS not a set schedule; teachers typically work 20-30 hours per week not including prep time. AIRFARE Will typically be reimbursed after arri- Can be reimbursed after arrival in val in South Korea or paid for in ad- South Korea; can be paid for in advance by school. vance by school; or can receive an al- lowance (certain amount of money) up front to put towards a flight. TYPE OF TEACHING JOB Work as an assistant English teacher Have your own classroom and stu- or co-teacher to the main Korean Eng- dents. It is rare to be a co-teacher or lish teacher. Do not have to do much assistant in hagwons. You will do your of the lesson planning and are there own lesson planning, grading, etc. and mainly as an aide to the head English be in complete charge of your stu- teacher. dents and classroom.

CHAPTER 2 JOB SEARCH

Process for Finding a Job in program such as EPIK, GEPIK or SMOE, you should only work with South Korea ONE recruiter.

3. After you apply to work with a re- 1. Begin collecting documents needed cruiter they will set up a pre-screen- to obtain an E-2 Visa (see list below ing phone or Skype call with you. in the Documents Needed to Work During this call they will find out in South Korea section. This will not more about you and your prefer- apply to anyone who has an F-4, F2- ences for a job in South Korea –lo- 1, or F-5 visa for South Korea.) cation, school type, age of students, etc. 2. Apply to work with at least 2 or 3 different Korean recruiters. ITA has 4. If the recruiter feels as though they a preferred list of recruiters for can match you with a school they South Korea in the Recruiter section below. Please note that if you are specifically applying to work with a

8. Once you have your visa issuance will then begin to send you availa- number you will then need to apply ble jobs –sample contracts, job de- for your E-2 Work Visa at the Ko- scriptions, location, photos if avail- rean Consulate in your home state able, etc. or country.

5. If you are interested in the available jobs you will then arrange a phone or Skype interview with the school. Recruiters Recruiters are companies that assist job 6. If the school chooses to offer you a seekers (English teachers in this case) in position, they will send you a con- finding English teaching jobs abroad. tract to sign. Essentially, they act as the middle man between the English teacher and the school, 7. After you sign the contract you will but don’t ultimately hire the English need to send necessary documents teacher. Use International TEFL Academy’s to your school or recruiter in South recommended list of preferred recruiting Korea. Your school will take these companies for South Korea to find the best documents to the Ministry of Jus- service for you. tice and Immigration in Korea to get a Visa Issuance Number for you and send it to you via trackable mail once they have it.

CHAPTER 3 HOW TO GET A VISA

The information below is for American Cit- STEP 1 – START OBTAINING izens, other nationalities have different processes. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

All of the documents listed below are the (This process can begin before you get a most common documents requested by job offer) Korean Consulates to obtain an E-2 Visa, 1. University Bachelor’s Degree (notarized which is required to teach English in South and Apostille Authenticated.) – Korean Korea. Each consulate will not require all consulates of these documents. Before you order any documents check with your Korean consu- * Your university degree (or copy of) must late on their E-2 Visa Requirements. first be notarized and then apostilled. * Now Korean immigration will only accept a copy of your university degree rather than the original, notarized with Apostille. Once your copy of your degree is notarized it then needs to be apostilled from your

11 state. An apostille is like a notary, but it is * Order at least two copies as some private used mainly for documents that are used schools now require two authenticated for international purposes. Apostilles are copies - one to process the visa in the U.S., generally obtained at the Secretary of and one to register you as a teacher once State office in your home state. Check you arrive in Korea. with your local Korean Consulate if they * FBI Checks can take 3 months to obtain will accept a photo copy of your degree or (plan ahead!) if they need the original. * The record check must be less than 6

months old 2. Three Sealed University Transcripts * The results should be sent directly to you * University transcripts are used more for * When you apply for your FBI Background public school positions, but some private check, you must also request that it be schools may ask for them as well. “Authenticated”. You can write a short * Contact your university registrar and ask note that you must enclose with your fin- them to mail you your university grades in gerprints and application forms stating a SEALED envelope with a stamp and/or that the background check is being used signature over the seal. for employment abroad, and therefore needs “authentication.” When you receive * DO NOT open your transcripts. your results back, the background check should include a seal and a signature on it. If it does not, you will need to send it back to the FBI and request that it be “authenticated,” which will take an additional few weeks. * Once you receive your FBI Check in the mail and it is “authenticated” you then need to send your FBI Background Check to get an “Apostille.” You can request the apostille directly through the following 3. FBI Criminal Background Check* company’s website. This process will take an additional 2 – 3 weeks. US Legalization * Korean Consulates no longer accept state - http://www.uslegalization.com/apos- or local background checks. tille.htm * Order your FBI Check here - * If you are not from the U.S., please con- http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fpre- tact your TEFL Student Affairs Advisor or quest.htm

12 the nearest Korean consulate in your coun- 7. Signed Copy of the School Contract try to determine which background check * The contract will be provided to you by is required for citizens of your country. email once you agree to the contract and the school accepts you as their teacher. 4. Health Statement * This is a questionnaire form from the Ko- 8. Four Passport Sized Photos rean government where you personally * Standard passport photos - the same that answer the questions. Once you arrive in you would need for a new passport. Korea, a full blood test and physical exam will be administered. Here is a link to check out the questionnaire. 9. Two letters of recommendation (origi- nals) * The test will include testing for narcotics, TB, HIV and other communicable diseases. STEP 2 – Once you Have a Job Offer * If you do not pass the health exam in Ko- (Continue with Step 2 once you have rea you will likely have your visa revoked a job offer) and can lose your job.

When you have a job offer your next step 5. A Passport Photocopy is to send required documents to the * Photocopy the information page of your school you will be working for in Korea. passport (the page with your picture on it Your school will need to get a Visa Issuance and the adjoining page with your signa- number for you from the Ministry of Jus- ture). tice and Immigration in Korea. * Make sure you have at least 12 months on your passport before it expires. Required Documents (Please check with * Make sure there is at least 1 completely the school you will be working for as some empty page in your passport. documents may be different.)

6. Resume 1. Notarized copy of degree with Apostille (Check with your Korean * Print a copy of your resume (CV) consulate if they need an original or if a photocopy of the original is ok.)

2. Two sets of sealed university transcripts 3. Notarized FBI criminal background check and appropriate authentication 4. Health Statement 5. Photocopy of the information page of your passport 6. Copy of your resume 7. A signed copy of the contract 8. Two passport sized photos

Do NOT send your documents via the United States Post Office (USPS) or Purola- tor. Delivery can take 5 days to 8 weeks or more and there is no way for us or the school to keep track of your documents once they are in Korea (USPS and Purolator can't track it within Korea).  Your school will take these documents to the Ministry of Justice and Immigration in Korea to get a  Once you've sent your docu- Visa Issuance Number for you. ments, please retain a copy of

your invoice with the tracking  Within 7-10 working days, the im- number of your package and the migration office will issue a Con- address you sent it to. firmation of Visa Issuance Num-

ber also referred to as the Visa  This will cost $40 to $80 to send Reservation Number or Visa Con- depending on the company you firmation Number. chose, the weight and the service

you use. It sounds rather expen-  The number will look something sive - and it is - but well worth it like this: UJBO 08007392 (the first when you are sending your origi- four characters are letters; the nal degree, transcripts and your remaining characters are num- record check that all can take a bers). very long time to replace if lost.

 The school will then forward this Once you have your Visa Issuance Number number (by e-mail) to you or a re- it is time to send or take your application cruiting company if you are work- and application documents to the Korean ing with one. You will need this Consulate or Embassy nearest to you. code to put on your teaching visa

application for the Korea consulate. You will also need to download the E-2 Teaching Visa Application Form from the Korean Consulate Website in your area and STEP 3 - Interview at the Korean complete it. Consulate and Apply for Your Work Visa Required Documents to Apply for an E-2 Teaching Visa at the Once you receive your Visa Issuance Num- Korean Consulate ber you can schedule your appointment at the Korean Consulate to receive your visa. Please check with your Korean consulate as some Korean consulates require different documents. Each consulate has different requirements for the interview. Please check the website of your Korean consulate to see how to  Completed E-2 Visa Application make an appointment. Some consulates Form require you to mail your application mate- rials before the interview while others al-  Passport: Make sure you have low you to take everything in person. your passport ready, that there is 12 months validity left on it and that there is at least 1 empty page. Make sure it's signed too.

 Photo: You will need to send a passport picture with your application

 Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number: Fill in the reservation number at the top of application form.

 Transcripts: Send one set of port to be returned. Please in- sealed transcripts to the consu- clude a PREPAID airway bill from late. a mail delivery service of your choice. The Korean Consulate is  Consul’s Checklist: A simple two- not responsible for lost mail, so page document required by the write your return address clearly. consulate. Check your consulate’s website to download a  Each consulate has different pro- copy. cessing times (from one hour to 5 days.)  Fee*: $45 USD (Please check with

the consulate as visa fees change regularly.)  Once you receive your passport back with your E-2 visa, you are * This HAS TO BE cash or a money all set to begin your journey to order – as an American you are teach English in South Korea! generally given a multi-entry visa immediately upon application (typically without having to ask for it). If you don’t have this multi-entry capability, your visa will expire if you leave Korea to visit Japan or Thailand or else- where for vacation.

Once the consulate receives your application and paperwork, they will contact you to arrange an interview. Some consulates will let you call to book an interview before you have your visa number, others will not. Call your consulate to see how they want you to book your interview. Be nice.

 If you request a visa by mail, you must enclose a self-addressed, prepaid envelope for the pass-

CHAPTER 4 EXPERIENCES

Within South Korea, there are a wide vari- How old are you? ety of English teaching options. Jobs can 23 differ between cities and choosing a public or private school to teach in. Below are What is your education level and back- some articles on the experiences of ITA Al- ground? ums in South Korea. Bachelor's Degree

Busan, South Korea English Have you traveled abroad in the past? Teaching Q&A I studied abroad with Anne Shelton If you have traveled abroad in the past, where have you been? What is your citizenship? New Zealand, Europe United States If you have studied abroad in the past, where did you study? What city and state are you from? New Zealand San Francisco, California

What sparked your interest in going to teach English abroad? To be able to travel while still earning a pay check and doing something more produc- tive with my life than working in the food industry.

What were some of your concerns before teaching abroad? I was worried about teaching for the first time- standing up in front of a class and pretending I know what I'm doing- turns ternational TEFL Academy seemed trust- out teaching is both harder and easier than worthy and supportive-even past the clas- I expected it to be. ses.

What did your friends and family think Which TEFL certification course did you about you moving and teaching abroad? take? Half and half- many friends were very sup- Online TEFL Class portive because they knew it was a good life decision but they were sad they would- How did you like the course? n't see me for a whole year. I liked it- first online course I've ever taken and it was actually very interactive while TEFL CLASS INFORMATION allowing me to lead my normal life. I Why did you decide to get TEFL certified learned a lot about teaching and lesson and choose International TEFL Academy? planning theories in general. The instructor South Korea English Teaching was nice and very helpful and the other I would like to teach in countries which re- students provided good discussion. quire teachers to be TEFL certified and In- How has your TEFL training helped you in your current teaching position? To be honest I wish there had been more in the course about teaching to very young kids- but I think when I start teaching to older generations all the knowledge from my TEFL classes will become very useful.

TEACHING ABROAD IN BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA Which city and country did you decide to teach English in and why? I am teaching English in Busan, South Korea - as a first time teacher I wanted my hand held through the process and Korea seemed to offer that. I chose Busan because I didn't want to be landlocked in Seoul and am very happy to be here because this city has a different (better!) character.

How long have you been in this country and how long do you plan to stay? What school, company, or program are I have been here for 5 months and plan to you working for? stay for a full year before I begin exploring I'm working for Kids Club- a Hagwon chain other country options. in South Korea.

How did you get your work visa? My recruiter helped me get a work visa VERY quickly- there’s a lot of paperwork but it finally got sorted.

Tell us about your English teaching job! I liked to joke that I have the worst job in Korea because I think my conditions are particularly bad compared to EVERYBODY else I know in Busan. I work "31" hours per week but that only counts the hours that I am standing and teaching in front of the class. In reality- I am AT work from 9:30am- 7pm on MWF and 9:30am-5:30pm Tues/Thurs.

I get paid 2.1 million won- which after various taxes etc. comes to a little under $ 2,000 US dollars per month- and they pay for my housing and transport costs to get

19 to work are nil so I am saving a little over $ travel opportunities, etc. about your 1,000 dollars per month when I am not country: traveling or going shopping too much. I Korea is a very proud country- they are was told that everything in Korea is cheap proud of their long standing traditions and and while that's not necessarily true it’s they are also very proud of their new tech- not hard to find good deals. nology and their inventions of k-pop and k- dramas. Sometimes they are very rigid- I am working for a Hagwon- Kindergarten shushing us loud talkers on public in the morning and elementary school in transport, etc. But more often they are the afternoon. I LOVE the kids even when I overly nice-going out of the way to make don't like forcing them to learn (they are sure I am comfortable and getting the full very overworked). I get one-week vacation cultural immersion experience. Public in the summer (going to Thailand) and one transport is a breeze- subway system is all week in winter (perhaps India?) and then in English and when you figure out what about once a month get a day off for a na- bus you need that’s easy too. And there is tional holiday. always the option of getting a taxi-which are pretty cheap. My school also goes on lots of field trips and has special play days which helps break up the monotony of teaching such long hours every day. Also- the weekends here are AMAZING. I made friends quickly and easily and I have been hiking and exploring and seeing something new every weekend. There is so much to do in Busan.

How did you find somewhere to live and what is it like? Do you have roommates? My school hooked me up with a nice apartment- I live in the same building as my co- teachers. We live in a central area- alt- hough its nothing special it is convenient to Nightlife is intense- people go out late and get to all the nice places. stay out late- a typically night out will have me coming home at 6-7am. There are COUNTRY INFORMATION - FUN! loads of foreigner bars and the drinks are Please explain the cultural aspects, public cheap- about 3-5 dollars for a typical mixed transportation, nightlife, social activities, drink. food, expat community, dating scene,

The social scene is great here- I have joined I think the dating scene is a lot better for several Facebook groups to stay informed guys than for girls here- most foreign guys and I always have something to do- I am end up dating Korean girls whereas foreign often stuck between deciding what to do. I girls don't tend to date Korean boys. I do go hiking a lot and there is a lot of good hik- know many foreign couples but they are ing in Busan- along with other outdoor ac- few and far between and most met before tivities like kayaking, rock climbing etc. they came to Korea.

The food is great but you do have to be a Travel opportunities are great- I am going little bit brave. I'm addicted to kimchi now to Thailand in the summer and thinking and consider rice to be a staple of every about India in the winter- and between meal. I'm lucky because my school feeds those times will go to Japan on three day me lunch for free so I have been able to weekends or Jeju Island (couple hour ferry sample many different Korean dishes- and ride away) which is meant to be amazing. most are very good (including dried ancho- vies with their heads still on) COUNTRY INFORMATION - MONEY What are your monthly expenses? There's a big expat community in Busan I have to pay $30/ month for housing. and there is always some sort of event going on.

Korean food is cheap- street food snacks can fill you up for under $5. Makkoli (Ko- rean rice wine) and Pajeon (savory pan- cake) can be $10 per person in a group. Barbeque (DELICIOUS) is no more than $20 for a giant meal.

All touristy things are cheap- under $10 for most things: Busan tower, etc.

Kayaking is cheap and hiking is free :) data plan- and having a smart phone is one of the best things about Korea. Transport is cheap: about $1.20 for bus and subway. Taxi averages $10 for decent How would you describe your standard of distance ride- and you can fit 5 people in a living? cab legally. Speed train to Seoul is $100 High. I live in a nice apartment by myself- round trip. and never have money worries except for where to travel too next. I got a smart phone and I pay about $65/month for the phone and an unlimited In your opinion, how much does someone need to earn in order to live comfortably? Probably at least 1.2 million won per month would be the least you would want to make and more if you are paying off debts at home.

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS IN BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA What advice would you give someone planning or considering teaching abroad? Would you recommend teaching in your country? I would recommend Korea but I would recommend teaching in a public school (through EPIK or otherwise) but that being said I would rather work in a Hagwon in Ko- rea than in a restaurant in the US any day

ITA Alum Hannah Lobban worked in Yongin-Si, South Korea, through a government program called GEPIK. Below is her Q&A about her experience.

Yongin-Si, South Korea English Teaching Q&A with Hannah Lobban

What is your citizenship? United States What sparked your interest in going to teach English abroad? What city and state are you from? When I was in high school we had multiple Mount Vernon, Wa Korean exchange students, which sparked my interest in their culture as well as trav- How old are you? eling. I decided thats what I wanted to do 23 and learned shortly after that teaching English would be a great way to accomplish What is your education level and back- that. ground? Bachelor's Degree What were some of your concerns before teaching abroad? Have you traveled abroad in the past? My concerns were mostly whether I would I have taught English abroad previously be a good English teacher (which is why I got TEFL certified) and whether my stu- Where have you been? dents would like me. Australia, Italy, China

actually buckle down and make sure I par- ticipated and worked hard at it.

The concepts, ideas, and lessons discussed were really helpful and the discussions that ensued got kept me interest. My instructor was helpful and more than willing to make a few exceptions with deadlines for me that I needed.

How has your TEFL training helped you in your current teaching position? What did your friends and family think The TEFL training helped me think about about you moving and teaching abroad? the things I do in my classroom. I'm plan- My family was extremely excited for me, ning winter camp lesson plan right now though a bit sad at the same time, under- and I'm putting in a lot of things that I standably. learned in the course into my lesson plans.

TEFL CLASS INFORMATION Why did you decide to get TEFL certified and choose International TEFL Academy? I heard good things about the course and other programs I was looking into rec- comended International TEFL Academy as a quality TEFL school. Also, the timetable for classes fit into my college schedule well.

Which TEFL certification course did you take? Which city and country did you decide to I took the Online TEFL course. teach English in and why? I live in Yongin-si, South Korea. I've always How did you like the course? wanted to go to South Korea and this was I enjoyed the course. I honestly thought a good distance from Seoul. The school has that it would be a breeze; that it wouldn't also been a great first workplace in South be much work or take much thinking, like Korea. The teacher I was replacing recom- some other online classes I've had. How- mended it. ever, it definitely wasn't like that. I had to

Tell us about your English teaching job. Gladly! I work 40 hours a week, but only 22 are teaching hours, unless there is overtime. I've never had more than 4 hours of overtime a week though. The rest of it is pretty much just office time, which is spent on the computer learning Korean and making weekly class plans. I'm making 2 million Won a month, which definitely covers everything, so I'm saving quite a lot. I don't How long have you been in this country have many expenses other than internet and how long do you plan to stay? and utilities at my apartment (about $150 a month), my phone bill ($50 a month), and 5 months so far and I'm planning on staying groceries. indefinitely.

How did you secure your English teaching job? It was quite easy actually. I emailed the recuiter with my resume and photo, then filled in the application they sent, sched- uled a phone interview, and got the job. The only hitch was completing my background check in time.

What school, company, or program are you working for? I'm working at Heung Deok Elementary School through the GEPIK program.

How did you get your work visa? I didn't have to deal with my work visa much, my school and recruiter did most of I'm working for a public elementary school the work for me. They applied and sent me with the 4th and 6th grade classes. They're the visa confirmation number when it was pretty great, but can sometimes be frus- processed. All I had to do was bring my trating, as kids are expected to be. As for passport into the Korean Consulate in Se- vacation time, I get 20 paid days a year plus attle and have them attach it. all national holidays and some sick days.

They pay for my apartment and my airfare The subway transportation is great and to/from the States. easy to understand, but the bus system leaves a bit to be desired because it isn't How did you find somewhere to live and always foreigner friendly. You have to what is it like? know where you're going, exactly what bus In my case, the apartment was already stop you're going to get on and get off picked for me since it's the same apart- from, as well as the timetable. It can take a ment that the school uses for all the for- little while to get used to. eign teachers they employ. It's small, but Where I am, there isn't much of a nightlife, works for me. It's kind of like a one-person but Seoul has all the normal stuff like res- dorm room with a washing machine, stov- taurants, bars, clubs, parks, theaters, etc. etop, fridge, a bed, tv, wardrobe, The food is great and the expat community desk/drawer/shelf set, and a wet-style is pretty strong. I joined a website called bathroom. No roommate for me since I'm Meetup.com and from there you can join the only foreign teacher at my school, groups based on your interests: I'm in a which is how the EPIK program places their movie, hiking, book, travel, sports, and teachers. general expat group. I'm really not sure about the dating scene though because I haven't tested the waters...yet...

As for travel opportunities, Korea is like the door to the rest of Asia, so you can go pretty much anywhere you'd like from here. Korea also has a lot of really great outdoor places, like parks and trails and

courts. If you like being outdoor, chances COUNTRY INFORMATION - FUN! are there is something close by. Please explain the cultural aspects, public transportation, nightlife, social activities, COUNTRY INFORMATION - MONEY food, expat community, dating scene, and What are your monthly expenses? travel opportunities in your country: I don't pay for rent, just utilities, which run Maybe it's because I'm so close to Seoul or me $70 a month. Food varies on how much maybe it's because I knew a fair amount you eat and what you eat. For instance, about the cultural differences beforehand, cheese and meat are really expensive, as but I don't really feel like there's that much well as other things depending on season. difference between American and Korean Alternatively, locally grown vegetables and cultures. I can easily get around without fruit are very cheap. speaking the language. As far as I know, I haven't committed any cultural faux paus.

I brought my phone from the states (a In your opinion, how much does someone Samsung) and just bought a new SIM card need to earn in order to live comfortably? and a plan. The card was $5 and the plan, If your school covers your apartment, like for unlimited data and messaging and 300 most should, (or gives you a living stipend) minutes, costs $50 a month. Also, I recom- maybe about 1.3 million Won a month. mend that everyone download Kakao Talk! You'd still be able to save a lot of money It’s a great app that has free messaging to with that. anyone who has the app. I use it instead of texting because it lets me talk to family and friends back home. Transportation costs are limited to how often you use the bus/subway system... I probably go through the $20-40 a month that I load onto my t-money card. T-money is a prepaid money card that you just swipe on the subway/bus reader and it deducts your fare. Its super easy to use and really convenient. Hannah Lobban Teaching Eng- lish in South Korea ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS IN SOUTH KOREA How would you describe your standard of What advice would you give someone living? planning or considering teaching abroad? I'd say my standard of living is on the high Would you recommend teaching in your side. You can always opt for better, but I'm country? saving a good amount with how I am and Definitely, Korea is great! However, I it's still comfortable. would advise new teachers to start the process early. I contacted my school recruiter in the beginning of July, got the job at the end, but almost didn't make it due to the background check and apostilling process. Do your research for what you need to get started!

CHAPTER 5 ITA’S RESOURCES

 International Job Search Guidance  Webinar: Teaching English in South Manual- Korea- ITA’s Alumni Blog Index- https://cdn2.hub- http://www.internationalteflacad- spot.net/hub/67369/file- emy.com/alumni-index-of-all-sub- 12934485-pdf/job-search-guid- missions/ ance/international-job-search- The webinar goes over the process guidance-manual.pdf of applying for jobs and the various

benefits of teaching in public or  ITA’s Alumni Blog Index- private schools. http://www.internationalteflacad-

emy.com/alumni-index-of-all-sub- missions/