Teaching English In South Korea

Many opportunities exist for TEFL jobs in Korea. It is also one of the more popular choices of destinations to teach English because it is one of the highest paid. A TEFL teacher willing to work overtime can earn $6000 US per month, and because the cost of living in this country is not that high, savings can be considerable. TEFL jobs are available in state universities and private language schools (hagwons). There are thousands of hagwons throughout the country, and a large proportion of teachers find work at one of these in Seoul or Busan. But there are also lots of good employment opportunities in towns and smaller cities as well. As long as you have a university degree, a well recognized TEFL certificate and you come from UK, Ireland, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or South...  [Read more]

To teach English in South Korea, you generally need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. However, there are specific requirements and qualifications that need to be met to teach English in South Korea: To teach English in South Korea, you typically need the following qualifications: Documents necessary for teaching English in South Korea include: Yes, there are age restrictions for teaching English in South Korea. In South Korea, the E-2 visa, which is required for teaching English, has age restrictions set by the Korean government. As of writing this, the age restrictions are as follows:  [Read more]

South Korea is one of the most popular destinations for teaching English abroad. Thousands of new and experienced teachers head to the country every year as it offers competitive salaries and good working conditions. When you also consider that South Korea is one of Asia's wealthiest and most developed countries, with low crime rates and a high-tech infrastructure, its' popularity comes as no surprise. The salary you can expect to earn while teaching English in South Korea will vary depending on where you work and your level of experience. The typical average monthly salaries are as follows. Public schools: First time teachers = 1.8 to 2.0 million KRW ($1,600 to $1,800 USD). Experienced teachers = 2.0 to 2.7 million KRW ($1,800 to $2,400 USD). Private schools: First time teachers = 2.0...  [Read more]

Teaching English in South Korea offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive destination for many ESL teachers. Some of the advantages include: To teach English in South Korea, you will typically need the following qualifications: The average salary for English teachers in South Korea is around $2,000 to $2,500 USD per month. However, several factors can influence the actual salary that a teacher receives: Yes, there are cultural challenges to consider when teaching English in South Korea. Some cultural challenges you may encounter when teaching English in South Korea include: Hierarchy and Respect: South Korean culture emphasizes respect for authority figures and older individuals. Teachers are highly respected, and students are expected to show deference to their educators....  [Read more]

EPIK stands for the English Program in Korea, a scheme run by the South Korean government that places foreign teachers into schools across the country to work as English language instructors. EPIK is one of the largest and most popular schemes of its kind as it offers a competitive salary, a good range of extra benefits, and the chance to experience living and working in a unique cultural environment. If you meet the specified criteria then you could be one of the thousand plus teachers heading to South Korea this year to join the program. If you are interested in the EPIK program, we recommend reaching out to our TEFL recruitment partner Reach To Teach. Reach To Teach is an official partner of the EPIK program (English Program in Korea) and works with the Korean Ministry of Education...  [Read more]

Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 US per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this depending on your lifestyle. On top of the basic salary you can also expect other benefits such as paid airfares, free housing and an end of contract bonus. Unsurprisingly, the high salaries and good benefits on offer have led to a high level of competition for the best jobs. If you have any teaching qualifications and experience in the classroom, you will find you have the pick of the available jobs. However, thanks to a continually high...  [Read more]

TaLK stands for Teach and Learn in Korea which is a government sponsored program that places foreign nationals into elementary schools across South Korea. TaLK is a similar program to the much larger EPIK; however, the TaLK Program differs by focusing on placements in underprivileged areas that might otherwise struggle to attract foreign teachers. Participants on the program will gain valuable teaching experience throughout their time in South Korea. There is also plenty of free time for exploring the local culture and for travel across the country and wider region. The TaLK Program is open to college graduates or current undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of a degree course. You must also hold a passport from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada,...  [Read more]

The vast majority of teachers who work in South Korea are employed by either a government run public school or a private language school known as a hagwon. Both types of employer offer good salaries and other benefits but there are a few differences that might sway your decision either way. Most public and private school positions are filled in advance, meaning you will apply and interview for the job before you leave your home country. The hiring process for public schools generally follows a set timetable that includes two regular start dates. Online applications begin in April for start dates in August/September, and in October for start dates in February/March. A large number of teachers in public schools are hired through government recruitment programs such as EPIK (English...  [Read more]

  Earn your TEFL certificate with ITTT in Seoul, South Korea and put yourself in great position to take advantage of this country’s strong demand for English language teachers. Not only does South Korea have plenty of employment opportunities, it also offers some of the best salaries for newly qualified English teachers in the EFL industry and is an excellent place to start your teaching career. South Korea offers the best of both worlds when it comes to city living and enjoying the natural environment. Although half of the country’s population live in high rise buildings in major urban centers, the excellent transport infrastructure makes getting out of town easy and you will never be to far away from breathtaking mountains rising out of thick forests, popular beaches or scenic...  [Read more]

The EPIK Program involves teaching English in South Korea through the English Program in Korea, which is sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Education. Here is what the EPIK Program involves: To participate in the EPIK (English Program in Korea) Program, applicants must meet specific requirements set by the South Korean Ministry of Education. Here's what you need to know: The EPIK Program typically lasts for one year, with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years. Here are some key details about the duration of the EPIK Program: Yes, you can indicate your preferred location for the EPIK Program placement, but final placement is determined by the program coordinators based on various factors. When applying for the EPIK Program, you can typically express your preference...  [Read more]

South Korea is a small but incredibly beautiful country, and during the 4 week TEFL you will have fantastic opportunities to experience the rich culture and history. Not only will you have the chance for local excursions, but based in Incheon, you will be less than an hour away from the lively city of Seoul on the express train. The first week of your program includes in-depth cultural orientations, ensuring you deeply understand the Korean way of life and culture. This includes a welcome dinner, tour of the local neighbourhood and the “Grand” Palace (Gyeongbok Palace), taekwondo class and learning South Korean cookery and language. Incheon is home to Korea’s only official Chinatown, where you can try jajangmyun (noodles with black bean sauce) at the Gongwachun restaurant and for...  [Read more]

Although teaching jobs can be arranged in Asia once you arrive in your destination of choice, in many countries it is common for jobs to be arranged in advance from within your own country. One area where this is certainly true is if you join a government run placement program. The following are the most popular programs of their kind in Asia. EPIK stands for the English Program in Korea, a scheme run by the South Korean government that places foreign teachers into schools across the country to work as English language instructors. EPIK is one of the largest and most popular schemes of its kind as it offers a competitive salary, a good range of extra benefits, and the chance to experience living and working in a unique cultural environment. If you meet the specified criteria then you...  [Read more]

TEFL salaries in South Korea vary depending on several factors, such as qualifications, experience, location, and type of institution. Here is a breakdown of the typical salary range for TEFL teachers in South Korea: TEFL salaries in South Korea are competitive compared to many other countries, making it an attractive destination for English teachers. Here is a breakdown of how TEFL salaries in South Korea compare to other countries: Factors influencing TEFL salaries in South Korea: Yes, TEFL salaries in South Korea are often negotiable, especially for more experienced teachers or those with additional qualifications. In South Korea, TEFL teachers can negotiate their salaries based on various factors, such as their qualifications, teaching experience, and the location of the school or...  [Read more]

A hagwon can be a good place to work for English teachers looking for a unique teaching experience in South Korea. Hagwons are private academies in South Korea that offer supplementary education, including English language instruction. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a hagwon is a good place to work: Working at a hagwon, which is a private after-school academy in South Korea, can offer several benefits: Working at a hagwon, or private language institute in South Korea, can present several challenges for teachers. Working environment at a hagwon compared to other teaching settings: Working at a hagwon, which is a private after-school academy in South Korea, can differ from other teaching settings in various ways. Here is how the working environment at a hagwon compares to...  [Read more]

The TaLK (Teach and Learn in Korea) Program offers several benefits for participants: The application process for the TaLK (Teach and Learn in Korea) Program involves several steps to ensure that candidates are well-prepared to teach English in South Korea. Here is an overview of the application process: The eligibility requirements for the TaLK (Teach and Learn in Korea) Program are as follows: Yes, participants in the TaLK Program cannot choose their preferred teaching location. While participants in the TaLK (Teach and Learn in Korea) Program have the opportunity to teach English in rural elementary schools in South Korea, they do not have the option to select their specific teaching location. The program is designed to place participants where they are needed most, typically in rural...  [Read more]

  Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 US per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this depending on your lifestyle. On top of the basic salary you can also expect other benefits such as paid airfares, free housing and an end of contract bonus. Unsurprisingly, the high salaries and good benefits on offer have led to a high level of competition for the best jobs. If you have any teaching qualifications and experience in the classroom, you will find you have the pick of the available jobs. However, thanks to a continually...  [Read more]

The TaLK Program involves teaching English in South Korea as a native-speaking English instructor. Here are the key details about the TaLK Program: To participate in the TaLK (Teach and Learn in Korea) Program, you must meet the following requirements: The TaLK Program typically lasts for six months, providing participants with the opportunity to teach English in South Korea. Here are some key details about the program duration:  [Read more]

With a huge number of countries to choose from worldwide, English language teachers will inevitably come across a range of pay and benefits that vary from one region to the next. Over 250,000 native English speakers teach English abroad every year, of which a large percentage will receive an hourly pay rate with little in the way of other benefits. Although most will still have a great deal of fun and be able to live a comfortable lifestyle, teachers who find themselves in certain countries might also find that they receive free accommodation during their stay. Two of the world's biggest markets for teaching English abroad are China and South Korea, both of which routinely provide free housing for foreign teachers. The lucrative markets of the Middle East are another area where housing...  [Read more]

It is no secret within the TEFL world that South Korea is one of the most popular countries for foreign teachers due to the huge number of jobs available every year and the higher than average salaries offered by schools who need to fill their vacant positions. Working conditions are generally very good and the facilities and infrastructure throughout this modern and high-tech nation are as good as any in the region. Crime rates are very low by western standards and the excellent public transport network means that teachers are able to explore all parts of this fascinating country, culture, and people whenever they have time away from the classroom. The actual figure you will see on your monthly payslip will depend on several things including the type of school you work in, your level of...  [Read more]

  This TEFL review is from Paavani. She is from Ohio, USA, but just moved to South Korea where she will work as an English teacher. As this will be her first full-time teaching position, she decided to take our online TEFL/TESOL program to get the best possible foundation in teaching before starting her new position. After completing the course, she feels ready and prepared to teach Korean students in her own EFL classroom and she recommends this course to other new teachers. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review, Marli from South Africa tells us she is heading to South Korea to teach English now she has completed her TEFL course online with ITTT. To help her as she starts her teaching career abroad Marli has compiled the materials from the 120-hour TEFL course for use in her lessons in South Korea. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Since Englsih teaching skills are gradually developing young learners these days have more...  [Read more]

If you want to have a job in place and all the paperwork sorted out before you leave your home country, a TEFL placement program is certainly worth considering. Several countries across Europe and Asia have government run schemes that recruit foreign teachers to work in their public school system. The following options are long established and respected programs that offer a great opportunity to live and work in some of the most popular teaching destinations. The TAPIF Program, short for Teaching Assistant Program in France, is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. The program provides a great opportunity to live and work in a country where long-stay visas can be difficult to secure for non-EU citizens. For those who...  [Read more]

Many TEFL qualified teachers head overseas to look for excitement, adventure, new experiences, and to simply get away from the daily grind, but not all are aware of the potential to earn a very good living whilst doing so. In some parts of the world teachers can earn more than enough to live a high quality of life and also afford to put aside a considerable sum each month to pay off student debts or to save for future travel etc. As demand for qualified teachers continues to grow in many areas, so do the potential salaries on offer. When looking for a teaching job, it is always advisable to weigh up the salary on offer in comparison with the local cost of living as this can vary considerably from one country to the next. A monthly salary of $1000 in Bolivia would allow you to live a...  [Read more]

  Juan Carlos from Mexico took the 120-hour online TESOL course with tutor support and videos from ITTT. In this TESOL review video he tells us how he found the course to be very informative covering topics from lesson planning to classroom management. Juan Carlos enjoyed the course and if he had the chance to do the course again, he would do so without thinking. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. I am familiar with many of the teaching aid tools...  [Read more]

When looking for English teaching jobs overseas you will find plenty of options at any time of the year. However, to give yourself the widest choice of opportunities it is important to be aware of any times of the year that are considered peak hiring seasons in the country that you are interested in. Wherever you dream of living and working it is best to start applying for jobs at least three months before your intended start date to give enough time to make all the necessary arrangements, such as sending in applications, interviewing, applying for entry visas and work permits, etc. Hiring seasons are when a large number of teaching jobs become available at one particular time, due to the start of a new school year or semester. The exact timing of hiring seasons can vary from region to...  [Read more]

If you are looking for a region that has a huge job market for TEFL qualified teachers and you want to earn a good salary that allows you to save a considerable sum of money, look no further than East Asia. Jobs are abundant and the potential earnings are very high in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. As with any destination, the salaries on offer vary considerably depending on experience, qualifications, location, and type of employment. As a guide you should expect to earn somewhere between 200,000 and 600,000 yen (currently $2,000 to $6,000) per month. If the job pays by the hour then a figure of around 2,500 yen ($25) per hour would be typical. In addition to a basic salary, most positions will also include added benefits, such as paid airfares, housing,...  [Read more]

Although financial gain is not the biggest driving force for most people heading overseas to work as an ESL teacher, being able to live comfortably and to enjoy as many new experiences as possible without money worries is usually a high priority. To give yourself the best opportunity to earn a good salary and the chance to save enough to pay off debts or to fund further travel and adventure, there are a few things you can do prior to departure and once you arrive in your country of choice. When it comes to salaries and earning potential, one of the most important things you can do prior to departure is to complete an internationally recognized TEFL certification course. TEFL certification is increasingly expected by employers in many of the most popular countries, particularly those...  [Read more]

This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from trainees before, during and after every TEFL certification course, it is also one of the hardest to answer. There are many factors that influence how long it takes to secure an English language teaching job, but the good news is that the vast majority of our graduates do land a teaching position after successfully completing their course. One of the biggest factors is where you choose to work, as the demand for teachers varies greatly from region to region and country to country. China has such a huge demand that there are often not enough candidates to fill the available positions. This is particularly good news for newly qualified teachers as you will have little trouble securing a job at any time of the year. Other...  [Read more]

The age, background, and motivation of the students in your ESL classroom will vary greatly depending on where you are teaching and the school or institute you work for. You could have a class full of university students, hotel workers or even high flying business executives. Alternatively, you might work in a government school teaching a class of children aged anywhere from five to sixteen. Each of these groups has its own characteristics, and different teachers have their own preferences. Just remember that by completing a reputable TEFL certification course before you head off abroad, you will learn all the skills required to deliver effective and enjoyable lessons to almost any group of learners. A large percentage of teachers working in ESL classrooms overseas will find their...  [Read more]

It is important to appreciate that higher salaries are made available to attract the best teaching candidates. What each country considers best does depend on the country, but there are some common factors regarding qualifications and experience when it comes to securing the top paying jobs. In general you need to be a native English speaker, have a degree, usually in education or a related field, and a minimum of a TEFL certificate (though often higher, such as a Diploma in TESOL). You will often see that a minimum of two years teaching experience is also needed. If you have all the above, you have a good chance of gaining employment in the first five of our top ten below. With some of them, you may be able to gain employment in the other five. Figures taken from a range of teaching...  [Read more]