Do you really want to teach English in Korea? (Part I: Q & A)

Well deciding to teach English abroad can feel like ordering a mail order bride. You’ve got a description and a list of hopeful expectations; yet you can’t see what you’ve got until the day arrives. How will you know what you asked for will be what you wanted? Honestly, sometimes even when you’ve crossed over to seeing your prize, things can still seem a bit veiled; but at least you’ve tackled the biggest hurdle… making it happen!

Recently friends and readers have asked me about my experiences in the ESL classroom and how they can teach English abroad too. I’ve decided to make it a three part series. This is general Q&A I’ve gotten.

How did you find your job to teach in Korea?

I found the EPIK program through a recruiting agency and because I wanted a guide through the process.  A recruiting agency’s  job is to get you into the front door of your country and to your program. What I love is that they’ll tell you what is required, when and generally, how to go about getting what you need.

It’s important to go with a reputable agency and one you feel can give you the kind of information and preparation you need. My agency, Teach Away, not only walked me through the application process, but even orchestrated a video/chat conference and mini orientation to answer questions before our leave. Furthermore, they sent a representative to greet us when we arrived in Korea. But alas, even good agencies may not know the specifics of your placement or the actual working conditions of your school and apartment.

• Footprints Recruiting (impressive website content), Reach to Teach are just some of the more popular recruiting agencies that fellow EPIKers have come through.
• Teach Abroad has a comprehensive site that lists agencies for the country you’re interested in (sister company to Transitions Abroad).
• EPIK is partnered with the above agencies and more.

Do you have options of which countries you’d like to teach in?

Of course. No one’s holding a gun to your head. Recruiting agencies usually list many countries to which you can apply. While the salaries and benefits each country ranges, what you’ll see across the boards at agency remains pretty similar. Legitimate agencies get a finder’s fee, so you needn’t worry about them snatching a commission off your salary.

Currently, Korea is one of the more attractive countries to look at, if you compare benefits and cost of living standards. It’s what Japan used to be before it got to be competitive and expensive.

Do you need an education background?

No, though a degree in education or additional credentials, such as TEFL certification helps and will boost your salary. Master’s degrees (in any field) are also a help. But basically, as long as you have a college diploma and you did fairly well in school, you’re good to go.

Do you need to speak the language of the country you teach in?

Speaking the country’s native language will aid your teaching and navigation of the country, but it’s not compulsory for Korea. You’re being brought over to teach English immersion; some programs may deter you from speaking anything but English in the classroom.

How long do you have to sign up for?

Generally, the contract and your work visa is a year. Some programs and schools offer renewal or extensions if they like you and want to keep you on.

Was the EPIK program a very competitive, difficult process like the JET program in Japan?

No, when I applied it wasn’t strongly competitive. Today, the demand for English teachers is fluctuating.  The requirements for Korea were like that of the JET but Korea does not ask for TEFL certification as a basic requirement. However, it has gotten increasingly stringent in what it asks of providing “official documents”.  While the FBI background check may have been momentarily suspended, Korea bureaucracy is cracking-down on the legitimacy of applicants and their said degrees and criminal statuses. You’ll not only need to apostille your diplomas and criminal background checks, but you’ll also need to bring your diplomas with you on arrival.

Here are some questions I’ve already answered:

• What are my general work conditions & many classes do I teach a week?
• How do I work with co-teachers?
• Do I enjoy teaching English to Koreans?
• How and Why did I choose to teach in Korea?
• What’s English Summer camp?

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The Series:
Do you really want to teach English in Korea? (Part I: Q & A)
Do you really want to teach English in Korea? (Part II: Public vs Private schools)
5 Things MTV taught me about teaching ESL (Part 111)
From MTV Producer to English Teacher in Korea (Part IV)
GRRRL TRAVELER’s Travel Challenge #2: Becoming an Expat

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