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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.
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