Comments on: Teaching in Korea: Should you choose EPIK vs a Hagwon?

By: Kelsey

Kelsey — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 17:02:06 +0000

Is there any value to have an Early Childhood Education degree or would they only recognize Teacher’s College or Masters? I have a BA, an ECE degree, and taught in a hagwon for two years. My main goal for going back to teach again is to save money, and I want to know what my “value” is to pick the best option for doing this!

By: Kelsey

Kelsey — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 16:56:56 +0000

When you say “getting your application in early” what time of the year would be ideal? Does the school year run similarly to North America? I am writing from Canada, and hope to travel to work in Korea in 2019.

By: jerline28

jerline28 — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 11:00:46 +0000

Christine, did you work for EPIK or a hagwon first. I am currently an EPIK teacher but am looking into hagwons because I specifically want to live in Seoul. However, I am having a hard time, as the benefits don’t seem a good. But I just really want to live in Seoul!

By: Hagwon Start

Hagwon Start — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:58:27 +0000

Great article about hagwons and schools. It really depends on so many factors. However, public school jobs are a safer bet.

Even though public school jobs are safer, I know plenty of people who loved working at their hagwons.

Great article though and very thorough.

By: Christine Kaaloa

Christine Kaaloa — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 17:53:24 +0000

In reply to lialion. @lialon: Thanks for sharing your experience!

By: lialion

lialion — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 04:23:36 +0000

In reply to michelle.

I have social anxiety but it has not hindered my ability to teach English as second language to children, adolescents, and adults. I find that when I am in a position of control (ie teaching a class) my social anxiety is pretty much nonexistent, unless I am being observed by a director of a school — then, I can panic a bit, but I don’t think it shows. So what I’m trying to say is, you can DEFINITELY be introverted or have social anxiety and be a great teacher! Not all students respond the best to the “peppy” approach to teaching. (And yes, even six year old’s can respond better to a calm, collected, and centered method of teaching.)

By: Christine Kaaloa

Christine Kaaloa — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 04:54:00 +0000

In reply to michelle.

@Michelle: If you have major social anxiety, you might find teaching in front of a class very challenging and it might be an obstacle in employers hiring you. With EPIK, you get at least 25+ kids per class, 4 classes a day + adult classes (teachers or parents). … On camera school broadcasts, singing karaoke in front of your teachers and leading classes in which you’ll need to make the classes fun for kids… just to name a few things which could very easily be expected of you. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but you’ll have to actively work to get beyond your limitations quickly.

By: michelle

michelle — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 06:07:45 +0000

Hi, I am interested in applying for EPIK, however my major weakness is that I’m introverted and have major social anxiety. Would that be a deterrent for me? Do you know any EPIK or hagwon English teachers who initially had a shy/introverted personality but were able to pull through in their classes?

By: Christine Kaaloa

Christine Kaaloa — Mon, 05 May 2014 01:58:04 +0000

In reply to Sam.

Hi @Sam! Yes, anyone from a country where the national language is English and whom possesses a uni degree from an accredited college …qualifies.

My background is in the arts and while I have an MFA… it’s not in education. I had related experience with teaching but the main qualifier is come from a country where the national language is English and to have a basic uni degree from an accredited college.

This is the program I used and a breakdown of the process so it doesn’t feel so scary: http://www.teachaway.com/teach-english-korea/epik-english-program-korea-public-school-jobs-korea

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 05 May 2014 00:27:59 +0000

Thanks for this post, Christine! When u were hired with EPIK did you have previous experience? Did you have TEFL Certification in addition to a Uni degree? I have a Uni degree only and no experience – would I qualify?