Teaching English in South-Korea
Korea, 'Land of the morning calm' is a country of great contrast. You will find high craggy peaks, lush forests, tremendous waterfalls, boulder-strewn white water rivers, beaches, ancient temples, high technology, and ancient oriental tradition.
In the last 25 years Korea has gone through a period of rapid growth. South Korea is now considered a recently developed nation with over 60 million inhabitants.
South Korea is playing an ever more important role in World politics and the market place. Entering the world stage has created a massive demand for English language teachers. At any one time there are thousands of English teachers living, working and experiencing South Korea.
The rewards available to teach English in South Korea match the demand. The wages and benefits for jobs are some of the best in the world, with many opportunities for entry-level teachers.
Many teachers come to South Korea to experience adventure and save money. Whilst on face value the wages in South Korea may seem comparable to what you would earn at home, you must consider the low cost of living and the low tax rate of around 5%. With the addition of free housing, airfares and even food in some schools, it can sometimes be hard to spend money!
Your average expenditure is likely to be 25–30% of your monthly income. This makes teaching English in Korea a popular choice for graduates with University debts, and travellers looking to fund their next big trip.
Experience potential
In general, an entry-level candidate will start off teaching younger age groups. It is typical to obtain a job in a private language institute where the ages of the children range between 7 and 15 years old. Classroom sizes vary from around 6 to 12 students.
South Korean private schools (Hagwans) are common, and a private school is available for everything from Mathematics to Piano to Tae-kwon-do. Students attend these private schools after public school finishes at around 2pm (Kindergarten classes can start as early as 10am). It is commonly accepted that a typical student views their English class as a ‘fun half hour’ with a foreigner. Everything you do and say will be a new way of expression, and being children they love to imitate what you do and say. This of course is an excellent way of learning. Not just learning of English, but also social interaction with a foreigner.
Your job title will be ‘English Conversational Instructor’. As the title suggests you will encourage conversation and classroom activity. When it comes to teaching in hagwans, forget complicated grammar. The school will supply you with all required teaching materials, and guide you in the best way to utilise your resources. Internationally published exercise books are commonly used. Teachers are not expected to speak Korean. In fact, most schools request that you refrain from using Korean (Hangul) in the classroom to enhance your students' participation in English.
Typically, the level of your students English will be quite low; although you will find classes are arranged according to different levels of ability. The emphasis of your classes will be on conversational English. And you will do just that, converse with your students. A good teacher is able to think of fun games and activities, making books a topic of conversation and interaction. An active, fun class will bring the best results from Korean children, and of course make your teaching time more fun as well!
Many hagwans also cater for Kindergarten classes. These students will be 4 to 6 years old. Classes involve a lot of games, art type projects and story telling. A love for children is essential as they will cuddle you, climb on you and generally act their age. These positions are ideal for a teacher that enjoys a fun, activity based class. Kindergarten classes are often the most rewarding, with the youngsters soaking up the English language like a sponge.
Cost of living
South Korea has a low cost of living (40-70% cheaper than Dublin) e.g Average cost of a beer in a bar 4,000 won. Meals out cost from 5,000 to 15,000 won.
For those dedicated to leaving South Korea with a bundle of cash, it is possible to save 75% of your income. Plenty of money to travel, pay off debts or just live the champagne lifestyle for a while.
There is a large ex-pat community in South Korea. You will be sure to find fellow foreigners with similar interests to share your experiences with.
There are many leisure pursuits you can get involved in during your spare time. You can go hiking in the spectacular mountains, learn a martial art (Tae-Kwon-Do is Korea's national sport), visit Buddhist temples, go shopping or partake in the popular activity of socialising in one of the many bars or restaurants. In the winter you can ski and toboggan and in the warmer months you can visit the islands and beaches to swim in the seas between Korea and Japan and China.
There are the usual range of fast-food restaurants from the West, large department stores will have international food halls, so you will find some reminders of home!
Culture
South Korea is different; very different. It is safe to assume that everything will be the opposite of what you are used to back home. But it is this very aspect that makes for a unique and memorable experience. The joy of discovering all that is new is the secret to loving teaching English in South Korea.
Teaching English in South Korea requires an open mind and a willingness to fit in. Many teachers arriving in South Korea for the first time experience culture shock. This is normal and with a little time you will adjust.
Koreans are extremely generous and sincere people, and they don’t admire selfishness. You will often be treated as a guest in their country. There will come a time when your Director, fellow teachers and friends will want to socialise with you. Of course this is not compulsory, but by offering your companionship you will build many bridges.
Those that have experienced South Korea comment about the greater understanding they gain of themselves and the world they live in and the life long memories they are left with.
Travel
South Korea has excellent, yet inexpensive, public transport – local journeys being between. Teachers love taking the trains. Domestic flights can be around. There is some seasonal variation and prices rise during national holidays like Chinese New Year.
Contract Conditions
Contract: One year
2 million KW-2.8 million monthly base pay
Free furnished housing
One month's pay bonus at end of 12 month contract
Free round trip airfare (economy class)
25-30 hour workweek
Medical insurance (50% paid by school)
Very low tax rate (about 4%)
10 days paid vacation
National Pension Savings Plan (50% school & 50% teacher)
5 days sick leave
All Korean holidays & weekends off
Requirements
Must have a 4 year degree from an accredited University- (any subject)
Must have a valid passport (with more than 1 year validity left)
Official sealed transcripts
No criminal record
Must be able to pass a drug test within three months of arriving in Korea
Native English speaker.