About Aclipse and Employers

1. What kind of support can I expect from Aclipse and the Korean employer?
2. Are the employers that Aclipse works with stable?
3. I do not have any teaching experience. Will that put me at a disadvantage?
4. I'm thinking of enrolling in a TESL/CELTA course. Will that help?
5. I don't speak Korean. Will I be able to communicate with the students in the classroom when I teach in Korea?
6. Do employers offer free language classes?
7. Can I experience this opportunity with a friend or partner?
8. Can I bring dependents?
9. Can I state a preference for a particular city location?
10. Do employers have a dress code?
11. Am I allowed to work other part-time jobs to supplement my income?
12. What does the National Health Insurance plan cover?

Teaching

1. What resources are provided for teachers who teach English in Korea?
2. What are we expected to teach?
3. Are there any after-school activities that teachers need to participate in?

Visa Requirements

1. What are the visa requirements to teach Englis in South Korea?
2. Who pays for my visa and required visa documents?
3. How much does a work visa cost?
4. Where is my closest Korean consulate/embassy?
5. I do not feel comfortable submitting my original degree to South Korea for the visa process. Is it absolutely necessary?

Money Matters

1. How often am I paid, and how is my salary deposited?
2. Are tax rates very high in Korea?
3. What are some monthly expenses that I will have to budget for?
4. What is the cost of living in Korea?
5. How much can I expect to save?
6. Is it possible to send money home?
7. Can I use my debit card overseas?
8. Can I bring my Visa/Mastercard/AMEX card with me?
9. What are my start-up costs?
10. When is my airfare reimbursed?
11. I can’t afford to purchase my ticket upfront, is it possible to ask the school for a loan?

Miscellaneous

1. Does my apartment have Internet access?
2. Are any furnishings provided in my apartment?
3. How far is my apartment from the school?
4. Does the school pay for my commuting costs to work?
5. I am not interested in leaving to teach Englis abroad right away. When should I begin the hiring process?
6. Can I bring my pet with me?
7. Can I speak to teachers who are currently teaching English in Korea or who have recently come back?
8. Can I have friends/relatives visit me and stay at my apartment?
9. I will be traveling overseas alone. Is it possible to connect with other teachers before going overseas?
10. How many Korean National Holidays are there in a year?

About Aclipse and Employers

Q1: What kind of support can I expect from Aclipse and the Korean employer?
A: Even after you’re matched with a teaching position, Aclipse will continue to support you through the E2 visa process, departure, and arrival into Korea, and throughout your stay. We send individual arrival plans and newsletters regarding “Life in Korea” tips and so on. Teachers will also have assistance in getting to their apartments, completing the medical check, opening a bank account, and registering as a resident of Korea.

Q2: Are the employers that Aclipse works with stable?
A: Chung Dahm Institute (CDI) is Aclipse’s parent company and one of the most prestigious schools in Korea. EPIK/SMOE/GEPIK/Gangwon programs are government programs, and teachers are employed by the respective province of education of the city where they work.

Q3: I do not have any teaching experience. Will that put me at a disadvantage?
A: No prior teaching experience is necessary to teach English abroad. All employers will provide training programs, which are completed in Korea. You will receive additional teaching support from other teachers in your school (CDI) or from your Korean co-teacher (government programs).

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Q4: I’m thinking of enrolling in a TESL/CELTA course. Will that help?
A: Only certain programs (100+ hours of study) will qualify teachers to receive extra salary. It is not a requirement of the job to have a TESL/CELTA certificate, but it certainly can’t hurt.

Q5: I don’t speak Korean. Will I be able to communicate with the students in the classroom when I teach in Korea?
A: Yes. Students are studying in an English-only environment, so when you are teaching English in Korea, you will only speak English during lessons. Students do not speak Korean in the classroom.

Q6: Do employers offer free language classes?
A: It depends on the employer. Public-school board positions and government schools do not provide language classes, but some CDI schools offer free Korean classes, depending on the branch. If you want to pick up Korean language classes, it’s best to ask your fellow teachers for advice or go to your local community center/city office where you can sometimes sign up for free language exchange classes.

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Q7: Can I experience this opportunity with a friend or partner?
A: Yes. Your friend or partner should apply separately and will need to gain acceptance to our job placement program. For friends, we will place them in a separate apartment but will try to find a position in the same city. For partners, we will place you in the same apartment, but we cannot guarantee assignments at the same school.

Q8: Can I bring dependents?
A: We will accept applications and interview candidates with dependents, but these candidates should know that we cannot offer additional assistance with their dependents. Unfortunately, benefits are for employees only. Therefore, people bringing dependents like children, spouses, or partners will need to find their own accommodations, secure the visa for these dependents, pay for their flight, and secure schooling for any children. International schools can be very expensive. If you are bringing dependents, you will need to be placed in a city like Seoul, where it is easier to find apartments, schools, and support networks. Some employers do not accept applications from people with dependents so we will advise you on which employers do and do not.

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Q9: Can I state a preference for a particular city location?
A: Absolutely! Let us know what your preference is, and we’ll do our best to match you with a school in that area. Just keep in mind that placements are ultimately based on the needs of the schools and the availability of teaching positions.

For those interested in outdoor activities, Korea has plenty to offer on that front as well, from skiing in the winter to hiking the Korean Peninsula in the spring and summer. The country also has amusements parks near every large city. Everland, the sixth largest amusement park in the world, is located about an hour away from Seoul. Best of all, prices are extremely reasonable by western standards.

Q10: Do employers have a dress code?
A: In general, the rule is “smart, casual.” You will need to cover up any visible tattoos or piercings (other than ears). Most employers in Korea also discourage unusual hairstyles or hair colors.

Q11: Am I allowed to work other part-time jobs to supplement my income?
A: No. E2 visas are sponsored by your employer. Your contract will state that employees are prohibited from securing outside employment.

Q12: What does the National Health Insurance plan cover?
A: Medical attention and prescription medication at a fraction of the regular cost.

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Teaching Questions

Q1: What resources are provided for teachers who teach English in Korea?
A: CDI offers teachers the following:

1. Professional environment with superior facilities: teacher lounge in every branch offering complimentary tea, coffee, snacks, and personal lockers.
2. Teaching resources and tools: curriculum and assessment resources, computer and Internet access in every classroom, whiteboard, and 42-inch TV.
3. Online administrative system for tracking of student progress (posting grades, concerns, and attendance; parents also have access to the information online).

Depending on provinces and individual schools, province placements offer the following:

1. Computer and Internet
2. Flat screen TVs (in some classrooms)
3. Teaching resources and curriculum

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Q2: What are we expected to teach?
A: Lesson plans are based on the curriculum. During training, teachers will learn how to teach the material. Teachers are encouraged to use their own creativity and individual teaching styles to engage students in the lesson material/content.

Q3: Are there any after-school activities that teachers need to participate in?
A: Yes, for public-school positions, teachers will occasionally be asked to participate in mandatory activities outside of regular school hours. This is included in the teaching contract, and anything in excess of the required 22 teaching hours, or outside regular school hours, will be paid at designated overtime rates.

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Visa Requirements

Q1: What are the visa requirements to teach English in South Korea?
A: You will need the following:

1. University degree (Notarized degrees are also accepted. However, you will need to have it officially notarized by the Korean Consulate in your region. We advise sending your original degree when possible, as some schools will not pay for your airfare upfront if you send a notarized copy.)
2. Two sets of officially sealed transcripts (The official University seal must be stamped across the envelope seal. If it is somewhere else on the envelope, it will not be accepted.)
3. Signed and dated employment contract.
4. Three passport photos (Must be in color and date stamped if possible. Delete the red.)
5. Photocopy of your passport (photo page and profile page)
6. Hard copy of your resume
7. Health Statement Form
8. Criminal Background Check and Apostille (Your recruiter will give you specific instructions on obtaining this.)

Q2: Who pays for my visa and required visa documents?
A: You are responsible for paying the cost of your visa and required documents.

Q3: How much does a work visa cost?
A: For United States citizens, the cost is $45. In Canada, the cost is $55.

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Q4: Where is my closest Korean consulate/embassy?
A: Please refer to the following website:
http://asia-pacific-connections.com/korean_diplomatic_offices.html

Q5: I do not feel comfortable submitting my original degree to South Korea for the visa process. Is it absolutely necessary?
A: Yes, but you will only be asked for your original diploma once you have accepted a job offer. Your degree will be returned to you during your training week.

For placements with CDI: Your original degree will be sent with other visa documents by express mail (e.g., UPS, FedEx) to South Korea so it will be safe.

For public-school placements: The entire visa application process is completed in your home country, so the original diploma does not need to be sent to South Korea initially. However, you will need to bring the original degree with you to Korea to show the board of education.

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Money Matters

Q1: How often am I paid, and how is my salary deposited?
A: Salary is paid once a month and will be directly deposited into your Korean bank account.

Q2: Are tax rates very high in Korea?
A: Income tax rates are relatively low (between 2–15%, depending on income). For government programs, all GET teachers (except Canadians) are exempt from paying income tax for the first two years in Korea (after completing appropriate paperwork). For Canadian GET teachers, income tax is 2–4%.

Q3: What are some monthly expenses that I will have to budget for?
A: Utilities, transportation to and from work, and daily living expenses.

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Q4: What is the cost of living in Korea?
A: Currency converter: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
For more on cost of living, see:
http://www.aclipse.net/korea/cultural_tips.html#money

Q5: How much can I expect to save?
A: Depending on your personal financial habits, you can expect to save anywhere from 10% to 50% of your salary (or more). In general, if you live in a major city like Seoul, your cost of living will be higher. Smaller cities and rural areas tend to have a lower cost of living, so it is easier to save money. On average, teachers save about $1000/month.

Q6: Is it possible to send money home?
A: Several options are available: bank-to-bank transfers, through the post office, and third-party agencies (e.g., Western Union). See http://www.aclipse.net/korea/cultural_tips.html#banking for more on banking and sending money home.

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Q7: Can I use my debit card overseas?
A: Check the back of your debit card for Plus or Cirrus symbols. International ATMs overseas will accept cards with these symbols. You will want to check the symbols above the ATM machine before using!

Q8: Can I bring my Visa/Mastercard/AMEX card with me?
A: Yes. Please remember to contact your bank prior to your departure to inform them you will be traveling overseas. If you do not inform your bank, then it’s possible they will freeze your card to protect you from fraudulent charges.

Q9: What are my start-up costs?
A: YYou will need to pay for your plane ticket to Korea, which averages about $1,000 and will be reimbursed by your employer. You’ll also need to bring living expenses for your first month (around $800). If you are on the CDI hourly contract, you should bring additional funds to pay the agent’s fee and enough to pay first month’s rent (if required), around $1,500.

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Q10: When is my airfare reimbursed?
A: Within the first month of arrival. Documentation employers require may include: passenger’s copy of the original flight ticket, original purchase receipt, and original boarding pass(es).

Q11: I can’t afford to purchase my ticket upfront, is it possible to ask the school for a loan?
A: Unfortunately, airfare tickets are reimbursed by employers, and they cannot front you money for your plane ticket.

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Miscellaneous

Q1: Does my apartment have Internet access?
A: No, but it is possible to set up Internet access in your apartment. Korea is one of the most wired nations in the world. Once you have registered as a resident, you are able to sign up for a service of your choice. See:
http://www.aclipse.net/korea/about_korea.html#internet for more on Internet access in Korea.

Q2: Are any furnishings provided in my apartment?
A: Typically you will get a semi-furnished apartment with a bed, stove, fridge, washing machine, TV, table, and chair, plus a western-style bathroom. Western-style bathrooms generally have a shower but not a full bathtub.

Q3: How far is my apartment from the school?
A: Apartments are within 10–15 minutes traveling distance from the school (either by bus, subway, or walking).

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Q4: Does the school pay for my commuting costs to work?
A: Transportation costs are paid by the teacher.

Q5: I am not interested in leaving to teach English abroad right away. When should I begin the hiring process?
A: In general, we should receive applications about three months prior to when applicants are interested in leaving for Korea. For recent graduates who are awaiting conferral of their diplomas, it is possible to go through the hiring process and receive an offer from the employer (offer contingent on receiving the diploma) for positions available up to six months into the future.

Q6: Can I bring my pet with me?
A: It is often difficult to find pet-friendly apartments. The only employers that candidates with pets can be considered for are CDI and English First. Candidates should do their own research for the length of quarantine required for their pets.

Q7: Can I speak to teachers who are currently teaching English in Korea or who have recently come back?
A: Due to privacy issues, we cannot disclose information regarding our teachers. However, we have an Aclipse Facebook group:
(http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13627607861) where candidates can chat with current teachers, other recruiters, or staff members in Korea. All Aclipse recruiters have lived and worked overseas before and can address most of candidates’ concerns/questions related to the experience.

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Q8: Can I have friends/relatives visit me and stay at my apartment?
A: Yes. Short-term guests are allowed. Please remember that apartment walls are not as thick as in western countries, and teachers and their guests need to be respectful of their Korean neighbors.

Q9: I will be traveling overseas alone. Is it possible to connect with other teachers before going overseas?
A: Yes. One of the benefits of working with Aclipse is the support we offer our candidates throughout the process. Teachers have the opportunity to purchase tickets through our travel agent, who tries to coordinate departures and arrivals with other teachers. We also arrange and send out an email list of all teachers who are departing at the same time. In addition, you will meet people in training, as all teachers beginning their teach English abroad experience at the same time will have training together in a centralized location.

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Q10: How many Korean National Holidays are there in a year?
A: The following is a list of holidays in 2008:

January 1 Solar New Year
February 6 Lunar New Year
February 7 Lunar New Year
February 8 Lunar New Year
March 1 Independence Movement Day
April 5 Arbor Day
May 5 Children's Day
May 12 Buddha's Birthday
June 6 Memorial Day
July 17 Constitution Day
August 15 Liberation Day
September 13-15 Chuseok (Harvest Moon Festival)
October 3 National Foundation Day
December 25 Christmas Day

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