aclipse, Author at Aclipse

24 Oct

How To Get Your E-2 Visa To Teach English In Korea

Congratulations! You just got an offer to teach English in South Korea, signed your contract, and are now ready to prepare the required documents for the E-2 visa application. Here are step-by-step instructions to follow to get this completed in style!

What Is An E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa is the “Long-term Visa to teach a Foreign Language” in Korea. You cannot teach English legally in Korea without this visa. You must meet certain eligibility requirements, and must secure the visa prior to your arrival in Korea. It is issued for a 13-month term, allowing you to teach for 1 full year. If you decide to extend your teaching term in Korea, your school can assist you in renewing this visa.

The Main Steps

For those teaching at a private language academy, your school first applies for your visa issuance number (VIN – a.k.a. visa code or visa certificate) though Korean Immigration. After approximately 3 weeks, you’ll receive your VIN and then submit your application for your E-2 visa at the appropriate Korean Consulate. About 2 weeks later, you’ll receive your visa grant notice (VGN) which you’ll print and take with you to Korea! And finally, once in Korea, you’ll apply for your Alien Residency Card.

**For public school teachers, the process is slightly different. Please consult with your school, recruiter or the Korean consulate for more details.

Step 1: Visa Issuance Number (VIN) Application (Korean Immigration)

Your school requires the documents listed below to apply for your VIN. Your name on all documents must match exactly your name as it appears in your passport! If it does not, consult your school or recruiter for further instruction.

**There are instances where candidates may need to provide additional documents to confirm eligibility for the visa. Your school or recruiter will make you aware and provide information and instruction if that is necessary.

A) Apostilled Criminal Record Check

only valid for 6 months; be mindful when applying for it
must be a federal-level check
must be void of any and all charges (visa applications will be rejected even if charges have been dismissed)

Click here for document examples for other countries!

B) Apostilled & Notarized Photocopy Of Bachelor Degree

4-year degree in any major
Letters of graduation or transcripts are not an acceptable substitute; it must be your actual diploma

Click here for document examples for other countries!

C) Passport Scan

Color photocopy of the 2 pages that include your information, photo, and signature
Valid for at least 6 months to travel internationally; ideally should be valid for 1 or more years

D) Health Statement

Provided by the school or recruiter to be completed by you

E) Two Visa Photos

Color, 3.5cm x 4.5cm photo taken within the last 6 months

F) Completed Visa Certificate of Eligibility Application

Provided by the school or recruiter to be completed by you

G) Signed Contract

Provided by the school to be completed by you

Once all the files have been received, the school will submit the application to Korean Immigration and apply for your VIN. Once you receive your VIN, you’ll apply for your Visa Grant Notice (VGN) at the appropriate Korean Consulate.

Step 2: Visa Grant Notice Application (Korean Consulate)

Once you have your VIN, you’ll apply for your Visa Grant Notice (VGN) at a Korean Consulate. The VGN can only be granted by a Korean Consulate outside of Korea, and you must have it when you enter the country. Below are the files you need to submit and steps you need to take when applying for the VGN.

A) Visa Application Form

Provided by the school or recruiter, or download from the Korean consulate website
Enter your VIN in section 3.1, be sure to accurately complete the file in full

B) One Visa Photo

Taken and dated within the last 6 months
In color and 3.5cm x 4.5cm
Attach it to your visa application (top left-hand corner)

C) Passport

Your original passport OR a notarized photocopy; check the Korean consulate website where you’ll be applying to confirm which is required as it differs for countries and consulates

D) Contract

Signed and dated by your school director and you

E) Additional Documents (Needed by Some Consulates)

For example: transcripts, health forms, school business certificates, visa checklist, TB screening results (South Africa)
If they are required, you’ll need to obtain and submit those to the consulate

F) Visa Fee

Check the Korean consulate website as the fee is different in each country
For mailed applications – only money orders made out to the Consulate General are accepted
For in person applications – cash is preferred

G) Submit Your Application

In person – by appointment only. Schedule it once the school applies for your VIN
By mail – provide a self-addressed postage paid envelope for the consulate to use if your original passport is submitted

H) Track the Status of Your Application On The Visa Portal

Click HERE and enter the information below:

Division = enter your passport number in the blank field provided
English statement = in this order: last name, first name, middle name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
Birth Date = Year/Month/Day

I) Download And Print Visa Grant Notice From Visa Portal

The Korean consulate usually provides a date when your VGN will be ready. In general, most issue the VGN in 1-2 weeks. If you applied in person, you’ll return to pick up your passport. If you mailed in your application and original passport, the consulate will mail it back in the postage paid envelope you provided. Once you have your VGN – you are all set to fly to Korea to start your new adventure!

Step 3: Alien Registration Card Application (In Korea)

After you arrive in Korea you’ll complete the final step for your E-2 visa to be valid – a medical check at a designated clinic. You’ll receive a health certificate that is needed to apply for your ARC. The ARC is your foreign residency identification and shows that you legal reside in Korea. You must apply for your ARC within 90 days of arriving in Korea and once received, you’ll carry it with you at all times. You should apply as soon as possible after you arrive, as an ARC is often required to access services such as banking, healthcare, or to join a gym. The Korean staff at your school will schedule your medical check and provide assistance in applying for your ARC.

Important Tips

Eligibility Requirements: ensure you meet specific eligibility requirements for the visa.

Start Early: start the process early to prevent any potential delays! Organize any additional documents in advance.

Attention To Detail: is VERY important!! Check, double check and triple check that your documents are completed accurately and thoroughly. Korean Immigration and Korean consulates are VERY particular. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or denial of the visa.

Consult Your Recruiter / Sponsor: Your educational institution and recruiter can provide essential guidance and support throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to seek their counsel as they know the visa process very well!

Stay Updated: Check the Korean consulate/embassy website for the latest information. Changes in the application process and requirements may and do happen from time to time…checking before you submit documents and your application ensures everything will be processed in a timely manner.

Make And Keep Copies Of Your Documents: it’s always a good idea to keep copies of all documents you submit as well as your contract and docs provided by the educational institution as none will be returned from Korean Immigration or the Korean Consulate.

While the process for organizing documents and applying for the visa may seem complicated and long – it really isn’t. By following the steps and seeking guidance from your school and recruiter you’ll be sure to manage the entire process smoothly and you’ll be on your way to an amazing overseas adventure before you know it!

Colette Neville, Recruiting Manager

Hailing from Ontario, Canada embarked upon the adventure of a lifetime and taught English in Japan for 5 years after graduating with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and a Bachelor’s in Education! While overseas she honed her teaching skills, advanced professionally to trainer, area manager, curriculum specialist and enjoyed the many riches of Japanese culture. Her love of travel led her to explore many of Japan’s neighbouring countries, including South Korea! Upon return to Canada, she landed a job with Aclipse recruiting and now enjoys sharing her experiences and guiding candidates through the steps to secure the perfect overseas placement! Upon reflection, she believes her experience teaching abroad was a very meaningful and life changing event….and is certain it will be for others too!

22 Oct

CultureLifestyleBy aclipse

5 Budget-friendly Activities In Korea

1. Cafe Hopping

For our first budget-friendly activity: if you don’t already know, cafes are kind of a big deal in Korea. There’s truly one for everyone. Whether your thing is the K-pop group BTS, natural waterfalls, traditional Korean villages, or specific types of delicious pastries and espresso. In Korea, you can expect giant three story cafes and tiny ones with minimal seating. Whatever kind you like, cafes are a great place to hang out if you want to see your friends but don’t want to completely blow your budget. Order a coffee and a slice of cake to share and enjoy the afternoon!

2. Hiking

Korea is a mountainous and beautiful country. Regardless of what city or town you live in, you’ll probably be a short train or bus ride away from hiking trails. Of course, hiking is completely free, but it’s also a great way to exercise, spend time in nature, and hang out with friends. Check out our blog post on three of my favorite hikes here in Korea!

3. Catching A Baseball Game

Looking for a less physically-demanding budget-friendly activity? Weekday tickets to professional baseball games in Korea are about 13,000 won (roughly $10). I went to a game in June, and it was epic! I took my dad (a life-long Chicago Cubs fan) to the game, and he couldn’t get over how excited the Korean fans were for their teams. In Korea, the spectators cheer for the entire game. It makes you feel a little bit like you’re watching a game in the World Series!

4. Traditional Korean Pub

While western-style bars and clubs are extremely fun, the best place to go if you want to drink affordably is a traditional Korean-style pub. Some of my favorite nights out since moving to Korea have involved staying at a pub until the subways opened again at 5:30 in the morning. Order rounds of makgeolli and soju and load up on kimchi jjigae and pajeon, and I promise you won’t be missing your local bar back home!

5. Picnic By The Han River

Going on a sunset picnic by the Han River is easily my favorite budget-friendly activity to do in Seoul. All you need is your friends, a cheap blanket from Daiso, and a quick run to the convenience store for ramen and drinks, and you’re ready to go. I’ve gone countless times since moving to Seoul, and not only is it cheap, but it’s also created so many beautiful memories!

An English teacher posing while wearing a Hanbok

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.

15 Oct

HealthLifestyleBy aclipse

Biking The Han River In Korea

Beauty, Adventure, Convenience

Biking along the Han River in Seoul is one of my favorite ways to explore the city while getting in some exercise and enjoying the fall weather. The Han River bike path stretches across the city and can take you to some of the best parks like Mangwon, Yeouido, Jamsil, and Ttukseom parks. Since the Han River divides Seoul in half, you can also commute via bike and spend the majority of your commute along the river until hopping off at whatever city exit you need! On the weekends I take my bike everywhere as I head to movie theaters, markets, and my friend’s houses. In this blog post, I’ll give you the insider info on biking in Korea!

How To Get A Bike

When I first moved to Korea, I bought my own bike from Carrot market (당근마켓), a reselling app, because biking is something I love to do. But for those who don’t want to purchase a bike, there are rentals available at parks or throughout the city by using the Ddareungi (따릉이) app. The Ddareungi service is only 1,000 KRW ($1 USD = 1,362 KRW) per hour, to boot!

Another pro tip is that if you have a Climate Card, you can pay 65,000 won a month (48 USD) for unlimited buses, trains, and Ddareungi bike rental. The Ddareungi bikes have a basket which is convenient for stowing your bag, but they are single gear, so if you are more serious about biking I think it’s worth it to invest in your own bike. I purchased my 8 speed road bike for only 120,000 won (89 USD). The bike needed a little tune up, but the investment was totally worth it since biking was one of my main hobbies back home and I wanted to maintain my lifestyle in Korea! There are also some other places along the Han River where they actually let you use a bike for a few hours for FREE if you show proof you live in that district!

4 Rivers Bike Path

For those looking for a bigger adventure, I also recommend checking out the 4 Rivers Bike Path (Saejae), which forms part of a national cycling network that connects the Han, Nakdong, Geum, and Yeongsan rivers. The entire path is around 633 kilometers long and will take you around the ENTIRE COUNTRY. The government offers a cool program called the 4 Rivers Passbook where you can collect stamps as you ride the cycling routes. Once you have completed the booklet with all stamps, you can send it in and get a certificate and medal. My friends did this whole route during their spring vacation, but for a more leisurely cyclist like myself, I usually just stick to the section of bike path along the Han River. I like to ride from my house in Mapo in the direction of Namsan Tower to catch a great sunset view on the weekends, but you can also head towards Dongjak or Seongsu bridge. Seongsu has a ton of great coffee shops and restaurants so it’s a great stop off point.

Commuting Convenience

As I mentioned before, the Han river bike path is a great option for commuting. If I take the bus from my house in Mapo to Mangwon parks to meet my friends, the commute is around 45 minutes and includes waiting time at the bus transfer. However, when I ride by bike to Mangwon park, I can get there in just 15 minutes! Saving myself that half hour and being eco-friendly are both things that I value. If you’re anything like me, biking through Seoul will quickly become your go to commuting option!

Whether you’re a novice or hard-core cyclist, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of all the benefits of biking on the Han River!

English teacher at Chungdahm Learning posing with students

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.

08 Oct

HealthLifestyleBy aclipse

Taking Dance Classes In Korea

Dance, Dance, Dance

In America, dance took up a majority of my free-time. Whether it was taking dance classes or teaching them, my home away from home was in the studio. I already knew Seoul had an extensive dance scene from being a K-pop fan and watching shows like “Street Woman Fighter”, so I was super excited to take dance classes in the big city. Whether you are into dance like me, have thought about giving it a shot, or are just looking for a fun way to get more exercise, here’s some info to take dance classes in Korea!

Seoul has an insane amount of dance studios to choose from at affordable prices! One class is about 30,000 Won, but you can purchase packages for a cheaper amount per class. Arguably the most popular dance studio in Korea is 1MILLION Dance Studio. You have most likely seen their videos on social media before. Here is one of my favorites.

Although I wanted to take a 1MILLION class at first, going to a large studio like that is a little scary. On top of this, the studio is a little far from my house. After doing some more research on studios in Gangnam, I found OMG Dance Studio (@omg_dance_studio on Instagram). This studio still had some great choreography and was super close to my house. On top of this, it was much smaller and far less intimidating for me. I wanted to dip my toes into the dance scene before fully diving in. The only downside was signing up for classes seemed very confusing.

Signing Up

1MILLION has a super easy way to sign up for classes. They use their own app to purchase classes and the app comes in many different languages. Unfortunately, most other dance studios in Seoul use a Google Form to sign up for classes.

The Google Form is only in Korean and will have a bank transfer number for you to reserve your spot in the class. Since I did not have a bank account at the time, I decided to take a shot in the dark and send a DM to OMG Dance Studio’s Instagram account.

TIP: If you are nervous they won’t understand English, don’t be afraid to use Papago or ChatGPT to craft your message.

Getting Down

After taking a couple classes at OMG I felt ready to try out 1MILLION. My friend Erin invited me to join her, so it was not as scary as going alone. I knew 1MILLION was a popular studio, but I had no idea how big the actual building would be. There are multiple floors and the urban/modern architecture is to die for. The class was PACKED! The studio is huge and there was almost no free space. The teacher ended up needing to teach on an elevated surface for everyone to be able to see him.

TIP: Get to popular studios EARLY! 15 minutes early at a minimum. This will ensure you snag a good spot to learn the choreography.

Dancing in Korea is a great way to express my creativity, get a nice workout in, and meet tons of new people. Don’t be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone and take some dance classes during your free time in Seoul!

Gabe White, Marketing Assistant

Gabriel (Gabe) White is a soon to be English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies.

02 Oct

HealthRelocationBy aclipse

Getting Medical Care In Korea

The Korean Medical System

When I first arrived in Korea, I was almost immediately impressed with its medical system. 11 months later, I am really grateful to live in a country with efficient, easily accessible medical care. Here’s a quick guide to your initial medical testing, doctor’s visits, and pharmacies.

Initial Medical Testing

After you arrive in Korea, you’ll need to do initial medical testing to get your Alien Registration Card (ARC). This medical testing is similar to a yearly physical you would get in your home country. You’ll need to go within the first couple of weeks of arriving in Korea, and your school will help set up an appointment for you.

When I went for my medical testing, I was honestly a little shocked at the hospital’s efficiency. I was given a scannable card with my basic information associated with it. Then, I stayed in the waiting room and waited as a screen informed me I could enter each private room to get a different portion of my physical completed. For example, the screen would announce my name, I’d go in and get my eyes tested. Then, the medical personnel would inform me of the room number I needed to visit next, and the process would repeat.

Everything was digitized, so I didn’t have to carry around a bunch of paperwork I didn’t understand. Although everyone I spoke to knew English, I didn’t need to communicate with them extensively because all of my information was on the card the receptionist gave me. The whole process probably took about 30 minutes despite the room being full of other people also getting their medical tests completed.

Of course, depending on the clinic you visit, the circumstances might be a little different, but generally speaking, all of my medical experiences in Korea since the very first one have been efficient and with few communication issues.

Doctor Visits

Universal health care in South Korea is easily one of the biggest perks of living in the country. Once you have your ARC card, you should be able to get any kind of doctor’s appointment you need with little to no costs. When I was sick in December, I was able to walk into a clinic and get a prescription with no problems. Meeting with the doctor and getting the prescription filled took less than an hour and only cost me about 17,000 won in total. I don’t even want to think about how much that same experience would have cost me in the U.S. with or without insurance.

When my boss recommended my coworkers and I all get flu shots ahead of flu season, she was able to quickly point me in the direction of a good clinic that was able to give me the vaccine with very little fuss. In both of these experiences, I was able to speak English with the doctors and nurses.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies in Korea and the U.S. are very similar in my experience. You go in, give them your prescription, and they fill it for you. I’ve never gone in and had to wait more than a few minutes. Over-the-counter items like pain relievers are kept behind glass, so you’ll need to ask. I’ve been able to speak to the pharmacists in English the few times I’ve needed to go in, but when in doubt, Papago (the popular translating app) is your friend.

Overall, the Korean medical system is inexpensive and efficient. Like most things in Korea, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but I hope this quick guide leaves you more confident addressing your medical needs while in Korea!

English teacher posing on a bridge in Korea with Namsan Tower in the background

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

01 Oct

DevelopmentTeachingBy aclipse

Initial Training Week: A Trainer’s Top 5 Survival Tips

Survive And Thrive!

Starting your initial training week can feel a bit like swimming in unknown waters. As a trainer, I understand the excitement and nerves that comes with learning a new program and onboarding at Creverse. In this blog post, I will break down the essentials to not just survive your initial training week but to thrive and have fun!

Prep and Print

Before the training week kicks off, make sure to download and print all the materials sent out in your welcome email. This will ensure that you can ask any questions about the material and shows your trainer that you are proactive and prepared.

TIP #1: Having materials on hand helps you engage in the lesson and will make for a smoother learning experience.

Ask Questions!

Don’t hesitate to ask questions! From the trainer’s perspective, I’m here to make concepts clear and do my best to help trainees digest the Creverse curriculum. There’s no such thing as a dumb question, especially during training week. Asking ensures everyone is on the same page.

TIP #2: Accelerate your learning curve by having the confidence to ask questions. After you ask a question, write down the answer to refer back to later.

Practice Out Loud

After prepping for your morning mocks, take it a step further by practicing out loud. Rehearsing the material aloud will help boost your confidence and internalize the curriculum.

TIP #3: During my own training week I would mock teach in front of the mirror in my hotel room. It was awkward at first but helped me get the extra practice I needed.

Embrace a Growth Mindset

One of the biggest struggles I see my trainees face is something I like to call “precision paralysis”. People assume an all-or-nothing attitude that can get in the way of their progress. Your initial training week at Creverse should be about improvement, not perfection!

TIP #4: I encourage taking on a growth mindset which means understanding that steady progress from one day to the next is the goal.

Recharge and Refuel

It’s important that you prioritize your self-care during training week. Getting enough sleep and eating right will help you fight jet lag and ensure that you can come to your training sessions focused and ready to take on the day.

TIP #5: It can be tough to eat healthy when you’re busy but Korean convenience stores have got you covered. Unlike the gas station food you might be used to at home, the refrigerated and hot meal items include options that are well-balanced and quick.

You’ve come a long way, and this is the final step of being a teacher for Creverse! While initial training week can be stressful, remember that your school, the trainers, and your recruiter want nothing less than for you to succeed. Just follow my 5 tips and exhibit a positive attitude, and you will thrive!

Still curious about the initial training week? Check out this post for more details on what you can expect.

Michelle Duquette, Trainer

23 Sep

CareerBy aclipse

Writing The Perfect Resume To Teach In Korea

Writing A Resume For Teaching, Specifically

Congratulations on taking the first step toward teaching abroad! Writing a standout resume is a big move that brings you closer to landing your dream job in South Korea. Exciting, right?! Your resume is your first impression, and it’s important to make it a good one. You don’t need to create anything overly complex, but your resume does need to highlight the best parts of your experience and education for teaching in Korea, specifically! Don’t worry, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you get started writing the perfect resume to teach in Korea!

1. Avoid Generic or Too Detailed Templates

Let’s be real, those cookie-cutter templates from sites like Indeed? They’re not going to help you stand out. Teaching abroad is a unique adventure, your resume should reflect you. Go for a clean, modern design that’s easy to read but still personal. Recruiters and schools want to be able to scan your resume quickly, so keep it simple but impactful!

2. Highlight Your Education First

Your education is crucial when applying for teaching positions, so make sure it’s listed at the very top of your resume! It’s one of the first thing you’ll want the recruitment team to see when reviewing your resume. Make sure to include all degrees, the name of the school you attended and don’t forget to add your date of graduation.

Bonus: If you have a teaching certificate (TEFL, TESOL, etc.) add this into this education section as well. While a TEFL is not required, it helps you stand out!

3. One Paged Resume and Cover Letter

A resume that’s too long can be overwhelming and difficult to read. It’s best to create a single page that focuses on the most relevant experiences. Make sure to use concise bullet points that outline your skills and responsibilities without dragging on!

If there’s more you want to share, save it for your cover letter! Employers value cover letters that describe your motivations for teaching abroad and why you’re excited about teaching in South Korea. Pairing a solid one-page resume with a thoughtful cover letter is a winning combination!

4. Include All Teaching-Related Experience

If you’ve taught before (great!) But don’t stress if you haven’t! Any experience working with kids or young adults is important to add to your resume. Whether it’s tutoring, babysitting, coaching or even volunteer work. Recruiters want to see that you’ve spent time guiding or educating others, even if it’s not in a traditional classroom setting. However, it’s not a requirement so don’t stress if this is all new to you!

5. Make It Easy to Read

A clean and easy to read resume will make it easier for recruiters to see how great of a candidate you are! We can’t say this enough: use concise bullet points for each experience to outline key achievements and responsibilities. Make sure to avoid creating dense blocks of text that are chunky and hard to read. Keep margins and spacing neat and use bold headings to guide the reader’s eye through the document.

Bonus Tips

Double Check Your Contact Info: Applicants forget to include their phone number or email, and without that, we can’t get in touch with you. Seriously, it happens more often than you think! Double check everything before you hit send!

Show Off Your Hard Skills: Make sure to highlight skills that are useful for teaching. Think technology, public speaking, classroom management or even writing and communication skills. These show you’re ready to handle a classroom and connect with students effectively.

Highlight Your Soft Skills: Teaching is as much about connecting with students as it is about lessons. Be sure to highlight soft skills like communication, patience, adaptability and problem-solving. These are crucial both for teaching and for adjusting to a new culture!

Avoid Grammatical Errors: You are applying to be an English teacher! Grammatical errors on your resume can be a cause for concern. Microsoft Word is great at spell check, but it can also make mistakes. Read through your resume a few times before finalizing it. Bonus if you can have a friend or family member review your resume as well!

By following these tips, you’ll write the perfect resume that highlights your best qualifications, makes a strong impression and brings you closer to teaching in South Korea. Good luck! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out, we’re here to help!

Bethany Coquelle, Overseas Recruiter

Bethany, growing up and living in both the east and west coasts of Canada, serves as an Overseas Recruiter specializing in South Korea placements since 2017! With a multicultural family and a passion for cultural exchange, she understands the transformative power of connecting people from diverse backgrounds. Inspired by the impact teachers can have on students’ lives, Bethany is dedicated to linking educators with their ideal positions abroad. Whether guiding through the intricacies of teaching in South Korea or providing a compassionate ear, she is committed to supporting your educational journey.

18 Sep

RelocationTravelBy aclipse

Flying From America To Korea

The Big Move!

After months of anticipation, the day finally came for my big move to Seoul. My flight departed Richmond airport at 7am on Thursday, August 8th. The night before, I spent 3 hours with my family figuring out which of my clothes to bring to Korea. That moment was so bittersweet, but here I go: I’m flying to Korea!

Saying “See you later!” to the people you care about most can be really hard, but I try to remind myself that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I won’t regret. After saying a slightly tearful goodbye the morning of my flight, I completed my luggage drop off at the Delta kiosk and handed off my checked bags.

TIP: Make sure to check-in for your flight on the airline app BEFORE you are there. You can choose how many bags you’re checking, skip the check-in line by using a kiosk, and select what seat you want. It will make your life so much easier!

The Layover

I arrived at the Atlanta airport around 9am and my layover was only an hour. Not only was my flight to Incheon across the airport (Atlanta is HUGE), my flight from Richmond landed 20 minutes late! Needless to say, I sprinted through the airport and hopped on the plane train as soon as I could.

I made my flight with 15 minutes to spare. This was my first long haul flight and I made sure to pack my personal item bag with all of my essentials (toothbrush, blanket, pillow, eye mask, headphones, etc.)

TIP: Make sure to have easy access to a map of the airport where your layover is to reduce stress! Flights are delayed all the time, and the second leg of your flight is not going to wait for you.

The Main Flight

Our flight finally took off at 10am and within the first hour we received our first meal. I chose the spicy pork rice bowl and it tasted delicious! Unfortunately that was our only full meal on the 14-hour flight. Our other meals consisted of different types of pastries and yogurt. Check out all of the food I ate on my flight here!

The rest of my flight consisted of watching my current hyper-fixation show (“From Me to You: Kimi ni Todoke“) and sleeping A LOT.

TIP: Make sure to DOWNLOAD whatever entertainment you wish to watch on your device. Most international flights you need to pay for wifi, and the wifi will not last the whole flight. I downloaded 2 whole seasons of my show and had a couple episodes to spare.

Arrival

I landed at Incheon airport around 3pm the following day. The first thing that you will do once deboarding the plane is go through Korean customs. We were all given an arrival card to fill out. There are English instructions on the back of the card. Make sure to fill this card out BEFORE you enter the customs line.

Once I filled out my card I entered the customs line with my visa and passport in hand. From there it’s pretty simple: the worker calls you, you give your fingerprints, they sticker your passport, and then you are done!

Baggage claim is also very straightforward. There will be screens telling you which flight’s luggage is at each baggage claim. When in doubt, look for the other people from your flight and where they are standing.

Once I grabbed my luggage, I went straight to the currency exchange counter to exchange my American cash for Korean won.

TIP: BRING CASH! It is so much easier to exchange physical currency at the airport instead of trying to find an ATM.

After getting my cash, I used my “Klook” app to activate the eSIM that I purchased before my flight. Once I received my Korean number, I was able to create a Kakao Taxi account and call a taxi to my hotel. The airport will also have taxi services, but make sure to not get in a black taxi. They are super expensive!

The ride to my hotel was a little over an hour. Once I arrived, I immediately showered, unpacked my bags, and breathed a sigh of relief. I’m finally in Korea!

Gabe White, Marketing Assistant

12 Sep

LifestyleBy aclipse

Foreigner-friendly Hair Salons In Korea

I’ll be honest: After I moved to Korea, I waited way too long to get a haircut. Despite Korea being relatively easy to navigate without knowing Korean, I was worried about needing to use translating apps or being misunderstood in English at a hair salon. I think this fear was understandable. No one wants a bad haircut. When I finally got around to getting my hair cut this past week, I realized all my fears about Korean hair salons were completely silly. I got the exact cut I needed, and now I regret not going sooner!

There are tons of places in Korea you can go to get your hair cut and styled. Just don’t be like me and put it off. You have nothing to be afraid of. Here’s some important info to set your mind at ease before you make an appointment!

Prices

In general, Korean prices for hair care are relatively affordable. A basic cut for a woman (including a basic scalp treatment or massage) is about 40,000 won. At a decent salon, men’s cuts are usually between 15,000 and 25,000 won. Not bad! Also, it’s important to note that you NEVER HAVE TO TIP for a hair appointment in Korea, even if you’re getting an expensive treatment. This is huge!

Language Barrier

While most salons will understand basic English, the best way to ensure that you get exactly what you want is to bring a picture! That way there’s no confusion! Here are a couple of popular salons that are English-friendly, including the one I went to!

Some Recommendations

Suin’s Hair Salon

This is the place I chose, and I would definitely recommend it! I was able to book an appointment online in English. When I got there, I was able to communicate easily and got the exact cut I wanted. Everyone who helped me was friendly and professional!

Juno Hair

Juno Hair is very popular for foreigners because it is an English-friendly salon with locations across Korea. There’s actually one right across from my academy, which is another reason I can’t believe I waited so long to get a haircut. A friend of mine goes to Juno Hair and loves it!

Evanstyle

Let’s not forget about the men! While Juno Hair and Suin’s Hair Salon both cut men’s hair, Evanstyle specializes in men’s hair cuts, and they have English-speaking barbers. They have two locations in popular areas in Seoul.

Wherever you choose to go, you’ll be in good hands. Here’s an article written by 10 Magazine that list some more options for hair salons in Korea that can meet your needs!

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.

06 Sep

CareerDevelopmentTeachingBy aclipse

Top 5 Reasons I Love Working At Chungdahm Institute

#5: The Compensation

While interviewing for teaching jobs in Korea, I found that Chungdahm Institute offered the most competitive compensation. They also provide airfare reimbursement and a housing stipend. This financial support helped make the transition smoother and allowed me to start paying off my student loans. I was even able to enjoy traveling across South East Asia during my time off! This is something I had never been able to afford while living in Canada.

#4: The Support

From the hiring process to teaching in the classroom, Chungdahm Institute has provided great support. The training week was key to help me get started. The standardized curriculum also made the adjustment smooth, and pretty easy to adjust to. I even received lots of support from the Korean administrators for things like immigration appointments, banking, and finding my apartment. Over the past few years, the Company has remained a safe and supportive workplace for me. I’ve been able to focus solely on teaching without a lot of the administrative burdens.

#3: The Coworkers

I’ve gotten to meet amazing people from around the world, and form lifelong friendships. Working alongside such diverse and talented people has definitely been one of the most rewarding aspects of working at Chungdahm Institute. Whether it’s collaborating on lesson plans, enjoying holidays together, or simply sharing a beer after class, the camaraderie among coworkers has been amazing. Now I have friends from all different countries which has made my travel opportunities that much sweeter!

#2: Career Opportunities

One thing I did not expect when I started my journey was the upward mobility and career opportunities. I’ve been promoted to leadership roles like a team manager and was able to become a certified teacher trainer as well. In my personal experience, the sky is truly the limit while working for Chungdahm Institute. Their focus on professional development makes it an especially great place for those looking to build a long-term career in education.

#1: The Kids!

At the end of the day, it’s the students who make every day worth it. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and growth reminds me daily why I chose to be a teacher at Chungdahm Institute. Watching my kids develop, not just academically, but as individuals has brought me so much joy. Their energy keeps me motivated to continually improve as a teacher and is hands down the best part of being a Chungdahm teacher!

Author: aclipse

What Is An E-2 Visa?

The Main Steps

Step 1: Visa Issuance Number (VIN) Application (Korean Immigration)

Step 2: Visa Grant Notice Application (Korean Consulate)

Step 3: Alien Registration Card Application (In Korea)

Important Tips

1. Cafe Hopping

2. Hiking

3. Catching A Baseball Game

4. Traditional Korean Pub

5. Picnic By The Han River

Beauty, Adventure, Convenience

How To Get A Bike

4 Rivers Bike Path

Commuting Convenience

Dance, Dance, Dance

Signing Up

Getting Down

The Korean Medical System

Initial Medical Testing

Doctor Visits

Pharmacies

Survive And Thrive!

Prep and Print

Ask Questions!

Practice Out Loud

Embrace a Growth Mindset

Recharge and Refuel

Writing A Resume For Teaching, Specifically

1. Avoid Generic or Too Detailed Templates

2. Highlight Your Education First

3. One Paged Resume and Cover Letter

4. Include All Teaching-Related Experience

5. Make It Easy to Read

Bonus Tips

The Big Move!

The Layover

The Main Flight

Arrival

Prices

Language Barrier

Some Recommendations

#5: The Compensation

#4: The Support

#3: The Coworkers

#2: Career Opportunities

#1: The Kids!

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