16 Nov
Imagine a classroom filled with curious young minds, eager to explore the world of English. As an i-Garten teacher, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of early language learning. i-Garten, a flagship program of Creverse, is dedicated to helping children aged 5–7 build a strong foundation in English. In this post, I’ll share my experiences of building meaningful connections with my students and colleagues, and give you a glimpse into my daily routine as an i-Garten teacher.
Building Connections: A Supportive Community
One of the things that makes i-Garten special is its strong sense of community. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by both the staff and my fellow teachers.
A highlight of my experience has been connecting with other new teachers. When I arrived in Korea, I joined four others who were also starting at i-Garten. We bonded quickly through shared experiences and mutual support. The school made this easier by organizing early meet-and-greets, shopping trips, and group outings- all of which helped us settle into life in Korea.
One of my favorite memories is a night out with my new friends at a pocha, a traditional Korean bar with snacks and drinks. We laughed, played games, and even met other i-Garten and Chungdahm teachers. The night ended at a noraebang (karaoke room), where we sang our hearts out until late. These moments helped us form friendships that now feel like family.
Beyond onboarding, I-Garten continues to nurture this sense of belonging through regular social events and team-building activities. These opportunities have helped me form lasting friendships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, fostering a culture of collaboration and support.
The management team also contributes greatly by encouraging open communication and regular feedback meetings, which make teamwork and problem-solving both effective and enjoyable.
In short, I-Garten’s supportive community has made my teaching experience truly exceptional. The opportunities for both professional and personal growth have been enriching and rewarding.
Teaching Methodology and Curriculum
The i-Garten curriculum, developed by Creverse, uses interactive materials that make learning fun and effective. My class uses the i-Spring workbook, which focuses on phonics, helping students recognize letters, sounds, and early reading and writing skills. The lessons are creative, hands-on, and designed to spark curiosity.
Morning Routine
I usually arrive between 8:30 and 8:40 a.m. to prepare the classroom — setting up desks, turning on the air purifier, arranging shoes, and reviewing the lesson plan. Teachers must clock in by 8:55 a.m., but I like getting an early start since some children arrive before class begins.
As the students arrive, I help them unpack, collect their workbooks, and get ready for the day. Just before the first bell, we review weekly expressions — four short phrases related to topics like safety, space, or social skills. It’s a great way to ease into learning mode!
Daily Teaching Schedule
Each i-Garten teacher is assigned one homeroom class for most of the day. I teach six 35-minute lessons, with short breaks in between and a one-hour lunch period after the first four classes.
During lunch, teachers eat with the students — half the time is for eating and cleaning up, and the other half is for fun activities like movie time, coloring, or “Reading Buddies.” In Reading Buddies, 7-year-olds read to 5-year-olds, helping build confidence and connection between age groups.
I work closely with a Korean co-teacher, who helps with classroom management and provides language support when needed. This partnership allows us to balance academic instruction with emotional and behavioral support.
After-School Program and Prep Time
Once the 5-year-olds leave at 2:20 p.m., I teach an after-school program called Little Honors for 8-year-olds. This class runs until around 4:00 or 4:30 p.m.
Afterward, I have prep time until 5:30 p.m., which I use to plan lessons, print worksheets, and prepare materials for the next day. This time helps keep lessons organized and engaging for my students.
After Work Hours: Exploring Life in Korea
After school, I love exploring the city, shopping, and trying new foods with friends. Living in Korea has been an amazing adventure!
I often visit the park by the river near my apartment to relax, or stop by Olive Young for skincare shopping — one of my favorite Korean pastimes. Korea’s mix of culture, fashion, and food makes every day exciting.
Some of my favorite dishes so far are Cheese Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) — though there are still plenty more to try!
Why i-Garten Is Worth It
My time at i-Garten has been transformative. From building strong connections with my students and colleagues to discovering life in Korea, this experience has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
If you’re considering teaching English abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend i-Garten. The supportive community, structured curriculum, and opportunities to make a real impact on young learners make it a truly special place to work.
It’s an experience I’ll cherish for years to come.
Want more? Here’s a video introduction of the i-Garten program!
Hope Zucco, i-Garten Teacher
Hope is a graphic designer turned English teacher who traded the quiet life of small-town Baldwinsville, New York for the vibrant culture of South Korea. With a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing, she embarked on a new adventure to teach English in 2024. Her lifelong passion for languages and fascination with Korean culture led her to this exciting opportunity. Since her arrival in South Korea, Hope has not only formed strong bonds with her students and colleagues but has also deepened her love for language learning. Her experiences as an English teacher have inspired her to continue exploring new cultures and languages.