Category: Career

Why I’m Teaching In Korea A Second Time

My First Contract: Taking A Big Leap

When teaching English in Korea for the first time, it was in the midst of covid. Not only was I relocating to a new country, I barely spoke the language and never taught before. Couple all of that with the pandemic, and you’ve got a really stressed out human! Now, even though I knew what to expect from the curriculum, I had absolutely no experience working with kids. That fact, in and of itself, is daunting since student management was so not in my area of expertise. 

 

An English teacher posing in front of a statue in Korea

How It Turned Out

But all of my fears were put to rest once I actually got into the classroom and started teaching. My branch’s staff, my HI (Head Instructor), and other fellow teachers were a really great support system. I learned so much in my first term teaching and that really helped me as each new term continued. Seeing my students became the best part of my day. They were always so happy to be in class and came in ready to learn. I’m not saying that there weren’t any students who didn’t want to be there, but that was rarity.

 

Why I'm Heading Back

When I finished up my teaching contract, I decided to return to the U.S. to get my teaching license. I wanted to be a better educator for my students, and I knew the best way to do that was to get my license. I didn’t know at the time if I would return to Korea, but as I was moving through my program, it became clear that I did, in fact, want to return. I realized that my time wasn’t done in Korea and there was still so much I wanted to do. I didn’t travel much last time I was there so I’m making it a point to get out more this time around.

Also, I happened to meet my best friend while working at my last branch so that was a major motivator to come back as well. And finally, and most importantly, I want to be an English teacher again. The work can be hard sometimes, but it makes it worth it to see your students succeed and thrive. And the students actually respect you as their educator, which is a vastly different experience compared to teaching in the U.S. these days.

 

I’m really excited to be teaching English in Korea again next year. The memories I have from when I was there still continue to bring me so much joy, and I can’t wait to create new ones this time around!

An English teacher posing with a peace sign

Taylor Brasseur, April English Teacher

Once Taylor completed her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, she left Tennessee to pursue a new journey in Korea as an English teacher. After a wonderful year of teaching overseas, Taylor returned back to the United States to earn her teaching licensure in Elementary Education. Expecting to be a licensed teacher by January, Taylor will return to Korea next year to resume teaching English with CDI!

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.

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!

 

English teacher, Michelle Duquette at Chungdahm Learning

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.

Career Paths After Teaching In Korea

Life After Teaching

One of the most exciting parts of working abroad as an ESL teacher is that the career possibilities feel endless. While some have a life-long passion for teaching, others might be curious about how to take their teaching experience and turn it into something new. Here are some of the top career paths that are perfect to branch off from ESL teaching.

 

Educational Consultant

An educational consultant works with schools and students to streamline their educational goals. This career is an easy way to stay within the educational space without necessarily focusing on ESL or the day-to-day realities of teaching. This is a perfect career for anyone passionate about curriculum, student advocacy, and big picture thinking.

 

Study Abroad Coordinator

Study abroad coordinators help students interested in continuing their education abroad. This involves everything from student outreach to supporting students at home and in their host country. My study abroad coordinator in college got to split his time between my college town and England. Sounds pretty chic to me! If you love life abroad but are ready to spend more time back in your home country, this is a great next career move.

 

Interpreter

Living in a foreign country is a great opportunity to learn a second language! If you’re able to fine-tune this skill, an interpreter might be your next career move. Interpreters work in various industries from business to tourism and entertainment! Regardless of if you choose to pursue a career as an interpreter or not, any level of language skills is impressive on a resume!

 

An English teacher who is now a live interpreter

Immigration Advocacy

Immigrant advocates support immigrants as they get settled in their new country. This advocacy can function in a myriad of ways: legal services, social services, translating services, etc. Anecdotally, I can tell you it’s really difficult to live abroad and not experience a higher level of empathy for immigrants globally. Advocating for immigrants back in your home country might be the perfect way to marry your past work experience with all that you’ve learned while living abroad!

 

Small Business Owner

When I obtained my TEFL certification, one of my instructors was a small business owner. She took her passion for ESL education and her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own business teaching ESL. If you love teaching and want to be your own boss, this might be the right fit for you! If it’s not ESL, it might be education consulting, writing & editing services, or tourism marketing.

 

Curriculum Developer

Maybe you’ve realized you have a passion for education but have no interest in spending all day with kids. A great next step is to become a curriculum developer. In this job, curriculum developers take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to create instructional materials for teachers. This job is perfect for people who are creative, strategic, and no longer want to be teaching day-in and day-out!

 

One thing life in Korea has taught me is that anything is possible if you’re willing to work hard for it!

English teacher standing in front of a mountain and Han River in South Korea

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.

Teaching English With Aclipse: Hiring Process

The Dreaded Job Hunt

The job market is a grueling place. I had been job hunting for 3 months until one day, I found a job posting on Indeed about teaching English in Korea. The company was called “Aclipse” and I was immediately intrigued by the post. While teaching was one of my original career goals in high school and college, I began to give up on that dream once I joined the workforce. Stability in corporate America started to sound much more appealing than uprooting my life to South Korea to teach English.

 

I applied anyway even though I had some hesitations. Within a couple of days, I received an email to schedule an interview with an Aclipse recruiter. The email detailed how to schedule the call and some of the benefits that Aclipse provides to teach English in Korea. As I mentioned before, I had been job searching for quite some time. Coming off of month-long waiting periods with no responses from other companies, I was pleasantly surprised by the swift response that Aclipse provided.

Interview & Mock Lesson

When the day came for my interview, I was nervous and excited at the same time. I had no idea what to expect. Once I entered the call and introduced myself, Nico (my recruiter) created a super welcoming and judgment-free space. I felt comfortable to ask any questions I had about teaching English, and felt relaxed during the interview.

Aside from being a place for you to ask questions, the interview is also a place where the Aclipse recruiter can see if this role will be a great fit for you. Nico did this by conducting a mock English lesson. Although I had previous experience working with non-English speakers in university, I was still nervous to act out a scenario on-the-spot. The scene was set, I was given time to collect my thoughts, and we began our English teaching lesson scenario.

 

Doing the mock lesson was a little awkward at first, but went super well! It gave me a sense of how lesson structures are formulated, and it gave the recruiter a sense of how I would be as an instructor. Once we were done with the mock lesson, Nico gave me the green light that I had passed the interview!

 

Nico who is a recruiter at Aclipse to teach English in Korea
Aclipse Recruiter, Nico S.

Shortly after my screening call, I received an email regarding the next steps for the hiring process to begin teaching English in Korea.

  • These steps included: creating an introduction video, filling out important documents, requesting a school placement, and filing instructions for receiving a visa.
    • These important documents included: FBI fingerprint background checks, signed health statement forms, and scanned files of legal documents. 

This process seemed a bit daunting at first, but Nico helped me every step of the way. By sending me tutorials and examples of each required piece, I was able to complete all of these requirements by the end of that week. 

I received my school placement, employment contract, and saw the Embassy of South Korea all within a month of completing the steps listed above. This all happened in the blink of an eye!

 

Employment contract for a candidate to teach English in South Korea

There are many small details that can be overlooked throughout this process. My best piece of advice would be to NOT procrastinate on submitting what is required and consistently messaging your recruiter with updates, even if they seem small. 

I have officially signed my contract and am set to move in August 2024 to begin teaching English. Aclipse has helped me every step of the way and turned an extensive process into a smooth operation.

English Teacher in Korea, Gabriel Hall

Gabe White, English Teacher at Creverse

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. 

Top 5 Reasons To Teach At April Institute

What Is April English?

April Institute’s program philosophy is based on creativity and art. It helps students use active imagination, artistic sensibility and expression to study creative thinking and problem solving. The program helps students develop cross-curricular knowledge based on a variety of topics preselected from textbooks used in Korean, American, Japanese and Chinese school curriculums. That’s the official description. Here’s the top 5 reasons why I’m so happy to be working at an April Institute branch. 

 

1. Working Hours

As a certified night owl, I love that my work hours at April Institute are from around noon to 8 p.m. It lets me stay up as late as I want and still get a good night’s rest. Plus, when I need to run errands, I have plenty of time before work to get things done. I can go to the bank, buy groceries, and get brunch with friends all before clocking in to work! I also am never commuting to and from work during peak rush hours, which means less people on the buses and subway. Finally, while my work hours are from noon to 8 p.m., I only end up teaching less than 5 hours a day!

 

2. The Curriculum

All curriculum and lesson plans are the same across April Institute locations, which means I can focus on classroom management, grading, and having fun with my students over the course of my work day. While I’m completely happy with my current branch and Seoul, it also means in theory if I wanted to move to another city in Korea, the learning curve at another branch wouldn’t be very steep! As a first time teacher, the knowledge that I wouldn’t have to extensively lesson plan was a huge comfort when I made the decision to move abroad.

 

3. Student Age Range

The age range of my students at April Institute is from around six to 11 years old, and they are overwhelmingly smart, funny, and kind. Of course, like with any job, there are challenges, but I can sincerely say that I love getting to spend my days talking with these kids. They make me laugh every single day. The fact that I get to help these kids create a foundation for success is really special to me.

 

4. Co-Teacher System

At April Institute, every class you’ll teach has a Korean co-teacher. For me, this means I teach the first half of the class, then my Korean co-teacher teaches the second half. Here are a few of the advantages to this method of schooling: First, my co-teachers have been incredibly helpful when it comes to navigating the nuances of living and teaching in a new culture. Second, we share the responsibility of teaching! Especially as a first time teacher, the knowledge that I have a fellow teacher helping me guide these students has been so comforting. Third, built in friends! One of my dearest friends here in Korea was originally my co-teacher. I’ve asked her for all kinds of advice, attended her wedding, and gone on day trips from Seoul with her when we’re not teaching!

 

5. The Community

From my fellow expat coworkers to my Korean co-teachers and students, April Institute is my community here in Korea. I’m so grateful for a workplace that feels like a home away from home.

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. 

Should I Get A TEFL Certificate To Teach In Korea?

Teaching In Korea

As you begin exploring opportunities to teach in a South Korea, you may have come across the term TEFL in all of your research. In this post, we will discuss what a TEFL certificate is, the benefits of getting a TEFL certificate and whether it is necessary to have one to teach English in South Korea!

 

What is a TEFL Certificate?

TEFL, which stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, is a certificate that will provide you with the tools to become a successful English teacher! During the course, you’ll explore topics such as:

 

  • Supporting English language learners
  • Creating dynamic lesson plans
  • Managing classroom interactions
  • Evaluating language abilities
  • Enhancing teaching methods

What are the Benefits of Having a TEFL Certificate?

If you are thinking about teaching in South Korea, getting a TEFL certificate is a great idea!

It provides you with the skills and knowledge to help your students with their language acquisition. You will walk away from the course feeling more confident in your abilities as a teacher and you will be inspired to test out your newly learned skills in real-time!

 

Additionally, earning a TEFL certificate helps your resume stand out in a sea of applications! It shows your dedication to professional growth which is something that employers in South Korea greatly appreciate. Regardless of whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced teacher looking for new opportunities, it can be extremely valuable and will help set you up for success!

 

How Much Does a TEFL Certificate Cost?

The price of getting a TEFL certificate can differ significantly based on various factors: such as the length of the course, the accreditation of the course and if the certificate is online or in person.

In general, you can anticipate spending anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on a TEFL certificate program. Online courses are usually more cost-effective, while in-person courses may have higher fees due to extra expenses like facilities rentals and classroom materials. Keep an eye out for discounted certificates on platforms such as Groupon, etc – just make sure that they are from a trustworthy organization!!  

 

Do I Need a TEFL To Teach in South Korea?

A TEFL certificate is not a requirement to teach in South Korea! Although, it is highly recommended and will help you feel better prepared before you make the move to teach abroad.

Our Top Pick: The TEFL Academy

There are a lot of different TEFL certifications available, but we highly suggest The TEFL Academy. Known for its in depth courses and internationally recognized certification, The TEFL Academy effectively prepares teachers for success in their classroom!

 

In summary, obtaining a TEFL is great for advancing your teaching career and it is a useful tool for preparing yourself to teach English language learners! With a TEFL certificate, you are not just getting a qualification… you are opening up opportunities to explore new cultures, experiences and career paths!

Bethany Coquelle, 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.

Types Of English Teaching Jobs In Korea

English Education In South Korea

Considering how largely education is valued in South Korea, it comes with no surprise that it’s become a central hub for many current and aspiring educators. There are many different types of English teaching jobs in Korea. Below are a few pros and cons to consider when thinking about teaching in the peninsula.

 

Public Schools

A native English language teacher in a classroom for EPIK

Pro:

The English Program in Korea (also known as EPIK) is the best way to get your foot into Korea’s public school system. EPIK offers some flexibility regarding curriculum and teaching methods, as they typically cater to bigger class sizes. 

Con:

There’s some limitations regarding location preferences—one could end up in a very rural area. It’s common for one instructor to be assigned to each school so there will likely not be any foreign colleagues. Also, the pay may be less competitive—as pay caps within the public school system are precisely set.

 

Private Academies (Hagwons)

Pro:

For those preferring a more lucrative salary, hagwons or private academies might be the better route—as private academies tend to have more structured curriculums that allow educators to engage closely with students or on a more individualized level. The plus side of working in the afternoons frees up time in the morning for personal activities.

Con:

As hagwons are prominent nationwide, different reputations may vary—especially within the small, privately owned academies.

 

A group of English language teachers posing with awards in South Korea

International Schools

Pro:

International schools cater to a diverse student body including both local and expatriate learners. There might be some reassurance with the familiarities of teaching a Western curriculum.

Con:

Since they follow international curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), international schools only hire certified teachers.

 

Universities

Pro:

For those with a masters or a doctorate, teaching positions at universities might be an option. These roles often involve conducting specific research topics alongside teaching responsibilities. It is a combination of contributing to the academic community while enjoying a higher level of autonomy in the classroom.

Con:

University positions tend to be extremely competitive—many require, at the very least, a master’s degree in a specialized field.

 

South Korea’s vibrant education landscape offers a multitude of teaching positions to suit various preferences and skill sets. Whether you’re drawn to the flexibility of public schools, the structure of hagwons, the global environment of international schools, or the academic rigor of universities, there’s a teaching role in South Korea waiting to be embraced. If you want help navigating the different types of teaching jobs in Korea, apply to Aclipse now!

Joe Achacoso first embarked on his ESL journey in 2010 to satiate his longing desire for travel. An opportunity intended to be a 1-year contract turned into a 10-year tenure—as an English teacher, faculty manager, instructor trainer and curriculum developer. His adventures in global education continued with a master’s, and it came full circle when he joined Aclipse’s recruiting team—hoping to help the like-minded achieve the same transformative experience!

My First Two Weeks Teaching English In Korea

Teaching English In Korea

Leading up to my big move across the world, I was beyond nervous. I had a lot of doubts, fears, and uncertainty. As someone who loves adventure while simultaneously struggles with facing the unknown, I felt like I was about to leap into a big, dark pit. Let me tell you about my first two weeks teaching English in Korea.

Landing In Busan, South Korea

As soon as I landed in Busan, South Korea, some of my fears started to melt away one by one. I’m extremely thankful for Aclipse and staff at my branch who helped me make this move more seamless. A couple of foreign teachers from my branch met me at the Busan airport and took me to my new apartment. They helped me get settled and eased some of my anxiety. 

View of the Ocean with the City of Busan, South Korea in the background.

Having lived in Busan for a month earlier in the year, I was somewhat familiar with life in Korea, but having just made such a big move, it was very comforting having such kind people welcome me with open arms. The Korean staff at my branch were also a huge help, and took me to apply for my Alien Registration Card and get my required health check. They’re such kind people that really care about the wellbeing of their teachers.

 

Training Week

I arrived in Busan on a Saturday, so I had that Sunday to settle in before I had to begin training week. Luckily, I was able to complete training online from the comfort of my apartment, which allowed me to continue to get settled. Training week was quite intense, as we had to retain a lot of information in such a short time. However, the other trainees in my group were all so nice, and we all benefited a lot from our group study sessions together. Although challenging, I do feel like training week definitely helped me get familiar with the methodology of how to teach April classes.

Getting Out And About

My first full weekend in Busan after training week allowed me to explore a bit more of my area. I’m a big nature lover, so scoping out some peaceful places to recharge was a priority for me. Busan’s winters are fairly mild, so despite arriving in mid November, I’ve been able to get outside some on the weekends. I love spending time at beaches here, and exploring the nearby parks like Busan Citizens Park

 

People walking in Busan Citizens Park in South Korea with a pagoda in the background.

Officially Teaching In The Classroom

I began teaching at the start of my second week in South Korea. I was definitely nervous at first, as that was my first time teaching English as a foreign language. I really cared about doing a good job, and with the combination of meeting all my students, remembering the methodology of the lessons, and managing the behavior in the classroom, I felt a bit overwhelmed. Luckily, I have a very kind headteacher who really helped make sure I was on the right track, keeping up with the admin work, and answered all my questions. 

After a full week of teaching, I definitely started to understand the structure and flow of my lessons more. My students started getting more comfortable with me as well! I have 90 students a week, and by my second week of teaching, I surprised myself by learning a good majority of their names!

 

A Wonderful Journey

Looking back on my first two weeks teaching English in Korea, I feel quite proud of my ability to deal with change and roll with the punches. I’ve been living here for almost 3 months now, and while I still face challenges, things continue to get more familiar and comfortable. I’ve joined a language exchange program that has led to many great friendships. I’ve eaten lots of great food, spent time in beautiful cafes, and seen only a small fraction of the beauty Korea has to offer! 

Taking on such a big life change always comes with its fair share of ups and downs. Remembering to find small joys every day and finding home in myself has been extremely important to my journey so far. I’m excited to see how I continue to grow this year and grateful I have this opportunity of a lifetime!

 

A group of English teachers and Korean staff at a dinner after classes are over.

Springtime in Korea is full of vibrant experiences for you to enjoy while teaching and living in Korea. I encourage you to embrace the beauty of the season and create unforgettable memories that will last you a lifetime! (Below is a great VLOG done by an April English teacher at Creverse! It’s not me, but hope it helps you get a better feel for what’s to come! )

 

What It Takes To Teach English In Korea

Teaching English In Korea

Teaching English in Korea is personally and professionally rewarding. If you are considering applying for a position you’ll need to demonstrate you have what it takes to be a successful ESL teacher. Here are some characteristics and qualifications that are sought after and can help you succeed as an English teacher with Creverse Inc.

 

A Native English teacher in a classroom with Korean middle school students in South Korea

English Language Proficiency

Clear communication and superior English skills are vital for teaching. You must be able to explain concepts in a way that is easily understood and caters to the language ability of your students. Being comfortable and confident in your role as a language model is also necessary to earn the students’ trust and respect.

 

Enthusiastic & Passionate

Students learn best and succeed when their teachers are passionate and enthusiastic. A positive and energetic demeanor helps to motivate and inspire students. Effective teachers are friendly, yet firm; connect well with students, cater to their needs and interests making lessons relevant, relatable and fun.

 

Professional

Teachers need to be punctual, responsible, and committed to providing high level instruction. Demonstrating a strong work ethic is important in any professional setting. Teachers should be open to accepting and implementing constructive feedback and strive to be the best teacher possible.

 

Team Player

Teachers work in collaboration with each other and Korean staff. Being supportive and contributing positively to the workplace is highly valued. Your colleagues are your initial support group and social network…and will be excited to show you the ropes. Establishing a positive rapport from your arrival goes a long way in making the experience mutually beneficial.

 

Adaptable & Culturally Sensitive

Adapting to new environments, teaching methods, and cultural norms is essential. Understanding and respecting Korean culture is integral to adjusting well. Being open-minded and flexible will help you integrate into the local community and work effectively with students and colleagues. It’s important to consider strategies that will help you to have a positive year living and teaching in Korea.

 

Teaching Certification/Experience:

While not required, a CELTA certification will earn you a higher salary. Completing a TEFL or TESOL course may help you feel more prepared and confident in the English teacher role. While formal teaching experience is also not required, those with full-time classroom experience will benefit with a higher salary offer.

 

Visa Requirements

A sample alien registration card required for all foreigners in Korea

Ensure that you meet the requirements to work in Korea. This includes obtaining the necessary documents for a visa and fulfilling immigration requirements. To be eligible you must have at least the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree – any major, however, English and Education majors are highly valued.
  • Background check – with no charges, dismissed or otherwise

Have you got what it takes? Take the next step and submit your resume to find out!!

Colette Neville 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!