Development Archives

Category: Development

10 Dec

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.

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!

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.

English teacher at Chungdahm Learning posing with students

Michelle Duquette, Trainer

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.

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!

English teacher, Michelle Duquette at Chungdahm Learning

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

08 Aug

CareerDevelopmentBy aclipse

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!

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.

18 Dec

CareerDevelopmentRelocationTeachingBy aclipse

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.

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

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!