Teaching Archives

Category: Teaching

06 Sep

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.

21 Jun

CareerTeachingBy aclipse

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.

09 May

LifestyleRelocationTeachingBy aclipse

My First Weeks Teaching In Korea

Moving to a new country always comes with a mix of excitement and challenges. Teaching in Korea has brought on a whirlwind of new experiences and surprises that has made this one of the best choices I have ever made! Here’s what it’s been like so far living in Korea and teaching at April English in Cheonan, South Korea.

Convenience Is King

One of the things that I noticed within my first week of living and teaching in Korea is the proximity of everything. Hailing from the Toronto area, I’m accustomed to relying on a car for even the most basic errands. Here in Korea, you will be surprised to find that most things (if not everything) you could possibly need is within walking distance. Before I moved to Korea I was really stressed out because I needed a haircut before my flight, but it was too late to book one. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to find a good salon close by, since I knew I wouldn’t have a car in Korea.

I quickly realized it was a complete non-issue! There’s probably 5 hair salons within a 15-minute walk from my apartment. Everywhere I walk I see cozy cafes, and endless restaurants. There is also a convenience store on every corner of my street. So anytime I’m relaxing and watching some Netflix, I can just quickly run down to the convenience store to grab something if I need a snack or a drink.

Easing In To My Apartment

My apartment came fully furnished, but I still needed to get plates, utensils, cups, bathroom essentials, cleaning supplies etc. Daiso is one of my favorite stores for that. Daiso is the Korean version of the dollar store. It has basically everything you could ever need or want for less than $5. On top of that, everything is so stylish and trendy, and the quality is amazing. You would never even guess that everything in my apartment is from the equivalent of a dollar store!

Teaching And Training

Preparing to teach in a foreign country can be daunting, but the training week was a game changer and helped me to seamlessly transition into the classroom with confidence. When I landed in Korea my training started about 2 days after. The training was for one week. The training covered everything from the lesson plans, classroom management, expectations, and more. My trainer was super friendly and very helpful to me throughout my training week.

The Little Things

One of the first things I tried when I got to Korea was pizza at a Korean chain called “Mr. Pizza.” It is definitely a new experience as Korean-style pizza as it is both a little sweet and extremely cheesy. I was also surprised to see you could order toppings like shrimp and sweet potato! While most people don’t move half way around the world to try Korean-style pizza, it was really fun to just experience something I never knew even existed! I definitely recommend trying it at least once. You can also find popular western chains such as Dominos or Papa Johns if Korean-style pizza isn’t your forte!

Moving to Korea was one of the decisions I ever made. From my bustling neighborhood to the convenience of everything, and the invaluable insights gained through training. Each experience has been a stepping stone towards embracing this new chapter of my life.

Here’s to a year of exploration, learning, and laughter as I navigate the joys of teaching in Korea. I can’t wait to see where my adventure takes me!

Aisha Khan is from Brompton, Ontatio, Canada, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University. She held roles in Account Management and Administration at companies like the the Bank of Montreal, TD Canada Trust, and Air Canada but was looking for a new adventure. She found Aclipse, and decided to take the leap of faith and teach English abroad.

22 Apr

CareerTeachingBy aclipse

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.

02 Apr

HealthLifestyleTeachingBy aclipse

Achieving Work-Life Balance While Teaching In Korea

Tips For Work-Life Balance In Korea

Many people struggle to keep a work-life balance. This is especially true for people who are newer to the teaching field than more experienced teachers. Add on top of that experiencing a new country for the first time, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some tips I’ve learned for how to create a peaceful work-life balance, so you can enjoy your time in Korea to the fullest!

Ask For Help

Initially, my move to Korea was challenging because I didn’t have the same support system I had back home in the States. I knew it would be really important that I made friends and bonded with my coworkers early into my time here. I’m so glad I did because now I have an amazing community to lean on. When I feel overwhelmed with work or in my personal life, asking for help from one of my friends here in Seoul always helps lift the burden. It’s just as rewarding as when I get to return the favor. As someone who is new to teaching, this has been especially true when it comes to asking for help at work.

Set Boundaries

I have really strict boundaries for myself when it comes to work. For example, even if there are still papers to be graded, I never stay late. I also consciously try not to worry about my students or how well I’m teaching them when I’m off the clock. It’s really easy in such a people-oriented job to dwell on these things, but I’ve found having a work-life balance has made me a better teacher. When I’m away from work, I focus on enjoying Korea. When I’m at work, I am focused on my students.

Build A Routine

Without a doubt, the best thing I’ve done for my work-life balance is build a routine. When you live abroad, you experience something new and different nearly every day. Even eight months into living abroad, this holds true. Building healthy, easy habits into my daily life has eliminated a lot of stress and has made it possible for me to enjoy Korea and teaching even more. During the day before work, I always take a walk around my neighborhood and stop into my local coffee shop. The lady working knows my order and starts making it before I’ve even reached the counter.

Whether it’s hitting the gym or becoming a regular at a late night food stall, familiar faces, places, and healthy habits will make it so much easier for you to feel connected to Korea and ready for work.

Set Priorities

As someone who wants to be doing everything all at once, this tip hurts a little bit, which probably means it’s the most important one. Everyone decides to teach in Korea for slightly different reasons. For me, I really wanted to experience a new culture and travel the world, so in my spare time, I’ve prioritized taking language classes and taking day trips from Seoul. Others might move to Korea because they’re passionate about teaching and K-pop. For those people, they might prioritize concerts and take extra work opportunities when they arise to build up their teaching skills. Once you figure out what’s important to you, balancing life in Korea becomes so much easier.

Remember This Is A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity

Another way of saying this is simple: Don’t stress it! It’s hard to explain just how surreal it feels to live and teach in Korea after years of dreading going to work at my desk jobs and secretly dreaming of living abroad. I know one day I’ll likely move on from Korea, but in the meantime, I try to make every second count. That doesn’t always mean going out on an adventure. More often than not, it involves sitting back and feeling grateful for the life I’ve built for myself here in Korea with close friends. If you can manage to do that every once in a while, I promise everything else with work-life balance will fall into place with time!

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 Mar

CareerRelocationTeachingBy aclipse

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

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.

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!

11 Feb

CareerRelocationTeachingBy aclipse

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.

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.

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!

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! )

02 Jan

RelocationTeachingVisaBy aclipse

Timeline To Teach English In South Korea

An Experience of a Lifetime

Are you dreaming of an exciting adventure in South Korea? If so, you might be curious what steps you need to take. Here is an in-depth timeline of the process from submitting your application to landing in South Korea in only a matter of months! Without further adieu, here is the exact timeline to teach English in South Korea.

Month 1: Application & Interview

Day 1: Emma, our excited and adventurous teacher, takes the first step and applies to teach English in January for a start date in May!

Day 3: Then, an Aclipse Recruiter reaches out and they arrange a day and time to speak- either for information purposes or for an interview.

Day 6: After she completes an interview with our Aclipse Recruiter, Emma is now ready for the next steps. The excitement is building!

Day 7: Emma has passed her initial interview with flying colors and submits the application items. Now, she waits to hear back from her Aclipse Recruiter to find out her application results with schools in Korea!
Day 11: Great news! Emma receives the initial offer letter from the school! Her Aclipse Recruiter checks in to congratulate her and to schedule a follow-up call.
Day 13: Then, Emma and her Aclipse Recruiter have a phone call to review any questions on her initial offer and to discuss next steps, which is prepping her documents for the E2 Visa.

Day 14: Emma accepts her offer and signs a Memorandum of Understand (MOU). This is an intermediate agreement before a final contract is signed with a specific location.

Day 15 to 24: In the meantime, she works diligently on gathering her documents for the E2 Visa. Her Aclipse Recruiter checks in to support her and answers any questions that arise.

Day 25: Emma submits the required documents for her E2 visa and her Aclipse Recruiter reviews them for accuracy.

Day 26: To make sure everything’s in line, Emma’s documents are looked over by an Aclipse E-2 documents expert before she mails them to South Korea.

Day 30: Once verified, the Aclipse documents expert ships her documents to HQ in South Korea and Emma receives a confirmation email to let her know. Things are starting to feel extra real now!

Month 2 and 3: Visa & Location Placement

Day 33: In just a couple days, Emma’s documents arrive at headquarters in South Korea.

Day 34 to 49: Meanwhile, Emma is engaged regularly by her Aclipse Recruiter, to start preparing the logistics for her upcoming adventure!

Day 50: The placement process beings and Emma is given a heads up by her Aclipse Recruiter.

Day 57: Emma strikes gold!! She receives her contract in the first week of the placement process! She asks her Aclipse recruiter any questions about the contract and sets up an official welcome call with HQ in South Korea!

Day 60: Emma is excited to speak with HQ and is able to ask any remaining questions that might remain.

Day 64: Now that she feels 100% secure about all the details, she sends her signed contract back to her Aclipse Recruiter.

Day 69: Emma’s E-2 visa documents (along with her signed contract), arrive at Korean Immigration office so they can process a “visa code” to finalize the visa. Processing times usually take between 2 to 4 weeks.

Day 83: Now that everything is being officially processed by Immigration, Emma receives her final pre-departure information from her Aclipse Recruiter and they review together.

Day 84: Meanwhile, Emma’s visa code is ready!

Day 85: She then submits her FINAL E2 Visa application to Korean Immigration and informs her Aclipse Recruiter.

Month 4: Departure & Arrival!

Day 98: Emma’s visa has been put in her passport, and she explores her different flight options!
Day 99: Then, she quickly books her flight and informs her Aclipse Recruiter.

Day 100 – 114: In the weeks leading up to leaving, Emma and her Aclipse Recruiter have a lot of communication. They discuss her arrival and provide details on what will happen when she gets off the plane. Her Aclipse Recruiter sends Emma final reminders and tips for training and settling in, ensuring a smooth transition! Emma feels very prepared for her upcoming teaching adventure.

Day 115: And, finally, Emma arrives in South Korea – she’s done it!

You’ve Made it! You’re in South Korea!

From applying to booking your flight, taking the proper steps to teach English in Korea with Aclipse is quite an adventure in and of itself! Luckily, the countdowns, check-ins, and celebrations with your recruiter make it as stress free and efficient an experience as it can be. You can be rest assured that nothing will be missed and you will land in South Korea as fast as you possibly can. Apply today!

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.

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!

11 Oct

RelocationTeachingBy aclipse

An Inside Look Into Initial Training

The Big Move

Initial training is often the part every English instructor dreads the most. Looking back, this was probably my most stressful experience being here in Korea. Not because of the workload, but because of the nerves that came with moving to a foreign country. I was worried about taking the wrong bus/subway, getting lost, and oversleeping because of jet lag. Thankfully, everything worked out just fine for me & I was able to create some great friendships from this week alone.

Asking For Help!

My training center was located in Dongjak-Gu, which was about a 30-minute commute from my airbnb. My first day of training I managed to hop on three wrong buses. I think I could’ve prevented this, but I am so stubborn when it comes to asking for help. If there is anything you get from this post, it’s that you should ask for help if you are unsure about anything. I eventually made my way to the training center where I met other fellow trainees and our instructor.

Schedule

Training was from 10 am to 5 pm. From 10am-12pm, we were given lessons on how to teach the course materials. The lessons consisted of reading comprehension, listening, and student management. All three subjects play a vital role in my current lessons, so shout out to Charles Hong for being a great patient instructor.

Golden Hour

Lunch was from 12pm-1pm. These breaks allowed us trainees to bond, share information, encourage one another, and talk about our new experiences here in South Korea. It was comforting to know that everyone was just as nervous, scared, and excited as me. We instantly clicked with one another and exchanged socials. We were from all different backgrounds, but the fact that we shared the same dreams and goals in that moment made the moment all the more special.

Mock Training

From 1pm-5pm, trainees utilized this time to practice mocks. Mocks are basically practice runs. They allow us to pretend that we are teaching a classroom full of students. We ran through the lessons just as we were taught and gave each other feedback on how we performed. In all honesty, it was a bit intimidating to mock in front of one another. But, with each run it became easier. We would perform our mocks the following day in front of our instructor Charles. He graded our level of confidence, our ability to comprehend instructions, our ability to keep conversations flowing, our student management skills, etc.. Most of us improved day by day.

Ready to Rock and Roll!

The fifth day was our final mock day. This is where we performed our mocks one last time and were given the green or red flag to proceed with our position at Creverse. Everyone in my group, including myself, passed. In a nutshell, training week will be a very overwhelming week. But, if I did it, so can you. Best of luck!

Amber Ochoa is from Los Angeles, USA, and just recently moved to South Korea in May. She studied Biochemistry as an undergraduate. After graduation, she began venturing out and embracing her love for adventure. She finds that “nothing holds greater power in our life than the unknown.” One night while applying to random jobs on Indeed, she came across an English teaching position in Seoul, Korea. Flash forward, she is now teaching at CDI, Mokdong branch. She claims that Creverse found her and ended up becoming a blessing in disguise. Amber says giving knowledge to students & inspiring them for higher achievements in life is one of the greatest feelings in the world.

Category: Teaching

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