Teach English Abroad
Aclipse – Your Path to Teaching English Abroad and Living Overseas
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Teach English Abroad
Teach and Live Abroad – Explore New Opportunities
Teaching overseas is more than just a job—it’s a chance to experience new cultures, build lifelong connections, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re looking for a short-term adventure or a long-term career, Aclipse offers jobs and programs to teach English abroad, helping you find the perfect opportunity. With support every step of the way, you can focus on what truly matters—teaching, traveling, and embracing life abroad.
Teaching English In Korea - Benefits, Salary & Housing
Teaching English in Korea offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a well-structured work environment, making it one of the best places to teach abroad. Whether you’re looking for a steady income, free housing, or career growth opportunities, South Korea provides a supportive setting for teachers:
- Competitive salary: Starting monthly range of 2.4 – 4.0 Million KRW
- Housing provided; if housing is not provided, you will receive a higher salary
- Paid vacation and national holidays
- 50/50 Contribution to medical and pension (which can be liquidated upon departure)
- Severance pay (1-month salary bonus upon completion of contract)
- Flight reimbursement
- Typical teaching hours 4 pm – 10 pm
- Comprehensive training
- Pre-developed curriculum and lesson plans utilizing smart classroom tools
- Small class size, with an average class of 8-12 students
- Student age groups from grades K to 9
- Teacher community of 10 to 12 (up to 30 at largest centers)
- Opportunities for advancement (local management, corporate HQ positions)
Do You Have To Pay Taxes If You Live Abroad?
Living abroad doesn’t necessarily mean you’re exempt from paying taxes. Most countries have specific rules about taxation for citizens living overseas.
- United States: U.S. citizens and permanent residents must file a tax return regardless of where they live. However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and tax treaties can help reduce tax liability.
- Canada: Canadian expats may still be required to file taxes depending on their residency status and ties to Canada.
- United Kingdom: British citizens who are non-residents for tax purposes may not have to pay UK taxes on foreign income, but it depends on their specific circumstances.
- Australia: Aussies living abroad for an extended period may no longer be considered residents for tax purposes, meaning they won’t have to pay tax on foreign income.
Tax rules can be complex, so it’s always best to check with a tax professional or relevant government agency to understand your obligations.
Why Do I Have to Pay U.S. Taxes If I Live Abroad?
What Are the Best Places to Live Abroad?
Choosing the best place to live abroad depends on lifestyle preferences, job opportunities, and overall quality of life.
For those looking to teach English abroad, destinations in Asia like South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam are popular due to strong demand for teachers and competitive benefits. Others may seek locations known for a high standard of living, great healthcare, and vibrant expat networks. No matter your preference, there are many incredible places to call home abroad!
Seoul is both Korea’s capital and largest city with a population of around 10 million. It has all the features of a world-class city, and is home to the Han River and districts such as Gangnam, Itaewon, Songpa, Hongdae and Jamsil. While it is one of the most modern cities in the world, it also is home to numerous historical sites that are worth visiting during your time in Korea.
Busan is a port city located in the southeastern part of Korea and is about a 2.5 hour train ride away from Seoul. It is Korea’s second largest city with a population of around 3.5 million and it is famous for its beaches which makes it a popular travel destination in the summer.
Daegu, like Busan, is located in the southeastern part of Korea and is only a 40 minute train ride from Busan, which makes it convenient for weekend trips to the beach. It is Korea’s third most populated city with around 2.5 million people, and while it has all the amenities of a major city, its surrounding mountains makes it a great place to partake in outdoor activities such as hiking.
Daejeon is located in the “heart” of Korea and is Korea’s fifth most populated city with around 1.5 million people. Its central location makes it very convenient to travel throughout the country. Like most Korean cities, it is a great place for outdoor activities as it is surrounded by mountains and has the Gapcheon River running through it. Daejeon is also considered the Silicon Valley of Korea as it is home to many tech and engineering companies.
Jeju is an island is located off the south coast of Korea and is easily accessible by plane from the airports in Incheon, Busan and Gimpo. It is best known for being the “Hawaii of Korea,” as it is home to beautiful beaches, volcanoes, exotic flowers, waterfalls and breathtaking sunsets. Although Jeju is best known for it’s beautiful landscape, it is also home to Jeju City which has a population of around 435,000 people.
Geoje is an island located off the southeastern coast of Korea and is about an hour from the port city of Busan. Although Geoje is an island, it is connected to the mainland by bridges so you don’t need to rely on a boat or plane for transportation to and from the island. The best places to visit in Geoje include Windy Hill and Okpo, along with both the Mungdong Waterfall and Gujora Beach camping grounds. Finally, Geoje City, with a population of around 244,000 people, offers the amenities of any major city including restaurants, nightlife, shopping malls and movie theaters and one of the best places to experience all these attractions is in the Gohyheon area of the city.
What Are The Candidate Requirements To Teach English in South Korea?
- Be a citizen from the US, the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, or New Zealand
- Must have completed education in one of the countries listed above starting from at least grade 7 and for at least 10 years
- Hold a degree from an accredited school with at least a BA in one of the countries above (and must have access to your physical diploma)
- Provide a national background check with no charges from your country of citizenship
You will need the following if you are a US citizen* (Canadian, UK, and citizens of other E-2 countries can perform a background check that is not FBI, but at the national level; the process is usually a bit quicker):
- 1 apostilled photocopy of Bachelor’s degree
- 1 apostilled criminal background check (federally issued)
- 2 passport photos
- Health statement (provided by employer)
Due to the length of time of receiving an FBI Criminal Background Check, we highly recommend our applicants to use one of the FBI Approved Channelers. By using an FBI Approved Channeller it will speed up your application process and allow you to teach in Korea sooner. You can utilize this document for any teaching position in Korea.
Please note: You are responsible for covering all costs related to obtaining your visa.
Living Abroad and Collecting Social Security Disability
Many U.S. citizens receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) wonder whether they can continue collecting benefits while living overseas. In most cases, SSDI payments can still be received outside the U.S., but there are some exceptions based on country restrictions and eligibility requirements.
Can You Live Abroad and Collect Social Security Disability?
Yes, in most cases, you can live abroad and still receive SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows payments to be sent to beneficiaries in many countries. Additionally, eligibility must be maintained, and recipients may need to complete periodic reviews to confirm their disability status.
How Long Can You Live Abroad and Still Receive SSDI?
There is no set time limit on how long you can live abroad while receiving SSDI, as long as you continue to meet the program’s requirements. However, the SSA may require you to fill out routine questionnaires and provide medical documentation to ensure you still qualify. Payments will generally continue as long as you remain eligible and reside in a country where SSDI benefits can be sent.
If you’re considering living overseas long-term, it’s important to stay informed about SSA regulations and any country-specific restrictions that may affect your benefits. Checking with the Social Security Administration or a legal expert before moving abroad is always a good idea to avoid any disruptions in payments.
How To Teach Englih Abroad?
Aclipse helps people become teachers all over Asia, but we specialize in sending teachers to South Korea. If you’re dreaming of an exciting journey abroad, we make the process simple and guided every step of the way. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect when applying to teach English in South Korea:
Month 1: Application & Interview
- Submit your application and schedule an interview with an Aclipse recruiter.
- Receive an initial offer letter and discuss the visa process.
- Accept the offer, sign the agreement, and start gathering E2 visa documents.
- Aclipse provides hands-on support to ensure everything is prepared correctly.
Aclipse provides personalized support from start to finish, ensuring a stress-free journey to teaching abroad.
Apply today to start your adventure!
Travel And Work Abroad
Why Choose Aclipse's Work and Travel Program?
Our work and travel programs offer a unique blend of adventure and professional development. By teaching English in Korea, you can:
Explore Your Living Options in South Korea
How to Live Abroad: Essential Tips for a Smooth Transition
Moving to another country is an exciting adventure, but preparing for life abroad takes careful planning. From understanding cultural differences to securing housing and packing the essentials, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful transition. If you’re planning to teach overseas, start by learning about the tips & cultural considerations for teaching English abroad, which covers essential cultural insights for teachers. Knowing what to bring is just as important—check out our packing checklist for teaching in South Korea to make sure you have everything you need. Once you arrive, securing comfortable housing is key to settling in, and our guide on housing for teachers in South Korea breaks down the available options. For even more advice, insights, and personal experiences from teachers abroad, explore our blog and get inspired for your journey!
Hagwons vs. Public Schools: Which is Better?
Public vs. Private Schools in Korea
Which Teaching Job is Right for You?
Teaching English in South Korea offers two primary options: public schools and private academies (hagwons). Each has its own advantages, from salary and working hours to class sizes and vacation time. Understanding the key differences will help you choose the best option for your teaching career.
Teaching in Korean Public Schools
Public schools in Korea follow a standard academic calendar, with the school year beginning in March or April. Teachers in public schools enjoy extended vacation periods, typically around 45 days in winter and 40 days in summer. Classes tend to be larger, providing a diverse and dynamic teaching experience. Teachers work regular school hours, usually from morning until early afternoon, offering a more structured work-life balance. Public school positions often come with additional benefits such as government support, pension plans, and housing allowances.
Teaching in Private Academies (Hagwons)
Private academies, known as hagwons, operate year-round without long vacation breaks. These schools cater primarily to students seeking additional English instruction outside regular school hours. As a result, classes are often scheduled in the early morning or evening, allowing teachers some flexibility during the day. Class sizes tend to be smaller, offering more one-on-one interaction with students.
Salary and Compensation
One of the biggest differences between public schools and hagwons is salary. While both offer competitive pay, hagwons generally provide higher starting salaries, ranging from 2.4 to 4.0 million KRW per month. Public school salaries usually fall at the lower end of this range. However, compensation can vary based on experience, qualifications, and the specific institution. In addition to salary, benefits like housing, airfare reimbursement, and severance pay may also be included in employment packages.
Which Option is Right for You?
Choosing between a public school and a hagwon depends on your personal preferences and career goals. If you prefer a structured work schedule, long vacations, and government-backed job stability, public schools may be the right fit. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a higher salary, smaller class sizes, and flexible work hours, hagwons might be the better choice.
If you’re interested in teaching at a hagwon, Aclipse can help you find the perfect position! We specialize in placing teachers in top private academies across Korea, offering competitive salaries, great benefits, and an exciting teaching experience. Apply now through Aclipse and start your journey toward teaching in South Korea today!
Why Teachers trust Aclipse To Teach in Korea
Positively Reviewed Online
APPLICATION PROCESS TO TEACH IN KOREA
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Teacher in Korea
Step 1. Application
If you meet the requirements to be an English teacher in Korea, please apply on our website.
Step 2. Interview
If you pass our screening requirements, a recruiter will be in touch with you for an interview.
Step 3. General Offer
If you pass the interview, the recruiter will send you a general offer with the pay and conditions and detailed visa instructions.
Step 4. Document Collection
You will need to start the document collection in order to obtain a working visa in Korea. This could sometimes take a few months.
Step 5. Contract
Once your documents are complete and you are accepted by a location, you will receive a contract and the recruiter will go over the finer details.
Step 6. Visa Processing (E-2)
The visa code will be issued 1-2 weeks after applying to the Korean Immigration office. You will then take this code to the nearest Korean Consulate to complete the process.
Step 7. Arrival & Training
You will check into the hotel the weekend before the training date. Training will take place from Monday to Friday.
Our Blog - Discover Living in Korea: Embrace the Culture
What's It Like Teaching In Korea?
COMMON QUESTIONS LIVING AS A TEACHER IN KOREA
Frequently asked questions about teaching English in South Korea
Do I need TEFL to teach in Korea?
While not mandatory for all positions, having a TEFL certificate can give you a head start for teaching in South Korea.
What degree do I need to teach In Korea?
Any college major works for teaching in Korea; it's not limited to just English or Education.
No prior teaching experience is necessary in most cases as employers offer training programs in Korea, providing additional teaching support from other teachers in your school or your Korean co-teacher (in the case of public school programs).
In order to apply with Aclipse, however, Your Bachelor's degree needs to be from an English-speaking country, and Associate's degrees are not accepted.
How much can I make teaching in Korea?
You can earn a starting monthly salary ranging from 2.4 to 4.0 Million KRW while teaching in Korea. Additionally, you'll enjoy perks like paid vacation, national holidays and your flight to Korea will be reimbursed.
For more information on teacher benefits, visit this link
Do English teachers In Korea get free housing?
Housing is provided for English teachers in Korea.
If housing is not provided, you will receive a higher salary.
Apartments may vary in size based on your teaching location, but they typically come with essential amenities such as a washer, closet, storage space, stove, refrigerator, and a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower.
Do I need to speak Korean in order to teach in Korea?
No, you don't need to be a native speaker or even know Korean to teach English in Korea.
In classrooms, only English is used for teaching. Students are not allowed to speak Korean during lessons, creating an all-English learning environment.
Can I experience this opportunity with a friend or partner?
We will accept applications and interview candidates with dependents, but these candidates should know that we cannot offer additional assistance with their dependents, and the employers will not assist in any way. Unfortunately, benefits are for employees only. Therefore, people bringing dependents like children, spouses, or partners will need to find their own accommodations, secure the visa for these dependents, pay for their flight, and secure schooling for any children. International schools can be very expensive. If you are bringing dependents, you will need to be placed in a city like Seoul, where it is easier to find apartments, schools, and support networks. Some employers do not accept applications from people with dependents so we will advise you on which employers do and do not.
I'm thinking of enrolling in a TESL/CELTA course. Will that help?
Only certain programs (100+ hours of study) will qualify teachers to receive extra salary. It is not a requirement of the job to have a TESL/CELTA certificate, but it is definitely excellent preparation for an ESL teaching position. You can check out one of our partners if you're interested: https://www.
What are we expected to teach?
Lesson plans are based on the curriculum. During training, teachers will learn how to teach the material. Teachers are encouraged to use their own creativity and individual teaching styles to engage students in the lesson material/content.
REVIEWS FROM OUR TEACHERS IN KOREA
What Our Teacher's Have To Say...
My time with CDI was a real blessing. I can not stress how much I loved the kids!
It's the best part of the job and they make time fly by! I didn't have much experience working with kids beforehand so I was definitely nervous coming in, but I'm glad I had the chance to experience this opportunity.
I'm having an amazing time so far.
I love my apartment and the area is actually lots of fun even though it's quite a ways from the center on public transport. My branch seems great so far and everyone's been very welcoming, I don't start teaching until tomorrow but I'm really excited!
We have had a great first week and a few days! Training was great!
he mocks are very helpful because you get feedback right away that you can use to improve your teaching. We had a great trainer that was willing to help us and not afraid to tell us how to make changes.
In the past month, we went through a very helpful online and in-person training that helped me feel significantly more prepared and less intimidated about teaching in front of a classroom! I moved into a great apartment in Gangnam, and got to explore a little bit of the surrounding areas! We’ve visited the Coex mall, the Bukchon Hanok Village, Ssamzigil market, Ikseondong, and explored all the shops and cafes in our neighborhood.
