Teach English In Korea
Aclipse – Your Path to Teaching English in Korea
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Guide to teaching English in South Korea
Discover the Adventure of Teaching English in Korea
Welcome to the ultimate guide for embarking on an unforgettable journey—teaching English in South Korea. At Aclipse, we connect adventurous spirits with teaching opportunities that not only offer competitive salaries and benefits but also a chance to immerse in a culture rich with history, modernity, and unparalleled beauty. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned educator, South Korea offers a unique blend of professional growth and personal exploration.
How To Become An English Teacher In Korea In 2024
Dreaming of an exciting journey in South Korea? Wondering how to become an English teacher there? Here’s a detailed timeline from applying to arriving there in just a few months! Let’s dive into the steps to teach English in South Korea!
Month 1: Application & Interview
- Day 1: The applicant submits an application to teach English starting in May.
- Day 3: An interview with an Aclipse Recruiter is scheduled.
- Day 6: Following the interview, the applicant prepares for the next stage.
- Day 7: Application items are submitted.
- Day 11: The applicant receives an initial offer letter from the school. Their Aclipse recruiter schedules a follow-up call.
- Day 13: A phone call is conducted to discuss the initial offer and the E2 Visa document preparation.
- Day 14: The applicant accepts the offer and signs the Memorandum of Understand (MoU).
- Day 15 to 24: The applicant works on their E2 Visa documents with regular support and guidance from the Aclipse Recruiter.
- Day 25: Completion of required E2 visa documents, followed by a review for accuracy by Aclipse.
- Day 26: The documents are looked over by one of our experts before being readied for mailing to South Korea.
- Day 30: The Aclipse Documents Expert dispatches the documents to HQ in South Korea.
Month 2 and 3: Visa & Location Placement
- Day 33: The documents reach the headquarters in South Korea.
- Day 34 to 49: The applicant has regular engagements with the Aclipse Recruiter for preparations.
- Day 50: The placement process commences.
- Day 57: The applicant contract is received. Detailed information about the contract is then provided by HQ and the Aclipse Recruiter.
- Day 60: A welcome call is made by the HQ in South Korea to address contract-related queries.
- Day 64: The signed contract is sent back to the Aclipse Recruiter.
- Day 69: Documents reach Korean Immigration for visa code application (processing time: 2 to 4 weeks).
- Day 83: Pre-departure information received from the Aclipse Recruiter. The applicant also receives a phone call regarding visa code and application.
- Day 84: Visa code confirmation received!
- Day 85: E2 Visa application is submitted to Korean Immigration.
Month 4: Departure & Arrival
- Day 98: The visa is ready, and the applicant begins exploring flight options.
- Day 99: Flight booked.
- Day 100 – 114: Extensive communication between the applicant and the Aclipse Recruiter. Discussions about arrival, detailed instructions post-landing, and final reminders for training and settling in. Ensuring a well-prepared transition!
- Day 115: Arrival in South Korea – success!
You’ve Made it! You’re in South Korea!
Embark on an exhilarating journey from application to flight booking with Aclipse to teach English in South Korea.
Our personalized support, countdowns, check-ins, and celebrations ensure an enjoyable experience for every teacher. Apply today!
Benefits Of Teaching English In Korea (Salary & Housing)
- Starting monthly salary 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)
The Best Places to Teach English in South Korea
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.
Applicant's Guide - Teach In Korea | 4 Key Areas For Aspiring English Educators
Thank you for taking the time to read through this information about Aclipse and our partner schools. We are excited that you have decided to begin the process of pursuing a teaching position in Asia. We at Aclipse have all taught abroad and know the rewards and challenges that come with the experience. We are also well aware of the often lengthy and sometimes confusing process of securing a teaching position and a visa. In order for you to be as informed as possible about working with Aclipse and schools, we have provided some advice on the process.
1. Professionalism
This really means creating a relationship in which both parties feel their time and effort are valued. Candidates who appear professional take the time to win the job. They communicate in a way that shows they are enthusiastic and that they understand that securing a position in any field means proving themselves to the people in charge of hiring decisions. They seek to put their best foot forward and to make themselves seem easy to work with from the beginning of the hiring process. The bottom line is that while each candidate brings strengths to the table, candidates for almost any job these days are competing against a large pool of qualified people. Those who really shine get the jobs.
2. Communication
Communication, for good or ill, gives an impression of someone’s overall competence. Presenting oneself well includes crafting clearly written emails without errors. Regular and consistent communication is also key. Keeping your recruiter informed about your progress in various stages of the process helps ensure you are considered a reliable and committed candidate. This can lead directly to positions offered more quickly and recruiters being more willing to put you forward for contracts.
3. Diligence and Reliability
Obtaining a position overseas is a multi-step process that requires a lot of paperwork and follow-up. Meeting deadlines is very important to making a teaching position overseas happen. We have also found that it is a clear reflection of how someone will do once placed overseas. In our experience, candidates who do not meet deadlines tend to perform at a lower level once on the job. When there are hiccups or delays in the process, keeping recruiters informed will help a candidate appear more organized and improve his or her chances of obtaining a contract.
4. Emotional Intelligence
Above all, the strongest candidates keep in mind that they are applying for a position working with students and dealing with differing cultural norms. This means instructors should come across as approachable, adaptable, and able to create a rapport with others. This is especially important in the interview but also is a skill needed throughout the hiring process. This skill area as exhibited in the hiring process is directly related to how someone performs as a teacher.
Overseas Employers often ask applicants to submit videos and photographs.
Requirements To Teach In Korea
Do I Qualify to Teach In Korea?
These are required qualifications for teaching positions in South Korea.
Unfortunately, if you do not meet all of the following qualifications, you cannot qualify for a visa to teach English in Korea.
Unfortunately, if you do not meet all of the following qualifications, you cannot qualify for a visa to teach English in Korea.
You will also need a clean criminal record and a good bill of health.
Explore Your Job Options in South Korea
Teaching Jobs In Korea
South Korea offers a variety of teaching positions that cater to different preferences and skill sets:
- Public Schools: Experience the EPIK program, offering structured hours and a chance to integrate into the Korean educational system.
- Private Academies (Hagwons): For those seeking flexibility and potentially higher salaries, hagwons provide an alternative with varied schedules and age groups.
- International Schools: Ideal for licensed teachers looking for a curriculum aligned with Western education standards.
- Universities: A coveted position for those with higher degrees and teaching experience, offering minimal hours and significant autonomy.
Why Teachers trust Aclipse To Teach in Korea
Positively Reviewed Online
Hi All
If you want to Teach abroad, I recommend using this agency. I worked through Joe and felt very at ease throughout the entire process. He was very informative, quick with feedback, and walked me through the entire process. As a recruiter, he is very professional and friendly. Thank you so much Joe!
My recruiter did an amazing job supporting and guiding me through the process. From my application to getting my visa, my recruiter, Joe, provided all the information I needed for a smooth process. He even connected me to a teacher who was already in Korea to get more of my questions answered. He was patient when things got a little tedious with getting everything apostilled. All of my emails were answered promptly and with clarity. I will absolutely refer anyone to apply through Aclipse. With all my anxiety of the process and move, I give all my thanks to Joe for easing the fear.
My recruiter, Kathryn, was super helpful every step of the way. She talked me through all the application forms and paper work I needed to get started teaching in Korea and was always so fast and helpful in her replies to my questions. I'm now loving teaching in Korea and would recommend Aclipse!
From the moment Aclipse responded to my initial application all the way through to my arrival in Korea, Aclipse has been extremely helpful and professional. I applied with my sibling, and we had a few requests which were all met. My recruiter, Joe, answered every question timeously. Whenever there was a problem or delay, he would help as much as he could. Thanks to Aclipse and Joe, I had a very good experience with the recruitment and overall process.
The best experience my recruiter was Joe! It's thanks to him I feel more confident and feel like I have something more to look forward. I never expected a call back when I had applied and knowing that it was a success and my process ended up going so fast we were both amazed. Glad to be part of this opportunity!
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.
