============================================================ TITLE: Teach English In South Korea | The Cultural Exchange Project TYPE: article VERSION: 1 VERSION_ID: 325214fd-9638-4083-b927-f76764ff52a0 GENERATED_AT: 2026-04-27T16:27:25.588Z SUMMARY: Teach English in South Korea with The Cultural Exchange Project. Enjoy high salaries, full benefits, cultural immersion, and comprehensive support. AUTHOR: school type DATE PUBLISHED: June 1, 2027 READING TIME: 70 min WORD COUNT: 13954 KEYWORDS: Teach English In South Korea, Dig Deeper, Only Independent Reviews SOURCE URL: https://culturalexchangeproject.org/teach-korea ============================================================ KEY TAKEAWAYS: * The best-paid teaching job abroad. * South Korea rewards the people who make the effort to get there. * Dig Deeper * Sound like you? Apply Today. * Only Independent Reviews # Teach English Abroad In South Korea ## The best-paid teaching job abroad. ### Free housing. Flight reimbursement. National health insurance. Severance pay. A guaranteed placement. South Korea isn't just a teaching job--it's a full employment package that most US jobs can't match. ##### $1,600-$1,900 a month • Rent-free housing • Flight reimbursed up to $1,000  • Severance bonus ### Travel To South Korea And Become An English Teacher We have teaching jobs right now in South Korea looking for amazing teachers like you. 9.8/10 on GoAbroad.com • Highest rated program we offer • Guaranteed job placement • Public and private school options ## South Korea rewards the people who make the effort to get there. This isn't the easiest program to get into. The documents take time. The process is thorough. Korea is selective — and that's the point. Schools here offer a genuinely competitive package because they want committed, qualified people in their classrooms.If you're willing to put in the work upfront, what's waiting on the other side is exceptional: free housing, a salary that lets you save, flights reimbursed, national health insurance, and a severance bonus when you complete your contract. We guide you through every step — and we guarantee your placement before you board the plane. "Our Commitment Guaranteed job placement — confirmed before departure. We handle the document process alongside you, every step of the way." Our Commitment Guaranteed job placement — confirmed before departure. We handle the document process alongside you, every step of the way. #### Rent-free housing Semi-furnished accommodation provided. Bed, fridge, AC, washing machine. Your biggest monthly cost: gone. #### Flight reimbursed Up to $1,000 toward your flights. Public school ALT positions get return flights covered. #### National Health Insurance Your school covers 50% of Korea's National Health Insurance from your first weeks in country. #### Severance Bonus Complete your contract and receive roughly one month's salary as a severance payment. By law. #### Cultural Orientation Pre-arrival Korean language course plus an in-country cultural orientation weekend included. #### Document Support Full guidance on every document. Background checks, apostilles, health forms — nothing missed. What You'll Earn A salary. Plus a package that stacks up. $1,600 - $1,900 per month salary 4-7% income tax rate $0 monthly rent ~$20/day typical living costs US citizens: 2-year tax exemption available. Provide proof of a Residency Certificate and you may pay zero Korean income tax for your first two years. UK, Australian, NZ and South African passport holders also qualify. Canadian and Irish citizens are not eligible. With free housing and low living costs, many teachers save more in Korea than they ever could at home — even on a junior salary. ##### What You'll Earn ### A salary. Plus a package that stacks up. $1,600 - $1,900 per month salary 4-7% income tax rate $0 monthly rent ~$20/day typical living costs US citizens: 2-year tax exemption available. Provide proof of a Residency Certificate and you may pay zero Korean income tax for your first two years. UK, Australian, NZ and South African passport holders also qualify. Canadian and Irish citizens are not eligible. With free housing and low living costs, many teachers save more in Korea than they ever could at home — even on a junior salary. Working Life In Korea Real hours. Real holidays. No surprises. Here's exactly what your working week looks like — by school type. Public school ALT positions in particular offer a vacation package that puts most US entry-level jobs to shame. ##### Working Life In Korea ### Real hours. Real holidays. No surprises. Here's exactly what your working week looks like — by school type. Public school ALT positions in particular offer a vacation package that puts most US entry-level jobs to shame. ##### Public Schools - ALT Paid vacation days per year. * Working week is Monday thru Friday. * Daily hours 8:30 - 4:30. * Teaching hours per week = 25-35 hours. * Weekends: Always off. * Public Holidays: Always off. * Unpaid vacation periods: None No unpaid gaps in your contract. ##### Private Schools - Hagwon * Hours younger learners: 9:00 - 6:00. * Hours older students: 12:00 - 10:00. * Teaching hours per week: 25-35 ⚠ Hagwons teaching older students (Elementary–Middle School) run afternoon/evening schedules. Great if you're a night owl — worth knowing before you choose your track. Choose Your Track Public school or private hagwon. Two great options. South Korea has two distinct school types, each with a different timeline, class size, and intake structure. We'll help you decide which fits your situation best. ##### Choose Your Track ### Public school or private hagwon. Two great options. South Korea has two distinct school types, each with a different timeline, class size, and intake structure. We'll help you decide which fits your situation best. ### Government schools · Co-teacher Classes of 25–30 · More structured · Return flights covered · 21–26 days vacation Work alongside a Korean co-teacher in a well-resourced public school. Regular 08:30–16:30 hours, more curriculum support, both-way flight reimbursement, and the most generous vacation package. 📅 Two intakes per year:March 2027 intake — apply by Dec 1, 2026September 2027 intake — apply by June 1, 2027 ### Language Academies - Solo Teacher Classes of 5–15 · Rolling enrollment · Flexible start · 11 days vacation Teach at a private language academy with smaller classes and flexible timing. Open enrollment year-round. Note that hagwons teaching older students run 12:00–22:00 schedules — all placed applicants are briefed on their specific hours before accepting. 📅 Rolling admissions — no fixed intake dates.Apply now, start within 3–4 months. ###### THE PROCESS -- DEMYSTIFIED ### Yes, there's paperwork. We've done this hundreds of times. Korea's application process is thorough — plan on 4–6 months from sign-up to arrival. That's the nature of a program that comes with free housing, flights, and health insurance. We walk alongside you every step. Apply and enrollComplete your application. We review and confirm eligibility — usually within a few days. Document collectionDegree apostille, background check, health forms, passport photos. This is where patience pays off. We send you a complete checklist and guide you through every item — nothing gets missed. School matching and interviewWe match you to vetted partner schools and set up your interview. Our placement team has long-standing relationships with schools across the country. Visa issuanceOnce matched, we guide your E-2 visa application. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. We monitor progress alongside you. Fly to SeoulAirport pickup arranged. Cultural orientation weekend within your first months in country. Pre-arrival Korean language course already completed. You arrive prepared, not overwhelmed. "A note on timing:The most common reason people miss a Korea intake is starting the document process too late. If you're targeting the March 2027 public school intake, start now. Hagwon applicants can apply anytime — but earlier always means more placement options. Allowing at least 4 months, no matter what track, will take away a lot of last-minute stress." ### "Seoul has been ranked the 8th safest city in the world. Fast internet, great food, extraordinary culture — and a job that actually pays." — The Cultural Exchange Project · 9.8/10 rated on GoAbroad.com * Guaranteed placement * Full document process support * Pre-arrival Korean language course * Korean cultural foundation course * Airport pickup + in-country orientation * Visa and contract guidance * Ongoing in-country support * Everything in the base plan * 120-hr internationally accredited TEFL Plus * Online, lifetime certification * Works for any country program * 120-hr onsite TESOL + accommodation during course * Lifetime TESOL certification ### The best teaching package abroad is waiting. The process takes patience. The payoff — free housing, flights, health insurance, and a salary that lets you save — is worth every document. ## Dig Deeper * What We Include General Inclusions Guaranteed, Paid Teaching Placement Resume, Video, and Interview guidance and support Online, Pre-arrival, Comprehensive, Korean Cultural Foundation Course Online Korean language course pre-arrival A dedicated trip coordinator to help support you every step of the way Comprehensive visa guidance Private or shared apartment provided by the school Lifetime Placement Guarantee 24-7 support line Flight reimbursement provided by the school (up to $700 to $1,000)  ** NOTE: Teachers at Public Schools will receive return (two-way) flight reimbursement. Teachers at Private (Hagwon) schools will receive only one-way flight reimbursement Severance check for every 1-year contract completed, provided by the school (Not included for the 6-month Program) Additional Inclusions for Placement Program Cultural Orientation Weekend, within a few months of arrival Arrival support and assistance Additional Inclusions for In-Class TESOL Program One-week culture and language orientation during the first week of the course 120 Hour in-class TESOL course Airport pick-up (if arriving on designated days, and using our accommodation) #### What We Include General Inclusions * Guaranteed, Paid Teaching Placement * Resume, Video, and Interview guidance and support * Online, Pre-arrival, Comprehensive, Korean Cultural Foundation Course * Online Korean language course pre-arrival * A dedicated trip coordinator to help support you every step of the way * Comprehensive visa guidance * Private or shared apartment provided by the school * Lifetime Placement Guarantee * 24-7 support line * Flight reimbursement provided by the school (up to $700 to $1,000) ** NOTE: Teachers at Public Schools will receive return (two-way) flight reimbursement. Teachers at Private (Hagwon) schools will receive only one-way flight reimbursement * Severance check for every 1-year contract completed, provided by the school (Not included for the 6-month Program) * Additional Inclusions for Placement Program * Cultural Orientation Weekend, within a few months of arrival * Arrival support and assistance Additional Inclusions for In-Class TESOL Program * One-week culture and language orientation during the first week of the course * 120 Hour in-class TESOL course * Airport pick-up (if arriving on designated days, and using our accommodation) * Not Included In The Program Courier costs of documents. Flights, but these are reimbursed. Day to day transport costs, i.e. bus/train rides to your placement school, visa run expenses. Utility bills. Meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner) during the TESOL course, orientation week, and at placement. Lesson planning materials and stationery during the in-country TESOL course. Accommodation deposit for in-class participants. ARC (alien registration card) processing fee. The cost is approximately USD $30. Medical check-up in-country for ARC application, which is mandatory. This costs approximately USD $100 and is coordinated by the school within the first week of arrival in Korea. Medical Insurance (we require that all participants arrive on the program able to demonstrate current medical insurance coverage). Visa application and expenses if a visa run is required. #### Not Included In The Program * Courier costs of documents. * Flights, but these are reimbursed. * Day to day transport costs, i.e. bus/train rides to your placement school, visa run expenses. * Utility bills. * Meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner) during the TESOL course, orientation week, and at placement. * Lesson planning materials and stationery during the in-country TESOL course. * Accommodation deposit for in-class participants. * ARC (alien registration card) processing fee. The cost is approximately USD $30. * Medical check-up in-country for ARC application, which is mandatory. This costs approximately USD $100 and is coordinated by the school within the first week of arrival in Korea. * Medical Insurance (we require that all participants arrive on the program able to demonstrate current medical insurance coverage). * Visa application and expenses if a visa run is required. * What You Will Earn What You Will Earn Your salary will be between USD $1,600 to $1,900 per month for 40 hours per week. 23 - 30 of those hours will be teaching contact time. All schools are legally required to pay 50% of your medical insurance. Applicants will be provided with rent-free, semi-furnished accommodation (including a bed, refrigerator, air conditioning, and washing machine) and will be responsible for covering utility bills, maintenance costs, and other associated expenses. Flight reimbursement up to $1,000. End of contract bonus (severance pay-out of roughly 1 month’s salary per 1 year worked. Paid holidays are usually between 10 - 15 days (The exact amount differs between schools). Teachers at Public Schools will receive reimbursement for return (two-way) flights. Teachers at Private (Hagwon) schools will receive only one-way flight reimbursement. Tax rate in South Korea for Teachers is between 4 - 7%. Public Schools: Citizens of the following countries are eligible to claim exemption from Korean taxes for 2-years by providing proof of a Residency Certificate: United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand. Canadian and Irish citizens are not eligible for exemption. #### What You Will Earn * Your salary will be between USD $1,600 to $1,900 per month for 40 hours per week. * 23 - 30 of those hours will be teaching contact time. * All schools are legally required to pay 50% of your medical insurance. * Applicants will be provided with rent-free, semi-furnished accommodation (including a bed, refrigerator, air conditioning, and washing machine) and will be responsible for covering utility bills, maintenance costs, and other associated expenses. * Flight reimbursement up to $1,000. * End of contract bonus (severance pay-out of roughly 1 month’s salary per 1 year worked. * Paid holidays are usually between 10 - 15 days (The exact amount differs between schools). * Teachers at Public Schools will receive reimbursement for return (two-way) flights. Teachers at Private (Hagwon) schools will receive only one-way flight reimbursement. * Tax rate in South Korea for Teachers is between 4 - 7%. Public Schools: Citizens of the following countries are eligible to claim exemption from Korean taxes for 2-years by providing proof of a Residency Certificate: United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand. Canadian and Irish citizens are not eligible for exemption. * Public Schools: Citizens of the following countries are eligible to claim exemption from Korean taxes for 2-years by providing proof of a Residency Certificate: United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand. * Canadian and Irish citizens are not eligible for exemption. * Degree Bachelor's Degree RequiredNote: Degree must come from a university from one of the 7 native countries as well (USA, UK, Can, Ire, Aus, NZ, SA) Bachelor's Degree RequiredNote: Degree must come from a university from one of the 7 native countries as well (USA, UK, Can, Ire, Aus, NZ, SA) * TEFL Certification A minimum 120 hours accredited TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification approved and internationally accredited. #### TEFL Certification A minimum 120 hours accredited TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification approved and internationally accredited. * Tattoos Minor, visible tattoos are possible on this program but must be disclosed at signup and handled on a case-by-case basis. Minor, visible tattoos are possible on this program but must be disclosed at signup and handled on a case-by-case basis. * Age Requirements Eligible age range is 21 to 40 years oldThose 41 - 49 years old with previous teaching experience and a degree in education/teaching, can be screened and accepted on a case-by-case basis. They need to be flexible and open to any location, age group and timeline. #### Age Requirements Eligible age range is 21 to 40 years oldThose 41 - 49 years old with previous teaching experience and a degree in education/teaching, can be screened and accepted on a case-by-case basis. They need to be flexible and open to any location, age group and timeline. * Medical and Mental Health Considerations Medical Test / Health Check required? For E2 visa, health insurance and in-country medical exam. Test is very thorough and they do blood, urine and X-raysMedical and Mental Health Disqualifiers for South KoreaMain Ones: Speech impedimentEpilepsyTBHIV/AIDSMental IllnessDyslexiaLegal blind or deafAutism (where it is noticeable and will be an issue in a professional environment)Hormone replacement therapy/TRTHepatitisSevere Asthma (bad air quality)Anything severe and visible, or that may affect their day-to-day teaching ability (physical issues with standing, etc) Diabetes - Only where they need to inject insulin on a regular basis during class time may cause issues with the school. If it doesn’t affect their daily lives then it is okaySpeech impediments such as a stutter that are severe and affect clarityConditions Require Discussion before ApprovalConditions that require medications that are also used to treat depression, anxiety, etc.Anything else mentioned in the previous columnAny prescription medicationsAny physical disabilitiesNotesVisa will be rejected if answer “yes” to any of the questions related to mental health on the E-2 health form. Anti-anxiety and antidepressants can present as false positive for amphetamine and could fail drug testSocial and professional stigmas and the risk involved for business owners should an “episode” occur.Must wean off meds for anxiety and depression, and get a note from a doctor. Applications can then be reassessed after they have been completely off of their medication for a period of six months, with a doctors note of approval. #### Medical and Mental Health Considerations Medical Test / Health Check required? For E2 visa, health insurance and in-country medical exam. Test is very thorough and they do blood, urine and X-raysMedical and Mental Health Disqualifiers for South KoreaMain Ones: Speech impedimentEpilepsyTBHIV/AIDSMental IllnessDyslexiaLegal blind or deafAutism (where it is noticeable and will be an issue in a professional environment)Hormone replacement therapy/TRTHepatitisSevere Asthma (bad air quality)Anything severe and visible, or that may affect their day-to-day teaching ability (physical issues with standing, etc) Diabetes - Only where they need to inject insulin on a regular basis during class time may cause issues with the school. If it doesn’t affect their daily lives then it is okaySpeech impediments such as a stutter that are severe and affect clarityConditions Require Discussion before ApprovalConditions that require medications that are also used to treat depression, anxiety, etc.Anything else mentioned in the previous columnAny prescription medicationsAny physical disabilitiesNotesVisa will be rejected if answer “yes” to any of the questions related to mental health on the E-2 health form. Anti-anxiety and antidepressants can present as false positive for amphetamine and could fail drug testSocial and professional stigmas and the risk involved for business owners should an “episode” occur.Must wean off meds for anxiety and depression, and get a note from a doctor. Applications can then be reassessed after they have been completely off of their medication for a period of six months, with a doctors note of approval. * Dependents and Pets Dependents South Korea No dependents (spouse/partner/children) can be accommodated on this program.Pets South KoreaIn-Class TESOL Program: No pets are allowed. Placement Program: No pets are allowed on this program. #### Dependents and Pets Dependents South Korea No dependents (spouse/partner/children) can be accommodated on this program.Pets South KoreaIn-Class TESOL Program: No pets are allowed. Placement Program: No pets are allowed on this program. * Religious Attire and Garments Religious garments (hijaabs) are not possible for the Teach South Korea program.NOTE: If the participant is willing to remove it during work and around town then we can consider proceeding, but this needs to be done on a case-by-case basis. #### Religious Attire and Garments Religious garments (hijaabs) are not possible for the Teach South Korea program.NOTE: If the participant is willing to remove it during work and around town then we can consider proceeding, but this needs to be done on a case-by-case basis. * Criminal Background Check Criminal Background Check (CBC) South KoreaClean background check is required. Any offenses will be disqualifiers.Criminal record check from the designated issuing authority within their country of citizenship, no older than 6 months. All checks must be legalized in accordance with the regulations of their specific region.USA - FBI Identity History Summary requires a Federal-level apostille from the Department of State in Washington DC. UK (All) - ACRO Police Certificate (Note: Only accepted for public schools (EPIK), private school applicants must apply for the country specific checks below) England and Wales (Only) - Disclosure and Barring Service/DBS (Basic) Scotland (Only) - Disclosure Scotland (Level 1) Northern Ireland (Only) - AccessNI (Basic) Canada - Royal Canadian Mounted Police Criminal Record Check requires a Federal level apostille from Global Affairs Canada Australia - Australian Federal Police National Check  Ireland - An Garda Síochána Police Certificate New Zealand - Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check South Africa - Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued by the South African Police Services (SAPS). Requires an Apostille from the Department of International Relations in Pretoria (DIRCO). Please note, Apostilles from the Higher Court are NOT accepted. #### Criminal Background Check Criminal Background Check (CBC) South KoreaClean background check is required. Any offenses will be disqualifiers.Criminal record check from the designated issuing authority within their country of citizenship, no older than 6 months. All checks must be legalized in accordance with the regulations of their specific region.USA - FBI Identity History Summary requires a Federal-level apostille from the Department of State in Washington DC. UK (All) - ACRO Police Certificate (Note: Only accepted for public schools (EPIK), private school applicants must apply for the country specific checks below) England and Wales (Only) - Disclosure and Barring Service/DBS (Basic) Scotland (Only) - Disclosure Scotland (Level 1) Northern Ireland (Only) - AccessNI (Basic) Canada - Royal Canadian Mounted Police Criminal Record Check requires a Federal level apostille from Global Affairs Canada Australia - Australian Federal Police National Check Ireland - An Garda Síochána Police Certificate New Zealand - Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check South Africa - Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued by the South African Police Services (SAPS). Requires an Apostille from the Department of International Relations in Pretoria (DIRCO). Please note, Apostilles from the Higher Court are NOT accepted. * Language And Country Of Citizenship This program is only open citizens (passport holders) from the following 7 nationalities ONLY: USACanadaUKIrelandAustraliaNew ZealandSouth Africa (Currently only eligible for the Public school Program)Must be a Native English speaker*Applicants born outside of one of the designated countries but holding the correct passport/citizenship can be considered based on certain criteria such as length of stay, naturalization date and location of schooling. #### Language And Country Of Citizenship This program is only open citizens (passport holders) from the following 7 nationalities ONLY: USACanadaUKIrelandAustraliaNew ZealandSouth Africa (Currently only eligible for the Public school Program)Must be a Native English speaker*Applicants born outside of one of the designated countries but holding the correct passport/citizenship can be considered based on certain criteria such as length of stay, naturalization date and location of schooling. * Contract Length 12 months, renewable. #### Contract Length 12 months, renewable. * Types of Schools Public Schools and Private Language Schools (Hagwons). #### Types of Schools Public Schools and Private Language Schools (Hagwons). * Age Range Of Students Kindergarten to Middle School - 4 to 16 years old.No high school (extremely rare) or Adult teaching. #### Age Range Of Students Kindergarten to Middle School - 4 to 16 years old.No high school (extremely rare) or Adult teaching. * Teaching Placement Locations Positions are available countrywide.Top or most recommended locations are; Gyeonggi-do Province and Greater Seoul Area; Gyeongsangnam-do Province (Inc. Daegu, Ulsan); Chungcheongnam-do Province (Inc. Daejeon, Sejong); Jeollanam-do Province (Inc Gwangju) & Gangwon-do Province Most placement locations are the provinces around Seoul and Busan.Preferences are requested but placement location is NOT Guaranteed. #### Teaching Placement Locations Positions are available countrywide.Top or most recommended locations are; Gyeonggi-do Province and Greater Seoul Area; Gyeongsangnam-do Province (Inc. Daegu, Ulsan); Chungcheongnam-do Province (Inc. Daejeon, Sejong); Jeollanam-do Province (Inc Gwangju) & Gangwon-do Province Most placement locations are the provinces around Seoul and Busan.Preferences are requested but placement location is NOT Guaranteed. * Class Size Private Schools (Hagwon): 5 to 15 students per class (solo teacher); Public Schools: 25 to 30 students per class (co-teacher). #### Class Size Private Schools (Hagwon): 5 to 15 students per class (solo teacher); Public Schools: 25 to 30 students per class (co-teacher). * Visa Support Private School: E-2-1 Visa:E-2 Teaching visa. Once visa documents are received by placement team, interviews with potential schools will be conducted and if successful, the applicant will wait 1-2 weeks after to receive a VCN/VIN (Visa Confirmation Number/Visa Issuance Number). Once it has arrived, it will be sent to the applicant to apply for their visa at their nearest Korean consulate/embassy/KVAC centre, or in Japan/Vietnam on a visa run should it not be ready before their departure (In-Class TESOL Only).Public School: E-2-2 Visa:1. Once you have successfully completed an interview the Public School Team will contact you with a final submission date for your required documents. The documents must be submited before this date in order to secure your position.2. Once your required documents have been submitted to the school they will be sent to the Office of Education for processing (the length of this stage can vary depending on the date of your application and final document submission. It could potentially take over a month).3. Once the Office of Education has processed your documents, you will receive a formal contract offer along with a NOA (Notice of Appointment)4. You will submit your contract and NOA along with your required visa application documents to your local Korean embassy/consulate. Processing times for visa applications can vary, however this stage can also take around 2 weeks #### Visa Support Private School: E-2-1 Visa:E-2 Teaching visa. Once visa documents are received by placement team, interviews with potential schools will be conducted and if successful, the applicant will wait 1-2 weeks after to receive a VCN/VIN (Visa Confirmation Number/Visa Issuance Number). Once it has arrived, it will be sent to the applicant to apply for their visa at their nearest Korean consulate/embassy/KVAC centre, or in Japan/Vietnam on a visa run should it not be ready before their departure (In-Class TESOL Only).Public School: E-2-2 Visa:1. Once you have successfully completed an interview the Public School Team will contact you with a final submission date for your required documents. The documents must be submited before this date in order to secure your position.2. Once your required documents have been submitted to the school they will be sent to the Office of Education for processing (the length of this stage can vary depending on the date of your application and final document submission. It could potentially take over a month).3. Once the Office of Education has processed your documents, you will receive a formal contract offer along with a NOA (Notice of Appointment)4. You will submit your contract and NOA along with your required visa application documents to your local Korean embassy/consulate. Processing times for visa applications can vary, however this stage can also take around 2 weeks * Other Important FAQs What are living expenses per day?On a strict basic budget, $20 a day, including food and local transport. Of course, this is dependent on factors such as how often a teacher eats local foods, goes out, and entertainment choices. Food in Korea would be your biggest expense; the more local foods you eat, the cheaper it is. Personal spending habits can also affect this amount.  Is travelling around Korea easy? It does depend on your location. Public transportation takes some getting used to depending on what part of the world you are coming from. Of course, living close to the subway line makes getting around a lot easier as it is in English. The bus and taxi system are relatively easy but it does help to be able to read Korean so you atleast are able to read the bus stop signs. Naver Maps (the Google Maps of Korea) is your go to and it is available in English too.  Is transportation provided from accommodation to work?Transportation is not provided by schools. This will be for the teacher’s own expense and is relatively inexpensive. In most cases, teachers either live within walking distance from the school or a short bus ride/train ride away costing anything from $2 - 5 return per day.  How safe is it around there?Extremely safe. Like anywhere else it is recommended that you remain alert; however, South Korea is a relatively safe place for both men and women to be alone. It has been ranked as one of the top 20 safest countries in the world and Seoul (the capital) has been ranked the 8th safest city in the world.  What are the age groups I will be teaching?Mixed ages but mainly children. Anywhere from 4 - 18 years old. The age group depends on the school you end up in.  Working hours? And days per week?Approximately 20 -30 teaching hours per week but 40 hour work weeks and 5 days a week. If you are required to work an extra day, that will be considered overtime. You will be required to lesson plan on the school’s property. Your shifts and time of days depends on the age group you are teaching as well as the type of school you end up in.   After the contract can you still travel in the country or do you need to be out?Participants have 30 days after completing their contract to remain in South Korea. If they leave Korea during this period however their Visa will expire.  Can one renew a working contract and visa without leaving the country?Yes, provided you do it while your working visa is still valid. Ideally a month before it expires. If you are changing schools, it means your visa will change too as the visa is linked to your school. This means you are required to obtain certified copies of your paperwork from the immigration department (for private schools) or the office of education (for public schools). If you are just renewing with your existing school, then would renew your visa and no further paperwork is required.  How long is the working visa valid for?Working visas are valid for a minimum of one year. You would need to renew your work permit on a year by year basis. Language orientation? How will we understand Korean?As part of your in-country orientation you will have some Korean language lessons.  We cover the basics of the Korean language like useful phrases, and the basic Hangul (the Korean alphabet) to get you started with being able to read the language. We strongly recommend that all participants try learning some Korean prior to coming over in order to make their day to day lives easier. Medical services and insurance?NHI (National Health Insurance) is provided by your school a couple of weeks after you begin teaching. It takes some time to process the documents and you will be required to pass an in-country medical examination in order to apply for your ARC (alien registration card) which is your identity in Korea. Once you have your ARC then you are able to see a local doctor. We recommend you have travel insurance for the first two months of being in Korea (for in-class course participants) or the first month (for placement only participants). What is phone and Internet connectivity like?Really good, fast and cheap and there are many places to assist you with this process.  Dress code for teaching?Smart. Typically collar shirts and slacks for men and conservative dress/pants and blouse for women. Please review the packing list for more details. How difficult is the TESOL course? Can one fail?Yes, one can fail. If we see that an applicant is not doing well, we will spend more time with the applicant to make sure they pass. We have had people fail or be kicked off of the course, but that is typically caused by other things like drinking, fighting, etc and not from lack of competence to complete the course successfully. However, a decent level of competence is necessary as a teacher will be required to do a demo lesson before finalizing their contract with the school. Packing essentials? Sleeping bag, towels?Clothing items: definitely bigger size clothing items especially if you are taller than average. Anything from 170cm. Pants and top sizes for both male and female, XL or bigger should probably be packed. They rarely can be found in the international store brands but they are not as easily available. Makeup: If you are slightly tanned you probably want to bring your own shade of foundation. This isn’t available unless it’s an international makeup store and this can only be found in the capital, Seoul. Again, not a large selection will be available. Underwear: For women who are fuller in the chest area or bigger than size large waist, we suggest bringing enough underwear as it will not be available in Korea. Packing bath towels is necessary as most towels in Korea are very small, hand towel size. You can also purchase them at select stores. Any serious laws they are very strict on?The use of illegal drug like substances, drinking and driving, defamation of character is strictly prohibited . If proven guilty, long term jail time is often the result and of course working permits will be revoked, followed by deportation.   What is the level of English and behavior of my students?This will vary from student to student, however, there is typically beginner - intermediate knowledge of English throughout the country. You should expect to teach students of school going age (though they will mostly be children). Korean students are generally well behaved, at least compared with children in the West.What curriculum will they follow at school?Your school will provide and train you on their specific curriculum. The schools have specific curriculums and curriculum support.  Do my colleagues speak English?Sometimes. If you’re teaching in a public school, the chances are slimmer that your colleagues can speak English comfortably. Sometimes they can but they choose not to because of the shy culture and need for perfectionism.  What are the chances of schools deducting money from my salary? This depends on the school and details will be stipulated in the contract. Some schools deduct $250 per month for three months as a housing deposit and this will be paid back at the end of the contract minus the cleaning expenses, unpaid utility expenses or damage beyond general wear and tear. Do you get paid overtime?Yes, in most cases and this will be stipulated in their contract. What are the chances of getting a salary increase?Quite high for your second contract but your salary is typically fixed for your contract duration. But there might be opportunities for overtime work. What are the chances of teaching English in neighboring countries?Very good, we can arrange this for you, if you complete your initial contract in South Korea and not be dismissed from your job post in Korea. Is all paperwork and books supplied by the school?Yes. When are the school holidays?As Language centers are open all year round, if working at a language center teachers will not share the usual school holidays.  Instead, participants may take vacation leave and take some public holidays which will be at the discretion of the school.  Can a participant choose part or full time?No, all positions are full time with 40 hour work weeks. Teaching hours per week, however, can range from 25-35.  Is religion a big issue?Whilst a person's religion is not a problem, the wearing of religious clothing (headgear etc) in the classroom is not commonly accepted and schools will ask teachers to remove it.   For the placement only option is an online or in-class TESOL/TEFL required?Both are accepted but an in-class TESOL is preferred. Certain public school programs require a minimum of 20-40 hours of in-class training. Should I get shots before leaving my home country?There are no major vaccinations required for South Korea at this time, however we recommend that participants consult their doctor about any vaccinations that they may recommend for Korea. It is also a good idea to check the CDC website for updates.  Can I drink the water in Korea?It is recommended that participants consume bottled water but the water in South Korea is completely fine for bathing, brushing one's teeth, etc.  What if you are unhappy in a job? Can you get a new one? It depends on the circumstances. If the participant performs poorly or is fired for poor behavior, then we are not responsible for finding them a new position. But if the issue is beyond their control, we will first try and remedy the situation with guidance and training before we proceed to find them a new position.  What sort of power adapter do I need?North America uses 110 volts while South Korea uses 220-volt outlets. Bring a converter/adapter so your electronics don’t get fried. The plug-in style has two round holes. What are the seasons like?There are four seasons in Korea with hot and humid summers and winters in which, depending on where on the island you live, you could see light to significant snowfall and freezing temperatures. Spring and fall are very beautiful times of year in Korea with spring bringing the cherry blossoms and fall in which the trees all change colors. What is the typical time frame in which someone signs up for the program and can be in country teaching?The reasonable time frame from the time someone signs up to arriving in Korea is about 4 months. This is ideal and likely it would be closer to 4 - 6 months depending on how quickly applicants can get their documents together and if they have their bachelors degree in hand and not waiting for graduation.   Preparation for lessons and what is that like?Low preparation for lesson planning at some private language schools as most materials for the classroom are supplied and there is a structure that generally can’t be changed too much. Public school positions require more lesson planning. #### Other Important FAQs What are living expenses per day?On a strict basic budget, $20 a day, including food and local transport. Of course, this is dependent on factors such as how often a teacher eats local foods, goes out, and entertainment choices. Food in Korea would be your biggest expense; the more local foods you eat, the cheaper it is. Personal spending habits can also affect this amount. Is travelling around Korea easy? It does depend on your location. Public transportation takes some getting used to depending on what part of the world you are coming from. Of course, living close to the subway line makes getting around a lot easier as it is in English. The bus and taxi system are relatively easy but it does help to be able to read Korean so you atleast are able to read the bus stop signs. Naver Maps (the Google Maps of Korea) is your go to and it is available in English too. Is transportation provided from accommodation to work?Transportation is not provided by schools. This will be for the teacher’s own expense and is relatively inexpensive. In most cases, teachers either live within walking distance from the school or a short bus ride/train ride away costing anything from $2 - 5 return per day. How safe is it around there?Extremely safe. Like anywhere else it is recommended that you remain alert; however, South Korea is a relatively safe place for both men and women to be alone. It has been ranked as one of the top 20 safest countries in the world and Seoul (the capital) has been ranked the 8th safest city in the world. What are the age groups I will be teaching?Mixed ages but mainly children. Anywhere from 4 - 18 years old. The age group depends on the school you end up in. Working hours? And days per week?Approximately 20 -30 teaching hours per week but 40 hour work weeks and 5 days a week. If you are required to work an extra day, that will be considered overtime. You will be required to lesson plan on the school’s property. Your shifts and time of days depends on the age group you are teaching as well as the type of school you end up in. After the contract can you still travel in the country or do you need to be out?Participants have 30 days after completing their contract to remain in South Korea. If they leave Korea during this period however their Visa will expire. Can one renew a working contract and visa without leaving the country?Yes, provided you do it while your working visa is still valid. Ideally a month before it expires. If you are changing schools, it means your visa will change too as the visa is linked to your school. This means you are required to obtain certified copies of your paperwork from the immigration department (for private schools) or the office of education (for public schools). If you are just renewing with your existing school, then would renew your visa and no further paperwork is required. How long is the working visa valid for?Working visas are valid for a minimum of one year. You would need to renew your work permit on a year by year basis. Language orientation? How will we understand Korean?As part of your in-country orientation you will have some Korean language lessons.  We cover the basics of the Korean language like useful phrases, and the basic Hangul (the Korean alphabet) to get you started with being able to read the language. We strongly recommend that all participants try learning some Korean prior to coming over in order to make their day to day lives easier. Medical services and insurance?NHI (National Health Insurance) is provided by your school a couple of weeks after you begin teaching. It takes some time to process the documents and you will be required to pass an in-country medical examination in order to apply for your ARC (alien registration card) which is your identity in Korea. Once you have your ARC then you are able to see a local doctor. We recommend you have travel insurance for the first two months of being in Korea (for in-class course participants) or the first month (for placement only participants). What is phone and Internet connectivity like?Really good, fast and cheap and there are many places to assist you with this process. Dress code for teaching?Smart. Typically collar shirts and slacks for men and conservative dress/pants and blouse for women. Please review the packing list for more details. How difficult is the TESOL course? Can one fail?Yes, one can fail. If we see that an applicant is not doing well, we will spend more time with the applicant to make sure they pass. We have had people fail or be kicked off of the course, but that is typically caused by other things like drinking, fighting, etc and not from lack of competence to complete the course successfully. However, a decent level of competence is necessary as a teacher will be required to do a demo lesson before finalizing their contract with the school. Packing essentials? Sleeping bag, towels?Clothing items: definitely bigger size clothing items especially if you are taller than average. Anything from 170cm. Pants and top sizes for both male and female, XL or bigger should probably be packed. They rarely can be found in the international store brands but they are not as easily available. Makeup: If you are slightly tanned you probably want to bring your own shade of foundation. This isn’t available unless it’s an international makeup store and this can only be found in the capital, Seoul. Again, not a large selection will be available. Underwear: For women who are fuller in the chest area or bigger than size large waist, we suggest bringing enough underwear as it will not be available in Korea. Packing bath towels is necessary as most towels in Korea are very small, hand towel size. You can also purchase them at select stores. Any serious laws they are very strict on?The use of illegal drug like substances, drinking and driving, defamation of character is strictly prohibited . If proven guilty, long term jail time is often the result and of course working permits will be revoked, followed by deportation. What is the level of English and behavior of my students?This will vary from student to student, however, there is typically beginner - intermediate knowledge of English throughout the country. You should expect to teach students of school going age (though they will mostly be children). Korean students are generally well behaved, at least compared with children in the West.What curriculum will they follow at school?Your school will provide and train you on their specific curriculum. The schools have specific curriculums and curriculum support. Do my colleagues speak English?Sometimes. If you’re teaching in a public school, the chances are slimmer that your colleagues can speak English comfortably. Sometimes they can but they choose not to because of the shy culture and need for perfectionism. What are the chances of schools deducting money from my salary? This depends on the school and details will be stipulated in the contract. Some schools deduct $250 per month for three months as a housing deposit and this will be paid back at the end of the contract minus the cleaning expenses, unpaid utility expenses or damage beyond general wear and tear. Do you get paid overtime?Yes, in most cases and this will be stipulated in their contract. What are the chances of getting a salary increase?Quite high for your second contract but your salary is typically fixed for your contract duration. But there might be opportunities for overtime work. What are the chances of teaching English in neighboring countries?Very good, we can arrange this for you, if you complete your initial contract in South Korea and not be dismissed from your job post in Korea. Is all paperwork and books supplied by the school?Yes. When are the school holidays?As Language centers are open all year round, if working at a language center teachers will not share the usual school holidays.  Instead, participants may take vacation leave and take some public holidays which will be at the discretion of the school. Can a participant choose part or full time?No, all positions are full time with 40 hour work weeks. Teaching hours per week, however, can range from 25-35. Is religion a big issue?Whilst a person's religion is not a problem, the wearing of religious clothing (headgear etc) in the classroom is not commonly accepted and schools will ask teachers to remove it. For the placement only option is an online or in-class TESOL/TEFL required?Both are accepted but an in-class TESOL is preferred. Certain public school programs require a minimum of 20-40 hours of in-class training. Should I get shots before leaving my home country?There are no major vaccinations required for South Korea at this time, however we recommend that participants consult their doctor about any vaccinations that they may recommend for Korea. It is also a good idea to check the CDC website for updates. Can I drink the water in Korea?It is recommended that participants consume bottled water but the water in South Korea is completely fine for bathing, brushing one's teeth, etc. What if you are unhappy in a job? Can you get a new one? It depends on the circumstances. If the participant performs poorly or is fired for poor behavior, then we are not responsible for finding them a new position. But if the issue is beyond their control, we will first try and remedy the situation with guidance and training before we proceed to find them a new position. What sort of power adapter do I need?North America uses 110 volts while South Korea uses 220-volt outlets. Bring a converter/adapter so your electronics don’t get fried. The plug-in style has two round holes. What are the seasons like?There are four seasons in Korea with hot and humid summers and winters in which, depending on where on the island you live, you could see light to significant snowfall and freezing temperatures. Spring and fall are very beautiful times of year in Korea with spring bringing the cherry blossoms and fall in which the trees all change colors. What is the typical time frame in which someone signs up for the program and can be in country teaching?The reasonable time frame from the time someone signs up to arriving in Korea is about 4 months. This is ideal and likely it would be closer to 4 - 6 months depending on how quickly applicants can get their documents together and if they have their bachelors degree in hand and not waiting for graduation.   Preparation for lessons and what is that like?Low preparation for lesson planning at some private language schools as most materials for the classroom are supplied and there is a structure that generally can’t be changed too much. Public school positions require more lesson planning. * Salary & Saving Potential Salary: ₩2,200,000 - 2,600,000 per month($1,600 - 1,900)Savings Potential: $400 - 1,000 or moreBenefits: Free housing, flight reimbursement up to $1,000, 1-month salary (13th month) upon contract completion #### Salary & Saving Potential Salary: ₩2,200,000 - 2,600,000 per month($1,600 - 1,900)Savings Potential: $400 - 1,000 or moreBenefits: Free housing, flight reimbursement up to $1,000, 1-month salary (13th month) upon contract completion * Airport Pickup In-Class TESOL ProgramParticipants will be met and picked up by a driver at the airport.We ask that participants arrive on the Friday, Saturday, or Sunday prior to their intake date.Pick-ups arranged throughout the day, between 08:00 am and 22:00 pmPlacement Program Airport Arrival Support (In some cases, aiport pick-up is provided, but if not, our team is able to provide support) #### Airport Pickup In-Class TESOL ProgramParticipants will be met and picked up by a driver at the airport.We ask that participants arrive on the Friday, Saturday, or Sunday prior to their intake date.Pick-ups arranged throughout the day, between 08:00 am and 22:00 pmPlacement Program Airport Arrival Support (In some cases, aiport pick-up is provided, but if not, our team is able to provide support) * Taxes Tax rate in South Korea for Teachers is between 4 - 7%. Public Schools: Citizens of the following countries are eligible to claim exemption from Korean taxes for 2-years by providing proof of a Residency Certificate:United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, New ZealandCanadian and Irish citizens are not eligible for exemption. Tax rate in South Korea for Teachers is between 4 - 7%. Public Schools: Citizens of the following countries are eligible to claim exemption from Korean taxes for 2-years by providing proof of a Residency Certificate:United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, New ZealandCanadian and Irish citizens are not eligible for exemption. * Working Hours 40 working hours per week (25-35 hours of teaching)Public Schools Weekly Schedule - Monday to Friday (no weekends)Daily Working Hours - 08:30 to 16:30Private Schools (Hagwons)Weekly Schedule - Monday to Friday (no weekends)Daily Working Hours - Depends on age. Younger learners (Kindy to Elementary is normally 09:00 to 18:00. Older students (Elementary to Middle School) schools usually operate between 12:00 to 22:00 #### Working Hours 40 working hours per week (25-35 hours of teaching)Public Schools Weekly Schedule - Monday to Friday (no weekends)Daily Working Hours - 08:30 to 16:30Private Schools (Hagwons)Weekly Schedule - Monday to Friday (no weekends)Daily Working Hours - Depends on age. Younger learners (Kindy to Elementary is normally 09:00 to 18:00. Older students (Elementary to Middle School) schools usually operate between 12:00 to 22:00 * Vacation / Time Off Private Schools (Hagwons)11 Paid Days Vacation per year No Unpaid Vacation PeriodsWeekends and Public Holidays OffPublic Schools (ALT Positions)21-26 Paid Days Vacation per year No Unpaid Vacation PeriodsWeekends and Public Holidays Off #### Vacation / Time Off Private Schools (Hagwons)11 Paid Days Vacation per year No Unpaid Vacation PeriodsWeekends and Public Holidays OffPublic Schools (ALT Positions)21-26 Paid Days Vacation per year No Unpaid Vacation PeriodsWeekends and Public Holidays Off * Housing And Startup Costs Housing In-Class TESOL - (Depends on whether partner program incudes acommodation) Twin room: $450 Single room: $900**Single Rooms are subject to availabilityA 120,000 KRW deposit is required for all participants using the in-class TESOL accommodation, and is to be paid in cash on arrival. The full deposit amount will be returned at the end of the course (provided there are no damages).Housing once at Placement - Accommodation provided by school, teacher responsible for utilities (+/- $75 per month) --------------------------------Placement Program Startup Costs - $1,250 to get teachers through to their first paycheckOn-site TEFL + Placement Startup Costs - $2,500 to 3,500 to get teachers through to their first paycheck, and cover a visa trip if needed-------------------------------------Health Insurance - Teachers should purchase travel insurance that covers them for the first 3 months of their time in South Korea, until their health insurance with their school takes effect #### Housing And Startup Costs Housing In-Class TESOL - (Depends on whether partner program incudes acommodation) Twin room: $450 Single room: $900**Single Rooms are subject to availabilityA 120,000 KRW deposit is required for all participants using the in-class TESOL accommodation, and is to be paid in cash on arrival. The full deposit amount will be returned at the end of the course (provided there are no damages).Housing once at Placement - Accommodation provided by school, teacher responsible for utilities (+/- $75 per month) --------------------------------Placement Program Startup Costs - $1,250 to get teachers through to their first paycheckOn-site TEFL + Placement Startup Costs - $2,500 to 3,500 to get teachers through to their first paycheck, and cover a visa trip if needed-------------------------------------Health Insurance - Teachers should purchase travel insurance that covers them for the first 3 months of their time in South Korea, until their health insurance with their school takes effect * FAQs What are living expenses per day?On a strict basic budget, $20 a day, including food and local transport. Of course, this is dependent on factors such as how often a teacher eats local foods, goes out, entertainment choices. Food in Korea would be your biggest expense, the more local foods you eat, the cheaper it is. Personal spending habits can also affect this amount.  Is travelling around Korea easy? It does depend on your location. Public transportation takes some getting used to depending on what part of the world you are coming from. Of course, living close to the subway line makes getting around a lot easier as it is in English. The bus and taxi system are relatively easy but it does help to be able to read Korean so you atleast are able to read the bus stop signs. Naver Maps (the Google Maps of Korea) is your go to and it is available in English too.  Is transportation provided from accommodation to work?Transportation is not provided by schools. This will be for the teacher’s own expense and is relatively inexpensive. In most cases, teachers either live within walking distance from the school or a short bus ride/train ride away costing anything from $2 - 5 return per day.  How safe is it around there?Extremely safe. Like anywhere else it is recommended that you remain alert; however, South Korea is a relatively safe place for both men and women to be alone. It has been ranked as one of the top 20 safest countries in the world and Seoul (the capital) has been ranked the 8th safest city in the world. What are the age groups I will be teaching?Mixed ages but mainly children. Anywhere from 4 - 18 years old. The age group depends on the school you end up in.  Working hours? And days per week?Approximately 20 -30 teaching hours per week but 40 hour work weeks and 5 days a week. If you are required to work an extra day, that will be considered overtime. You will be required to lesson plan on the school’s property. Your shifts and time of days depends on the age group you are teaching as well as the type of school you end up in.  After the contract can you still travel in the country or do you need to be out?Participants have 30 days after completing their contract to remain in South Korea. If they leave Korea during this period however their Visa will expire.  Can one renew a working contract and visa without leaving the country?Yes, provided you do it while your working visa is still valid. Ideally a month before it expires. If you are changing schools, it means your visa will change too as the visa is linked to your school. This means you are required to obtain certified copies of your paperwork from the immigration department (for private schools) or the office of education (for public schools). If you are just renewing with your existing school, then would renew your visa and no further paperwork is required.  How long is the working visa valid for?Working visas are valid for a minimum of one year. You would need to renew your work permit on a year by year basis. Language orientation? How will we understand Korean?As part of your in-country orientation you will have some Korean language lessons.  We cover the basics of the Korean language like useful phrases, and the basic Hangul (the Korean alphabet) to get you started with being able to read the language. We strongly recommend that all participants try learning some Korean prior to coming over in order to make their day to day lives easier Medical services and insurance?NHI (National Health Insurance) is provided by your school a couple of weeks after you begin teaching. It takes some time to process the documents and you will be required to pass an in-country medical examination in order to apply for your ARC (alien registration card) which is your identity in Korea. Once you have your ARC then you are able to see a local doctor. We recommend you have travel insurance for the first two months of being in Korea (for in-class course participants) or the first month (for placement only participants)What is phone and Internet connectivity like?Really good, fast and cheap and there are many places to assist you with this process.  Dress code for teaching?Smart. Typically collar shirts and slacks for men and conservative dress/pants and blouse for women. Please review the packing list for more details. How difficult is the TESOL course? Can one fail?Yes, one can fail. If we see that an applicant is not doing well, we will spend more time with the applicant to make sure they pass. We have had people fail or be kicked off of the course, but that is typically caused by other things like drinking, fighting,etc and not from lack of competence to complete the course successfully. However, a decent level of competence is necessary as a teacher will be required to do a demo lesson before finalizing their contract with the school. Packing essentials? Sleeping bag, towels?Clothing items: definitely bigger size clothing items especially if you are taller than average. Anything from 170cm. Pants and top sizes for both male and female, XL or bigger should probably be packed. They rarely can be found in the international store brands but they are not as easily available. Makeup: If you are slightly tanned you probably want to bring your own shade of foundation. This isn’t available unless it’s an international makeup store and this can only be found in the capital, Seoul. Again, not a large selection will be available. Underwear: For women who are fuller in the chest area or bigger than size large waist, we suggest bringing enough underwear as it will not be available in Korea. Packing bath towels is necessary as most towels in Korea are very small, hand towel size. You can also purchase them at select stores. Any serious laws they are very strict on?The use of illegal drug like substances, drinking and driving, defamation of character is strictly prohibited . If proven guilty, long term jail time is often the result and of course working permits will be revoked, followed by deportation.   What is the level of English and behavior of my students?This will vary from student to student, however, there is typically beginner - intermediate knowledge of English throughout the country. You should expect to teach students of school going age (though they will mostly be children). Korean students are generally well behaved, at least compared with children in the West.What curriculum will they follow at school?Your school will provide and train you on their specific curriculum. The schools have specific curriculums and curriculum support.  Do my colleagues speak English?Sometimes. If you’re teaching in a public school, the chances are slimmer that your colleagues can speak English comfortably. Sometimes they can but they choose not to because of the shy culture and need for perfectionism.  What are the chances of schools deducting money from my salary? This depends on the school and details will be stipulated in the contract. Some schools deduct $250 per month for three months as a housing deposit and this will be paid back at the end of the contract minus the cleaning expenses, unpaid utility expenses or damage beyond general wear and tear. Do you get paid overtime?Yes, in most cases and this will be stipulated in their contract. What are the chances of getting a salary increase?Quite high for your second contract but your salary is typically fixed for your contract duration. But there might be opportunities for overtime work. Is all paperwork and books supplied by the school?Yes. When are the school holidays?As Language centers are open all year round, if working at a language center teachers will not share the usual school holidays.  Instead, participants may take vacation leave and take some public holidays which will be at the discretion of the school.  Can a participant choose part or full time?No, all positions are full time with 40 hour work weeks. Teaching hours per week, however, can range from 25-35.  Is religion a big issue?Whilst a person's religion is not a problem, the wearing of religious clothing (headgear etc) in the classroom is not commonly accepted and schools will ask teachers to remove it.  For the placement only option is an online or in-class TESOL/TEFL required?Both are accepted but an in-class TESOL is preferred. Certain public school programs require a minimum of 20-40 hours of in-class training. Should I get shots before leaving my home country?There are no major vaccinations required for South Korea at this time, however we recommend that participants consult their doctor about any vaccinations that they may recommend for Korea. It is also a good idea to check the CDC website for updates.  Can I drink the water in Korea?It is recommended that participants consume bottled water but the water in South Korea is completely fine for bathing, brushing one's teeth, etc.  What if you are unhappy in a job? Can you get a new one? It depends on the circumstances. If the participant performs poorly or is fired for poor behavior, then we are not responsible for finding them a new position. But if the issue is beyond their control, we will first try and remedy the situation with guidance and training before we proceed to find them a new position.  What sort of power adapter do I need?North America uses 110 volts while South Korea uses 220-volt outlets. Bring a converter/adapter so your electronics don’t get fried. The plug-in style has two round holes. What are the seasons like?There are four seasons in Korea with hot and humid summers and winters in which, depending on where on the island you live, you could see light to significant snowfall and freezing temperatures. Spring and fall are very beautiful times of year in Korea with spring bringing the cherry blossoms and fall in which the trees all change colors. What is the typical time frame in which someone signs up for the program and can be in country teaching?The reasonable time frame from the time someone signs up to arriving in Korea is about 4 months. This is ideal and likely it would be closer to 4 - 6 months depending on how quickly applicants can get their documents together and if they have their bachelors degree in hand and not waiting for graduation.   Preparation for lessons and what is that like?Low preparation for lesson planning at some private language schools as most materials for the classroom are supplied and there is a structure that generally can’t be changed too much. Public school positions require more lesson planning. ## Sound like you? Apply Today. ## Only Independent Reviews #### Independent reviews guide us to always strive to do better. We enjoy a 9.8 (out of 10) rating on GoAbroad.com for our Teach English in South Korea program. ------------------------------------------------------------ ABOUT THIS CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------ Source: https://culturalexchangeproject.org/teach-korea Author: school type Published: June 1, 2027 This content is provided for informational purposes. Please visit the original source for the most up-to-date information.