Types of teaching jobs in South Korea
The population of South Korea is into learning English, so there is a constant scarcity of professional ESL teachers. Working at a public school obliges you to be a native speaker with some duties relate to paperwork. There is a low payment in comparison with private language schools, or «hagwons» (Korean name). Teaching English in a «hagwon» you will be busy with a full schedule working about 30-35 hours a week. But the payment will live up to your expectations. Parents are so anxious about attendance and progress of their children, that is why private institutions are the most well-paid workplaces.
Needless to say that Business English is quite popular in Korea. There are many whire collars, who are interested in learning English to expand professional horizonы and speak with international partners. Definetely, you must be good at teaching Business communication. But it allows to improve critical thinking of your students and talk about everything. Let's find out the requirements and terms for each institution in South Korea.
Private schools
Most teachers opt for working in «hagwons» because of some important reasons. The salary is much higher, working about 30-35 hours a week you can make about $2,000-2,200 for the same time. That's why a lot of people come here to make some dough and pay off loans. Working hours are different as well, you start and finish a bit later in comparison with public school. Another good news, especially for newcomers, most «hagwons» provide lesson plans and neccessary teaching materials, so you won't have to spend much time on it. However, some creative and experienced teachers love searching authentic materials and making lessons.
The list of typical requirements of private schools isn't long, it includes a bachelor's degree, the high level of the language, and TEFL certification. In this case, the last point may make up for the lack of teaching experience. That's why 120 hours of studying is a minimum.
Public Schools
If you got used to typical 9-to-5 working days, job at public school is for you. You won't be exhausted, because you won't have to work more than 22 hours a week. It fits you if you love teaching young learners. As usual, there are about 30 kids in a class, but don't be afraid, a Korean co-teacher will be with you to support and help. When it comes to benefits, you may expect to have subsidised appartment, national insurance, national holiday leave, 18 days of paid vacation. You may spend this time traveling around.
It's better to know some etiquette rules in advance in order to avoid embarassing situations. Keep in mind that a bow with a head is a good way to show your respect. Try to make a good lasting impression with modest clothes and hairstyle.
Universities
If you are fond of working with adults, probably you should start your path in Korea with universities. It's not so easy to land such a job, because it takes a master's degree, TEFL or CELTA courses, and 2 years of experience. However, if you are qualified enough, you won't be dissapointed. You will have to work less than 18 hours a week having paid holidays and days of vacation, and other benefits. However, if you want to work at university, you will have to find your own appartment, so it won't be sponsored by the institution. Also, a neccessary deposit is about $5,000, which will be returned at the end of the lease period, but it's a lot of money, especially at the begining.
Recruitment Companies
Job searching gets exgausting and boring process in a couple of hours of staring at the screen. It's important to keep in mind so many things such as requirements you fit, preferences, work conditions, and contract terms. It will become worse, when you have to apply for the E-2 teaching visa. So in order not to go crazy, leave it to experts. There are so many companies you can trust your future career. They will find appropriate workplaces depending on your experience, credentials, and desires. It's not free, but it's worth your saved nerves.
We have sorted out some trustworthy recruiting agencies:
- Adventure Teaching;
- Canadian Connection;
- Chung Dahm;
- The EPIK (English Programme in Korea);
- Go abroad;
- CIEE;
- TravelBud;
- GeoVisions;
- TeachAway;
- Flying Cows is a UK-based recruitment company;
- Gyeonggi English Programme in Korea (GEPIK);
- Gone2Korea;
- TEFL Job Korea;
- Online Advisor.
Be careful with unfamiliar agencies, there are a lot of scammers, which may promise you everything in order to get your money. Check the reviews and program description on a website. Also, a top-notch support speaks volumes.
Receive a 12-step checklist ✅ to increase income for English language teachers.
Discover the secrets to doubling your income from teaching English with our exclusive 12-step checklist! 🚀 This checklist is designed for English teachers who want to attract more students 🎓 and keep their interest for a long time. ❤️
Get a checklist