Overview
Teach English abroad in South Korea and experience a culture rich in ancient tradition that is set alongside high-tech cityscapes. Prepare to share your English skills in the classroom and celebrate your successes over tasty Korean BBQ and generous helpings of kimchi with new friends.
Famed for its rolling countryside dotted with cherry blossom trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples, plus its quaint coastal fishing villages and sub-tropical islands, teaching in South Korea will have you feeling like you’ve landed in a TEFL teacher’s paradise in no time. And, with the high-speed transport services, you will see more of Korea than you thought possible.
An incredible backdrop for your next adventure, living and working in Korea as an ESL teacher is *just* the POP…or should we say K-pop that your resume/CV needs. Join us next semester!
Fully Inclusive Programme
- 120 hour accredited online TEFL course
- In school training
- 12-month teaching placement
- Rent-free accommodation
- Visa assistance
- Ongoing & emergency support
Your Trip Itinerary
Getting there
Travel to Incheon International Airport (IIA) in Seoul where normally you will be picked up by our arrival team. You will make your way on arrival to your accommodation.
In school training
You will receive onboarding training in your school.
Pre arrival you will join online courses to learn about Korean culture, language and society, while forming friendships with other teachers.
Your teaching experience
It’s time to get into the classroom! You’ll be confident after already completing 120 hours of certified teacher training. You will either work in a public or private language school, depending on your suitability.
Public school teachers work in the mornings and afternoons at between one to three schools, and classes have up to 30 students. Private schools, known as Hagwons have smaller classes and typically offer after extra curricular lessons in the early morning, afternoon and evenings.
Your students will mostly range in age from young learners at elementary and primary school with mixed English ability, giving you an incredible first-time teaching experience. You can expect around 22 hours (public schools) or 30 hours (private schools) of hands-on teaching during your 40-hour work week, leaving your time to plan lessons following the in-house curriculum. Your goal will be focused on conversational English practice, helping your eager students to feel confident as they develop their skills.
You’ll be able to ask advice from local teaching colleagues but don’t forget to bring your own creativity and ideas into the classroom, this is your chance to shine!
On days off and your salary to enjoy, you will have a long list of sightseeing and travel plans. Relax and enjoy a day at a popular Korean spa, find the best local restaurants to try out, and make it to a night of K-pop singing and dancing. Prepare to check off a few amazing bucket list items!
After your internship
Congratulations, you did it! Make sure to celebrate this achievement. It’s time to decide if you’d like to see more of South Korea, traveling or teaching (or both).
You might decide to extend your stay in Korea and teach for longer by renewing your contract. The possibilities are endless for you now as a confident and experienced TEFL teacher.
Essential information about this trip
What our interns say
Discover if teaching English in South Korea is for you with the help of Carrie and Sam's stories They were inspired to take their careers in a whole new direction.
The ultimate pre-departure culture course for South Korea
Your TEFL course will give you the credentials to teach abroad, but preparing yourself for the cultural change is a whole new ball game.
Before arriving in Korea, having a solid understanding of the culture from this course will help you in many ways. You'll find it easier to navigate social situations, make friends, do better at work, and transition into local life.
Locations
After you settle in, you will spend your teaching placement in one of our stunning placements throughout South Korea. Locations are varied in cities and towns across Provinces including Gyeonggi, Gyeongsangnam-do, Chungcheong, Jeollanam-do, Gangwon-do.
Want to learn more about this placement? Drop your details below & we'll get in touch very soon!
How it works
Before you go, you’ll have an application form to fill out and documents to submit, a video chat and then you’ll be on your way.
Cultural excursions
Wondering what you’re going to do with your precious free time? We’re glad you asked. We know your adventure bucket list is long, but make sure you tack these recommendations from past TEFL interns in South Korea towards the top!
Neighborhood
Food
Activity
Questions and Answers
Is my start date/month flexible?
Yes, and we would encourage you to be flexible when choosing your preferred start month. For example, if it is taking longer than expected for your visa paperwork to process then our team will typically delay your start date to the next month to accommodate this.
How much should I budget for utilities?
Internet and cable generally costs about US$35 a month in Korea. Utilities can cost around US$40 -150 a month, depending on the month and season, which will cover electricity, gas, water and apartment maintenance fees.
Will I be co-teaching?
If you choose to work in a public school, having a local co-teacher is very common. In private language schools you will be the main teacher of your class. You will plan out your own lessons and be responsible for your students.
When will I get my flight reimbursement?
Usually your flight reimbursement contributions comes with your first pay check or within 30-60 days of your contract start date.
Each school decides how much of a reimbursement they will give towards your outbound flight to Korea.
Some schools pay back flights at the end of the contract, and this will be detailed in your contract.
Where are the most common placement locations?
Placements are nationwide across public and private schools in Korea, however the top 5 placement provinces are:
- Gyeonggi
- Gyeongsangnam-do
- Chungcheong
- Jeollanam-do
- Gangwon-do
Applicants can state a preference for location in South Korea however it can’t be guaranteed. Teachers will be placed according to availability and suitability.
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