I Love ESL-Teaching English Korea FAQ

Australia and New Zealand office of ILoveESL

Welcome to the world of teaching English in South Korea, teach English in Korea!!!

Have you ever thought of teaching English in South Korea? Do you want the experience of a lifetime? Teaching English in Korea will give you the perfect opportunity to travel abroad, explore a new culture and the experience of a lifetime. To teach English in Korea, even if you've never taught ESL (English as a Second Language) or EFL (English as a Foreign Language), a bachelor's degree in any field is all you need to teach English in Korea. If you've ever thought you might like to teach English in Korea, maybe this section will give you an idea of what it is like.

The same holds true for this information as for the earlier sections, some of it may be out of date, or slightly changed, so please use this as a guide for teaching English in Korea.

Below are lists of a few common questions about teaching English in Korea with their answers. If you need more information about teaching English in Korea, visit Types of Schools (job information), About Korea and Useful Links section. You can find more information about Korean society and teaching English jobs in Korea.

Q Do I need to speak Korean to teach English in Korea?
A No. Your students prefer that you communicate in English only. If you are having difficulty in communicating, there will always be a person who can speak English.

Q&A:To be qualified to teach English in Korea
To be qualified to teach English in Korea you need a university degree of any field or higher. English should be your first language. The Korean government invites English Language Instructors (ELIs) from seven major English-speaking countries; Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa and the United States of America, to teach English in South Korea. You should be citizen of the countries and finished your University in the countries to teach English in Korea.

Q:Can I speak with someone who has completed his/her contract or is teaching English in Korea currently?
A Yes. As soon as you are offered a position, you can speak directly with a teacher currently teaching English in South Korea or someone who has completed the contract.

Q: Is there a fee?
A: No. We do not require any fee for our services from our candidates. Your only expenses will be a visa application fee $45 USA, CAD $70 in Canada, and a $35 freight fee to get a teaching English job in Korea.

Q: Who takes care of the work visa to Korea?
A: We will process all the paper work necessary for you to obtain a work visa (E-2 visa, a visa for teaching English in Korea). All you have to do is take those documents to the nearest Korean consulate. It usually takes 3 to 4 weeks before your visa is issued.

Q: Who will make the travel arrangements to Korea?
A: we will make travel arrangements for you to be picked up at the airport in South Korea.

Q What do I have to do to apply for this position (teach English in Korea)?
A First email us the "Personal Information" One of our representatives will be in touch with you either by phone, fax, or email.

Required Documents to be sent to us
1. Resume
2. Scanned copy of diploma or letter of completion through email
3. Scanned copy of passport (if you have already)
4. Scanned passport photo or photo(s) show your face clearly.
-Do not fax the documents! Please send them by email (resume in word form and scan other documents) If you do not have scanner access please send them by mail, your photo and copy of your diploma etc
-Please state your date of availability E.g. March 15th when you send us your resume

Q Do I have to pay rent for my apartment?
A No. You do not pay any rent, but you will be responsible for the utility bill in pro rata shares.

Q:How much do utilities usually cost?
A:Utilities include an apartment maintenance fee, as well as your heating, phone and electricity. The total cost is usually anywhere from 40,000 ~ 80,000 Won depending on usage.

Q Is there someone in Korea who I can contact if I have any problems?
A Yes. We have representatives in South Korea to help you adjust and to resolve any problems you may have while you are teaching English in Korea.

Q:When is the best time to apply for a position to teach English in Korea?
A:Apply early is always good advice. Jobs are usually posted 45-60 days before their required start time. The months of February and August are peak hiring months for public schools in Korea. Public schools hire even 5 month in advance

Q:How long will it take before I am hired?
A:Usually the full process can be completed within two months from receipt of the application. There is a 3-4 week long preparation period before your departure. This time is needed to confirm your diploma, conduct a telephone interview, process your visa and make flight arrangements.

Q: How will I be paid?
A:You will be paid in Korean Won either monthly or bi-weekly. If you set up a bank account your salary will be deposited automatically into your account. You will be able wire money home from your bank.

Q:Is training provided?
A:Yes, it is. During your training you will have a chance to interact with other teachers and learn the techniques you'll need in class. Most people that come to Korea to teach English have little teaching experience and end up very competent teachers.

Q:Is the salary adequate to live in Korea?
A:Yes, it most certainly is. You'll earn enough money to have a lot of fun in Korea, as well as be able to save a significant portion.

Q: What taxes do I have to pay ?
A:Korean income taxes are quite small and limited to around 6-8% of your salary. Those from the US are exempt from paying taxes on a certain portion of their overseas salary (at one time, the first $75,000 earned). Canadians can apply to be non-residents and not be required to pay any taxes during their time in Korea. It is recommended you check on the current tax situation of your country.

Q: How much does medical insurance cost?
A:Usually around 1.5-1.6% of your monthly salary. It is paid monthly and shared by the employer and employee. There would be deduction for Korean National Pension Plan but Canadians can get whole amount contributed when they leave Korea

Q: Is it difficult to live in Korea without speaking Korean?
A: No. Many people speak English here including all your co- workers.

Q: What happens when I first get to Korea to teach?
A: We will pick you up at the airport and bring you and your entire luggage to your school(apartment).

Q: Where will I be living?
A: Usually you will live very close to your school, 5 to 10 minites on foot.

Q: What happens if I get sick?
A: If you get sick, your school will do it's best to make sure you have the right care. Your supervisor at your school will arrange for you to see a doctor that speaks English if this is necessary.

Q: I've heard that pharmacies are different than those in America. How are they different?
A: The pharmacist here is able to treat most common problems. It's a good idea to find one in your neighborhood and stick with him or her. They are well schooled and serve as a "middleman" of sorts between you and a doctor/hospital. They're also much cheaper. Ask a Korean teacher to go with you to see one, if there's a language barrier.

Q: Do I need to have any shots before I come to Korea to teach English?
A: Check with your doctor. None are required before coming to Korea.

Q: What about pollution? Is there anything I should know?
A: Air quality may not be what your body is used to, and many people often get a little sick when going to a new country. Korea is no exception. It helps to drink lots of water and take vitamins.

Q: Am I covered if I am sick?
A: If you are sick you will be paid, for up to 6 working days and the Korean medical insurance also will covers you.

Q: Should I carry my passport all the time?
A: once you have settled in, it's a good idea to store it in a safe place (away from cash!) at home, and carry your wallet. You will have to turn your passport over to the Korean Ministry of Justice for a period of up to three weeks while they make your residency card. This is standard practice for foreign teachers in Korea and is not a cause for concern. You will get it and your residency card back at the same time. Your school will arrange to pick them up for you.

Q: What about the paperwork involved? Where do I have to go and what do I have to do?
A: Most companies send their teachers out on their own to deal with the quagmire of paperwork.A manager of your school who is experienced with, and known by both the American and Korean governments will do all the paperwork with you as well as escort you through the whole process, which otherwise is quite confusing.

Q: What1s there to do for fun?
A: Korea has just about every type of recreation. There are museums to visit, mountains (everywhere) to climb, Disco and Dance clubs, stores (Korea is a shopper's paradise!), Music clubs, Golf, Swimming, great restaurants. You can take calligraphy classes, Taekwon-Do classes, or go to kareoke. There is never a shortage of things to do.

Q: What about movies and TV?
A: There are all major American Movies (in English) and an American TV station run by the military. Currently they play shows like Friends, E.R, Star Trek, Sesame Street, Nightline, World news, Seinfeld, Dave1s world, X- Files and movies. No commercials, but Army propaganda. There are also " video bangs", which are like "rent-a living room". You can watch videos and have food and drinks on a couch in a private room. Soon there will be a new English network here as well.

Q: What should I bring with me?
A: You better bring vitamins, sunscreen, mosquito repellent (Korean mosquitoes are ferocious) deodorant. You should bring extra underwear, as the spin cycle of the washing machines is pretty tough. If you are a woman you should bring extra undergarments as well because it can be difficult to find American sizes. You should bring any electronics (Walkman, powered speakers, laptops etc.) because they can be a bit expensive here. You can bring a VCR (same system as the U.S.). Current novels or other reading material is good to bring. Bring an Iron (110/220 v) and an alarm clock as well. Coffee is expensive so bring a pound of Java if you like, and a bottle of good wine. For those of you who like to cook, it's a good idea to bring any spices you like to use. Garlic and pepper are readily available, but other spices may be harder to find.

Clothing
Men who are shorter than 6 feet (183 cm) and who weigh about 154 lbs (70 kg) or less, will find everything they need here and so should only pack the necessities. If you are above these numbers, you should plan on bringing what you'll need for a year. Korean people are generally smaller than westerns, and this is particularly true for females. There is a definately lack of clothing for women of even slightly bigger-than-average proportions. For your comfort, bringing enough underwear is particularly important.

Footwear in Korea is generally not as well constructed, and in bigger sizes harder to find. No matter you foot size I would recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes.

In your work place, you generally won't be allowed to wear sneakers or tank-tops. Keep this in mind when packing your bags.

Personal Products
Koreans generally don't use deodorant, so it is very hard to find. Bring a year's supply! (I hear that the Body Shop stocks deodorant, but it is likely expensive.)

Females that use tampons and are particular about a certain brand, may wish to bring a year's supply. Tampons are available at pharmacies, but the brands are limited and the quality is often low.

Shaving products are available, but in only a limited variety. Your electric shaver should work in Korea. (Many models have an automatic switch to go from different types of electricity.)

Spices
If you are gourmet, and plan to make western delights while in Korea you need to bring along some of the spices you are accustomed to. Allspice, caraway seed, basil, garlic salt, nutmeg, celery seed, cloves, cumin, onion salt and oregano are difficult to find in Korea.

Vitamins and Medicine
I personally recommend you bring a supply of Vitamin C. You will be entering a foreign country with foreign germs and virus. Ensuring good nutrition will go a long way in keeping you healthy. (I also highly recommend Tums or some type of antacid. If you forget or run out of Tums and you have an upset stomach, I recommend a candy called Polo, which is incredibly effective.)

Of course, you should bring any prescription medicine that you need. You may wish to see if it is available in Korea first, as it might be cheaper. Also, some medicine is restricted, so you should check with your local Korean consulate.

Q: When is the best time to call America?
A: the cheapest time to call from here is after midnight and before 8:00am. Remember there is a time difference and it costs 2 to 3 times as much to call the States from here. (Have people call you!)

Q: Why are so many public phones always off the hook? Are they broken?
A: Not at all! Often there is a remaining credit on the phone and so people as a courtesy leave them off the hook for the next person to use. Just push the green button for a new dial tone. The red button is for emergency calls. Most calls are in reverse order from the States. Police, for example, is # 119 (instead of # 911). The same is true for information: 114 (instead of 411).

Q: What about banking? What if I need to send money home? Should I look for an American bank? Are there any here?
A: there are several American banks in Korea such as Bank Of America, and Citibank, but just about any bank can help you. If you need to send money home there are several ways to do it. You can purchase a cashier's check at most banks which you can send via airmail to the States. You can also wire money directly to a checking account in America. This is a little more expensive (costing about 10.000 won to exchange won to dollars and to wire them) but the money will arrive in two days. There is often a charge from the bank in the States to receive a wire transfer. You will need the bank name, address, account number and also the routing number (the series of numbers which precede the account number on the bottom of the check) to do this. You will also need your passport and (When you have one,) your residency card.

Q: Is it difficult to open a bank account here?
A: No. Because you are a legal teacher you will have no problems to do anything like this, and Korean banks, just like American banks are happy to help you deposit your money. There is usually someone who will be able to help you open an account and conduct transactions. It is best that you wait to get to your assigned school before seeking out a bank as you will want one that is near your house. Almost all banks will provide you with an ATM card as well. We help you to set up a bank account if you ask us.

Q: How do I cash my paycheck?
A: You will be paid in cash, so there is no need to worry about this.

Q: What about credit cards?
A: Visa, MC and, in some places Amex, are all excepted.

Q: What if I want to extend my contract for another year?
A: Great! We will be happy to talk to you about this after you have been here a while. We want to keep our experienced teachers and offer an increased salary and some additional benefits for 2nd year teachers.

Q: What's the best way to make my time in Korea good?
A: Your time here is what you make of it. If you keep to yourself and avoid other people, your experience won't be as rich as it will be if you explore the country and it1s people. If you're positive and open-minded you can have an absolutely great time in Korea.