What to expect teaching English in South Korea

So, you’ve got your heart set on TEFLing in South Korea? You’re in for a treat! With a captivating culture, an amazing assortment of food, insane natural beauty and the promise of living rent free, it’s no surprise South Korea is such a sought after TEFL destination. But what can you really expect from your teaching English job there?

Your students will be super excited to meet you

Students in South Korea tend to get overly excited about new foreign teachers. Expect lots of excitement, giddiness and questions in your first couple of classes. They’ll want to know everything about you, your home country and your culture at home. You can use this time to let them get to know you, as well as you getting to know them too.

Expect lots of bowing

In South Korea, as a sign of respect your students will regularly bow at you when they greet you. It’s also common courtesy for you to bow to your co-workers when you see them too. Don’t worry, you’ll pick it up really quickly.

Parents will be very involved

Like in any country, parents in South Korea want only the best for their children. Expect them to be very involved in the school, events they have on and the education of their children. They’ll probably grab you at any given opportunity to ask you how their children are getting on, you’ll get used to it and will probably become really friendly with all of your students’ parents.

Your students will have varying levels of English

All of your students will have had different exposure to the English language. Be patient with your students and make sure you’re giving them different work to suit their levels of English.

You can nap at your desk!

You read that right! In Korean culture, it’s completely acceptable to nap at your desk (when you’re not in class). So, bring your pillow and your blanket and catch up on some well needed Zs.

You’ll generally live rent-free

Most teaching contracts in South Korea include accommodation, flights, paid holiday days, bonuses, health care, visas and free lunches! If that’s not enough to convince you that it’s a great place to TEFL, we’re not sure what will!

It’s easy to get around

South Korea is one of the most efficient places in the world! With 5 different types of transportation systems it’s easy and super fast to get around. They’ve got bullet trains, regular trains, an extensive metro system, buses and taxis – you’ll never get stranded anywhere here!

You’ll need a degree

To legally teach in South Korea, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, but it can be in any subject. Along with a degree, you’ll also need a passport from either, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland or South Africa.

You’ll need a TEFL certificate

Although not for visa purposes, you’ll struggle to land a job without a TEFL certificate. To give yourself the best chance of landing a job, we’d suggest taking a Level 5 TEFL Diploma.

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