Articles for Teachers
As the demand for English speakers continues to rise across the world, teaching English to foreign learners is becoming a booming business, especially in Asia. One country that is attracting a host of English-speaking teachers is South Korea. Because it offers free housing and airfare, South Korea has become one of the most popular teaching destinations. By teaching in South Korea, one has the chance not only to save some money but to experience an entirely different culture as well.
Become certified by Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This will not only make you more qualified, but you also will learn what to expect when teaching overseas. Oxford Seminars, linked below in Resources, is one respectable program that offers TESOL certification.
Decide which part of South Korea you want to teach in. Popular destinations include Seoul and Busan, which is near the beach. There are numerous other cities to teach in, but they may be in rural areas. Go to Dave's ESL Cafe website, which is linked below in Resources, and read the Korea forums for opinions and advice of where to teach in South Korea.
Contact a job recruiter. This can be done through a TESOL certification company and other places online. Every day, Dave's ESL Cafe posts South Korean job listings in its Korean Job Board section. Check the job's requirements and whether the job is for a hagwon, elementary school or middle school. A hagwon is a mix of all age levels, and the schedule usually is split. Email the recruiter and let her know that you are interested in the job.
Schedule an interview with the manager of the institute that you are interested in teaching for. The interview will take place over the telephone. Ask any questions concerning the nature of the work and what you should expect. If the school is interested in you, it will send a contract to your email address. If it is not interested or you would like to contact another position, that is OK as well. Be patient. You do not have to choose the first job you come across.
Make sure you have all the required documents, including the signed contract, and mail them to the school. Because it could take awhile to gather everything, plan your trip to South Korea a few months in advance.