English Teaching Jobs in Korea | NewPathRecruitment

Korea

FAQ - Korea

It is important to remember that each school is different, and so the answers to the following questions are only a general guideline.

FAQ – Answers

What are the basic qualifications?

For most schools, the basic qualifications are as follows:

Have a 4 year university degree in any discipline
Have no criminal record
Be healthy
Be genuinely interested in living and working in Korea
Be genuinely interested in teaching
Professional, responsible, enthusiastic, adaptable

How long does it take to get an E2 Visa?

The visa application process can take approximately 3 months. There have been some recent changes made to the E2 Visa application process, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible.
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Do I need to provide a criminal record check?

Yes, you will have to provide a criminal record check, as it is necessary for the E2 Visa application. The cost of the criminal record check is paid by the teacher.
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Do I need to provide a medical check?

If you are applying for a public school position, you will first have to provide what is called a “Self-Assessed Health Statement Form”, which is a part of your visa application documents. Once you arrive in Korea, you will then have to visit a hospital or a clinic to obtain a Medical Exam Certificate, which you will need when applying for your Foreign Registration Card.
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Do I need to be able to speak Korean?

It always helps if you do know some Korean, but for many schools, it is not a requirement. It is suggested that you try to learn some Korean while in Korea in order to help you become more immersed in Korean society.
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When can I start?

Different schools have different starting dates. Some schools will have starting dates every month, while others may only hire during a particular time of the year. Public school positions usually have start dates in April and September, while private language schools will hire throughout the year.
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How do I apply?

The first step is to contact us by email or phone, and send a resume and cover letter.
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How long are the contracts?

Most contracts are one year long because the E2 Visa is good for one year.
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Will I be provided with an airfare ticket?

Yes, airfare is provided. However, you will first have to pay for your one way airfare to Korea. Once you arrive, you will be reimbursed for that cost usually within the first month. When you finish your contract, the school will then pay for your return ticket home.
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Will I be provided with an apartment?

Yes, most schools will provide you with a single semi-furnished apartment, which will come with all the basic necessities. Please remember that the utility bills are paid by the teacher.
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Is there training before I start teaching?

Most schools will provide training at the beginning in order for you to understand their curriculum, teaching methods and styles, and how to manage the classroom. Some schools may also provide training and teaching assessments throughout your contract. Public school positions will have a one week orientation at the beginning of your contract.
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What is the average salary?

The average salary for a full time English teacher is anywhere between 1.9 to 2.4 million won per month, which is approximately $1800.00 to $2300.00 per month.
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What will my work schedule be like?

This will depend on what type of school you are working for. For public schools and international schools, your work schedule will usually be five days a week between 8:30am and 4:30pm. If you are working for a private language school, your work schedule will be five days a week with the work times varying depending on the school. You could have schedule where you work in the morning, have time off in the afternoon, and work again in the evening. Or, you may start your day at 1pm and work until about 9pm.
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Can my girlfriend/boyfriend come with me?

This depends on the school. Most schools will consider hiring couples, but it depends on the type of housing they provide. If a school only provides single apartments, the couple will have to live separately.
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How many students are there in each class?

This depends on the type of school you are teaching for. If you are working for a public school, your class size will range between twenty to thirty five students per class. If you work for a private language school, the class size is generally smaller, anywhere between five to fifteen students.
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Is there a set curriculum, or do I make up my own lessons?

Some schools may have a particular amount of content that must be taught within the school year. But the teacher may have flexibility on how he/she teaches the content. Some smaller schools will give you lots of freedom and allow you to create your own lessons from scratch. Larger schools, on the other hand, usually have a set curriculum and the teacher will follow it, while creating some parts of the lesson on their own. It will also depend on whether you are teaching at a public or private language school.
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When teaching, what should I wear?

Your teaching attire can range anywhere from business formal to business casual to relaxed casual attire. It will depend on the school and what image they want to portray to their students.
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What’s the weather like in Korea?

In general, Korea has four distinct seasons. For the winter, you will want to bring a warm winter coat, boots, gloves, and a toque to keep yourself warm. In the summer it can be very hot and humid, so you will want to bring t-shirts and shorts to keep yourself cool.
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Is the cost of living very expensive?

The cost of living for a teacher is relatively inexpensive because most schools will be paying the rent for your apartment. In addition, utility bills, food, and transportation is also quite cheap. Due to these factors, Korea is a popular place for teachers to save money.
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How much can I save?

If you are receiving a standard full time salary, after all the expenses – bills, transportation, food and entertainment, you can save, on average, about a $1000.00 CAD per month
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How do I get around Korea?

You will most likely be using the subway and bus system to get around in Korea.

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If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to assist you.

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