Frequently
Asked
Questions
- Are there any service or recruiting fees?
- How do I apply?
- Do I need teaching experience? Do I need a degree in English?
- Is training provided?
- What qualifications do I need?
- Do I need to be able to speak Korean?
- Can I choose the city that I want to work in?
- Are contracts shorter than a year available?
- When is the best time to apply for a position?
- How long will it take before I am hired?
- Is the salary adequate to live in Korea?
- How will I be paid?
- Where can I find fun things to do?
- What taxes do I have to pay?
- How much does medical insurance cost?
- How much do utilities usually cost?
- What's the best way to get in touch with home?
1. Are there any service or recruiting fees?
No. There are no fees charged by us for your application. We recommend that you be wary of services that charge you for their services. Please note: there is some cost to get your degree notarized, courier us your paperwork, etc.
2. How do I apply?
Applying is easy. Simply click here
3. Do I need teaching experience? Do I need a degree in English?
Teaching experience is not required, neither is a degree in English.
As long as you are qualified, you are welcome. You will be provided training, and all classes use textbooks designated by the school. A friendly and open-minded attitude will go a long way to making you a successful teacher.
4. Is training provided?
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 have little teaching experience and end up very competent teachers.
5. What qualifications do I need?
While you do not need experience, you do, however, need to have a college degree and be a native speaker of English. A 4-year degree is required. In addition, you need to from a country the Korean government considers primarily English speaking.
(This list unfortunately excludes other Asian countries and countries from Africa, whether or not English is the primary language.) Click here for more information.
6. Do I need to be able to speak Korean?
No. You will be working with a Korean partner teacher who will explain the finer points of English grammar to the students. You will be responsible for their pronunciation and practice of the material.
7. Can I choose the city that I want to work in?
Certainly. You should be aware that it may longer to find you a position or may limit your chances of being places. Seoul is a very popular destination.
8. Are contracts shorter than a year available?
In some cases, yes. Some six- and nine-month contract periods are available.
If you would like one of these please indicate that on your application. You should be aware the only one-way tickets are offered with less than a full-year contract, and you will not receive a bonus at the end of your contract.
9. When is the best time to apply for a position?
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
10. How long will it take before I am hired?
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.
11. Is the salary adequate to live in Korea?
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.
12. How will I be paid?
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.
13. Where can I find fun things to do?
Check out the city guides in our Korea Web Guide:
Click Here. Your co-workers will also have their own recommendations.
14. What taxes do I have to pay?
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.
15. How much does medical insurance cost?
Usually around 250,000 ~ 300,000 Won on a yearly basis. It is paid monthly and shared by the employer and employee.
16. How much do utilities usually cost?
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.
17. What's the best way to get in touch with home?
Computer rooms are cheap and plentiful in Korea. An hour of Internet ranges from 1,000 ~ 1,500 Won. This makes email a great way to keep in touch. If you want to talk on the phone international phone calls are unfortunately a little pricey. There is another option. Buy a pair of headsets with a microphone, and
make Internet phone calls. See Go2Call.com for the service I use.
