9 Things You Absolutely Must Know Before Deciding to Teach in Korea

If you're considering teaching ESL in South Korea, there are a few things that you should know before making your decision. It's sometimes difficult to get accurate information. I will sum up some of the most important points for you hear. Then, when you decide to go to Korea, you'll be confident in your decision.

1. You don't need a TESOL Certificate

There are a lot of sites on the Net and businesses out there that will try to convince you to take a course to get certified to teach English as a Second Language. To clear up the misconceptions, you don't need it! All you need to qualify to teach in South Korea is a 4-year degree (BA, BS etc...)

So, save your money. If you really want to take the course, it won't hurt, but just know that even without it, you can get a great job. Before I went to South Korea for the first time, I had no idea what it took to qualify. I thought you had to be an actual teacher. Not so. Demand is high, and grads from all programs are welcome.

2. Never, ever pay a recruiter

There aren't too many left out there, but there are still a few companies who will ask the teachers to pay a fee to find them a job. If you come across someone like this, say thanks, but see you later.

Here's how it works: In South Korea, the demand for learning English is huge. It is continuing to increase. Koreans want to live and compete in the global economy, so they need to be able to communicate in English.

Therefore, there are lots of English language academies across the country that are in need of native English speakers such as yourself. So, they pay companies to find good employees for them. The schools pay the recruiter, not the teacher.

3. It's a different culture

When you decide to get on a plane and fly to the other side of the world, you have to know that there are going to be some differences from what you're used to. This is one of the best parts of the experience for most people.

But, if you are afraid of seeing different places and different ways of doing things, this job is not for you.

If you're the type of person who likes adventure, learning new things, experiencing stuff that most of your friends will never experience, then this job is for you.

If you're ready for a change of pace, a change of perspective, and the best change of your life, then you're ready to start this adventure.

4. Watch out for the complainers

It's unfortunate that there are so many negative people around, isn't it? But I guess you've noticed just as much as I have that some people will complain no matter what.

The same goes for teaching abroad. As you do your research, you're going to come across people who have negative things to say. These people have complaints about everything. They don't like the food, or the people, or the work, or the weather, or whatever else they can think of. Funny thing is, it doesn't matter where in the world they go; it's the same story.

So here's what worked for me: Ignore them. If you give them even a little bit of attention, they'll carry on for days. All that does is bring your mood down, and when there's so much fun to be had, who wants that?

Of course, you're going to want to make sure you do your best to choose a company and a school that will suit your needs. Don't go into this blindly. Be confident in your decision, so when you get on that plane and you are looking out the window over the ocean, you'll know that you're on your way to one of the best years of your life.

And when you're there, spend time with people who have an equally positive outlook. Let the complainers have a club of their own.

5. Your family and friends are going to be worried

The first time I told my mom that I was going to teach in Korea, she thought I was going to be sold on the black market as a prostitute after being kidnapped in a van. Vivid imagination mom, good thing it was her son and not her daughter that told her this. I could only guess what story she would have come up with then.

The fact is, most Westerners don't have any idea about what's happening in Asia. We know that it's somewhere far away and that they eat rice and have dark hair. We learn nearly nothing in school about any Asian nations, so we have nothing to base our thoughts on.

When you tell people that you are considering this option, you are going to hear all kinds of objections. You'll hear of someone who was a friend of a friend who went to China and had a bad time. You'll hear all kinds of generalities about why it's some kind of scam.

The best thing to do at this point is to consider the source of the information. Sure, you respect your family and friends. But, do they really know anything about teaching overseas? Have they been there themselves? Have they done the research you've been doing? Are they the type of person who you could picture packing their bags and living somewhere else for a year?

Educate them. Let them read stuff like this. Let them listen to audio presentations on teaching in Korea. Let them look at guidebooks. The more information they have, the more likely it is that they will support you on this adventure.

Five years later, my mom is a huge supporter of teaching overseas. She's seen first-hand how much I've learned and grown from the experience. Even if she cries every time I leave the country, she is no longer worried about the van picking me up.

6. South Korea is modern

What do you think of when you try to picture Korea in your mind? Do you see huts and villages of people farming? Do you think of the '88 Olympics or the 2002 World Cup of Soccer? Do you have trouble coming up with any specific image?

Before I went, I had no idea what to expect. The only thing I knew was that Seoul hosted the '88 Olympics. Well, I've learned a bit more than that over the years, quite a bit more.

South Korea is very advanced. They have one of the highest per-capita rates of Internet use as well as mobile phone use in the world. The electronics produced from companies such as Samsung and LG are leading the global economy. Carmakers such as Hyundai and Kia are selling enormous amounts of vehicles around the world. They're leaders in the shipping industry. Medical research is also cutting edge.

Fashion trends follow those of Hollywood, combined with local distinctions. Brands such as Calvin Klein, Prada, Levi's, DKNY, American Eagle, and others are highly sought after. Local clothing manufacturers also turn out beautiful quality clothes at unbelievable prices.

The buildings are modern. Cities are filled with tall apartment buildings and various types of architecture. Transportation by high-speed trains of the newest and best technology is available to travel across the country at low prices.

However, if it's old-world traditions that you are looking for, you will not have to look hard to find it. Even in the center of Seoul, one of the largest cities in the world, you will find Koreans dressed in traditional Han-bok, formal clothes which style dates back hundreds of years.

You will find elderly ladies selling fresh fruits and vegetables on the sidewalk next to a young man selling imitation Louis Vuitton handbags. You will enter modern grocery stores where there is still someone hired to stand up on a box and shout out the prices of fresh fish to all those in the store, while techno music plays over the store's intercom system.

Outside of the major cities, you can find people who like to live the slower life. There, things move slower. Traditional Korea can be experienced and the natural beauty of the country enjoyed. There is sometimes nothing better than getting out of the city and into the country to enjoy the old ways. Whatever you prefer, it's all available to you.

7. You can make a lot of money, but be careful

When you combine the good salary, the free accommodations, the free flight, and the bonus months pay, it's easy to see that teaching in Korea gives you a perfect way to save up a bundle of cash.

Some people want more, so they teach private lessons. Private lessons are basically one-on-one conversations with people who want to learn to speak English better. The demand is high for English, and people are willing to pay $40, $50, and sometimes more for the opportunity to sit down and work on their English for one hour with you.

However, this is working outside of your contract, thus technically illegal. It is like working under the table. When you are in Korea, you are there on a visa that allows you to work for one school. Regardless, many of your co-workers will be teaching privates, as well as other friends you will meet there.

If you do decide to take the risk, do so knowing that it is not allowed by your contract. It certainly is very tempting to make $50 an hour for having dinner with someone, especially when they pay for your dinner!

8. The food is good

When I first went to South Korea, I was worried about what I was going to eat. I have yet to meet anyone who is as picky an eater as I was in my youth and up until the time I went to Korea. Vegetables, no thank you. Ice cream, sure, but not the cone. Spaghetti, nope. Gravy, I'll pass. Lettuce on my sandwich, no way. My favorite food? Pizza, but only if it has nothing but pepperoni.

Well, all that has changed for me know. In my years in Korea, I've learned to expand my taste. I'm happy to report that I do eat vegetables, can have anything on a pizza and still enjoy it, love salad, pasta and pretty much am open to anything. I've also tried some pretty funky stuff while in Korea.

Here's the great thing. Even back in my first year, I was able to find stuff to enjoy. Korea has everything. If you are vegetarian, no problem. If you like Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mexican, or any other style, it's available. If you like fast food, you can find McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Subway, and many other North American chains all over the place.

Whether you're looking for Western or Eastern, you will have no trouble finding food you like to eat.

9. Your apartment

Before I left for Korea, I was told by many people to expect my apartment to be small, really small. By the time I was on my way, I was expecting to be living in a closet.

I was pleasantly surprised at where I was to live. It was much larger and more comfortable than I expected. Of course, being fully furnished was a big bonus as well. I've lived in and seen many different accommodations provided to English teachers in Korea.

The good news is that they are very livable. If you were worried about not having a nice place to spend your year, you shouldn't. If you're used to living in a five bedroom, 3-bathroom house, you may want to prepare yourself for something different. But, if you could be comfortable living in the average-sized apartment in your home country, you'll have no worries.

You should now be in a much better position to make your decision. Information is the key to being comfortable with your choice. The next step I would suggest is to listen to the audio presentation at asknow.ca . Here you will find even more detailed information. And, if you're ready to take the next step in what should be the most exciting stage of your life, go ahead and apply for a job.


Jason Cresswell ASK Now Inc.

About the Author/Author Bio

Access South Korea Now Inc. Jason Cresswell is co-owner and CEO of ASK Now Inc., a company that helps university graduates find employment teaching English in South Korea. He spent 5 years teaching and traveling to countries such as South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan. He is married to a Korean model, speaks Korean, and divides his time between Canada and South Korea. Jason is available for interviews for radio, television, newspaper, magazine, and other media.