Bernice Said:

What qualificatons are required to teach English in Korea?

We Answered:

First of all, those ads on Careerbuilder and Monster are recruiters NOT actual schools. Be very careful about using a recruiter. They will likely make you all kinds of promises they don't plan on keeping.

The basic requirement is a bachelors degree from a four year college or university. It does help to have a degree in education and schools also look for people with TESOL or CELTA certificates.

Some places give you training, some don't. I got two hours of training and then thrown to the wolves. With many of these schools, it's not teachers they are looking for, but trained monkeys.

I have been here 5 years and had many good experiences, but also a few bad ones. Do quite a bit of research on a recruiter if you use one and a school before you sign with one.

Take a look at Dave's ESL Cafe in the Job Discussion Forum and ask questions there.

Good luck!

Matthew Said:

Do I need a teaching degree to teach English in Korea?

We Answered:

You can have pretty much any kind of degree if you want to teach english abroad. A lot of non-teacher college grads do it, partly for the world travel, and partly for the fulfillment of, well just being able to change lives. So, long story short, no. You don't need a teaching degree. Have fun!

Allan Said:

When teaching english in Korea do they tell you what to teach and supply materials?

We Answered:

Mostly they let you do what ya want. It depends if you're in a hogwan or a college. Private places typically provide stuff, but you can do what you want. You can find TONS of books in local bookstores easily. Buy a few. Bring what you need though, like games and books. Find online stuff at ESLcafe.com

Vera Said:

If you were to teach English in Korea what type of group would you teach?

We Answered:

Kindergarten would be easiest because they're young and easy to manage. Public High School would be difficult because you'd run into a few thug kids probably, and some of them might not respect you since, as an outsider, you don't fit into the Korean hierarchy of respect. As for Middle School, you'll probably only have to deal with parents who want their kids to be superstars and budding hormones. Hagwon's pay really well, but a few will try to scam you. Make sure you go to one that's legit and that's in a good neighborhood. Business professionals is really a wild card because it jut depends on who you're teaching really, and for what company. Business professionals or Hagwon will pay the best.

Lucy Said:

if want to teach english in korea, how much can i earn per year in USA dollars?

We Answered:

It depends quite a bit on your educational background and experience. You need to have at least a bachelors degree to teach here. The salaries run from 1.9 to 2.2 for people with no teaching experience.

If your major was education, you have a masters or TESOL/CELTA certificate you probably will make more then what I said above.

The exchange rate right now sucks, but it was below 1000 to the dollar for quite awhile. Eventually the rate will improve, it's just a matter of waiting to send money home.

Your school should provide you with the following things:

-At least 7 days paid vacation
-National Health Insurance (you pay 50%, the employer pays 50%)
-National Pension (again that's split 50/50, if you are an American you get it all back when you leave)
-Single housing (you are responsible for utilities and any building maintence fees)
-Sponsorship for an E-2 visa

The requirements of an E-2 are:
Origional diploma
Criminal background check
Medical exam
Sealed official transcripts

Max Said:

Where are the best cities to teach English in Korea?

We Answered:

I love Suwon! Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon are also pretty good.