Therefore, completing TEFL courses and TEFL certification in South Korea is an excellent way to get your foot in the door to your very first ESL teaching job abroad. Most TEFL courses in South Korea are offered in Seoul and Busan, the two biggest cities in South Korea. Seoul is the largest in South Korea with over 10 million residents.
In-person TEFL course If you can take a course in-person and not online, this is considered the best kind of TEFL certification by EPIK (and around the world), for many reasons. You will be learning in an actual classroom, instead of behind a computer and you will have actual teaching experience as part of your course.
If you’re looking for some discounts on accredited TEFL courses then make sure to check our recommended courses page to see some exclusive offers from trusted Gone2Korea partners.
TEFL is an acronym for ‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’. However, the term is widely used to describe the teaching and travelling industry (i.e. TEFL course, TEFL jobs, TEFL programs, etc.). Is there a difference between TEFL or TESOL? Short answer, not really.
The Best TEFL Course Providers to Teach English in KoreaiTTT / International TEFL and TESOL Training. ... PremierTEFL. ... i-to-i TEFL. ... International TEFL Academy. ... CIEE: Council on International Education and Exchange. ... OnTESOL. ... 2 thoughts on “How to Choose The Best TEFL Course for Korea”
Korean employers in both sectors (public and private) do not recognize TEFL certifications under 100 hours as a credential; meaning, if you decide to get certified then don't waste your time on a 60 or 80 hour course, go for 100 hours at the very minimum.
To receive a TEFL certification in South Korea, it is required that you are a native English speaker. In addition, South Korean programs will prefer that you are a citizen of an English-speaking country, such as the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
You don't technically need a TEFL certification to teach in South Korea, and I do know of one person who taught at an academy without one. However, if your degree isn't in Education or a related field, a TEFL certificate is mandatory for most jobs.
It's valuable so basically to get a job there you need to have some special skill that most Koreans don't. The next problem will be a language one. If you don't speak the language then you are going to have some problems and even if you are fluent you have the first problem - no Korean passport.
First-time English teachers in South Korea working in public schools through programs like EPIK typically earn monthly salaries between 1.5 to 3 million won ($1,150 - $2,650 USD). English teachers at private schools (Hagwons) earn from 1.9 to 2.4 million won ($1,600 - $2,000 USD) monthly.
one yearContracts for ESL teaching jobs in Korea are all one year in length. While we have been able to offer 6 month contracts in the past, this is no longer possible.
Below are the basic, common qualifications for teaching in South Korea:Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.Teaching experience and training – TEFL, TESOL, CELTA (not required, but highly recommended)Be a native English speaker.Clear criminal record.
If you want to teach English in Korea, you will need to apply for an E-2 (teaching) visa through your nearest Korean embassy or consulate. To qualify for an E-2 visa there are four minimum requirements that you absolutely must meet: Possess a bachelor's degree/diploma from an accredited institution.
120 hoursMost employers in Korea ask for a minimum of 120 hours TEFL training, in order to ensure that the successful candidate has the knowledge and experience to provide quality teaching.
a. Students must complete 30 credit hours of Korean language courses or courses taught in Korean to be eligible for certification. Courses taught in English will not satisfy the language requirement for certification purposes. The courses marked with * are taught in Korean.
Job Opportunities in South Korea for Foreigners In addition to teaching English, other sectors where expats will find a lot of opportunities are in IT, general office administration jobs, manufacturing, and careers related to health, science, research, and technology.
First things first, it’s essential to check if you meet the requirements to teach in Korea! We’ve already established you’ll need a TEFL certificate, but here are the other job requirements:
These classes are completely online and done at your own pace and convenience, usually within a three month period. These are the cheapest and most convenient courses, however, they are also the lowest form of certification out there.
Now let’s dive into the best TEFL providers when applying to teach English in Korea!
Korean employers in both sectors (public and private) do not recognize TEFL certifications under 100 hours as a credential; meaning, if you decide to get certified then don’t waste your time on a 60 or 80 hour course, go for 100 hours at the very minimum.
Most standard 100 to 150 hr courses are relatively easy (easier than a university class) although they do take time. Other courses, such as level 5 TEFL courses, are more in depth and have a much higher degree of difficulty.
The course must consist of 100 course hours, or more. Anything less than 100 hours is not accepted as an English teaching credential by EPIK or the Education Offices (excluding Busan, as mentioned above). Secondly, the course should be accredited or have international recognition.
TEFL is an acronym for ‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’ . However, the term is widely used to describe the teaching and travelling industry (i.e. TEFL course, TEFL jobs, TEFL programs, etc.).
Long answer, TEFL was originally created in order to train native English speaking people how to teach English in other non-English speaking countries. TEFL is the more popular term used in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. TESOL (Teaching English as a second language) is the result of combining TEFL and TESL methodologies ...
Having a TEFL or TESOL certification for teaching at public schools (EPIK, SMOE & GEPIK programs) has been mandatory since 2011 – with a few exceptions for education majors and qualified candidates which we explain below.
Believe it or not, CELTA is just a TEFL brand name that was created by Cambridge University. There are many TEFL brands in the world but CELTA is one of the oldest and tends to be viewed as the industry benchmark by many industry professionals.
Some TEFL providers offer the 100-hour course option online, which is typically a less expensive, condensed version of the 120-hour course. Drawing on practical uses of teaching methodologies, this TEFL option is great for those who are short on time or funds. While you won’t have the chance to practice in-classroom teaching, the 100-hour course still covers the essentials for teaching ESL to students abroad. After you’ve completed the online portion, the provider will assist with job placement in South Korea. Similar to the way a recruiter works, the provider will put you in touch with local schools and make sure that all the small kinks are worked out with contracts and related paperwork.
Cost of Living: As an English teacher in South Korea, you will earn about $1,800 to $2,000 USD (give or take). However, many programs and schools will provide housing for their teachers. This is typically a small studio or a shared apartment with other teachers.
Demand for ESL teachers in South Korea is very high, with local public and private schools seeking certified instructors each year. There are a few TEFL options for teachers looking to spend a semester, a year, or even longer in South Korea.
The biggest difference between a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is that CELTA is specifically for teaching adults, where TEFL/TESOL will have units on teaching adults as well as children.
EPIK requires that you take a course of at least 100 hours total, but they HIGHLY prefer that you have some “in-class” hours to list on the application.
Many online courses have begun to include practicum hours in their certifications, to give their students experience in the classroom or tutoring ESL in person.
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If you can take a course in-person and not online, this is considered the best kind of TEFL certification by EPIK (and around the world), for many reasons. You will be learning in an actual classroom, instead of behind a computer and you will have actual teaching experience as part of your course.
South Korea is known for its friendly, welcoming people, excellent food, and endless attractions. As a teacher you can expect free accommodation, competitive salary, free flights, end of contract bonus, and an experience you’ll never forget.
About the location. South Korea. South Korea is one of the top teach abroad destinations in the world and has been for decades. Teaching job placement is available throughout the country and every effort will be made to accommodate your preferences. South Korea is known for its friendly, welcoming people, excellent food, and endless attractions.
Busan is another excellent choice for TEFL certification in South Korea. For foreigners who may want a quieter, more laid-back city, and more opportunities to explore the outdoors, Busan is an obvious choice.
On top of the demand, Seoul offers a beautiful combination of ancient and modern culture, visible in some of the sights of the city such as Jongmyo, a World Heritage site, the exciting Namdaemun Market, and the historical temple Gyeongbokgung. Busan is another excellent choice for TEFL certification in South Korea.
This is typically less expensive and allows you to complete the 100-hour training on your own time rather than at a set schedule each day. Getting TEFL certified online usually means you are unable to complete the in-classroom practice portion of a 120 hour course, so keep this in mind.
Once you are certified, you can expect to earn between $1,800 and $3,000 per month as a paid full-time English teacher in South Korea, depending on your position and location. Some positions may include flight reimbursement, an additional stipend for food, and a bonus paid upon completion of your contract.
Teaching English at a language school in South Korea will typically mean working between 25 and 30 hours per week, while teaching in a private or public school will mean you’ll have much longer hours - working long days Mondays through Fridays. Most TEFL certification courses in South Korea cost between $1,300 to $2,000, excluding housing.
Many TEFL programs in South Korea prefer citizens of countries whose main language is English, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. This is because earning a TEFL certification in South Korea requires you to be a native English speaker as well as have a bachelors degree, ...
Most TEFL courses in South Korea are instructed over the course of one month, but some are spread out over a longer period of time to be part time for either six or eight weeks. TEFL courses will train you on how to successfully instruct English grammar, writing, reading, and pronunciation.
Founded in 2010, International TEFL Academy (ITA) is a world leader in TEFL certification for teaching English abroad and teaching English online. ITA offers accredited TEFL certification classes online and in 21 locations worldwide and has received multiple awards and widespread recognition as one of the best TEFL schools in the world. ITA provides all students and graduates with lifetime job search guidance and has certified more than 25,000 English teachers. Our graduates are currently teaching in 80 countries worldwide.
TEFL CERTIFICATION. A TEFL certification is required to teach English in South Korea. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. Because schools and recruiters interview prospective teachers in advance from their home country, ...
The bulk of teaching jobs in South Korea will be found at hagwons. “Hagwon” is the Korean language word for a for-profit private educational institute (school). So, essentially, hagwons are private language centers or academies that operate like businesses and are separate from the South Korean public school system.
NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER. You will need to be a native-English speaker to teach English in South Korea. This means you must be a citizen from a recognized English-speaking nation: U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.
EPIK, which stands for English Programs in Korea, is a teaching program sponsored through the Korean Ministry of Education. Accepted participants are placed in public school positions throughout the country. You can list your location preference, however, assignments are decided on a first-come-first-serve basis, ...
There are an estimated 25,000 English teachers in South Korea working each year and demand shows no signs of slowing. Many English teachers work in major government public school programs ...
Bachelor’s degree/diploma from an accredited college or university (4 years in US/3 years in UK). Original national level criminal record check (FBI in the U.S.) that is free of any charges or convictions. Clean health check and drug test.