Teaching job in South Korea

Here is who can help you with the Public School program for South Korea: Footprints Recruiting: footprintsrecruiting.com/. The country's national EPIK program (English Program in Korea) will be looking for teachers to come in August 2012. If you can land a summer or temp job after your contract ends in May, I am sure these folks can help you. Also, they have a team that focuses solely on private school opportunities as well. All schools are vetted, just like the teacher candidates are, so you do not have to worry about rogue schools that try to take advantage of you. Dates can be varied for private schools. Check out the website for job postings - both public and private are listed out in the open.

I have nothing but great things to say about the Footprints team. They are friendly, supportive, patient, willing to work with you, and will not give up on trying to find you an appropriate match. They are free (no fees at all), since the schools pay them to find descent talent. Also, they do not leave you be once you arrive! They help you through orientation and training, and also make sure that you fairly receive and are satisfied with your living arrangements, pay, and benefits. So, all you have to do is contact them, go through their screening process, work hard with them during the application process, and get ready for the ride of your life!

I am scheduled to head to Gyeonsangnam province (the Southeast) on Monday, 27 Feb. I am very excited about this chance to get my foot in the door with teaching abroad. I want to work in international development permanently, and this is a good first step to evaluate my level of commitment.

I hope this helps put your mind at ease . The opportunities are there, you just have to be willing to go out there and get it. Here are some Footprints Recruiting contacts:

Joe, who deals with Korean Public School placement - [email protected]

Tamara, who helps out with selecting Private Schools placement - [email protected]

General Number to call for more info: Boston Office (Connects to their HQs in Vancouver, BC CANADA) - (888) 677-3166

Good Luck!

Jackie

Good day my dear friends on this forum,
I am ezeh joseph from Nigeria, i studied Accounting and wish to teach english language in south korea. please i need help, can anyone help me with agencies/body that will help me secure teaching job in south korea or where do i start applying for teaching jobs in south korea. thank you guys am waiting for your candid response.

Hello,
I want to know if Nigerians are allowed to apply for teaching jobs in south korea? Most of the teaching jobs i came across was only meant for US, CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA, IRELAND AND UK NATIONALS TO APPLY. PLEASE WHERE CAN I APPLY FOR TEACHING JOBS AS NIGERIAN? PLEASE WAITING FOR YOUR OPINION.

The key is not necessarily nationality, so much as it is about a high level of fluency in English. For some employers, you have to prove that you have attended primary/middle/high school with the dominant language of English for 10 years or more. For others, you have to attain a certain type of teacher certification. I recommend that you email the contacts I listed above to inquire further.

Here is some additional information on qualifications, from esljobproject.com/esl_info/teaching-english-abroad.html:

The ideal qualification is an undergraduate degree in any subject, plus a certificate in teaching English.
English teaching certifications can be earned through an intensive, 4-week program or longer part time program which is in turn internationally recognized qualification that is accepted by many employers around the world. The CertTESOL and the CELTA are generally the most widely recognized and they are accredited in the UK on the National Qualifications Framework. Both qualifications are accepted by the British Council in their accredited teaching organizations worldwide in 100+ countries. However, there are several international certificate programs which are run by schools in various locations around the world.
Qualification requirements to teach English abroad vary considerably, not only from country to country, but also among employers within the same country. In some cases it may be possible gain employment teaching English Abroad without a BA degree or without a teaching certificate. However, as a general rule, private language schools in some countries are likely to require a certificate based on successful completion of a course consisting of a minimum of 100 hours.

Many English language schools will accept any teaching certificate which fulfils these criteria, while others might look for English teachers with specific teaching certificates. It is also possible to gain certificates by completing shorter courses, or online courses, but these certificates do not always satisfy employer requirements due to the lack of teaching practice. Also, some private language schools may require teachers to complete their own in-house training programs whether or not they have obtained a certification from elsewhere. Where there is a high demand for teachers and no statutory requirements, employers may be willing to accept unqualified candidates. All in all each country is different and it depends on the demand for English teachers and the teacher's previous teaching and life experiences."


From Wikipedia:

Qualification requirements vary considerably, from country to country and among employers within the same country. For many institutions it is possible to teach without a degree or teaching certificate. Some institutions will consider it necessary to be a native speaker with an MA TESOL. A university degree in English language and literature can also be of value, as indeed can any specialist degree. Other institutions consider a proof of English proficiency, a University degree and a basic teaching qualification to be more than sufficient. The level of academic qualification need not be the most important qualification however as many schools will be more interested in your interpersonal skills. For trainers wishing to enter the academic field publications can be as important as qualifications, especially if they relate to English use in your field. Where there is a high demand for teachers and no statutory requirements, employers may accept otherwise unqualified candidates. Each country is different, and acceptance depends on demand for English teachers and the teacher's previous teaching and life experiences.
As a general rule schools will tend to prefer qualifications that involve a significant amount of assessed teaching. Shorter courses, or online often lack assessed teaching practice.Course makers having recognized this and have begun introducing combined TEFL courses which have an element of assessed teaching.[5] Private language schools are likely to require at least a certificate based on successful completion of a course consisting of a minimum of 100 hours, usually including about 6 hours of observed teaching practice. The most popular and recognised are Trinity's CertTESOL and the Cambridge's CELTA.[citation needed] TEFL International is also a recognized alternative TESOL certification course. Some private language schools require teachers to complete additional in-house training programs even if they have a certification from elsewhere, or do not accept external certificates.
Age/gender requirements might also be encountered. In some countries outside Europe and America, for example the Middle East, schools might hire men over women or vice versa. And they might hire only teachers in a certain age range; usually between 20 and 40 years of age. Anyone under 19 may be able to teach TEFL, but usually only in a volunteer situation, such as a refugee camp.
Internet-based TEFL courses vary in quality and recognition.[6][7]

And from the Footprints website itself footprintsrecruiting.com/for-teachers/getting-ready/process-to-be-a-teacher/1217-common-misconceptions-about-teaching-esl-abroad:

There are many ESL positions for college graduates who don't have experience, certification, TEFL, TESL, TESOL or CELTA certification or an English major.  There is no cost to apply for these positions through Footprints Recruiting® and you do not need to speak the local language.  Most positions include free housing, free airfare and medical coverage.

Footprints has been placing teachers abroad since 2001.  We have an A+ rating with the BBB.  Footprints offers free ESL job placement in numerous countries around the world in both public and private schools.

shandaheath wrote:

At this point, I am leaning towards the public school because I want to make my transition easy as possible teaching in another country. I have considered private and public schools, so I could change my mind under the right circumstances. I am looking to broadening my teaching experience. I have taught in the states for public schools for the last six years. I would enjoy learning about a new culture while teaching in a foreign country. I have choose South Korea, because it looks as if the money and benefits of moving oversees will be beneficial. My long-term goal is to teach in Africa. However, I am not in the financial position to meet that dream. Therefore, I want to get me “feet” wet in traveling and teaching. Hence, from my research, South Korea seems to be the best option at this moment.
As stated, I am looking for a school that is easy and great to work for. I want a supportive community inside and outside of the classroom. I am looking forward to experiences of a new culture. Can someone recommend a school for me either public, private, or international that would compatible for my journey of teaching overseas? Since my contract ends in may of 2012, I wouldn't be available to travel until that time period.

You never said specifically that you wanted to teach English. Is this your goal in coming to Korea? If you have a teaching certificate and school experience I would highly recommend you research international schools in the city of your choice. The salary and living arrangements are a lot better than you would get through a hagwon or public school contract. There are ESL jobs available in the international school system but it would probably be that you would be applying for a homeroom teacher/subject teacher role instead. Hope this helps!

I would love to teach in other countries. I will take any advice on a good place to teach.

Here is my “train of thought”. I am interested in becoming a traveling/international teacher. I am ready to expand my skills in teaching and communication (second degree). From what I can understand, South Korea might be the best place for me to start this journey. It seems as if South Korea would be an easier transition because of the commonplace foreign teacher. It seems as if there is plenty of western support socially. It also seems as if the Korea culture, in certain locations, is English friendly. I am very interested in learning the culture. However, for my first move abroad, I want to make it “easy” as possible so that I may only continue to broaden my horizon in time. However, I don't want to be an "entertainer" either.

Since I am an American teacher, I also live pay-check to pay-check. Therefore, it seems S. Korea might be beneficial economically for me.

Therefore, I welcome all thoughts and suggestions.
Thank you so much for all the words of wisdom.