Why Korea?
Hello future Korea ESL teacher. I'd like you to check out this brief interview to gain a better understanding about what Korea is all about and what letsteachkorea.com does....read on
John : I'm Interested in teaching in Korea
LTK : Well your talking to the right guy
John: I'm so nervous and excited! Where do we begin?
LTK: I'm gonna ask you a few simple questions so that we don't waste each others time here
John: carry on
LTK: Do you have a diploma from a 3 or 4 year university in a country where English is the first language?
John: I do....is that the only requirement?
LTK: Pretty much yes..I'm gonna assume you'll pass the required drug/medical test and don't have a criminal record.
John: I'm all good there! I don't have any teaching experience is that OK?
LTK: This is a common question so I'm glad you asked it! Teaching experience is not required...just love for spreading the mother tongue is needed.
John: What Kind of hours and payment can I expect from teaching in Korea?
LTK: The majority of the teaching positions are after school programs which start around 2pm and run until 7-10pm depending on the contract and school. The payment also can vary, but standard payment usually comes in around 2-3million Korean won a month ($1700-2500 USD, $2400 AUD, 1300 GBP, $2300 CAD, $3000 NZD based on current exchange rates, but watch as the Korean won gains strongly against the USD over the next few years here. I predict monthly salaries to swell to $2500-3500USD) included as well are a 1 month bonus salary upon completion of a 1 year contract as well as your airplane ticket refunded.
John: How many hours can I expect to work in a week and what age of students will I be teaching?
LTK: Well, teaching hours are usually (5-6hrs a day) but expect to be at the school closer to 30-40hrs a week with preparation time and parent teacher interviews..('trying to keep a straight face'... just joking, unless you speak Korean or teach at a very special school parent teacher interviews are not at all part of your job) most of the students are elementary and middle school students ages range from 7-15 years old. We also have various kindergarten positions which keep an earlier schedule 10am-2pm.
John: How do I find and pay for accommodations?
LTK: Accommodation are always covered by your school, if they don't provide accommodation they will give you a housing allowance and help you find a place to rent. This is one of the great perks of teaching in Korea..it gives you 2'000usd a month after bills that can be used towards savings or shopping.
John: I like the sounds of saving some money this year! What is the night life like in Korea?
LTK: Well unless your from a big city back home its like nothing you've seen before! Korean people like to enjoy life which makes 7 nights a week possible for going out and letting loose. With Seoul's massive population there are always plenty of world class DJ's passing through Seoul on a weekly basis as well as concerts and shows.
John: I'm from a small city so I'm looking forward to loosing my farm tan ;). What can I expect from Korean food and people?
LTK: Korean food is quite pleasant and very reasonably priced. It can be a bit spicy at times but you get used to it quickly and your school and friends will want to introduce you to a all kinds of different dishes. I strongly recommend Korean BBQ. If you find that Korean food isn't quite your thing there are a few areas of the city thanks to the American army base which have plenty of western and international restaurants. Korean people are very friendly and have a great deal of respect for native teachers coming here and educating the Korean youth.
John: Everything sounds good so far...where do I sign up?
LTK: Call or e-mail me and I'll get the paperwork going for your Korea experience to get started as quick as I can.
