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What qualifications do I need to teach English in South Korea?
You need a four year Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a country where English is the primary language (Canada, U.S.A, U.K., Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand). There's no getting around this. People who are caught working without a degree face deportation and a ban from working or visiting Korea in the future.
Do I have to pay for my own airfare?
No. For ESL teaching positions in Korea, airfare is always included. Either a one-way ticket is pre-booked and sent to you about one week before leaving, or you will be reimbursed for the ticket once you get to Korea if you purchase the ticket yourself. This ticket is only one-way because round-trips are only valid for one year, and many teachers decide to either prolong their stay or travel after their contract has expired. If you wish to return home at the end of your contract, another one-way ticket will be purchased for you at that time. If you wish to travel afterwards, the school will negotiate a pay out of your airfare.
What is the average teacher salary and benefits?
Depending on your experience and education, teachers can expect to make between 2.0 to 2.4 million Won per month. In addition, you will also receive round-trip airfare and accommodation near the school. Upon completion of your contract you will also receive a bonus equal to one month's salary. This is not a discretionary bonus. Your employers are required by law to provide this, and you should receive it on your final paycheck. Each month you and your employer will also pay into the Korean National Pension Service. Just before leaving the country make sure to visit the NPS offices in order to receive a payout of your pension contributions. You will receive both the money you and your employer contributed. This amount will be wired directly into your home bank account within one to two months. This amount is roughly equal to one month's salary.
How many holidays will I get?
In your contract you are entitled to two weeks holidays, with one in the summer and one in the winter. These holidays are fixed dates as the schools completely close down for those two weeks. Your employers will be able to tell you well in advance what weeks will be holidays in order to give you time to prepare your vacation. Many teachers use the week to travel either within Korea or to nearby countries. Also, you will not be required to work national holidays. Throughout the year there are about 12 national holidays. Some of these, like the Lunar New Year, are grouped together to create a five day long weekend! While other holidays sometimes fall on less useful days, like Tuesday or even Saturday (remember that most Koreans work a six-day week!).
Do I get any sick days?
In your contract you are entitled to take 3 paid sick days per year. Yet remember, the school does not have any substitute teachers. If you call in sick your workload will be divided up among your co-workers. Your director may also insist on taking you to the doctor. Therefore, you should only use these days if you are truly sick.
Will I be paid for overtime work?
Yes, if you work over 30 in-class hours in a week you will be paid overtime for any additional classes. Overtime rates are between 18,000 and 20,000 Won per hour. However, remember that the 30 hours only applies to classroom teaching time. Marking and preparation time are not included.
What sort of housing can I expect?
Almost all single teachers are placed in furnished bachelor suites. These suites consist of one open room, a kitchen, bathroom and an enclosed balcony. The school provides the housing, but teachers are responsible for the utility bills (ie. gas, electric, internet, and telephone). Depending on the building you are in, internet may be free. Furnishings will include a bed, armoire, table, chairs, and dishes. If you are in a new apartment this may be the extent of your furnishings. However, if you are in an older apartment that has been occupied by previous teachers, then your furnishings will be more used but also more plentiful!
Korean apartments are typically smaller than what you would expect in North America. Some things that you might miss are ovens, clothes dryers, and bathtubs (these are not as common in Korea). However, most foreign teachers find their apartments to be all that they need as they spend most of their time out socializing, working, and exploring all the great sights Korea has to offer! Please see our Album Page to see pictures of our apartment.
How does the medical system work in Korea?
Korea has a state-run medical system. In this system employees and employers contribute equally. Once you receive your medical card you will be covered. There are small user fees when you go to the doctor's office (about 3,000 Won). However, you will find that prescriptions are usually cheaper in Korea. It usually takes about 2 or 3 weeks for you to receive your medical card, so you may want to buy private travel insurance before you leave in order to be covered for this period.
What deductions will come off of my paycheck?
Your paycheck will have deductions for income tax (4-5% or less), provincial tax (less than 1%), medical insurance (2.1%), and pension contributions (4.5%). Total deductions are usually around 200,000 Won per month. Close to half of the deductions is your pension contribution which you will get back at the end of your stay in Korea. As you can see, deductions are considerably less then they would be in your home country.
What does a normal work day look like?
The schools that we represent provide English instruction to children after their public school has finished. For this reason your work day will start around 2:00 or 3:00 PM. Your day will finish around 9:00 or 10:00 in the evening. In a normal day you will have about 6 hours of total teaching time. The rest of the time is used for preparing, marking, or a dinner break.
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