How You Can Lead Your Life as an English Teacher in Korea

1. How You Can Lead Your Life as an English Teacher in Korea Do I need to know Korean to teach English in Korea? The short answer is ‘yes’. Many teachers don’t realize that in Korea, Koreans speak Korean, NOT English!! You will be speaking English in your classroom, but anywhere else you will require the basics to get by. It is a great idea to make an effort to learn simple Korean words that will get you out of certain situations that may arise. To start learning conversational Korean fast, take a look at Beeline Language Korea, an online video series that teaches you everything you need to know to read, write and communicate in Korean. Access the 3 level program and start learning Korean! What will my apartment in Korea be like? Schools want you to be as comfortable as possible. Accommodations are generally spacious and will include all the amenities that you’re accustomed to back home. Take a look at this in-depth post about apartments in Korea. Find information on single, couple apartments and all that they include!

2. Is it expensive to live in Korea? To put it simply: not really. One of the main reasons why Korea is such a popular destination to teach ESL is because you are paid a lot of money, which you are able to save because of the inexpensive cost of living and because you don’t have to pay for your rent. Eating, drinking and traveling all come at prices far less than you would pay in western countries. To go out to a full Korean barbecue, including beer or other alcohol for example, will only set you back less than $20; to buy a lunch, you’re looking at $3-5. The cost of living will range with personal taste, but in general, Korea gives you the potential to earn and save more money than any other country in Asia. Will I have access to a computer and the internet? PC rooms are abundant in Korea. Did you know Korea has the fastest and most populated online community in the world? It’s really cheap (about a dollar an hour) too. You can also pay to have internet access in your apartment, if it is not already provided for you. Is it easy to travel around South Korea? Yes, it’s very easy and inexpensive to travel around Korea. Trains, buses and taxis are very affordable and run at all hours. There is plenty to see and weekend getaways to anywhere in the country are possible as Korea is not very large geographically. Is South Korea a safe place to live? Yes! Korea has a very low crime rate in comparison to most other industrialized nations. Most of the crime in Korea is of the non-violent nature, consisting of mostly corporate crime and corruption. How will my students understand me if they don't speak English? Korean students will have a decent grasp of the English language. The level of English taught in each class is appropriate for the students in that class. Is it easy to make friends when teaching in Korea? Absolutely! Teaching in Korea is similar to your first year of university; everyone is open to meeting new people and doing fun things together. You and your fellow teachers are in a whole new and exciting world so teachers tend to enjoy exploring it together! What if I get homesick when teaching in Korea? Homesickness is natural when you are far away from home, especially if it’s the first time. However, your fellow teachers have gone throuh the same thing so they are there to support you. The homesickness is usually short-lived and teachers then get on with their new lives. It’s something that happens to most people, but not something to worry about. What is the weather like in Korea? Korea has four seasons. The summer is generally hot and humid, will the winter is cold but not overly cold, never really going too far below zero. Spring and fall are the two seasons that are recognized as the most pleasant seasons, as the temperature and colors are both quite appealing. Source: https://www.travelandteachrecruiting.com/teaching-in-korea-f-a-q/