60 Questions
Please be aware that the answers to these questions are a mix of my opinion, opinions of my friends in Korea or from internet research I have done. Everyone will have a different perspective on Korea, because we will all relate it to our previous situations. This is a comprehensive list of questions I gathered from asking my friends back home in Canada what they would want to know if they were coming. I also asked people who are in Korea now, what questions or concerns they had prior to coming to Korea. Please use my answers as a guide and know that I’m being upfront and honest with my answers. I have provided links to various websites for more detailed information, or to other pages of this site that may help you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email me anytime at TeachESLKorea@gmail.com
1) How do I book my flight?
This depends on the school. Some will book it and pay it for you in advance. Others will insist you book your ticket, and then they will reimburse you when you arrive. Try at all costs to avoid this. Just in case something doesn’t go well when you arrive, you don’t want to be on the hook for the ticket.
If employed through Teach ESL Korea, I have a great travel agent that I book all of the flights through. He speaks great English and I am sure you will use him for your own trips once you arrive. Your school will pay him directly for your flight.
2) Who will pick me up at the airport?
Someone from your school should meet you at the bus terminal or the airport. Depending on the arrangement with the school,
Through Teach ESL Korea, I will meet you at the airport.
3) Do I fly directly into the city I will be working in?
Incheon International Airport (1hour bus ride from Seoul) is the main international airport for Korea and it is where most schools will fly you to. From there, you will usually take a bus to the city where you’ll be working. The buses run very regularly, have reclining seats and are inexpensive. Make sure you have Korean won to pay for this bus fare. Your school should reimburse you for the bus ticket when you arrive in your city.
4) What should I bring for clothes?
I suggest that you bring some professional looking clothes with you. Even if your teaching has a relaxed dressed code, they will appreciate if you dress well. There will also be various “first meetings” during your stay that you’ll want to look good at. Also, if you are average size or bigger by most western standards, be aware that finding clothes here may be challenging if you live somewhere other than Seoul.
Women, I suggest bringing a few extra bras because while available here in small sizes, apparently, they do not fit the same as what you are used to.
5) What should I bring that I can’t get in Korea.
Deodorant is now becoming available, but I still suggesting bringing extra.
Tampons are also now available at some places, but you may want to stock up.
Your favorite foods such as Kraft Dinner. Also, bring a sufficient supply of your preferred brand of condoms.
6) I have never taught English before, what do I do?
Very few people who come here are actual teachers. The English you will be teaching is for the most part very simple. There will be the odd time when you forget things such as adjectives or pronouns, but for the most part you teach only conversational English.
[Link – What are Hogwans?] [Link – What do I teach?]
• All of the teachers with Teach ESL Korea will receive, upon arrival, an exclusive Intro to Korea Package, that includes a wide variety of teaching tips and materials to help you feel comfortable when you get to class.
7) I don’t speak any Korean. Can I survive?
Most foreigners I know here speak very little Korean, even after being here a long time. Body language, a polite smile, and a few phrases will get you by. I suggest trying to learn the Korean alphabet, Hanguel, which should take only three or four hours, prior to coming. I only learned it after ten months and I should’ve learned earlier. I also suggest learning the number system used for money. This will make life easier when you are shopping or dining out. [Link – Shopping & Dining Quide]
• Through Teach ESL Korea I have made arrangements with our local International center for all of our teachers to get a Free 6 Week Session of Introductory Korean Classes.
8) I’m not good at public speaking. Can I do this job?
My wife was very nervous about public speaking before we came here, but it hasn’t been an issue for her at all here because she knows English, and they want to learn from her. Usually you’re teaching elementary school kids who for the most part are respectful and want to learn. Classes are usually between five and fifteen students.
9) Will I be teaching alone?
This depends on the school. I have taught in both situations and both have their advantages. Solo teaching is good because you have control of the class. On the other hand, I find teaching with a Korean partner easier because they generally plan the classes, and discipline the misbehaving students.
10) I’ve heard they hit the students. Is this true? Will I be expected to hit students?
It is true that quite a few Korean teachers will use a stick as punishment for bad behavior, or failing to complete homework. Basically the students hold both hands open, and they receive a whack or two with the stick. Korean teachers usually understand foreigners won’t use the stick and won’t pressure you to use it. I do not suggest trying to convince them not to hit the students. Remember, you are living in their society, and this is how they do it.
11) Do I need to do a lot of prep work for my classes?
This depends on the school, but if you do any prep at all, it is likely very minimal. There are also plenty of ESL websites available for great info that just needs to be printed off.
12) What will my living accommodations be like?
It will be a one room apartment, with a private bathroom and shower. Most will have a kitchen area that can be closed from the rest of the living space to keep cooking smells contained. You will receive a bed, a dresser for clothes, a TV, and a propane stove from your employer. You may get lucky and get a washing machine or a table and chairs as well. Nobody I know here has a dryer. If you want more furniture, there are plenty of used stores in every neighborhood with great deals. If you want a place with more than 1 room, you may be able to pay a bit extra each month to have the extra space. I think this is worth it, especially for 2 people. [Link – Housing in Korea]
13) Do I need to bring a computer?
There are PC rooms EVERYWHERE here. They are cheap, and all have top quality computers because there are so many “gamers” here. You will also have a computer available to you at your school. You can bring a laptop if you want, or invest in one (or a PC) once you’re here and settled. Please be aware that some PC rooms’ computers do not have burning devices to make CD’s of your photos. You can use online storage, or borrow a friend’s computer sometime.
14) Will I want to date Korean guys or girls?
Most guys who come here are really into dating Korean girls, and most guys I know have a Korean girlfriend or wife. Korean girls are generally thin and well-dressed. I have heard they are very loyal, but may also expect you to be the sole provider for the family if it gets that far.
Of the single girls I know here, about half have dated Korean guys, and half don’t have any desire to. By Western standards, the Korean guys dress and act more feminine than we might be used to. The guys are well dressed, highly motivated and hard working. They may expect a wife or girlfriend to stay home and not work if it becomes a long term relationship. The girls I know who have dated Korean guys say mostly good things.
15) Is it clean in Korea?
I do not think the normal urban streets in Korea are that clean. You’ll often see advertising pamphlets, business cards, or even some common trash on the street. Since the tax rate is so low, the city does not have the resources to have garbage cans around the city, or to employ people to empty them. The mountains are usually very clean. Korea is starting to put more emphasis on beautifying projects in various cities. Seoul has recently finished a gigantic beautification project in which they created an entire river thru the middle of the city. Gwangju has recently completed an impressive project by the downtown river and is also in the middle of a HUGE project downtown in which they are clearing several blocks of old buildings to make a new democracy park.
16) How do I make phone calls, local or international?
The easiest way to make international calls is to buy an international phone card. Some cards have a small activation fee for each call, with a lower cost per minute, while some have just flat rates for each minute. The card I use is $13 and gives me 200 minutes on my land line or 120 minutes on my cell. DON”T make international calls without a card, unless you need to, because they are very expensive. ($1/min to Canada)
For local calls, you will most likely have a land line. There are no long distance charges when calling anywhere in Korea. Your school, will set-up your land line for you. You will pay a flat rate each month, and pay a bit extra depending on your usage.
You can also get a cell phone, but you may have to wait until another foreigner is leaving. This is because most Korean cell phone companies will not let foreigners buy a cell phone. If you have a close Korean friend, you can ask them to sign you up to a monthly plan. If not, you will be using Pay Per Service (PPS), meaning you’ll put money on your account when you run out.
• All teachers with Teach ESL Korea will receive a free international phone card when they arrive in their Intro to Korea Package.
17) How do I get money from home?
I suggest you bring with you enough Korea Won to last you at least 1 month. ($1,000 is my suggestion if possible) Order the won from your current bank at least two weeks prior to coming. If you can’t get Korean won, USD will be the best. You can take money out of your Visa or current bank account in your country, but this option is only available at certain international banks. Also, make sure you set your PIN numbers to have 4 digits.
18) How do I send money home?
Sending money home is easy. The smoothest way to do it is to just wire the money directly to your current bank account in your home country. It’s easy, fast and will only cost you $xxx each time you do it. Bring all of your account info, and a void check to make this process easier.
You can also order a draft from your bank in Korea, which is like a check, and mail it home. The cost for a draft is $xxx.
**Always have your passport, and alien card (which you will get from the Korean Immigration office two weeks after you have been in Korea) with you for any banking transactions.**
19) How do I get a Korean bank account?
Once you get your work E2 visa, and alien card, you can just go to the bank and they will set-up your account. Bring your passport with you and maybe one additional piece of I.D.
20) What bills do I have to pay?
You will have to pay water ($20 per month), electricity ($35 per month), cable TV ($7 per month), phone and internet ($45 per month) approximately each month in Gwangju.
21) How do I pay my bills?
You just bring a copy of the bill to your bank and give the bill and the cash to the teller or have it set up to be paid automatically. You can also set-up Internet banking for your account to help you pay bills, and control your money.
22) What other furniture may I want or need for my place that my school will not provide?
This depends on the person. You will have a small place, and you will not want to fill it up too much. You may want to invest in a kettle, microwave, or something simple like a night table for beside your bed. Keep in mind you will not be comparing to the “Jones’” as much when you are in Korea.
23) How do I order food in a restaurant?
Until you learn some Korean, you may be pointing at various pictures in the restaurant, on the menu, or even bringing your server outside, so you can show them the picture of what you want. If all else fails, smile politely, and gesture for the server to bring you whatever they suggest. Most restaurants specialize in one or two main course items so this is not a big problem. The most helpful site I have found is http://www.trifood.com/index.html
24) Where should I shop for food? Home supplies?
For food, you will get all of your fresh veggies, fruit, meat, fish, milk, bread or home supplies such as toilet paper in your neighborhood. Once every two weeks you may want to venture to a larger store like E-Mart or Home Plus to stock up on a larger variety of food or home supplies. A limited number of western style foods will be available in larger grocery stores. (canned food, salsa, pasta)
[Link – Grocery shopping]
25) How do I get Internet access?
Your school or Teach ESL Korea will help you set-up internet access.
26) What are my exercise options?
Hiking is the best form of exercise in Korea in my opinion. There are countless mountains that are not too steep, and will take between thirty minutes and two hours to hike. The gym I go to is $20 per month, and is an excellent facility that is rarely busy. The friendly staff will provide you with free advice at any time.
[Link – Fitness in Korea]
27) Is it dangerous?
Korea is a very safe country. However, I suggest that women should still be careful not to walk home alone at night. Most crime in Korea is fraud at the top levels of government or corporations. I have heard that the taxi drivers will sometimes call women “Russians”. Basically meaning they think they are a hooker. I think you will feel perfectly safe walking through the poorest neighborhoods in Korea in regards to crime.
28) What scams should I be aware of?
I think the most common “scam” is for a school not to tell you the whole truth about the job prior to you coming. They may say you work lower hours than you really will work, or they may expect you to work on Saturdays. Your school may also try and put you in a dorm-like living situation that was not agreed upon. The school may also delay reimbursing you for your plane ticket if you paid for it. Other things may be that your employer may find a reason to terminate your contract near the end of 1 year, thus getting out of paying you your severance bonus. Labor laws are improving in Korea to protect the worker. Looks are important to schools in Korea and if you look considerably different than in your picture; have dark skin, speak with a thick accent or are unattractive in their opinion, they may make life more challenging for you or even fire you.
29) Where do I do laundry?
There are dry cleaners seemingly on every corner, while Laundromats as we know them are harder to find, but are available. Shirts or pants will be only $2 at a dry cleaner. You may receive a washing machine with your apartment, but dryers are not common in Korea even for locals. You will dry your laundry on a clothes line on your roof, or in your apartment.
30) What age group does teaching English appeal to the most (who makes up the majority of teachers)
I would say that 75% of the English teachers I know are under 30 years old, but I think people over 30 are realizing this is an excellent opportunity and are becoming more common. We have one teacher at our school who is 64, and loves it in Korea.
31) What does it pay?
The vast majority of jobs pay very close to 2,000,000 won ($2,000 USD) each month, for 30 teaching hours. There are jobs in Seoul that pay a bit more, but your living expenses will be quite a bit higher in Seoul. You may have overtime available to you at your school. My suggestion is to not get caught up looking for a job that pays an extra 100,000 won a month. Find a school, or a recruiting company you feel comfortable with, and negotiate the best contract you can. The added comfort and job security is far more important than a few extra dollars a month if you always have to chase your employer to get paid.
32) Can I really save $1000 a month working in Korea?
I think you can comfortably budget to save $1,000 each month. My 3 co-teachers, who are all single, eat out for every meal, and all go on regular day trips outside of Gwangju all save over $1,000 each month.
[Link – Money]
33) What do I need to qualify (degree, TESOL, experience)?
To work legally in Korea, the government requires that you have a university degree, and are from a country where English is the native language. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, USA, and the UK are the accepted countries.
Some schools require that you have a TESOL certificate. A few elite schools will only hire people with teaching degrees or Master’s degrees.
Experience is not required, but it may help you find a job at a better school.
You must also have a passport that is valid for longer than 6 months after your arrival date.
[Link – Our process]
34) What do I have to do to apply? [Link – APPLY NOW!]
You will need to send/email your:
1) Resume
2) Scanned copy of your university degree
3) Scanned copy of your transcript (university scores)
4) Scanned copy of your passport
5) A recent photo to TeachESLKorea@gmail.com.
If the school accepts you, you will need to send a sealed transcript, two passport sized photos, and your actual university degree so they can arrange your E2 work visa and alien card.
**Please be sure to bring extra passport photos, and at least 2 extra sealed copies of your transcript to Korea in case you need them. Also, take photocopies of all of your important documents such as your passport, driver’s license, degrees, birth certificate etc.
35) Does applying guarantee acceptance?
Even though there is a huge demand for teachers in Korea, you may not get the 1st job you apply for. If you have all of the basic requirements, I’m confident you will find a job in Korea. At Teach ESL Korea we focus on the quality over quantity of our job placements. As a result, I will not send a teacher to a school I am not comfortable with. I will also not send a teacher to a school if I am not confident the person is serious about living in Korea.
36) What happens after I get accepted?
The school, or Teach ESL Korea will inform you that you have gotten the job. In my opinion, most schools or other recruiting companies will want you to get on a plane almost instantly. Make sure you have everything in order at home before coming here.
37) Will someone meet me at the airport?
Someone from your school or from Teach ESL Korea will meet you at the airport.
38) Do I need to find a place to live before I get there or will my school arrange it?
The school will arrange your accommodations. I think many schools work very last minute, and many people I know have not had a place available to them when they arrive. The school will then put them with another teacher, or have them live in a Motel until their own place is ready.
If you get your job through Teach ESL Korea I will ensure your place is ready when you arrive.
39) What's a typical teaching day like? (Times, interaction, classes, people, parents, school layout, etc)
If you do not teach any kindergarten (I have heard very mixed reviews and it seems to be a love it or hate it relationship) your day will start around 3pm, and you will finish by 10pm. Classes are about 45 minutes long, and you should get a dinner break as well. You will have minimal interaction with the students’ parents.
[Link – What are Hogwans?] - [Link – What do I teach?]
40) What is it like in Korea day to day?
You work only 6 hours a day so I suspect this will mean you will have for more free time than your current situation. This free time can be spent doing whatever you want such as shopping, eating, working meeting friends for coffee or hiking. Remember your disposable income is also much higher so you enjoy things such as eating out far more regularly here. Depending on where you work and live, there are likely many other foreigners in the same situation as you. Most foreigners I know eat out for almost every meal.
41) Is Korea the same as say USA or Canada?
No. Although it is a First World country, with high employment and education rates, it is very different than your current country. This is not a bad thing, but please be aware it is different, and come to Korea with an open mind. People drive cars, use the Internet every day and enjoy Korean dramas. They work hard to get ahead, or maybe even more importantly in the Korean family unit, to ensure the children succeed.
42) What is the weather like in Korea?
The weather for the extended fall and spring months is just excellent. The temperatures range from 15-25 degrees, so you can enjoy many outdoor activities on a daily basis.
The winter was colder than I expected, and I’m from Canada. Temperatures would not dip much below -10, and I was able to drive my motorbike to school almost every day. It did feel quite cold though.
In July and August, the weather can be quite hot, humid and rainy.
[Link - http://english.tour2korea.com/01TripPlanner/KoreaInBrief/climate.asp?kosm=m1_1&konum=3
43) What's there to see in the surrounding areas?
Korea is an old country, with a very interesting history. This provides you with a seemingly endless supply of temples or fortresses to see. You can also pop away to the beach or go hiking on a nearby mountain very easily. [ Link - http://english.tour2korea.com/index.asp
44) Do I need a car? motorbike/scooter? Buses or cabs? Biking or walking?
You may want to invest in a car after you’ve been here awhile, but I don’t suggest it. The price of gas is $1.55/liter, compared to a two hour bus ride for under $5 so it just does not make sense. Cabs and local buses are also cheap and easy to use. Since we have our son with us, there have been times when we have wanted a car, but the situations are scarce. [Link – transportation]
45) What's the social life like?
Going out is very easy because you have so much more disposable income than you likely had before you came to Korea. Going for dinner, drinks, hiking, or visiting a beach or temple are very common activities.
[Link – drinking in Korea] - [Link – fitness] - [Link – entertainment options]
46) Do Korean girls dig “white” guys?
I came to Korea happily married, so I am maybe not the best guy to answer this question. But, from what I have seen, even though Korean girls are quite shy, they are interested in foreign guys and in my opinion find foreigner guys quite attractive. My brother-in-law came to visit us for about one month, and he was constantly told how cute and handsome he was.
47) Do Korean guys dig “white” chicks?
The shy factor is also an issue here because many Korean guys are not brave enough to approach foreign girls, while most foreign girls may prefer to be approached.
48) What is the stability of Korea like, politically, in regards to North Korea?
Most South Korean people still look at North Korea as a sibling who needs its help. They want to repair the damage to the relationship and the Sunshine Policy is helping this situation. Even with the recent missile tests by North Korea, most South Koreans are not afraid North Korea will attack. Many do fear that the United States is too aggressive in dealing with North Korea which further escalates the situations.
49) I have heard Koreans are rude and pushy. Is this true?
Korean people can be pushy, but not rude in most situations. If you are standing in line, even if you are holding a baby, people will not be shy to push past you. The people I have met here have been exceptionally warm and welcoming everywhere we go. I used to think this was just because we happened to have one of the very few white babies in our city with us, but I have come to realize that Koreans are very friendly to everyone, especially foreigners.
50) Is it polluted there?
The air can be smoggy at times, and I think the streets are not that clean.
51) Are people friendly?
Yes, they definitely are.
52) Is it safe?
Yes. The crime rates are very low.
53) Can you drink beer out on the street like in Vegas?
Yes.
54) Can you get American style restaurant or store-bought food easily?
You can find select western food or fast food restaurants in most large cities. There will be a small section for western style food at the larger supermarkets.
[Link – food] [Link – dining out]
55) Are there any beaches?
Korea is a peninsula that is less than 225 km’s in width, so there are plenty of beaches within a short bus ride from anywhere that you live.
[Link – Travel2korea.com]
56) What do people do for fun besides Karaoke?
Koreans can be quite competitive and maybe even compulsive in whatever their activities or hobbies are. There are many computer “gamers” who even have there own TV channels and sponsorship deals. Hikers will go out daily, or at least every weekend, and are usually dressed in special hiking clothes. There are also golfers who spend countless hours at the many driving ranges.
[Link – entertainment options in Korea]
57) Are the apartments small?
They are smaller than what we may be used to, but when I visit my friends who live in 1 room apartments, it has always been comfortable. Remember mostly everyone you know will live in a similar setting so that helps.
[Link - Housing]
58) What ages of kids will I typically teach?
Ages 5-14, which is kindergarten to middle school.
[Link – What do I teach?]
59) Is it easy to get tutoring/private lesson jobs? I have heard they pay $40/hour.
You will be asked to teach private lessons by people you meet in Korea. The pay can be tempting, but getting caught can get you fired and sent home.
60) Will I want to stay longer than one year?
Here is how I think it breaks down for those who come to Korea. 5% leave after 3 months due to various reasons, 20-30% stay only one year, while 60-70% extend for more than one year. The reasons and motivators vary by the individual, but overall it is the low stress workplace, low cost of living, excellent travel opportunities to nearby Asian countries combined with the high take-home pay.
