If I give you an answer by how I felt about teaching at MY institution, then my answer is simply “yes”. Yes, I recommend you go to South Korea and teach English.
From the food to the culture to the fashion to the ease and safety of moving around in Seoul and Busan, Korea has let me grow and develop in a safe environment that many other countries could not provide a young woman like me.
It’s a paradise for the young and willing, with cute cafes, rowdy, lovely bars, and impressive nightlife, near seemingly endless shopping centers, warm and inviting people trying to awkwardly make conversation with you on the street, there is too much to say about why you should go to Korea.
However, if you are looking into the process of applying to teach in the homeland of BTS, then you might have found out from others that being a foreign English teacher in South Korea is not all glam it’s hyped up to be. Sadly, you may have come across multiple YouTube videos or TikToks of foreign English teachers in South Korea being preyed upon by hagwon management or the blatant racism that rears up once in a while.
I, being an Asian-American woman with East Asian features have had many an encounter where native Koreans thought I too was Korean. One event that comes to mind was when I was at the aquarium. A father had asked me to take a photo of him and his family and I simply said “yes” with my limited knowledge of Hangul. But then, he saw my boyfriend who is not Korean nor looks Korean, and muttered under his breath, “Oh she is not Korean”, in his native tongue. This wasn’t the first time a Korean person felt like they didn’t want to interact with a foreigner in passing. I understand that some of the older folk are intimidated by the language barrier and often have an ‘English Sickness’.
Stereotypes and xenophobia do run rampant in Korean social circles. It stems from the older generation. I have had many students that can’t guess where I am from because they are culturally unaware that America is a melting pot made up of immigrants. Students have told me that their parents said the Chinese are “bad” because the Chinese news outlets have claimed kimchi originates from China. Blackface, shadism, and body image are among the other issues that are flagged against foreigners.
Some parents and older Koreans do not believe that I am an American and ask with a confused look like “You don’t look American, where are you really from?” The same line of questioning I receive frequently while in my own home country.
I strive to advocate in my daily interactions with others to embrace the cultural heritage and diversity of others to dispel the lines of discrimination that separate us as human beings.
You cannot hate a man nor fear him if you understand him.
My own experiences are inherently subjective and so I have asked ten beautiful people to share their thoughts and feelings on what it’s like to not only teach in South Korea but to also live among Koreans.
I’ve been teaching in Korea for almost 9 years. It’s a great place to get some experience living in a totally different culture in a different part of the world. There are downsides of course and teaching abroad isn’t for everyone but I think people should give it a try if they get the chance. Culture shock is a thing but it goes away and gets easier if you want it to.
Adam Fox
Ireland
I have had so much fun teaching in South Korea. There is definitely stress, but for me it is much less than I had in my job back home. Being provided housing and not needing a car for transportation are also great reasons for me to continue teaching in Korea. They save me a lot of money. Additionally, being in eastern Asia has made it easier for me to visit other countries during my vacation periods. The biggest downside, in my experience, is Korea’s work culture. My school doesn’t offer any sick days and taking time off outside of the time designated by my school is really, really difficult and paints those who end up doing it in a negative light.
Tina Teacher
United States of America
If you’re interested in teaching, come teach! It’s definitely a learning experience and you can meet a lot of great people and have fun experiences. Do your research, talk to lots of people, and go for it.
~anonymous
United States of America
The opportunity to live and work abroad is an experience that will allow for expanded perspectives of your own country and to other countries. Meeting people from all over the world provides rich resources to grow intellectually and interdependently. South Korea is a country that has solid infrastructure, health care, and is far safer than the US regarding gun violence. South Korea has much to offer culturally as the center of east Asia. Professional opportunities to collaborate and grow are abound. The experience of teaching in South Korea for three years has reformed who I am as an educator, citizen, and as a person.
Elizabeth Perez
United States of America, @azilezer
Before deciding to come to SK you must do your research about the country and your potential circumstances. Everything is convenient but kinda expensive.
Gaynor Hartney
I’m lucky to have found a good private academy and a director who is supportive. As I have been told that is not the case for everyone so I count myself very lucky.
Before moving here I worked a 9 to 5. The working hours might be a little different, mine are 2pm to 9pm. I’m still trying to figure out how to structure my day since the majority of my free time is in the morning.
I’m happy that I made the decision in coming here. You must, however, be open minded and have a go-with-the-flow-attitude otherwise things might get difficult for you. Learning a little basic Korean might also be a good idea. I didn’t and it’s kinda restrictive. I’ve resolved to make that effort in 2023.
South Africa
Many see teaching in South Korea as an easy and relatively cheap way to live abroad and ride the K-wave sweeping the globe… and in a way it is. But it’s also so much more than that. Beyond the K-pop fandoms and K-dramas, there’s an entire culture to explore and social dynamics at play that are not prevalent in other parts of the world. In terms of traveling/ living abroad, it’s an eye-opening experience that forces you to grow, either embracing what’s beyond your comfort zone or realizing where your own limitations and boundaries lie.
Veeran
From a working perspective, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences – as long as you’re someone who is comfortable around children. and whom children are comfortable with. Though adult classes are a possibility in private institutions, they are not the norm; so an affinity for children and being willing to adapt to an ever-shifting working environment is key to creating a positive experience.
There are ups and downs, highs and lows; the good and the bad; but if anything… teaching in Korea, teaches you how to walk the line between them all.
South Africa, @pennedplaces
Korea is a very accommodating place for those who wish to teach English and explore a new place and culture. I would say to definitely do your research and talk to expats already there to get a feel of what’s happening now. A bad situation may make you regret an otherwise very pleasant experience. This is coming from 6 years of experience teaching there.
Eric
United States of America, @salvationsax
Being a non-native speaker has its pros if you are able to speak the language. Learning Korean early on helped me have an edge over others. Another advantage is not worrying about the visa process. The downside is the school or hagwon is not required to provide housing.
Miriam
The Phillippines
It’s a country that is so far ahead of many others in some ways, but also SO backwards in other ways. Ex.) The transport, infrastructure and available activities are vast and greatly developed, yet if you’re a foreigner, you can’t buy certain things online or create memberships easily as your name isn’t Korean or it’s too long to fit into the spaces available. I also took my old boss to court and, despite being COMPLETELY IN THE RIGHT, I was literally told I should give up trying to get the full amount I was owed, not only because I’m a girl and my boss was a man, but even more so because I am a “foreign girl”.
Shanei
I’ve had ex boyfriends whose parents have told them specifically not to marry me, “just have fun”, because I’m a black woman, but if I was white, they’d “consider it”.
I was also denied jobs here a few years back as I am black. Although that narrative has definitely changed from 5-10 years ago, even down to last year, my old principle stated she wanted to find “new fresh teachers, with blonde hair and blue eyes”…. yes, straight to my face… and it wasn’t the first year I had heard it.
Also, teaching itself is never usually too challenging, but the amount of classes and the lack of free time can really take its toll on your mind, body and soul. And with only 2 real weeks of holiday a year, by the time you actually destress, it’s time to strap on for the next rollercoaster ride. Furthermore, if you work during the day (kindy/ele), be prepared to not be able to run to the doctors, bank or complete many other personal admin errands. And if you work the evening shifts (ele/middle/high) be prepared to not have a life during the week, because, let’s face it… you say you’re gonna get up early and do something with your life, but in reality… we all know it never happens.
All in all, the culture, the arts, the language, the experiences, the activities, the food, and such things are absolutely AMAZING! And I don’t regret being here at all, but there is SO much more to moving here than what is portrayed in the media, or just being an English Teacher here. I really suggest putting yourself out there to find a solid group of friends to depend on, otherwise those times that you WILL be taken advantage of, mistreated and/or abused can be a lot harder to deal with.
United Kingdom, @shypolite – Instagram, TikTok
As a South African teacher in South Korea, I was struck by the contrast between my own culture and the Korean culture. But also, the similarity between East Asians and South Asians such as myself. South Korea is such a fascinating country with a rich history, amazing food, and amazing safe cities. I was constantly amazed by the kindness and hospitality of the Korean people and the teaching staff, and their interest in my own culture and country.
Dharshan Dayanand Moonasar
The students I taught were truly a joy to work with despite the large amounts of effort I put in when making lesson plans. They were motivated at the best times and dedicated when there was a Mychew candy as a reward but on the whole, I was constantly impressed by their eagerness to learn. Watching them grow and develop their English skills was incredibly rewarding and made me feel like I was finally making impact compared to the lifelikeness of corporate. I will always treasure the memories of our time in the classroom together.
It is important that you make the decision early on in your career if teaching is the job that you want to continue for a long time or as a way to make good money to jumpstart your life.
One of my favourite things about teaching in South Korea was the opportunity to explore the country and experience its unique beauty. From the bustling streets of Seoul, Cheongju, and Busan to the peaceful countryside, there was always something new to discover and eat, despite me being a vegetarian. I loved taking weekend trips to visit temples, mountains, and beaches, and chilling in some of the hipper areas. Having a place to stay and a place to come home to every time was great.
Overall, my time teaching English in South Korea was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and rewarding adventure. The memories and friendships that I made during my time there will stay with me forever, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have had such a special experience.
South Africa, @ashura_xin
Despite all the varying challenges and situations, these teachers may have faced, they all recommend teaching in South Korea!
One of the best government-sponsored programs that have the best working conditions is the EPIK (English Program in Korea). The program is under the direct command of the Korean government, so there is no need to worry about any unsavory actions happening to you at a public school. However, they do have the following requirements; you must have a Bachelor’s degree, hold an ESL teaching certificate and be a citizen of one of the Commonwealth countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
If you are interested in teaching English in South Korea, but you are not from a country where South Korea requires you to hold citizenship, then the process may be a little more complex and longer for you. You will need a friend who is working at a private academy to get a referral, be fluent in English enough to impress the institution’s hiring director, or have valuable skills that have a sizable impact on the business. For example, having proof or holding an English-language teaching degree or certification, even simply going to the same church, or being Christian. There are also times when a private academy is desperate enough to hire because they need more foreign teachers, but do be wary of these places as previous employees may have run away for a reason. Those were some of the stories I heard from other teachers when I was teaching in Korea.
One of the best sites to find private hagwon jobs would be Dave’s ESL Cafe. It remains one of the most popular job board websites for finding English teaching jobs in Korea and is a helpful hub for useful teaching resources and information.
If you don’t wish to teach English in South Korea, there are Facebook groups that post a plethora of jobs available to foreigners in South Korea. If you are doing a specific profession such as business or graphic design, you may be able to find internships and employment. I will talk more about living in South Korea in my next article.
Let me know your thoughts about “Should You Teach English in South Korea in 2023?” in the comments!
Thank you to the teachers who shared their thoughts and experiences in this article!
Sincerely,
Amy♡
Published on MSN.
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