1. Gather Documents: You will need a passport, apostilled university diploma, apostilled background check, resume, and 6 passport photos
2. Apply: Fill out an application form on our website. We promise to get back to you within 2 business days.
3. Pre-interview: Interview with us where we will explain the process and what it’s like teaching in South Korea, as well as getting to know you better so we can find the best school for you.
4. Interview with schools: We will set up interviews with schools we think you are best fit for.
5. Accept offer: If your interview with the school went well and they want you to work with them, they will offer you a contract which you can negotiate and sign.
6. Start visa process: Now you will send you documents to us and we will check to make sure you have everything and send them to the school to submit to immigration. After you receive your Visa Issuance Number, you will go to your local Korean embassy and apply for a visa.
7. Fly to Korea: Now you’ve got you visa and you’re ready to come to Korea. Book you flight, pack your bags, and catch your flight!
8. Start working: You’ve settled into your new apartment and ready to work! You will likely have a few days to learn about the school and its teaching style. Within the first month you will need to get a medical health check from an approved medical center.
9. Obtain ARC: After you receive your medical check, you will need to set up an appointment at your immigration office to apply for your registration card within 90 days of arriving.
o A bachelor's degree or higher in any field, with a transcript (*Public schools) and diploma as proof (*apostilled or notarized)
o A valid passport with at least 6 months left before expiration
o A sealed and original copy of an Apostilled criminal background check from the applicant's home country no older than 6 months, and if necessary, from the country where the applicant has lived for more than 6 months in the past 10 years.
o A resume or CV highlighting relevant teaching experience, if available.
o 6 recent passport-style photo.
o A TESOL/TEFL certification (*Public schools).
Australia : Australian Federal Police
Canada : Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Ireland : Garda
New Zealand : New Zealand Ministry of Justice
South Africa : South African Police Service
United Kingdom : Disclosure and Barring Service
United States : Federal Bureau of Investigation
Australia : Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Canada : JLAC/ Provincial Governments Authentification Office, Korean Consulate of Toronto,JLAC/ Korean Consulate of Vancouver
Ireland : Department of Foreign Affairs
New Zealand : Department of Internal Affairs
South Africa : Department of International Relations & Cooperation
United Kingdom : Foreign & Commonwealth Office
United States : For federal apostille for your FBI background check please check with the U.S. Department of State . Please contact your state’s secretary of state office for a state apostille for your university diploma.
o No, but it’s highly recommend as it’s the longest part of the process and schools prefer teachers with ready documents as it makes the process smoother and faster.
o Nationality from one of the 7 allowed countries (USA, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa)
o Have a bachelor’s degree
o Have a clean background check
o A hagwon is an afterschool academy typically focused on one subject such as English conversation and grammar.
o They typically start at 9 am for kindergarteners or 2 pm for elementary and end as late as 10 pm for high school students.
o An international school in South Korea is a school that offers an education based on an international curriculum, typically taught in English. These schools often cater to the expat community, and may offer additional language instruction in languages such as Korean or Mandarin Chinese. They may also offer additional support services to students from different cultural backgrounds. The curriculum may be based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, the British or American systems, or a combination of different curricula.
o Public schools are government-funded schools that are free for students to attend. English teachers at public schools typically work as "native English teachers" (NETs) and are hired by the government to teach English to students in grades 1-9. The hours at public schools can be longer than private schools and hagwons, but they often come with more benefits like a pension, national health insurance, and paid vacation.
o Private schools are independent schools that are not funded by the government. English teachers at private schools typically work as "foreign English teachers" (FETs) and are usually hired by the school directly. The working hours at private schools are usually shorter than in public schools, and the salary and benefits are generally better.
o Hagwons are private language institutes that offer English classes to students outside of regular school hours. Hagwons, also known as cram schools or academies, are mainly focused on helping students prepare for exams. English teachers at hagwons typically work as "foreign English teachers" (FETs) and are usually hired by the institute directly or through a recruiter. The working hours at hagwons can be flexible, and the salary and benefits may vary depending on the institute.
o Overall, the main differences between international schools, public schools, private schools, and hagwons in South Korea are the funding, the working hours, and the benefits offered to teachers. Public schools tend to have longer working hours, but more benefits, while private schools and hagwons typically have shorter working hours and better salary and benefits. Each type of school has its own unique work environment, so it's important to consider your preferences and goals when choosing where to teach.
o No, you don’t need to speak Korean for most positions, however it’s highly beneficial to have basic knowledge in Korean to get by in your everyday life.
o Most schools and academies will provide a one-bedroom furnished apartment. You may also have the option to find your own apartment and they will give you a housing allowance every month.