Teaching English in Korea. Any experiences?

[mikey0118]

I am all prepared to jet off to Korea for a year starting in November. Having just graduated, I want to do something exciting and it seems that teaching in Korea is the way to go. The pay varies from about �1,000 to about �1,400 per month, although your own private accommodation and return flights between the UK and Korea are included. The rate of tax is minimal, too.

I am currently have a "job" and not a career (here in the UK) and am still very much undecided as to what I want to do with myself. This time could be spent doing something that would look fantastic on my CV and earning lots of money, too. I would be financially better off in Korea than I would be living in the UK.

Before I commit myself to it, I'm dying to hear from anybody who may have taught in Korea. I want to hear your experiences - good or bad.

[Dizzieblonde]

Depends whether it's North or South Korea, but the whole area is a bit of a political hot potato at the moment. I looked into teaching English in China myself after graduating and hating my profession, but never had the guts to go for it, so good for you. From what I read into it though, be careful that your teaching school is legitimate, doesn't expect you to pay costs and doesn't tie you in to a 12 or 24 month contract. Maybe it would be wise to take a holiday there first and see if you think you could live there?

[mikey0118]

Thanks Dizzieblonde for your comments.

I guess it was a bit silly of me not to mention that it was actually South Korea in particular.

All of my applications have so far taken place with reputable recruitment agencies and they have dealt with all sorts of schools now for many years so I wouldn't be too worried about whether or not a school is legitimate. I have also been made aware that this would be a 12 month contract and there are no costs incurred. The only expenditure I would have that would be compulsory would be my utility bills.

I've visited Bangkok and Hong Kong in the past 18 months and am very fond of both of these cities, although the two are very different. I would be quite comfortable living in either of these cities, so I would imagine that life in a Korean city wouldn't be too new to me.

And since my passport is not taken away from me by my employer, if it got too much to bear, I could pack up and leave.

[maviscoull]

my cousin worked in Hanoi for a while where she taught. i think she also taught the teachers to teach ( if that makes sense ) if you want more info let me know and i will chat with my cousin for you. i think she does it through an international charity but i could be wrong.

[mikey0118]

Thanks maviscoull, that would be really useful if you don't mind?

[maviscoull]

i have sent her an email and as soon as i hear back i will post reply to you.

[maviscoull]

this is whay my cousin emailed back :

Not at all! I work for Pescherch International School in Kiev, Ukraine. I teach Grade 1.

My friend Ruth teaches English in Seoul in Korea....there are a lot of teachers that go there. It is different from the International school circuit, but if your friend was interested tell her to get in touch with Ruth...email is [email protected]

hope this of use to you ! mavis xx

[mikey0118]

Perfect! Thanks very much. I will drop her an email now.

[maviscoull]

you`re welcome. let us know how things go for you !!