So, you want to teach in Korea??

I seem to have been contacted fairly often lately by people wanting to work in Korea. I always find myself offering the same advice over and over, so I am putting it here so everyone can use it!


Now, on to the questions...


Q: What should I expect in terms of pay?
A: Most private academies start around 2.1 or 2.2 million won per month which equates to about $2,000 USD per month (give or take a few bucks). Public school pay varies greatly depending on experience and location. The lowest for your first year would be 1.8 million won and can go up to about 2.3 or 2.4 million won. Again, this varies by location. Visit this site for more detailed information. http://www.teachaway.com/content/epik-english-program-korea-public-school-jobs-korea


Q: What about benefits?
A: Free, furnished housing along with airfare and insurance are pretty standard. There is a pension plan also which, as Americans and Canadians, you get back upon departure. Vacation at hagwons (private academies) is usually 10 days, however, public schools start at 18 days and go up from there depending on location.


Q: How do I know if it is a good school?
A: My first stop would be http://hagwonblacklist.tripod.com/public_html/list.html. If the school you are considering is on this list, steer clear! Of course, you can always check the "green" list for good schools, though this is not updated as often. http://greenlist.tokyojon.com/


Once you have checked this list, I STRONGLY advise speaking to the current foreign teacher. If they refuse to allow you to speak to them, steer clear.


Q: What should I ask the current foreign teacher?
A: Here's the list of "must ask" questions:
1. How long have you been there? (If they have been there for over one year, the school is probably doing something right)
2. Are you paid on time? (no brainer here...common problem at hagwons)
3. Tell me about the housing. (many of us put up a video on youtube)
4. Do you get along with the Korean teachers? 
5. Tell me about the curriculum. (If they say, "Oh, you just do whatever you want", run!!)
6. How do you schedule your vacation time? (Many hagwons have specific time your vacation is allowed. Find out if it is only when the school is closed for summer and winter break or if you can take a vacation when you need it.)
7. Why are you leaving the school? (if applicable)


Q: Should I use a recruiter or just get hired by the school?
A: That is totally up to you, but I would advise getting a recommendation for a good recruiter from someone who is already teaching in Korea. Additionally, never, ever, ever pay a recruiter to find a job for you. Nope, nope, nope....don't do it! I recommend my recruiter at People Recruit http://www.peoplerecruit.com/ and many people have had a good bit of luck with Footprints Recruiting http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/ .


I think that just about covers the basics. Of course, I have only worked at a hagwon, so there may be other things to do/ask when applying for a public school position. Regardless, speaking to the current teacher is highly recommended. 


If you have any specific questions, please leave a comment and I'll get back to you! Good luck!