Application Process to Teach in South Korea

This is a continuation from my hub about Teach English in South Korea.  This article is dedicated to answering questions regarding the application process when you want to teach in South Korea.  If I have missed any questions please feel free ask and will get you an answer ASAP!!! 

 

 What are the requirements to be a teacher overseas?

Across the board the basic requirements to teach English overseas are:

· Bachelor’s degree in any field (but those geared towards teaching and English may earn you a little more pay and help you in the long run)

· Valid passport from the U.S.A., Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, or South Africa

· Teaching experience usually is not required but will definitely be helpful

· TESOL/TEFL certifications or diplomas are usually not required but recommended (I did not get mine but think it would have helped me a lot)

· Responsible and committed to your word

· Fun and outgoing personality

When are applications accepted?

One of the great things about applying to teach overseas is that applications are accepted all year round and jobs are filled year round.

Do I have to sign a one year contract?

One year contracts are the most common contract length you will find when you are applying to teach overseas but some schools will over shorter contracts.

 Do I have to use a recruiter?

By no means do you HAVE to use a recruiter but I definitely recommend it your first time around. You eliminate a lot of issues…if you are going through a good recruiter. They literally hold your hand through the entire process and check on you throughout your year.

Why do you recommend Adventure Teaching(AT)?

I recommend Adventure Teachingbecause my experience working with them was AWESOME!!! I worked with Scot and he was the hugest help during my process. He answered every single question and please believe I had a lot of them. He worked to get me a great contract with a great school in a great town. He was also very patient and understanding when I would get frustrated or nervous because he knew this was my first time ever leaving the States. When other people from AT would contact me they were always genuine and went above and beyond to help me. Also, the folks at AT are extremely timely. I never had to wait long for a reply to an email or a call. Oh yeah, they also help you purchase certain things you will need once you get off the plane for your apartment.

 What documents should I have ready ASAP?

· If you do not have a passport yet go ahead and apply for one (should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your proposed arrival date in the country you will be teaching in:

1. U.S.A.: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

2. Canada: http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx

3. England & Scotland: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/index.htm

4. Ireland: http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=254

5. New Zealand: http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_url/services-passports-how-to-apply-for-a-new-zealand-passport?opendocument

6. South Africa: http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/sa_passports_travdocs.asp

· Have extra passport pictures on hand at all times (at least 8)

· Your diploma with notarization and apostille

· Transcripts with stamp or seal over the envelope

· Criminal background check with notarization and apostille (fingerprints usually require 1-2 weeks to process)

 What are the steps to applying to teach overseas?

· If you choose to go through a recruiter you need to research their website, apply on their website, and they will guide you the rest of the way (E-2 visa process, phone interviews, job selection, etc.

· If you choose to apply independently get all of your documents together, research different job boards and recruiter websites for information on (pay scale, safety issues, what to look for in a contract, reputations of schools, vacation, etc.)

How long is the application process?

· The length of the application process depends on you and how long it takes to get all of your documents together. But, the entire process (before leaving for your new country) can take anywhere from 2-4 months. Having the documents I listed above ready to go when you contact your recruiter or start applying for job will definitely speed up your process. Also, already have in mind when you want to leave.

Will I be interviewed? How many times?

· Yes, you will be interviewed anywhere from 2 or more times. Now depending on where you live and who you go through you may have a face-to-face interview. You can expect to have a phone interview with your recruiter and a when you start choosing your jobs you will have interviews with a representative of the school.

 What should I expect from the phone interview?

The phone interviews are not too bad at all. If you have ever had a phone interview for any job you should be prepared. A phone interview can last anywhere from 15-45 minutes. I have no idea every question you will be asked by the schools you interview with but here are some I have taken from my own experience and from others I know:

· They will probably start off by telling you a bit about the school, the town/city, and the students.

· Hello, how are you?

· So, where are you from?

· Where school did you graduate from?

· What was your major?

· What made you choose that major?

· How do you think your major will help you teach in this country?

· Why are you interested in teaching in this country?

· What do you know about this country?

· What do you know about our school?

· Have you ever traveled outside of your home country?

· Have you ever worked outside of your home country?

· How do you think you will adapt to living in a new country?

· How does your family feel about you moving to a new country?

· What grades are you most interested in teaching?

· Are you most interested in a public or private school?

· What qualities do you think you can contribute to our school?

· What are three strengths you have?

· What are three weaknesses you have?

Don’t always expect your interviewer to sound cheery…it’s ok! Just make sure you sound excited and passionate about each job you apply for. Show interest in the job, be honest but tactful, and ask at least 3 questions about the school /students/ apartment/ etc. (I asked 9- 11 questions on each interview…more questions than they asked me…lol)

Happy job hunting :D