Teach English In South Korea
Starting salary $20,000 to $25,000 USD Per Year
Additional Benefits: Rent-free, fully-furnished housing; airfare reimbursement; health insurance; paid holidays and vacation days during the year.
More information
[Updated 13, September 2020.
South Korea has continued to allow foreigners to enter the country. There is a strict quarantine, which has been in place for several months. Be sure to budget the cost to quarantine for 14-days before you begin teaching.
GeoVisions' placement operations in South Korea have remained very consistent through COVID-19. 100% of our teachers have continued their employment even when stay at home orders are enforced.
We will continue to update this program page.
Teach English Abroad In South Korea
South Korea is a dynamic, advanced country in a class of its own. It's a choice destination for an English teacher because the demand for English instruction is well-developed. There is an emphasis on English education placed on the youth in Korean society. Students are genuinely motivated to learn English. Ultimately, English ability can make the difference between a good life and an ordinary existence for much of the population in South Korea.
How Do I Get Started?
- Fill out the very brief form on this page. It won't take 30 seconds.
- If you've just started your research, we recommend that you read this post, which is our definitive guide to teaching abroad.
- When you're ready to have your questions answered and go through some plans, schedule a call with us. There is no obligation when you speak with us. We're here to answer your questions.
- Fill out and submit your application with your $350 fee. Why is there a fee? We provide pre-departure assistance, airport pickup, orientation on arrival and a high level of support throughout your experience as well as visa guidance.
- Fill out our supplemental application and upload the required documents like a copy of your passport, your transcript, photos, medical form, etc.
- Begin your interviews with schools in South Korea.
- Next you will receive personalized, step-by-step guidance with document preparation for your visa after you accept a teaching position with the school of your choice.
- Arrive in South Korea, begin your new teaching job and collect your first paycheck.
Eligibility And Fees
The program fee is $350.
The most important qualifications required by the schools in South Korea is that you must be a native English speaker and have at least the equivalent of a Bachelor's Degree.
The schools also want to see that you have a desire to change lives and have an unending curiosity for cultural exchange. You don’t need prior teaching experience, a degree in education, or even plans to become a teacher.
- Hold a passport from the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, or Ireland. In addition, you must have been in school in one of these countries for 10 years, which includes high school and university.
- Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Clear criminal record.
- Must be between 21 and 55.
- No experience necessary. In fact, schools prefer that you have less than five years of teaching experience if you have been teaching.
- You do not need to know any Korean.
- A Bachelors's degree or higher in any subject is required.
- A commitment to 12 months of employment.
What is the application process?
You can fill out and submit your application anytime using the red button below. If you prefer to speak to someone first, schedule a call and find a day and time convenient for you.
When you're ready to apply, fill out and submit your application (red button below) with your $350 fee. What's included:
- Airport transfer to your school.
- Job Placement with a starting salary of around $25,000. You should plan on working approximately 30-40 hours each week, which includes 22-30 hours of instruction each week. (Individual contracts may vary. Please read through your contract when offered a position by a school.)
- BONUS: An extra month of salary is paid upon completion of your contract as a bonus for finishing.
- Up to 4.5% of your salary is matched by the National Pension Plan and paid out at the end of the year. A great way to save a lot of money while you're in South Korea.
- Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision, and guidance throughout your stay.
- Pre-departure assistance.
- International airfare (reimbursed from the school). You will need to purchase your airfare and have it reimbursed in South Korea.
- National health insurance and dental insurance (provided by the school)
- Fully furnished, rent-free accommodations (provided by the school or the school will provide a stipend for housing if noted in their contract. Be sure you plan to have enough funds to get your apartment set up the way you want it.)
- 24/7 support in South Korea and from our offices here.
- Someone assigned to help you with housing.
- New teacher orientation.
- Twelve paid National holidays.
- Ten days paid vacation on top of holidays.
- Visa processing documentation and assistance from South Korea.
Next? Our Supplemental Application
After you apply, you'll receive our Supplemental Application with more detailed information about yourself and your qualifications. In this supplemental application, we will need you to upload a copy of your resume, passport, a copy of your degree and your TEFL Certification.
Interview
You will be interviewed twice. The first interview will be with a staff person here at GeoVisions Foundation. And the second interview will be with the actual school in South Korea.
A final decision will be made within 2 weeks of your second interview. When you're accepted, that's when you'll begin your visa process.
E2 Visa
Once you receive your contract you will need to apply for your E-2 Work Visa at the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate. Download the application from the consulate website. It will only take a few days to get your visa once you apply.
The school and recruiter in South Korea who hires you will provide all of the documents and instructions for applying for your visa then.
When you receive your visa, you can buy your airline ticket and travel to South Korea to begin your teaching adventure.
How do I qualify for the E2 Visa to teach in South Korea legally?
The E2 visa is the specific visa for individuals coming to Korea as an English Teacher. The E2 visa is sponsored by educational institutions such as public schools, private academies (hagwons), and at universities.
Qualifications
The E2 visa is only issued to qualified persons who are citizens of one of the seven recognized native English speaking countries: the United States, Canada, UK, Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree in any field. Those who are in progress of obtaining a bachelor's degree or hold an associate's degree are not eligible for the E2 visa.
Criminal Record Requirements
Those who have any sort of criminal record (either misdemeanors or felonies) are not eligible for the visa. Criminal records are verified by a submission of a national level Criminal Record Check. Traffic violations (such as speeding and parking citations) do generally not affect your criminal record for teaching in South Korea.
Health Requirements
Applicants must be in a good health standing and submit a self-medical check survey. They then receive a preliminary visa to come to Korea, where they take an actual medical check at a Korean health center. The test checks for general health conditions, drug usage, and diseases.
Required Documents
- Apostilled photocopy of Bachelors degree
- Apostilled National-Level Criminal Background Check
- Personal Resume
- Photocopy of Passport Info Page
- 1 Passport-sized Photo
- Notice of Appointment & Contract
What happens when I arrive in South Korea?
- We'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your temporary housing, while you choose an apartment you want to call home. Staff at your school help you navigate the apartments and locations. Your apartment is fully furnished and rent-free.
- Orientation begins.
- You have already begun to see the world and get paid.
- The work experience you are receiving in South Korea is envied by future employers.
- You should plan on working approximately 30 hours each week. (Individual contracts may vary. Please read through your contract when offered a position by a school.)
- GeoVisions Foundation's 24/7 support from the moment you depart your home.
Start Dates
Intake dates:
- February (largest intake). Applications should begin 6 months in advance.
- May. Applications should begin at least 3 months in advance.
- August (second largest intake). Applications should begin 6 months in advance.
- November. Applications should begin at least 3 months in advance.
Your fee guarantees these benefits
- Airport transfer to your school.
- Job Placement with a starting salary of around $25,000. You should plan on working approximately 30-40 hours each week, which includes 22-30 hours of instruction each week. (Individual contracts may vary. Please read through your contract when offered a position by a school.)
- BONUS: An extra month of salary is paid upon completion of your contract as a bonus for finishing.
- Up to 4.5% of your salary is matched by the National Pension Plan and paid out at the end of the year. A great way to save a lot of money while you're in South Korea.
- Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision, and guidance throughout your stay.
- Pre-departure assistance.
- International airfare (reimbursed from the school). You will need to purchase your airfare and have it reimbursed in South Korea.
- National health insurance and dental insurance (provided by the school)
- Fully furnished, rent-free accommodations (provided by the school or the school will provide a stipend for housing if noted in their contract.)
- 24/7 support in South Korea and from our offices here.
- Someone assigned to help you with housing.
- New teacher orientation.
- Twelve paid National holidays.
- Ten days paid vacation on top of holidays.
- Visa processing documentation and assistance from South Korea.
* Note all benefits and holiday details in your contract.
What do I do about my student loans?
Many of the teach abroad programs GeoVisions operates pay more than enough to take care of your student loans. Some pay enough to live comfortably, but depending on your monthly loan payment, it could be close.
GeoVisions will work with you to provide official documents from your school and GeoVisions. However, ultimately, it's going to come down to the loan provider to make the final determination.
Many participants end up putting their loans on forbearance if their salary doesn't leave them enough funds to cover their loans.
The teach abroad programs that pay the most and where teachers have consistently been able to stay current on student loans are in Taiwan, South Korea, and in some instances, China.
"Experiencing amazing cultural immersion
Moving to South Korea is a complete culture immersion, everyday is a new adventure. I have gone to Busan, Daegu, and Gyeongin. My goal is to explore as much of South Korea and nearby countries as possible.
"
Kelly
August 17, 2018
"An experience so great!
I have been in Korea for several months now and the experience has been amazing. I am really loving it.
GeoVisions was extremely helpful and their local team, especially Cid, helped me get all settled in. My apartment is great. I have already made many friends with some fellow teachers and have had a chance to explore but the weather is still quite cold. My overall experience with GeoVisions was excellent and I would highly recommend people to go the route of a local partner. I was so nervous and didn't know what to expect but they were very patient in walking me through the process.
"
Chris Miller
July 30, 2018
"Good Advice And Real Passion
For those who are interested in teaching in South Korea be aware that the application process is arduous. However, the team at GeoVisions is encouraging and helpful. I am grateful to them for their support.
Whenever I feel down I re-read an email that my agent sent me before coming to South Korea, which explained that living and working in a quaint town is more rewarding than living in a cosmopolitan city like Seoul and that the challenges I have faced will only make my experience more meaningful and memorable.
"
Christopher James
May 2, 2018
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This experience will look great on your CV or Resume.
Commit to teaching for one-year in South Korea. Get paid a full-time salary with many benefits.
Teach English In South Korea
Earn A Full-Time Salary With Benefits
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