FAQ

Am I eligible?

All candidates that meet the requirements listed below are eligible:

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Great Britain or Ireland
• Citizenship in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Great Britain or Ireland
• Native English-speaker
• No criminal record

No more is required, but candidates with additional qualifications or experience may be eligible for a greater range of positions and  expect better compensation.

What are the risks?

You may have heard horror stories about unscrupulous employers and broken contracts.  Such cases get a lot of attention online because disgruntled employees are much more inclined to blog about their experiences but, in fact, such cases are rare. We can’t guarantee that you’ll be happy but we’ve done our best to reduce the risks you’ll face.  We screen our employers carefully and only work with those with a good reputation.  We also offer vast online resources and personal consultation to help you make the right decision.

Moreover, unlike most ‘recruiters’ out there, KoreaNow! Consultation will assist you throughout your experience abroad.  We’ll help you obtain a visa and make travel arrangements, advise you through your readjustment, and offer continued logistical and social support for the duration of your stay in South Korea.

How can I apply?  How long will the process take?

Candidates should begin the application process by completing the KoreaNow! Application Form.  It will only take a few minutes, and you can do it all online!

You should expect a wait of at about one month from the time you initiate your application to the time you begin work in South Korea.

However, before you are eligible to work, you must obtain the documentation required for an E-2 Visa.  To do so may require an additional two or three months.  Therefore, we encourage all interested applicants to begin the process as soon as possible.  KoreaNow! Consultation will assist you.  For more guidelines, visit our Visa Services Homepage or contact us.

Otherwise, here’s a general flow chart of our process:

How do I apply for a job?
Simply fill out the required information on our Online Application page. Once we have your current resume and photo, we can begin searching for a position.

Do I need certification to teach?
No. The minimum requirement to teach in South Korea is a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.

Do I need teaching experience?
No.  Experience in the classroom will make you a more attractive candidate and allow you access to a wider range of positions.  However, many candidates are able to land terrific jobs without teaching experience.

How does using a recruiter benefit me?

Most positions are filled through recruiters.  Many schools ignore applications that are sent to them directly.  As a recruiter, we are able to search through a large database of reputable schools and find those that match your needs and preferences.  Furthermore, we can offer you peace of mind and reliable advice.  We only work with schools that are established and have a proven track record.  Unlike most recruiters, KoreaNow! provides continued support throughout the visa application process, and offers a wide array of resources and programs to help you adapt to life abroad.

Can I speak to someone currently at the school to ask them questions?
Of course, provided there is a currently a teacher at the school. If not, we have a large database of former candidates that can answer many of your questions.

What is there to do in Korea?

That’s like asking, “what is there to do in the USA?”  We can’t even begin to answer a question so broad.  Seoul is the second largest metropolitan area in the world.  Whatever you want, you can find it.  Most provincial capitals have popopulations of over a million and also offer vast opportunities.  For those who prefer the calm of nature, South Korea has one of the largest and best maintained public park systems in the world.   The bottom line is that you’ll never be at a loss for what to do.  For further details, please consult the Koreapedia or our page on Events & Programs.

Is Korea a safe country to travel in?
Absolutely.  South Korea is an extremely safe country.  Violent crime is almost non-existent and theft is rare.  You can leave your laptop and wallet on a cafe table, go out for a walk, return an hour later, and they’ll still be there.  When traveling around Korea you will always find someone willing to help if it is needed. Very often local people will go very far out of their way to offer help.

North Korea gets a lot of attention in the news, but analysts predict that the threat of resumed conflict is insignificant.    In the nearly 60 years since the armistice was signed, there have been no widespread engagements between North Korea and South Korea.  Like The United States and Soviet Union during the 1960’s and 1970’s, North and South Korea are acutely aware that resuming the conflict would entail mutual destruction.  Thus, the current divided state is often regarded as a safe, stable, and permanent arrangement.

What is the cost of living like in Korea?
Korea is a relatively cheap place to live in. Cheap, healthy meals are everywhere and public transportation costs are minimal. While some things in Korea are a bit expensive, your lifestyle in Korea will determine your cost of living. It is very easy to save at least $1000 per month.

How difficult is it to travel around in Korea?
Getting around in Korea is extremely easy and affordable. Busses, taxis and trains are all readily available, cheap and efficient.  Public Transportation is well signed in English.

What is the weather like?
The weather in Korea is much like in the northeastern United States. There are 4 distinct seasons with the winters being pretty cold and the summers being hot and humid.  Spring and fall are generally perfect.

Do I need to be able to speak Korean to teach in Korea?
No. You will be teaching mainly conversational English. Many schools enforce an only English policy.  Korean language may be more useful to you outside of schools, if you want to explore on your own or connect with locals.  However, these days enough Koreans speak basic English that you’ll almost always find somebody to translate and explain for you.

Will there be a strict curriculum for me to follow?
You will have a curriculum to follow, however, every school is different. Some may want their teachers to follow the curriculum while others may want their teachers to expand and enhance the curriculum.

Do I have to pay taxes in my home country?
United States citizens are tax exempt if they make below $80,000 abroad. For those of you from other countries, I would check with your country’s tax service.

How much is the average salary for the first time teacher?
The average salary for a starting teacher is between 1.8 million and 2.4 million Korean Won per month.  Teachers with above average qualifications may be able to earn considerably more.  When you factor in that your housing is paid for, your airfare and your severance bonus, the average starting salary is between 2.8 million and 3.0 million Korean Won per month.

Do I have to pay taxes on my income in Korea?
The tax rate in Korea is approximately 3%. Americans who work in public schools are tax exempt for the first two years they live here.

Am I paid by cash, check, or direct deposit?
In most cases you will be paid by direct deposit.

Do I need any vaccinations before I go to Korea?
No vaccinations are required however it is advisable to check with your State Department to see what they recommend.