Korea Teacher Exchange Program

• General Questions About International Teaching
• Questions for Short-Term Teaching Program
• Questions for Long-Term Teaching Program
• Questions About Preparing for Your Trip
• Questions About Life in Korea

General FAQ

(1) What is Teachers Council?

TC is a non-profit educational organization that provides staffing and immigration services for schools in the US and abroad.

(2) Do I have to pay any fees to TC?

We do not charge any fees to participate in the exchange program! There may be incidental costs associated with getting started, such as paying for your work visa application, passport application (if necessary), travel costs to reach your designated airport, etc. However, TC will not receive any administrative or recruitment fee from you at any time.

(3) How can TC afford to operate this program?

We are supported by fees paid to us by the Korean schools in exchange for finding qualified teachers, as well as other programs we operate.

(4) How easy is it to teach English in these programs?

As easy as you might imagine teaching English as a Second Language might be!

You will be provided with great assistance from English-speaking mentors, and your students will have basic knowledge of English in advance. However, you should be aware that these positions are not for "casual" applicants. Real responsibilities are involved and you will be expected to meet the challenges of the program and the high standards of the school.

If teaching does not sound appealing to you, please do not apply. If you are uncomfortable with new experiences, you should also not apply. These positions are intended for any outgoing individual who have a strong interest in teaching or getting involved in Korean culture. Please consider these factors carefully before you decide to accept any offer.

(5) What exactly will I do?

All positions involve practicing spoken English with Korean students through various lessons and activities. Materials will be provided by the school for your use, but it always helps to have your own ideas for lessons just in case. Depending on your contract (long-term or short-term), your specific job duties will vary and might include lesson planning and grading.

(6) What if I don't like Korea ?

Very rarely do participants want to drop out of the program. However, if you feel the need to withdraw, you must inform us immediately. You will need to comply with the terms of your contract and discuss the matter in depth with TC and your school.

Short-Term Program FAQ

(1) What are the application requirements?

You must have a bachelor's degree, a current, valid passport, and a strong sense of adventure!

(2) What are the start dates?

It depends on Korean school calendar. Summer vacation in Korea usually starts in mid July and continues for 1-2 months and Winter vacation is during the month of January.

(3) When should I apply?

You can apply at any time. We will keep your application information indefinitely in our database. Even if it is too late to join a specific program, we can contact you when a position becomes available.

(4) Will I need to pass an interview?

Yes, you will be contacted by TC to arrange an informal telephone interview, and you will also need to pass a formal interview with the school.

(5) Will I incur any costs?

You will most likely incur some costs to organize your travel to Korea , but you will be reimbursed upon arrival. You will also need to pay for your work visa application. It is recommended that you provide the visa fee to TC so that we can apply for your C-4 Short Term visa on your behalf.

(6) Do I need to take out travel insurance?

We strongly recommend that you take out adequate travel health insurance for the entire duration of your stay.

(7) What happens when I arrive?

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will attend an orientation meeting after your arrival.

(8) What will housing be like?

In most cases, you will share a twin room with another English teacher in the camp training facility. Most facilities are Universities, so you may share a dormitory room.

(9) What are my working hours?

You will need to be flexible, but the usual working hours are 25-35 hours a week.

(10) Are there teaching resources available?

Yes. Textbooks and teaching materials are provided. However, it is always a good idea to study ESL resources ahead of time in case you need to create additional materials.

(11) Will I have an opportunity to tour Korea or other countries in Asia?

Yes. Although you will be very busy during the camp program, you can make arrangements for affordable trips in Korea or other countries after the program. TC might also arrange a trip in coordination with your school, if possible.

Long Term Teaching FAQ

(1) When do positions begin?

Positions are available on an ongoing basis. If you have a specific time you would prefer to start work it is best to begin the process at least one month prior to that date.

(2) Is housing provided for long-term teachers?

Yes, the schools provide housing for long-term applicants as well as short-term applicants. In most cases, teachers will share an apartment.

(3) Can I set up a bank account in Korea , and can I send money back home?

Yes. Your school will help you to set up an account and make arrangements so that you can send part of your salary home.

(4) What are the terms of the contract?

Contracts are for one year. Specific details, including salary, are worked out before you accept the position. A formal Agreement/Contract will be provided for your review before you accept.

(6) Will I be paid in Korean Won or U.S. Dollars?

You will be paid in Korean Won. You can find links for the current exchange rate to US dollars online in our Teacher Resources section.

(7) Will I have an opportunity to tour Korea or other countries in Asia ?

Yes. During breaks you can tour Korea , China , or other nearby countries.

Preparation FAQ

(1) Will I need to know any Korean?

You will not need to know Korean to participate because you will have English-speaking mentors to assist you. However, it is always useful to learn basic phrases and questions. You can find free resources on the web, or go to our "Teacher Resources" page for some useful links.

(2) What should I bring with me?

Almost all of the basic items you may need for daily life can easily be found in Korea . The only exceptions are certain brands of toiletries, and deodorant, which is very expensive in South Korea . You are advised to bring a plentiful supply of these items with you when you travel.

First-time visitors are encouraged to pack a simple "first-aid" kit with basic items such as bandages, anti-diarrheal tablets, aspirin, cold pills, etc., as you may have an unexpected reaction to changes in climate or diet.

(3) Do I need to get any vaccinations?

Vaccinations are not required for travelers from the US . However, if you have any concerns, the following are vaccinations that are recommended: Diphtheria/Tetanus Booster (if not updated within the last 10 years), Hepatitis B (started in the US , can be completed in Korea ), and Influenza.

(4) The school says that round-trip airfare is provided. Why do I have to pay for my flight?

Depending on your school's policy, you may need to provide initial transportation costs and obtain reimbursement after you arrive in Korea . The reason for this is that some individuals in the past have either not shown up at the airport or used the flight to Korea for a personal trip, leaving the school at a financial loss and without any teacher in the classroom. Many schools cannot afford to provide roundtrip airfare unless they are guaranteed that teachers will arrive and begin teaching as planned.

Teachers Council and our partner company in Korea will maintain clear communication with the schools to make sure you are reimbursed without any delay.

(5) How much money will I need before I get my first paycheck?

We recommend that you bring US $500 for initial costs, such as toiletries, transportation (bus/taxi fare), etc., to last you until you receive your first paycheck. The actual amount you will need will vary depending on your individual circumstances, but it should not exceed this amount.

(6) Will I be able to use my electronic devices with Korean outlets?

Korea uses a 220 V / 60 Hz electric standard, so you will need to purchase the appropriate outlet converters ( Korea uses type C and F outlets) to use your electronics. You can purchase these in many electronic stores or online. Go to http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm for more information about the different standards.

(7) What happens if I can't go to Korea because of an unexpected event?

You should immediately let TC know if you cannot go to Korea for any reason. You should be aware that any incidental costs - such as your work visa application, US passport application, etc. - may not be refundable.

You should also be aware that it will reduce the chance of being selected for any other teaching positions in Korea in the future. Schools generally cannot replace teachers quickly because of the amount of processing that goes into each teacher's application. Once you accept an offer for a teaching position, it is best if you can honor that acceptance.

Life in Korea FAQ

(1) What kind of housing is available?

The schools will provide furnished apartments that may be shared with one roommate. Basic accommodations, such as beds and appliances, are included.

(2) What is the cost of living?

Most common goods and services are much less expensive in Korea than the US , with a few exceptions. Below is a simple chart with approximate costs to help you compare.

You should be aware that international phone rates are much more expensive in Korea . You are encouraged to bring international calling cards to call home, or a laptop computer with a microphone/webcam so that you can call home via the Internet. We recommend using a program such as Skype to stay in touch with your friends and family in the US .

(3) Can I teach English at other schools once I arrive?

Teaching English outside of the school with whom you signed your contract is illegal. TC will not make any arrangements to assist you with taking on additional teaching assignments while you are on a contract to a school in our program.

(4) What should I do for transportation?

Teachers are able to use public transportation to get to and from school and other destinations. Your mentor will guide you on how to use the bus and subway system when you arrive.

(5) Is Korea a dangerous place to live?

No. South Korea has one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the world, and is statistically safer than the US . You should not have any fear for your safety while you live in Korea .

(6) Do I need to pay any taxes?

You do not need to pay any US taxes. Your salary will be subject to the Korean tax system, but the rate is very low (about 5%). Your employer should file your tax return for you.