Teaching Positions

Entry level candidates generally start off their teaching positions at privately run ESL learning centers know as “Hagwon”. There are, however, various positions at several institutions

PRIVATE ESL SCHOOL POSITIONS “HAGWON”
The Hagwon system is a Korean invention, designed to address the insatiable desire of parents for education and supplement public school education. It is a privately owned after school center regulated by the Ministry of Education and the Bureau of Immigration To date there are more than 4000 Hagwons in Korea that provides, academics, sports, crafts, the arts, music and foreign language instruction. Young-Ah Hagwon or English language center is the most popular.

There are two kinds of privately run ESL schools- independently run schools, usually a mom and pop style operation; and the franchise schools, with branches nationwide. Classes begin right after mainstream school which is mid-afternoon. Students generally receive instructions three times a week from Korean teachers and native speakers with classes running for 40-50 minutes. Korean teachers teach grammar and vocabulary while native speakers provide authentic English conversation practice. Native speakers are not required to speak Korean as they are expected to conduct lessons only in English with support from Korean staff. Maximum number of students is 10. Majority of students are grade school and middle school pupils. Some well establish chains have preschool classes where kids are taught for more than four hours by Korean and expat teachers. Typical lessons with children involve a lot of games and activities and are up beat and fun. Lessons often involve the use of story telling, art based projects, audio visual aids, and music and movement.

On the other hand, adult and business classes are conducted in the evening or early in the morning, either right before office working hours or after business hours..The more mature the pupils the more mature the study material and delivery. Student-teacher social interaction is often as important to the students as the tuition itself

PUBLIC SCHOOL ESL POSITIONS
In response to the public’s clamor for public school reform, the Korean Ministry of Education has begun employing Native Speakers in 2005 to improve the quality of English education at state funded schools. In fact, the office of education has been gradually placing expatriate teachers to every primary and secondary schools nationwide, starting 2006. It will also provide English instructions two years earlier than the current third grade. English immersion program , wherein English is use as the medium of instruction in teaching academic subjects, will be given to primary and secondary pupils at Korea’s special economic zones and in Jeju Free International City in 2008. This scenario has further compounded an already massive demand for qualified teachers.

Working hours and conditions are comparable in many ways to teaching in the public school systems in Canada. Salary ranges from 1.8 million to 2.7 million won per month, tax free. Employed by the Korean government, teachers are entitled to all national holidays in addition to 14 workdays paid vacation, plus paid time off when schools are closed. Public school ESL positions also afford teachers to network with high-ranking education officials and administrators who can improve the way English is taught in public schools. Not only do teachers have the opportunity to teach diverse backrgrounds, Korean public school teachers are also their students, who will then go on and teach more pupils.

Amongst other ESL positions, this is one job that has the potential for you to touch more lives and create much greater impact in society

PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Almost all Koreans are educated at state funded public schools. However, an elite minority receives private schooling thru privately run foreign international schools. Admission requirement is almost prohibited to Koreans which includes a minimum of 5 yearsoverseas education. Teaching Position is akin to teaching in North American public schools. Curriculum and methodology are base abroad and have international accreditation. Hence, teaching qualifications and credentials are similar to teaching in North America. Minimum requirement is a BA in Education and at least a three- year teaching experience.

CORPORATE LANGUAGE CENTERS
Korean conglomerates (jaebol in Korean ) like Samsung and LG run their own in-house ESL programs. Perhaps of all the teaching positions in Korea, corporate language centers have the most rigid and goal oriented approach in teaching ESL. Instructions focus on Business English, conversation, English for Specific Purpose (ESP), and exam preparation. Students are corporate employees, whose jobs partly depend on how much they have learned English. Thereby creating a teaching environment with highly driven learners, who are adept at directing their learning goals and expressing their language needs. Hence, corporate teaching jobs are one of the most sought after, with stipend going up to 3 million won. However, corporate employers require excellent qualifications and experience. Positions are scant and highly in demand.

Employment Factfile

PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT
The term of the contract is for 52 weeks (one year) , in accordance with the policies set by the Korean Immigration Authority for the issuance of E2 work visa.

TEACHING HOURS

• 5-6 Teaching hours a day for Private Language Schools (Hagwon). Monday to Friday, not necessary consecutively with some schools having classes on Saturday as well. Classes usually start in the afternoon from 2 am to 7 or 8 pm. Some schools may have a split shifts with a few hour classes in the morning and in the afternoon/evening.
• 10 -15 Teaching hours a week for University Deparment posts. Plus participation in student activities like editing of school organ and other academic works.
• 40 Teaching hours a week for Research Institute
• 22 Teaching hours a week for Public School positions. Teachers are expected to be at school from 9 am to 5pm. Monday to Friday The work hours follows the normal schedule of Korean public school teachers.
  

TEACHING MATERIALS
Textbooks, teaching manuals, and general curriculum are provided by the school. Supplemental instructional resources like esl game boards, flashcards, cds, videos, and tapes are also supplied

SIZE OF CLASSES

• 5 to 10 students per class at Private Language Schools (Hagwon)
• 25 - 30 students at Public Schools
• 20 – 30 students at Universities

Student Types

Pupils range from pre-school kids to adults including college students, housewives, businessmen, and professionals . There are several schools that specialize on particular age group. Should you have a strong preference in a particular age group, kindly let us know in advance

Typical Student body at Hagwon (Private ESL Centers)

• Pre schoolers, Korean age 4-6 yrs : not yet attending Korean public school
• Elementary, 6-11 yrs : attending state school 8.30am-2.30pm
• Middle and High School, 11-17 yrs : attending state school until approx 4pm and then most likely attending extra classes or tuition classes as well as having a heavy load of state school homework to complete
• Adult and Tertiary/University Students : usually attend classes either before or after university lectures. Early in the morning. 7am-9am or after 7pm in theevening
• Housewives : Due to household chores and family obligations, these ladies usually attend classes early in the morning, after lunch, or late in the evening.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and task of ESL teachers are carried out under the guidance of the the school’s director/directress know as “Won Jang Nim”. On matters pertaining instructions you are to coordinate with the school’s head teacher or academic director. In the case of public school, teachers work under an academic supervisor designated by the city’s Office of Education.

Responsibilities of “Hogwon” (Private Esl Schools) Teachers

1. Prepare lesson plans, periodic test and evaluation, teaching materials and activities.
2. Foster a classroom environment conducive to learning.
3. Coordinate instruction, attendance records, and evaluation with staff
4. Maintain performance and attendance record
5. Participate in teacher’s evaluation process
6. Conduct interview and level test during enrolment
7. Participate on activities related to English education such as speech contest , school plays and skits, field trip and camps.
8. Attend administrative meetings and professional development seminars

Duties of Public School Teachers include but are not limited to

1. Conduct English classes in cooperation with Korean homeroom or English language teachers.
2. Prepare teaching materials and activities for English language education.
3. Assist with the development of teaching materials related to English language education.
4. Assist with activities related to English language education and other extracurricular activities. (Judging English speech contest, voice recording for English listening comprehension tests, conducting English conversation classes during English camp, etc.)

Job Description

Typically native speakers assigned as English Conversation teacher primarily teach English conversation classes to students with various levels of English proficiency. Teachers are expected to facilitate the development of oral communication thru meaningful and interactive tasks. Aside from this, certain well established schools require teachers to conduct classes in pronunciation, grammar, reading comprehension, writing, business English, and exam preparation such as TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS and SAT

When to Apply for a Job?

When can I apply?

We accept resumes on a rolling basis and make quick placements that affords you to begin teaching in South Korea whenever you are available. This is so because the Korean ESL industry hires all year round. Unlike other ESL posts abroad, privately run language schools (more than 5000 registered schools) in Korea do not have fixed enrolment periods.

When do school openings advertise?
Usually jobs are announce a couple of months or so before the actual starting date. It is not the norm for privately run schools to announce openings much earlier as current teachers are opting to either renew their contracts or work for another school.

Expat teachers in Korea are normally preferred by employers, and they usually decide about three month prior to contrct expiraton. However, public schools hire earlier even five months before the actual commencement date. The months before the summer and winter break increase openings at schools and ESL camps , as they are preparing for influx of students during these months.

Boosting Hirability

• Jumpstart your application by presenting the most pleasing and friendly photo of yourself. Korean directors give a lot of importance on your photo image as personal meetings are not always possible.
• Speak standard English without a distinct regional accent. This is afterall an English teaching job and it is very important that teachers inunciates their words properly and should be proficient in both written and oral English.
• Organize the documents needed for employment and visa processes. Lack of proper documents such as passports, transcripts, and degrees are the most common forms of delays. In some cases they are reasons for visa denials.
• Be flexible. Applicants who are open to various employment opportunities can get a placement in less than a month.
  
  

Working For You For Free

ESL Job Network’s FREE Placement service not only help you create an overseas adventure while in teaching ESL in Korea . We also provide a support system designed to make sure that everything that should go right- contract, working conditions, accommodations, relocation, and living conditions - does go right! In addition, you will also benefit from a wide array of services that being an ESL Job Network candidate affords you.

Career Control

• We try to get to know more about you, your situation plans and needs; careful to place you in the right position
• We take into consideration your personal situation, professional capability and requisite to locate your desired school
• You have the choice, to work in your choice location whenever you are ready.
• You have the final say, which is almost difficult under normal recruiting conditions

Local Knowledge

• Since we are base in Korea we put your application in front of them first. Informing you ahead of latest assignments, current trends, actual situations and help you draw reasonable expectations on living and working here.
• Our Korean network provide you safe contracts with establish schools
  

Application Processing

• We will guide you through your application process and follow up on the schools of your choice unitil you are hired.
• Maintain your visibility in the midst of other candidates. Bear in mind that the industry is immensely popular and you are competing against those who have applied and those who will apply.
• Guidance in the design of your Korean friendly CV to maximize your hireability.
• Pointers on specific differences that exist in our cultures -- and how some shattered their chances by neglecting them.
  

Relocation Service

• Visa sponsorship processing in Korea,flight reservation and payment. Airport pickup and transport nationwide
• Our assurance that all visa documents you send to us are returned to you safely
• We mitigate the risk often associated with living and working abroad, allowing you of a safe and rewarding position
• We address your relocation questions and concerns. You can reach us 24/7

Contract Negotiation

• Support with contract negotiation and translation
• We are committed to ensuring that you are well remunerated for your work
• Our commitment to secure you the best ESL teaching contract possible.
• Unlike other services we do our best to convince schools to provide relocation allowance and should you need, we can arrange to have a portion of your pay paid in advance, usually a few days after you have taught your classes.
• We are your local intercessor that advocates your needs and match you to an appropriate ESL school. Should a need arise we can also be an impartial mediator between you and your school.
• For transparency we provide our candidates contacts of ESL teachers currently working at the school where you will be employed to personally conduct background check.

Local Support

• We are happy to help! Whatever the issue or query, we are available to discuss your personal circumstance on the phone, face to face, or on the net.
• We will check on you to make sure that all is well between you and your school
• Throughout your contractual year in Korea we are at your service.
  

Employment Continuity

• Should you require , we will keep you working. As you complete an assignment, we can arrange another, always taking into account your personal requirements.

Refer a Friend Bonus

For each friend that you refer to us, who then teaches a minimum of 90 days, you will receive a cash bonus of $150!

Learning English: A Korean National Obsession!

As English continues to gain prominence as the lingua franca of international commerce, diplomacy, and higher education, Koreans have become more zealous in their pursuit to acquire it. Korea’s rapidly advancing technologies coupled with a strong global economic presence, and the world’s growing cultural awareness of Korean pop culture have further fueled the need for Koreans to become more internationally conversant. Consequently, English education has become a national obsession . In fact ,congress has just recently revealed that

“South Koreans have spent some 10 trillion won ($10.5 billion) for private English education, including lessons at cram schools and overseas ESL (English as a Second Language) programs every year.” (Korea Times 05-07-2006 )

This scenario has further fueled a massive demand for qualified expat teachers which in turn opens a wealth of opportunity for them to travel for free, work aborad, gain insight into a very different culture — and even to save.

Indeed teaching english in Korea proves to be a very interesting option!

Perhaps with the exception of Japan and and to some extent Taiwan, it will be difficult to find another country that has an overwhelmingly strong desire to learn English. However, unlike English teaching positions in Japan and Taiwan where both esl markets are saturated, ESL jobs in Korea are both numerous and lucrative. In fact, Korea provides one of the highest paying ESL jobs in the world! ESL expat teachers easily save at least W1,000,000 or USD1,055.00 a month. Native English teachers in Korea make well above the average Korean wage. They earn more than a typical Korean employee or a computer programmer and more than Korean-born english teachers. Hence more and more native speakers of English are discovering teaching ESL in Korea as their passport to paid overseas work and travel!