Teaching English Abroad: And How YOU Can Too!
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Scouring the web for long-term travel advice, I've come across countless blogs and articles featuring such romantic phrases as:
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| My friend, and coworker, and I at the oldest Buddhist temple in South Korea. ______________________________________________ |
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| Exploring Gyeongju, South Korea |
2) Recruiter:
International TEFL Academy also helps its graduates with post-certification job placement and recruitment help. I was interested in teaching in South Korea, so ITEFL hooked me up with Educon, a recruiter for EPIK (English Program in South Korea, a public school teaching program.)
Educon was incredible. They helped organize all of my documentation (visa application, FBI background check deadlines, tax forms, etc); everything I needed to successfully submit my application. They kept me on task with deadlines and secured and prepared me for my online Skype interview with EPIK.
I felt safe, confident, and far more relaxed than if I'd done any of this on my own. And, surprisingly, they did this all for free! I can't recommend working with a recruiter enough. I think the paperwork aspect of working abroad is the most difficult part. With a recruiter helping you along the way, it makes the whole process so much easier.
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| Walking the 'Sea Path' on Ullengdo Island, East Sea, South Korea |
3) Visas:
Visas, especially work visas, send chills down my spine. They're usually such a hassle and can tempt you into forgetting the whole venture in the first place. But, if you work with a recruiter I guarantee this headache will diminish. My work visa for South Korea was one of the easiest visas I've obtained in all my time traveling.
Work with a recruiter and submit your documentation way before the deadline. not only will this take a load off your mind, an early submission may guarantee you a more preferable spot within the country you are looking to head to. This type of thing can not be done last minute.
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| A common, seafood, dinner setting. All those side dishes! |
4) Housing
If you secure a job teaching English in South Korea, either through the public school program or a private school, your housing will be paid for. You do not need to find your own housing. Not only that, your flights there and back will also be paid for. You will only need to pay the utilities for your apartment and your housing area/type depends on whichever your school decides. My school was incredible and placed me in the modern, bustling downtown of my city. I woke up to a view from the 16th floor everyday.
You will initially have to pay for your flight and your school will reimburse you upon your first paycheck. If you do not have the money to make it out to South Korea (appx. $1,200 USD, one way), more than likely your recruiting company will loan you the flight money and your school will, in turn, pay back the recruiter. This was Educon's policy.
5) On to your new adventure~!
That's it.
Pack your bags, grab your passport, open your heart, and prepare for a life-changing experience. I'd typically follow up by saying "Don't look back", but this isn't the case. Look back! Look forward! Look all around you! This is your time to make it happen. Take it all in. Do it. Throw regret by the wayside and fulfill your dream of living abroad.
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| Sunrise on the East Sea. |
Common Questions & Concerns:
I'm scared. What if I don't make any friends?
Making friends in an expat community is as easy as ...raising your hand and saying "Hi, I'm an expat." I like to think that anyone who finds themselves pursuing a life abroad voluntarily has a little adventure in them, and this characteristic and fish-out-of-water mentality, quickly turns everyone into fast friends and life-long confidantes and companions.
I'll be the first person to single out my introvert tendencies. But. I've made so many important and life-long friends through travel and living in Korea that I've amazed even myself. I am better for having met them and they all continue to inspire and better my life.
Not only is there a large expat community, but Korean people are generally sweet, friendly, and are just as curious about your culture and customs as you are of theirs. My past coworkers are now my life long friends and we email back and forth regularly to this day. I also had the incredible gift of growing especially close to one of my coworkers and her family. They treated me...well, like family and made my time in Korea exponentially more rewarding and beautiful.
I'll be the first person to single out my introvert tendencies. But. I've made so many important and life-long friends through travel and living in Korea that I've amazed even myself. I am better for having met them and they all continue to inspire and better my life.
Not only is there a large expat community, but Korean people are generally sweet, friendly, and are just as curious about your culture and customs as you are of theirs. My past coworkers are now my life long friends and we email back and forth regularly to this day. I also had the incredible gift of growing especially close to one of my coworkers and her family. They treated me...well, like family and made my time in Korea exponentially more rewarding and beautiful.
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| Bonding with my Korean "Mom", Puppy. |
What if I don't like the food?
There was a time, 5-10 years back, that being a picky eater in South Korea would be a death sentence. It's true that South Korea is a pretty homogenous society and their food definitely follows suit. But, more and more food options are finding their ways into the cities and you'll be hard-pressed not to find a Western style restaurant or pizzeria in your local bar area. Hometown cravings are becoming easier and easier to curb.
But. I do encourage you to try the food. Try it! The quickest way to get to know a culture is by taking a big bite out of it. Not only will your palette grow but you'll also be showing respect to the new culture you've found yourself in. Food to South Koreans is a big deal, and sharing food communally is a tradition. Dive in and work those chopsticks!
Didn't you miss home? What if I get home sick?
Homesickness is a reality, this it true. But new friends and new experiences do soften the blow. And, if you absolutely can't bear to be away any longer, more than likely your new paycheck will be more than able to take you home for a visit during you school's vacation time. I lived in South Korea for a little over two years and I was able to go home twice to see family. Don't worry!
Why South Korea?
South Korea is the best option for any first time teaching abroad. The benefits and salary outweigh any other country looking to recruit English teachers at the moment. Your flights (in and out), your housing, and your medical insurance is all covered. Plus your salary, pensions, and contract bonus secure you with enough cash to save, travel, or do a bit of both.
Not only does your job provide you with a great standard of living, the country does as well. South Korea is a very safe and friendly country. Of course, as with any place, use common sense, etc. But overall, South Korea has the lowest crime rate of any other country falling within its economic status.
Back to travel... South Korea is an excellent jumping off point to traveling Asia. You're hours away from eating green curry in Bangkok and minutes away from chowing sushi in Japan. Not only are the international travel possibilities there, travel within the country is cheap and easy. South Korea has a fast, efficient, and foreigner-friendly rail system that connects most of the country. Fancy a weekend in Seoul, one of the world's most happening cities? It's only a 45min train ride away~ Get to it!
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| Buddhist temple in Gongju, South Korea |
South Korea is the best option for any first time teaching abroad. The benefits and salary outweigh any other country looking to recruit English teachers at the moment. Your flights (in and out), your housing, and your medical insurance is all covered. Plus your salary, pensions, and contract bonus secure you with enough cash to save, travel, or do a bit of both.
That's what I did!
Not only does your job provide you with a great standard of living, the country does as well. South Korea is a very safe and friendly country. Of course, as with any place, use common sense, etc. But overall, South Korea has the lowest crime rate of any other country falling within its economic status.
Back to travel... South Korea is an excellent jumping off point to traveling Asia. You're hours away from eating green curry in Bangkok and minutes away from chowing sushi in Japan. Not only are the international travel possibilities there, travel within the country is cheap and easy. South Korea has a fast, efficient, and foreigner-friendly rail system that connects most of the country. Fancy a weekend in Seoul, one of the world's most happening cities? It's only a 45min train ride away~ Get to it!
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| Hongdae: A young, artsy, party area in Seoul centre |
What if I don't like it?
Contracts in South Korea are typically 'year long'. You can opt out and break your contract if you really want to but you will lose all of your benefits that come with fulfilling your contract. It is possible, but it isn't ideal.
It's only a year of your life! Stick it out! You'll only learn more about yourself, the culture, and being abroad if you do. Sure, I went through some rough times while being an expat, but I've no doubt grown from them. And I'd do it again in a heart beat.
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| Kimbop: A Korean "fast-food". |
Why You Should Try It:
Just in case you needed another push~
- Travel Opportunities: I managed to travel to Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Borneo, Australia, and South Africa all because of my teaching work in South Korea. I ain't no CEO...
- Saving Money: I walked away from teaching with over $10,000 USD to my name. That excludes all the traveling. Boom.
- The People You Meet: I now have best friends from all over the world, and an incredible man by my side.
- The Adventure: Like I said, I lived and taught in South Korea for two years. It's safe to say that it's been the best decision of my life thus far. It opened me up to an entire new world of opportunities and a life style that I'd only ever dreamed about previous.
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| Mascot at Jikjisa Buddhist Temple, Jikjisa, South Korea |
- Credentials: Remember! Most countries require that you have a Bachelors degree and TEFL certification. Some positions "do not require" a TFL certification. But the market is becoming more and more competitive. I highly recommend you complete a TEFL course. It makes you a more desirable candidate and sets you up for success in the classroom and co-teaching environment.
ALSO: You must be a "native" English speaker. This means that your first language must be English. Even if you speak English as your second language fluently, chances are you will not be able to secure a job teaching English in the TEFl environment abroad; especially in South Korea. - Recruiter: Let someone else do the hard part. You have trips to plan!
- Taking the Leap: Hugs and squeezes from family and friends and you're off.
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Still not sure?
Want to know more about my travel and teaching experiences in South Korea?
Want to know more about my travel and teaching experiences in South Korea?
Leave me a comment below!
This is so inspiring. I am definitely scared to death of this idea but incredibly fascinated by it as well. Ive been afraid of taking leaps and risks like this my entire life and tend to overthink everything. Taking the leap is the hardest part but I will be looking more into this unique experience. Thank you for sharing your story and the great words of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteLindsay
Thank you for reading! I'm so glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteTaking the leap is definitely the hardest part, but once you do that...it's a beautiful downhill ride full of life changing experiences! I tend to overthink as well. But once you jump in, the anxiety kind of trickles away. :)
Best! -Jmo