Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) or a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) or a Foreign Languate (TEFL) Teaching English Overseas is my personal favorite.
Two of my adult children are teaching English in Korea and just loving it. Tom and Carolyn initially went through Access South Korea Now Inc which was started by a Sudbury grad – Jason Cresswell.
I encourage “western” students with no international teaching experience to start in Korea because it is very easy to adapt to – Korea is modern, and there is lots of English signage. And I recommend going with a known recruiter such as ASKNOW so that your first experience will be positive.
Once you've got your sealegs - and most of these teaching positions involve going overseas - you may want to get more adventurous. To whet your appetite for future travels, check out Dave’s ESL Café at www.eslcafe.com/joblist
I encourage “western” students with no international teaching experience to start in Korea because it is very easy to adapt to – Korea is modern, and there is lots of English signage. And I recommend going with a known recruiter such as ASKNOW so that your first experience will be positive.
Once you've got your sealegs - and most of these teaching positions involve going overseas - you may want to get more adventurous. To whet your appetite for future travels, check out Dave’s ESL Café at www.eslcafe.com/joblist
What do you need to have?
1. A bachelors degree in any major.
2. A passion for teaching and learning.
3. English as your first language.
4. Canadian, American or British commonwealth passport.
5. Clean criminal background check.
6. Good health.
7. Sense of adventure and open mind.
8. Ability to live abroad for one year.
9. Willingness to follow the curriculum.
10 Friendly, respectful personality.
Why Teach in Korea?
1. You travel abroad.
2. Your flight is paid there and back.
3. Your accommodation is provided – gratis – and they may even serve you one meal a day.
4. Taxes are only 4 %.
5. You have a job where everyone looks up to you.
6. You work about a forty hour week (eight hours a day, five days a week.)
7. You are paid professional wages and could save $10,000 to $15,000 in one year.
8. The cost of living is quite cheap.
9. You can become functional in a foreign language in one year.
10. You get great experience for your teaching or public service career.
1. You travel abroad.
2. Your flight is paid there and back.
3. Your accommodation is provided – gratis – and they may even serve you one meal a day.
4. Taxes are only 4 %.
5. You have a job where everyone looks up to you.
6. You work about a forty hour week (eight hours a day, five days a week.)
7. You are paid professional wages and could save $10,000 to $15,000 in one year.
8. The cost of living is quite cheap.
9. You can become functional in a foreign language in one year.
10. You get great experience for your teaching or public service career.
What do you need to have?
1. A bachelors degree in any major.
2. A passion for teaching and learning.
3. English as your first language.
4. Canadian passport.
5. Clean criminal background check.
6. Good health.
7. Sense of adventure and open mind.
8. Ability to live abroad for one year.
9. Willingness to follow the curriculum.
10 Friendly, respectful personality.
Note: ASK Now has a partnership with International TEFL Teacher Training (ITTT) that allows applicants to ASK Now to receive a discounted price on their 100-hour TEFL certification. While TEFL certification is not required at this this, with the increasing number of graduates applying to teach in Korea, this will surely change. Also, a 100-hour TEFL certificate with hands-on teaching is definitely an assest in getting teaching jobs in Canada.
Where do I teach?
There are a variety of options available to you within Korea depending on your preferences and experience, and the availability of desired positions.
Public schools. You have a co-teacher and your hours are during the day.
Private schools. You may teach the class yourself, but the class is smaller. There may be other native English-speakers there too. Hours can be either day-time or afternoon-evening.
Universities – if you have an undergrad degree. Some teachers who have significant teaching experience are able to teach ESL classes to university students. This means fewer in-class hours and more holidays.
Universities – with a Masters degree. While getting a university teaching position in Korea is competitive, it is possible for a foreigner with a Masters to get one. Understandably, a serious contender would be able to speak and write basic Korean and know the school system and culture.
There are a variety of options available to you within Korea depending on your preferences and experience, and the availability of desired positions.
Public schools. You have a co-teacher and your hours are during the day.
Private schools. You may teach the class yourself, but the class is smaller. There may be other native English-speakers there too. Hours can be either day-time or afternoon-evening.
Universities – if you have an undergrad degree. Some teachers who have significant teaching experience are able to teach ESL classes to university students. This means fewer in-class hours and more holidays.
Universities – with a Masters degree. While getting a university teaching position in Korea is competitive, it is possible for a foreigner with a Masters to get one. Understandably, a serious contender would be able to speak and write basic Korean and know the school system and culture.
What About Further Education?
In your first year in Korea or any foreign country, you are best to immerse yourself in the culture and your lesson planning. Let’s say you want to return. You can – if your employer and you both enjoyed your work – return to the same school, or you can ask your recruiter for another location and position.
In your second year you may want to consider enhancing your knowledge-base and resume by taking an on-line Teaching English as a Second Language diploma. For example - International TEFL Teacher Training. Check out www.teflcoursereview.com Just think! You would be paid for your placement!
Me, A Professor?!
There are people who never move back to Sudbury, having taught in Korea for a few years. I have heard of a lad who did his Masters on line while teaching in Korea, and who is now teaching English in a university there. Good pay, great holidays, nice benefits, and meaningful work.
Ready to fly? Apply! Visit www.asknow.ca
There are people who never move back to Sudbury, having taught in Korea for a few years. I have heard of a lad who did his Masters on line while teaching in Korea, and who is now teaching English in a university there. Good pay, great holidays, nice benefits, and meaningful work.
Ready to fly? Apply! Visit www.asknow.ca