Teaching ESL in Korea...viewer questions

[idkyoo]

what are the requirements in becoming a esl teacher in korea? please answer! many many thanks.

[jpcharby]

WOOOO SUP FROM OTTAWA!

[nikkivalentine]

how come some schools state if you have a degree you get so much and a diploma you get less i have the equivilent of a associates degree or diploma, can I get a job in Korea. Is it B.A./M.A. or nothing cause i really wanna work

[proconsulaugustus]

Kevin, do korean women 20-30 find being a ESL teacher is crappy or really great?

[DiscoBuiscuit]

Is there a race card at play when these employers hire teachers? I've been noticing that ESL teachers teaching abroad are usually white.

[pheeeel17]

@DiscoBuiscuit  Thats probably because the nationalities that can get the E2 visa are from predominantly white countries.

[jovoncw]

My friend and I both want to teach at the same school and i do not know how to go about this. any info would be helpful.

[xGxRxExExNx]

Cool you were playing - All of your Love :D♥ LOL. It's cool that you teach English in Korea. I've always wanted to visit. :D Hope your having/had a great time. o_o

[djdany1223]

I have taught in Japanese public schools before. Hours vary from 8:00 - 3:30 or 8:30 - 430 or so. How about at Korean public schools?

[passionpianist]

ok, i found the links.

[janab247]

All of your moving around made me dizzy, but very informative!

[comedytracker]

With all these ESL teachers in Korea, won't it be pretty easy to not even know Korean when I retire to Korea from Australia?

[ajuk8me]

Kevin, thank you for this. I'm recommending my TESL students watch it.

[ajuk8me]

2:56, TESOL certification, such as broad-in-scope ones like CELTA or even basic teacher-training ones like Oxford Seminars are now HIGHLY recommended, ESPECIALLY IF APPLYING FROM OUTSIDE KOREA. Within Korea is slightly a different story. YES, it will increase your marketability 10-fold. Recruiters who contact me stress having some sort of training. 5 years ago changes began, but right now, w.out a certificate, though it's not impossible to get work, your chances are definitely lessened.

[BusanKevin]

to get a teaching visa, I think you must be from Canada, U.S. Australia, NZ, Ireland, U.K and South Africa.

My experience is a little dated though....haven't lived in Korea in several years.....things have probably changed.

[93bcfc]

in 23 is that too young?

[BusanKevin]

To start your own company? Be a grandfather?

To be a teacher?.....no....many teacher in America, Canada and the U,K. start their careers at that age!

[93bcfc]

lol ok thanks.

[DungeonsNRabbits]

You can start your own company at 23. You're not gonna be Warren Buffet, but you can have somethin with a Bachelor's degree, if you're smart.

[TheJayhh]

Unfortunately thats so truedefinitely there are things so called appearance perforation secretly in Korea. But still there is many change to get ESL job as long as you hold the citizenship of English native countries.I think I can help people who wants to have more info abt Korea. Coz what I do is job agent in Korea. So feel free to contact me.

[BusanKevin]

I don't appreciate recruiters trying to head hunt on my channel.

You should make some videos about it on your own channel and promote yourself. I don't like "ads" placed here!

thanks

[buckyhermit]

I'm sure this question might've been touched on before, but I think it was more to do with ethnic Koreans.

Anyways, I'm a Chinese Canadian (Hong Kong-born, Vancouver-raised) looking to get a placement in the EPIK program. Would me being a Chinese Canadian affect my chances at all? I heard you talk about "appearances" being a possible factor and that kind of worried me.

Thanks.

[theman0818]

well white teachers can get in why makes you think you cant?

[cafeko]

There is a blog I read online and it's about a Chinese-Canadian living in Korea teaching English there and he never mentioned anything about him having problems about it, so I don't think you will. :)

[vasundhra5]

I can possible obtain a TESOL certificate....I checked out this online cerificate which can be done in minimum of 2 weeks...it's just that..it's a now or never situation for me..to teach in korea...long story but yeah..I am 18 and i don't even look indian due to my european, black and middle eastern ancestors....are there any illegal ways or anything at all? Please help and I really appreciate and admire the time you take out on helping unknown individuals...not everyone can.. keep it up :)

[vasundhra5]

Hi Kevin...now I have got a question which is a bit different from the rest...please help....unfortunately i cant get an E-2 visa... because I have got an Indian passport...but, I moved to New Zealand when i was 11-12 yrs old...so my english is of a very high standard and I am also Miss teen NZ...and i got a certificate in Communication studies and social services from NZ... now is there any way out to possibly teach in korea...Korea is one of my dream destinations.I would love to teach in korea

[StarKrazzo]

Hey, I'm thinking of doing this either in Korea or China. China is actually a bit more interesting to me, but I'm undecided.

1. How exactly do you communicate with the kids if they don't know much English and you know no Korean?

2. Is it easy to meet other foreigners in Korea? Are there more at the same school? I don't want to spend a year over there with nobody to hang out with so I'm hoping to find people going through the same experiences.

[carlmolito]

what bloodhound gang song is that at the beginning, can't seem to find it.

[lenasa1124]

HI. I was wondering and I know you said that a degree is needed in order to be able to teach in korea. I have heard that you can teach with just a TESOL certificate and I was wondering if that is true or not ?

[katyjihyun]

if you do not have university degree, you are not qulify to take TESOL exam unfortunatly. I know one canadian who has a college diploma. she wanted to get the certificate, but she was not qulified

I think this will help

[Scybes]

Probably the best way to relate to the kids (albeit probably high school kids) is to mention you player/watch starcraft, or some other pro-gaming game. I personally don't know if that would work, but it could I think.

[exnogear]

@Scybes becareful though... they will all gonna cue up to challenge you and crush you....

[Arkalanos]

Do they have marijuana in South Korea?

[BusanKevin]

I'm sure they do. They also have MUCH stronger laws against it than in Canada and the States. My advice....stay dry while in Korea! For a good time, remember....the beer is cheap :)

[everdayzac]

Appreciate what you're doing, but this is very basic.

Hagwon vs. Private???

I feel as if this is something key you've omitted

[BusanKevin]

Teaching private lessons in Korea is lucrative, but considered illegal in Korea since you are actually breaking your E2 visa obligation. Many do it, but you run the risk of being deported if caught!

[carlmolito]

He was asking whether or not to teach at a Public school or at Private school which is known as a Hawkwon, or Hagwon. At least I think thats what he was asking.

[wowzer088]

great video, thanks for posting. may be on my way to Korea soon.

[BusanKevin]

Good luck!

[Wildbore48]

Yea, is it easy for westerners to pick up really hot korean chicks in bars, night clubs and stuff.

[HUJoey]

I am going to be on my way to Korea in about a month. Can I work on the side, or is it set in stone that I will lose my visa? I have been to a few web sites and they said that people do it all the time in other contries, they didnt say anything about Korea. And the company that is going to be sending me told me that I cant, he dosent live there. I want an opinoin from someone that was there.

[mmeemme]

Thanks for all the info man. Apreciated

[englishredraider]

hate to get to the point fast but what are the women like over there, they into us westerners?

[patrickbseattle]

Good video.

I'm hopefully in Busan in March with the EPIK program.

[BusanKevin]

cool! Good luck. It's a nice city to live in :)

[now0anon]

When you said pedophile at first I was like 'PETA file'? The guy worked for PETA? Why is this relevant at all? No offense meant, I just don't often hear the subtle Canadian way of speaking.:)

But anyway, thank you for these wonderful insights! I'm a college freshman and I've wanted to study abroad in Korea or Japan, but I simply don't have the money for it, or a clue really to what I'd want to study. But this teaching...sounds like hard work and shifty business, but it IS money and a chance.

[now0anon]

Well I actually meant to ask some questions, just started ramblin instead. The idea of teaching without being able to have your students understand you at all sounds daunting. Ridiculous, almost, but is it easier than it sounds? Can you tell me how that works? How do you clear up confusions, or explain anything?

And may I ask, what was your major? Did you know people already in Korea when you went? How much hangul did you manage to learn? And most importantly-meet any korean celebrities? ;)

[BusanKevin]

It isn't easy teaching. It isn't for everyone. When they can't speak English well you rely on big gestures and drawing pictures. I have a degree in elementary education. I knew no one when I went there. i learned a fair amount of hangul, but before I went knew nothing. I once saw the korean singer "Eric" at a Starbucks in Gangnam!

[87Shane]

I was wondering if you can take Korean lessons that are compatible with your teaching schedule?

[BusanKevin]

for sure. Most schools have different schedules as do places that offer Korean lessons. I've taken them in the morning and at night when I lived in Seoul.

[k3a9y]

Hello, I was just wondering if you had to know what you were going to teach or do they provide that for you? If they provide it, can you make little changes or is it really strict?

[BusanKevin]

My first school proveded me with all the materials I needed for teaching. Some schools allowed me to develop most stuff myself (which is tough without experience) and some schools I had to follow a very strict curriculum. Every school varies. As them during the interview process.

[a8lg6p]

Thanks for the info! My question, for anyone who could help, is: I have ADD and am on several medications, including Adderall XR, which is a controlled substance in the US. It is essential that I am able to continue on my medication without interruption. Would that be a problem? I don't think it would be, but if it is, I need to pick a different country. Do you know anything about Korea's regulation of pharmaceuticals, etc?

[BusanKevin]

I really know nothing about this topic at all. When it comes to medications you really don't want to mess around. I'd contact the Korean consulate or embassy closest to you. Do a Google search and you can find them. Contact them to be certain. You don't want the advice of folks like me on this one!

[youcanpullmystrings]

thanks for the reply! from turning no stone unturned, it seems like public school is the way for me because i've heard hogwans prefer younger people and i also prefer the freedom and variety of helping create the lesson plans. your video was a really helpful insider introduction, a real public service. thanks for sharing your insights.

[BusanKevin]

From what I've heard, public schools have little risk as well since they are government positions. Sometimes hagwons can be financially unstable or fire people at a whim. I'd say working for a public school would be a wise choice.

[hollam06]

I actually teach in the US, but I want to go to Korea, but I heard that Korea's class sizes are like 40-50 kids. Is that even in elementary schools? Wow! I like the public school idea, but that's a lot of kids....

[BusanKevin]

That is true about class sizes....more about 4 I hear. If you are working in a public school though you wont be the teacher of the class, but work as an assistant to the Korean teacher who teaches English. I've heard both good and bad things...I suppose it depends on the teacher you're teamed with!

[youcanpullmystrings]

I'm a Korean adoptee returning to my birth country. I'm eligible for a F4 Visa, which does not need a sponsor and can be renewed every two years. Does that make me more attractive to employers?

Also, I am in my 40's and Korean - are Korean adoptees who've only known English still considered kyopos? Is being kyopo a good thing or a bad thing?

How stacked are things against me?

Thanks...

[BusanKevin]

Because you are Korean heritage, I think you're still considered Kyopo...I think. A lot of schools hire teachers of Asian descent, but some won't. Check out a school like CDI in Seoul. When I worked there, the majority of my coworkers were Korean-American.

[thesuntheneonlight]

okay.. so your required a criminal background check. what if its a youth record that you have. does your record have to be completely clear to be accepted?

[nikeskater416]

awesome video, but once you finish your contract are you shipped back to your country? or do you have the option of staying there with an extended contract?

[zrollins]

Very helpful video Kevin, thanks. I've recently been hounded by HoyaEnglish and they want me to start right away... about how much time of a window does it take to get all the paperwork (Visas, etc) completed, weeks/months? And how much money should you bring with you, are the monthly payments enough for you to survive? or do you need to bring quite a bit of money along with you? Thanks.

[ericsurf6]

I think if I didn't wind up in Japan, I would have gone to Korea to live.

[BusanKevin]

I had a good run there, but after 5 years I was ready for a change. Unfortunately, I moved back to Canada and got to experience the "worst winter since 1971" as the news kept bragging about!!! Not something to be proud of...hehe.

[gervgriffin]

Very helpful Kev, nice work! I'm a grad from Trent in Peterborough, Ontario and I recently had a successful interview with an ESL headhunter for teaching 8-15 year olds, 6 1hr classes per day. But I have a couple questions for you: 1)How straight-forward is the hagwon curriculum? Are the lessons clearly laid out for you "paint-by-numbers" style, or are you expected to cook them up yourself? 2)How much prep time is typically needed for each 1hr lesson plan? Thanks in advance for your help.

[ellsyboba]

I'm surprised that someone would ask about a criminal background check. It goes without saying if you're teaching children.

[BusanKevin]

I fully support criminal background checks. As a teacher in Canada I had to have them and I think anyone working with children should. If I had children, I`d want to know anything dubious about their teachers!! makes sense!

[BusanKevin]

Those answers vary. Some hagwons have decent curriculums, some NONE at all. Always be prepared to "cook" stuff up so to speak. How much prep is needed??? I suggest completely over-preparing in the beginning. You won't be sure what you'll face...as you get to know your students and the material, prep time will quickly decrease. If you care though, please prep...my advice. There are many rookie teacher who don't care much, don't prep, and later regret it!

[SEVENSAMURI]

Well done! I was thinking. I should first visit Korea and find an area where I want to stay than return to North America to find a job back in Korea? It is a year out of my life. Any agencies have more good-reps than others? Please comment back. Thanks.

[gstorms85]

cool video. I visted Korea and loved it, and am seriously considering moving there to teach English. The vid answered alot of questions i had. One question I have though is what is the average class size you are teaching? Also, what are the chances of being a private tutor as opposed to teaching a class?

[BusanKevin]

Normally, if you are teaching at a hagwon (private school) classes are no more than 10-12 kids (not always the case). If you are at a public school....30-40 kids. There are adult schools like Direct English and English Channel that have one-to-one adult classes. You can also arrange private tutoring, but that usually takes some time/luck and knowledge of the area/business. Good luck!!!

[uws]

hey kevin, just wanted to start off by saying thanks because all your videos have been very informative; it's very much appreciated. well, i read that you taught at CDI and from what I know of its reputation thats where I want to teach, so just out of curiosity..I think this might be a little personal but could you tell me how much you were getting paid at CDI? and which branch did you work at? and were they able to get you an office-tel? thanks!

[BusanKevin]

CDI has a wide ranging pay scale. Everything depends on your academic credentials/experience/univers­ity you went/ etc. They basically pay anywhere from 27-40,000 won an hour. If you have a M.Ed and lots of experience, probably lookin at the high end...a B.A and no or little experience....probably near the lower end...which is still pretty sweet. Sorry, but hard to give an accurate answer to that question. Hope that helped! Cheers :)

[Jinu187]

thanks for the info!!

you mentioned that schools prefer the teachers to speak only english in the classrooms. im a canadian born korean and im fluent in korean..

do u think im less likely to get hired if the employer knows that i could speak korean to teach english?

[BusanKevin]

I think every school can be different. I personally think your Korean will definately help your teaching, especially with beginners! I suppose you should just ask upfront what their policy is.

[DartmouthAlum96]

You mentioned free apartments in an earlier post. What is the quality of these apartments? Are the accomodations nice or have you heard stories about run down apartments being given to English teachers in South Korea?

[BusanKevin]

I've had personal experience with both! I've lived in some sweet apartments and once in a cockroach infested rat-hole! I think the best thing to do is ask for an apartment style called an "office-tel." They are usually more modern and nice...from my experience.

[nosferdo]

감사하다 eheh was really helpful.

I love Korea. I hope oneday i go to Korea get a job and live there. BTW how is the life in Korea?

[echerol]

Thank you, it's very handy!

[BusanKevin]

Glad you think so. I'm by no means an expert, just trying to help some folks if I can. I had a difficult year my first time teaching since no one gave me advice before I left for Korea! I don't want the same to happen to others.

[echerol]

Thank you very handy information.

[jfrusciantefan]

do they pay for the apartment the entire time you are there? or only for the first month or so?

[BusanKevin]

Normally they will pay for you apartment the entire time...the 12 months of your contract!

[mrpaopau]

how much is the average salary for starting teachers?

[BusanKevin]

I'd say anywhere from 2.1-2.4 million Korean won. Depends on your background and experience.

[mrpaopau]

Thanks a lot!

[BusanKevin]

Also...a standard contract would also include paid airfare and a free apartment!