Hi Everyone 👋. I have been getting a lot of questions about teaching English abroad and which TEFL (TESOL) company I got my certificate through. I did my course (120 hours) online through ITTT (www.teflcourse.net/?cu=PSLNH2016C) and it was super easy and cheap considering how ridiculously expensive these courses have become. They are offering a 10% discount if you use the code: PSLNH2016C . I am no longer in the TEFL game, but teaching English abroad gave me the opportunity to save some money, I could afford to study further and saved money to travel. I also met my future wife while teaching in Korea ♥😍 I am sharing this, because I know times are tough and jobs a pretty scarce at the moment, so hopefully it can help at least one person. So please SHARE to help someone who might be or is wanting to teach English abroad. I will gladly answer any questions!! 🙂
Wow your classrooms are big! I taught at a little hagwon that never had more than 12 students in a class. But I do recognize those "HELLO TEACHER!" cries, hahaha. I wish I'd done a vlog at school. I miss those kids
Hagwons are tough...even the better ones...loads more work, paperwork, few breaks, etc. If you teach kindy, you're expected to sit with them all during lunch, as in, you don't really have a lunch. My former hagwon even said I was not allowed to leave the building on breaks and the one I am at now, wants you to let someone know if you are stepping out.
I taught English in Mexico and Guatemala during three years and this video really brought back a lot of good memories.You look like a really good teacher and I can see that your students definitely enjoy your classes!I will be in South Korea next year and I would love to teach English.I saw in the comments the website that you suggested to apply for a job.Great video!Keep them coming!
Thank you for kind words :) The kids are definitely easy to teach and so enthusiastic, most of the time :) Take a look at Korean Horizons. They are very good. What was it like teaching in Mexico and Guatemala? We are looking at new challenges? Once again, thank you for the great words and please subscribe for more vids :)
they are absolutely adorable, i wanna do this when i get older and get more fluently with korean; if i ever do start teaching english in South Korea i would think they are like my own children 😥💕
Four Dirty Feet that is so cute, do you speak korean? or maybe give me some advice or anything to help me improve my korean because right now im studying Hanguel and i find it very difficult :(
Jeon Jungkook I learned a bit of Korean while in Korea. The best way is just to practise it. If you can speak a little Korean, you already speak more Korean than most native English teachers in Korea.
Very nice video, Steven. I've been kicking around the idea of teaching English in Korea and it's good to see a "day in the life of" video such as this. It looks as if you have a pretty good relationship with your students.
benseac Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, it has been great and really enjoyed it. The kids are awesome students. There is so many options around Asia and not just korea and travelling around is great. :)
"Nice to meet you I am fine and you see you tomorrow" is typical conversation of elementary English education when I was young. really surprised that lasts still today lol
Alex Stevenson hello there :) We have actually seen your video and that's how we found out about your venture in Vietnam. We recommended that Hayley's sister go through you for Vietnam next year and she has been more than happy with your service. Great stuff! :)
That was a really great video! You seem like such a natural teaching the kids. Forgive me, as a new viewer if you've answered this question in another video, but were you already a qualified teacher before you came to Korea? Also is your school a public school or a hagwon? At any rate, was really nice to watch your interaction with the children, very sweet!
joeyvexx Thank you :) I am actually not a qualified teacher yet. I am busy studying that while I teach. In Korea you only need any bachelor's degree to be a native English teacher. I am at a public school :) Thanks for watching!
Hey there. Thank you!! We actually only met in Korea. We have mutual friends back home and Hayley was messaging me about Korea. It was pure coincidence that we ended up in the same town. Yet, alot of couples do come over together :) We both through recruiters. Google Korean Horizons. They are excellent. If you have any other questions, we will gladly answer them :)
Good video. Currently, I'm looking at teaching in Korea. I just don't know which area is the best. Which area of South Korea do you teach at and do you like it?
It depends what experience you are looking for? If you want the city life, then Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Jeonju and other cities are all great. If you enjoy the country side then you must remember that the smaller cities are limited with regards to Western style restaurants and shops. We live in a small rural town along the coast and we enjoy it. The public transport in South Korea is fantastic and it is a small country, so cities are easily accessible from the rural areas. Is there anything else you would like to know? ☺
I really want to teach english in Korea. I've just started learning the language in prepertion but I'm a really shy person. I'm worried about being able teach appropreately because of it. Any advice? I do work with kids now once a week, I'm painfully shy when talking to them as a group but I'm much better at speaking to them in smaller groups.
Nathan Lawrence Well you will find that the Korean kids and kids in general are also pretty shy when they first meet a stranger. I was also shy and nervous, as were my kids. But as we got to know each other more, my confidence as well as the kiddies confidence grew. All I can say is that it is definitely not a weakness to be shy and you already have taken the first step in teaching. Just be yourself and the kids will love you for who you are 😊
Love this video! Saved it so that when I (hopefully) become an English teacher in SK I can have ideas. I'm still in high school so it's a while away... but it's my dream!! Hope to be back here in a few years... :) Anyways, awesome video!
Great video! You look like an awesome teacher!! Just had a question, as I will also be going to Korea to teach English this fall, would you recommend that I bring a gift for my co-teacher?
what cute little kids...especially after 8:06, I used to babysit and i really missed it because it's sooo much easier than my current job, but the pay wasn't as much.
This is a great video! The lessons seems fun and the kids look happy! I was wondering what the attention getters were at 3:12-3:20 and 5:06-5:11 and the praise at 3:38? Unfortunately my speakers are not so good so I couldn't really understand. If possible is this something that I could use when I teach in Korea?
Rock scissor paper? Never heard that order before. I have always used Rock-Paper-Scissors and if you wanted more complicated you could add Lizard-Spock \^_^/
Hi, from your video (superb, by the way!), Korea looks like a great place to teach. I've been teaching in Thailand (I loved my students!) and am looking for a new challenge. Please can you tell me, do the school supply you with all the required materials or do you have to design everything (as indeed I had to do at one Thai government school). Also, how many lessons per week do you have to teach?
Hi there. Its ironic that we in the same situation. Although we have loved Korea, we are looking for a new challenge. Ok, so to answer your question. The Korean government designs the syllabus and you work according to a textbook :) You just prepare fun activities and the korean co-teacher does alot of work. It really is not difficult work. You teach 22 hours a week and you get paid per hour if you teach more hours. :)
That looks pretty busy....classes look huge!!! When do you find time to prepare program and what ages do u teach?......l have to say that it is a bit scary 😅
I plan on being sort of nomadic after college so TEFL is a godsend of a job option for me. If I teach in a more rural area like at a Hagwon, do I need to know some Korean? Also, at which level is it easiest to teach at? Can I be a teacher for kids with basic English knowledge? Sorry for the questions haha, great video
Spliff Splitting Wrist Slitter Don't be sorry, we love answering questions :) Firstly, we would probably not recommend a Hagwon. The hours are better at public schools, you get more vacation and you don't run the risk of not getting paid or being fired. There are some good Hagwons around but we have also heard some bad stories from friends and other foreigners. You really don't need to speak Korean but it does help. But, we arrived not even knowing a single word of Korean. Usually the older the children are the more they can speak English but easiest to teach is dependent on the school. The grade 3s are easy because they super excited to learn and listen but grade 6s can understand more. We hear middle school is great too. It depends on who you think you could relate to more :) If you looking to get a good job and deal with a reliable agency, go through the recruiting company called Korean Horizons . They will place you according to your needs :)
Any advice for a young 22 year old wanting to teach English in South Korea? As I am worried about the lack of experience or prejudice on young people teaching in Asian countries. I studied abroad during my undergraduate degree in Seoul and I really like teaching and have been a maths tutor before. Really want to experience more of Seoul and also the rest of Asia before doing a masters in the future. My degree is in Economics so would I need a TEFL qualification? Loving your videos , just subscribed. Amazing channel!
Daniel Williams Thanks so much Daniel! You should definitely not have a problem with your age. We knew of plenty young teachers and they all had a great experience. In fact, being younger may be an advantage as you are more relatable to the students. You would still need to do a TEFL course. If you want more info you can read our blog post on it www.fourdirtyfeet.com/single-post/2017/06/19/Teaching-English-In-South-Korea-The-Complete-Guide . If you are looking for a great TEFL course we also have a discount in the description:) Let us know if you have any other questions, we are happy to help :)
How well can you speak and write Korean, my son is going to university this year studying German and Korean and hope to teach English abroad when he graduates
im a senior in college and i plan on majoring in early childhood education, after i graduate i want to teach in korea, but do they teach young children like first grade english
In public schools (Government schools, which we would recommend getting a job at), English in normal class time is only taught from grade 3 upwards (9 years on). But, after school classes (extra classes), which you will teach, you may teach first or second grade depending on your school :)
Hi Steven, your vlog is very helpful and interesting. I am currently trying to get my TEFL certification and thinking to teach English in South Korea. Any suggestion for people like me who had no any kind of background and experience with teaching? I prefer to teach kindergarten or small group of students since I am not that good with large groups. Also, how do you usually create your lesson plans/ activities for each day especially when teaching three of four different classes? Your feedback would be very helpful. Thank you.
Hi there from a fellow South African. I'm currently teaching ESL at a university in Saudi Arabia but considering moving back to school teaching. After watching your vid, I'm actually considering Korea. I've got a B.Ed, SACE and CELTA. I've got one year experience in school teaching in RSA and 3 years at tertiary level. Do they recognise Cambridge CELTA in Korea? I know it sounds dumb but I have a buddy who taught in China. He told me they rejected his CELTA and insisted he do a TEFL. LOL
By the way, I knew you're South African for 3 reasons. 1. the accent ofcourse 2. you said the class is "going on" 3. your shirt looks familiar. Is it Old Khaki perhaps? lol btw, is this Seoul City?
Shuhaid Savahl If you have a B.ed, you wont even need a CELTA or TEFL for Korea. You should be more than fine. You really consider applying for Korea via Korean Horizons (google them). Alister is a straight forward agent who will get you into a good public school (I would not do a hogwon). He wont waste time and can get you to Korea quickly. Hope all goes well.
Hi there, thank you for the video, it was such a nice exposure of the other side, as I would like to come teach there. I have a few questions if you don't mind. Which school are you teaching at and which agency did you go through? Where in Korea are you based? I heard there is an age limit of 30 max, do you know if this is true? Lastly, is it true that the Korean schools prefer the American accent? Thank you so much for your time :)
Maknea C Hi there, it is a pleasure. I teach at an Elementary school and I went throught the agency Korean Horizons (strongly recommend them). I am based in a small town about 2 hours from Seoul. It is definitely not true that you have to be under 30 because I know people over 30. Also they don't prefer the American accent. The teaching material is all American but there are loads of people teaching here, not from America 😊 Thanks for watching.
Hi Steven, thank you for the feedback. One last question, I also heard that you need a degree, is this true? I have friends who would also like to join but they only have a Diploma? Thank you
Maknea C Unfortunately for a Korean public school, like the one I am at, you would need a degree. They could try Hagwons or "private schools" but be sure that it is a good one. I also know that you don't need a degree for China and some other countries. Good Luck 😊
Hi there, it all depends on what age group you are teaching. For the younger grades I use claps or trigger words that trigger an action. For example, the teacher will say "1 clap" or "two claps" or "touch your head" which then they must do the action. This way they learn a listening skill and you have a way of getting their attention. he most important thing is that you set the tone from the first class. Rather start of strict and then slowly progress into being more approachable. You cannot go from friendly and fun to strict. Also, find ways that allow you to be yourself. This come with experience. Every teacher is different and students respond differently to different teachers. Don't try be something you are not, because then you will not enjoy being in the classroom. Set the example and they will follow.
The most important part is to make sure your classes are not boring. Bored kids are the worst students to manage. If your classes are fun, you are having fun and your students are having fun. Happy kids, are kids that are learning. Take a look at waygook.org . It is the most useful resource with activities and lessons from other teachers. It is brilliant for finding fun games and activities. I strongly recommend paying for the inexpensive subscription. You will thank me later :)
In America teachers can wear whatever they like. Some come in with shorts and sandals with a t-shirt. Do Korean schools have some kind of dress code for teachers? Or are teachers free to wear what they like?
Esper At my school you cannot wear shorts but it is advised to look respectable all the time. I some times just wear jeans and a golf shirt. But looking neat and respectable will go a long way in earning respect amongst co workers.
OK. But after watching this video, I do NOT want to teach in Korea or China. I taught English in Europe and it was much better than this. I was teaching English to executives in international companies in their offices and I was served tea and biscuits! Awesome. You don't get that in Korea.
I was looking towards teaching in Korea but wasn't sure who the best recruiters were. I tried clicking on your link but it didn't work. Is it possible to let me know the best recruiters for teaching in Korea? Thank you, love the video!
I have been looking into teaching in Korea and would like to apply for EPIK when I am done with college which will be in about 3 years. I have always been super shy and feel it would be good to do something crazy and teach in a foreign country. It’d finally allow me to come out my shell and experience something totally out of my comfort zone. Although I often feel discouraged since the people around me doubt me because of being so quiet, I was wondering if the whole thing is really worth it?
For those exact reasons and what you are seeking, it is definitely worth it. If you embrace the experience, you will gain so much in terms of personal growth :)
Were do you apply to get a teaching job in South Korea? I looked in your description and there’s the link for the TEFL course but not one for the actual process of applying there? Also, did you have any experience in teaching prior before arriving in South Korea.
Wow, it is a good view into what happens during a school day over there. Just a few questions. How do you plan for lessons? Does the TEFL course assist you in preparation for this? Is there a textbook to follow? I am considering doing this after graduation next year, and am just a bit nervous regarding lessons and how to properly plan and engage the students?
They do teach you how to plan for lessons and it gets much easier after a few times. You do teach out of a text book and the activities you can just do yourself. If you have a look at www.waygook.org , you will find a ton of material, activities and games for all ages and even for the textbooks :) But the TEFL will teach you all you need to know.
Did you graduate with a teaching degree? Did you take Tesol training? I finished college but i didnt graduate with a teaching degree. I would love to teach kids and go abroad, so im planning to take my Tesol training this summer. Hope i can teach someday after i get my tesol certificate 😄
I did not got a teaching degree, but I did a post grad in education while in Korea and I am now qualified as a teacher. I did my tesol online and have put the link at the top comment or pinned comments :) I am sure you will teach, just believe in yourself :)
No, not a teaching degree but you do need a degree. It does not matter what degree. Then you would also need to do a TEFL course. Something like the one we have advertised in our description :) Hope that makes sense?
What city did you teach in? Was this through public school/EPIK or was this with a private academy? Did you enjoy your experience with the route you chose/would you recommend it?
I have a AA degree in Graphic Design and currently work in a graphic design job. Lately I've been thinking about wanting to become a english teacher at South Korea. How exactly long are the certification programs in order to teach there? is it like a 2 year kind of course? does it have exams? does it include stuff like english and math? I have no idea on this information.
A TEFL course is really not long and can be completed online but def not longer than a few weeks. Each course various on how they test you but it is not difficult to complete. The course just provide you with a basic understanding of teaching skills and equip you to teach English as a second language :)
@FourDirtyFeet I hope you reply to this! Do you know what degree you're supposed to have in order to teach in Korea? Because I have been reading articles from retired teachers who say you need at least a bachelors but then I have friends from the military who are stationed in Korea that says you don't need a Bachelors but at least an AA with a certification in order to teach in south korea.
Hi there :) I know to teach in a public school, where I teach you would need any bachelors degree and a TEFL course. I am not to sure about private English Academies and what would you would need. Maybe you should contact a recruiter and enquire :) Here is a list of good recruiters in Korea (www.fourdirtyfeet.com/single-post/2016/07/18/Teaching-English-in-South-Korea-Top-Recruiters). The TEFL course are very short and can even be done online.
hello :) I'm an Asian but I am really good in english. Can Asians teach English in Korea? I have been lurking around and some said that if you aren't from western countries, you aren't eligible to teach english in Korea. Is it true? Hope to hear from you soon and thanks in advance! :)
It depends what country you are from and what type of school you apply at? At a Korean government school they are specific with where they want people to be from :)
Four Dirty Feet I'm from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I planning wanted to apply at government school, then it sounds impossible, right? thanks for the reply anyways!
annis nmz It is not Impossible 😊 Korea allow teachers from Singapore, Malaysia and Phillipines. You just need to have a teaching degree from your country. You can google "EPIK" and find out more 😊
jaddline well its better to know a conversational level, but its not absolutely needed. it depends on the school, but usually you have lessons at the end of the day.
what's amazing about teaching English is that anybody can even their accents pretty bad....this guys accent is ok...………..but sad to see foreigners teaching English to foreigners...or maybe I am too too anal about English language with purity and articulating English set mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The guy is from South Africa. Most people in South Africa are NOT native English speakers! But a South African passport qualifies you to teach in Korea. Also, wages in South Africa are low so teaching in Korea for them is a big pay rise! They're very lucky those South Africans!
hi , I'm Mohanna Mohammad an english teacher from Palestine. I'm looking for new expereinece for teaching abroad . If you are interested in some one like me so I will supply you with my CV as well as my certifications and years of teaching english for students in public schools . with beautiful regardings Mohanna
unfortunately we are not recruiters, and are just English teachers ourselves. There are plenty recruiters looking to employ English teachers all over Asia. I am sure with your experience they would be more than willing to assist you. Good luck
I'm a junior high school ALT in Tokyo for almost 2 years now and I'd love to make a video like this but we're not allowed to. We can't even take selfies with the kids or basically take any photos at all, although I occasionally take a sneaky photo of places around the school but never of people. I go to school events and the parents all have their phones and cameras out but I have to sit there just making memories (and who the hell does that these days?)
Andrew Hall Wow, that's some pretty intense rule. Although, when it comes to kids you can never be too careful and there are some real creeps out there so I can understand why they are so strict about it. How have you found teaching in Japan?
Yes, very true about the creeps that are out there. As an ALT working for a dispatch company I'm not "officially" a staff member so I'm not actually allowed to be alone with a student or students. However, in practice they are pretty relaxed about that, especially now that I've been at the same school for almost two years, although they have to consider their legal obligations above everything else I guess. I'm really quite impressed by what I've seen of Korean schools on RUclips lately, as they seem very modern and spacious and well maintained. Not that there's anything really wrong with Japanese schools but they just seem to be a bit older on average, and I guess in Tokyo space is more of an issue compared to other areas. My students all wear uniforms, but that's Junior high, and most elementary schools here don't wear uniforms either. I really enjoy my job by the way.
Hi Steven Thanks for your prompt reply. Most grateful for you help. I'm older than you at 55 (but super fit), do you think a school such as yours would reject me due to my age? If you think not, I'd be grateful if we talk via email (I'm paulclem1@aol.com), skype paul.clements43. As you are both ready for a new challenge, I'd recommend teaching in Thailand. I'd recommend a school in or near Bangkok as it's the most wicked place on the planet. The only reason I quit Thailand is because I had already taught in 2 schools. I have a degree and tefl but no post grad teaching qualification, which meant I was only allowed to teach for a max of 2 schools (and I changed schools twice), then my work permit expired. We both want a change -- I'm actually back in Scotland and missing my students like crazy so need to get back to the far east --- let me help you if you'd like to teach in Thailand. I have many questions I'd ike to ask you! I won't inundate you with trivial queries, I just want know what I'm letting myself in for if I'm not too old to teach in Korea. Thanks again! Paul Ps a really really good secondary school to work for in Thailand is Boonwattana school in Korat. I worked there for a few weeks at which point I found out that I couldn't renew my work permit as I had already worked for 2 schools. I still miss that school 2 years on - they were the very best..
Always welcome Paul. I am not to sure what the maximum age limit is, but I think it might be 62. There is no need for a a teaching license or postgrad. You fill the criteria with a degree and TEFL. The fact that you have teaching experience will work in your favor. You could apply through www.koreanhorizons.com . It is a recruitment agency that works closely with the government. They provide professional and honest service and will place you somewhere according to your needs, at no expense to you at all! Thank you for the awesome advice on Thailand. We will be finishing here next year and travelling for a few months. We are looking into Thailand and other countries. It is refreshing to know, we now have a contact through you. So thank you. If you have any other questions, please feel free to drop us an email at contact@fourdirtyfeet.com . We will gladly answer any questions. :) Thanks again!
Wow what a fast reply! Thanks again very much. Guess i owe you a drink already. If you do go for Thailand, look at Boonwattana school in Korat before anything else. My boss there was the finest person i ever worked for, he's from Cameroon -- Simon Mauma Efange on facebook. Quite simply he was the only guy I ever worked for (he's still there) who was totally appreciative of everything i did, and working for him was a complete privilege . I've told him that if and when he gets his own school, he must hire me immediately! Bangkok is only about 3.5 hours away from Korat. Korat in itself is a nice and interesting town and the locals are very friendly. There are other schools in Thailand I worked for that I would never go near again, so any questions you may have if you decide to go there, please ask. I'll email you later with a few questions (sensible of course!) , thanks and good wishes to you!
What do you think about Korean's English level in general? Many people don't prefer Koreans due to language barriers and their terrible English speaking. Eventually, many Koreans unable to get a good job and they usually end up to work at Japanese restaurant or other Asian restaurant in USA and Canada.
Mochii모치이 Because it is widely spoken, it isnt an option. Also, remember, korea has extremely high suicide rates so its not all its cracked up to be xx
Hi Everyone 👋. I have been getting a lot of questions about teaching English abroad and which TEFL (TESOL) company I got my certificate through.
I did my course (120 hours) online through ITTT (www.teflcourse.net/?cu=PSLNH2016C) and it was super easy and cheap considering how ridiculously expensive these courses have become. They are offering a 10% discount if you use the code: PSLNH2016C .
I am no longer in the TEFL game, but teaching English abroad gave me the opportunity to save some money, I could afford to study further and saved money to travel. I also met my future wife while teaching in Korea ♥😍
I am sharing this, because I know times are tough and jobs a pretty scarce at the moment, so hopefully it can help at least one person. So please SHARE to help someone who might be or is wanting to teach English abroad. I will gladly answer any questions!! 🙂
Wow your classrooms are big! I taught at a little hagwon that never had more than 12 students in a class. But I do recognize those "HELLO TEACHER!" cries, hahaha.
I wish I'd done a vlog at school. I miss those kids
Yeah, the kids are the best part of teaching here. Oh, Hagwons. Heard some mixed reviews about them.
Hagwons are tough...even the better ones...loads more work, paperwork, few breaks, etc. If you teach kindy, you're expected to sit with them all during lunch, as in, you don't really have a lunch. My former hagwon even said I was not allowed to leave the building on breaks and the one I am at now, wants you to let someone know if you are stepping out.
holy crap these kids are adorable
I taught English in Mexico and Guatemala during three years and this video really brought back a lot of good memories.You look like a really good teacher and I can see that your students definitely enjoy your classes!I will be in South Korea next year and I would love to teach English.I saw in the comments the website that you suggested to apply for a job.Great video!Keep them coming!
Thank you for kind words :) The kids are definitely easy to teach and so enthusiastic, most of the time :) Take a look at Korean Horizons. They are very good. What was it like teaching in Mexico and Guatemala? We are looking at new challenges? Once again, thank you for the great words and please subscribe for more vids :)
teaching there looked very similar actually.Your class reminded me of mine.Those kids looked like so much fun!
You make learning fun! I can see the students really like you and your way of teaching. I'm sure you're having a blast too!
Glenn Miller Ah thank you 😊 You right. I have a lot of fun 😊
Wow that lunch looks like actual food! LOL
ikr
ur a great teacher
Takashi Thank you very much. Although I have a lot to improve on :)
they are absolutely adorable, i wanna do this when i get older and get more fluently with korean; if i ever do start teaching english in South Korea i would think they are like my own children 😥💕
Jeon Jungkook Teaching in South Korea would be the perfect place to improve your Korean. Yes, I love them as they were my own children 😊
Four Dirty Feet that is so cute, do you speak korean? or maybe give me some advice or anything to help me improve my korean because right now im studying Hanguel and i find it very difficult :(
Jeon Jungkook I learned a bit of Korean while in Korea. The best way is just to practise it. If you can speak a little Korean, you already speak more Korean than most native English teachers in Korea.
Four Dirty Feet thank you! do you ever run into people who don't understand or speak english and how do you handle it?
Very nice video, Steven. I've been kicking around the idea of teaching English in Korea and it's good to see a "day in the life of" video such as this. It looks as if you have a pretty good relationship with your students.
benseac Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, it has been great and really enjoyed it. The kids are awesome students. There is so many options around Asia and not just korea and travelling around is great. :)
This is such a sweet vid, great insight into another journey. I've subscribed for more
Thank you and hope you enjoy our future videos :)
"Nice to meet you I am fine and you see you tomorrow" is typical conversation of elementary English education when I was young. really surprised that lasts still today lol
Haa 하 LOL. Yup haha Nothing has changed 😊
Cool video from a fellow South African. Similar to my video on a day in the life teaching in Korea. :)
Alex Stevenson hello there :) We have actually seen your video and that's how we found out about your venture in Vietnam. We recommended that Hayley's sister go through you for Vietnam next year and she has been more than happy with your service. Great stuff! :)
Four Dirty Feet Wait. Guys. You are both white. How are you from Africa than???
Gonoszklón such Ignorance! Get your self educated or travel the world argh!
Gonoszklón watch yourself I’m white and from South Africa.
This is giving me life, seriously such a big difference to German children.
The kids are so cute and you seem like such a great teacher! :)
Thanks for the video. This really reinforces my confidence in wanting to teach abroad. Azeez - Cape Town
Pleasure. You should definitely try teaching abroad. Give us a shout if you need any advice.
That was a really great video! You seem like such a natural teaching the kids. Forgive me, as a new viewer if you've answered this question in another video, but were you already a qualified teacher before you came to Korea? Also is your school a public school or a hagwon? At any rate, was really nice to watch your interaction with the children, very sweet!
joeyvexx Thank you :) I am actually not a qualified teacher yet. I am busy studying that while I teach. In Korea you only need any bachelor's degree to be a native English teacher. I am at a public school :) Thanks for watching!
Hi there. did you guys go over as a couple? how did you go about applying etc?
really awesome video! keep up the great work!
Hey there. Thank you!! We actually only met in Korea. We have mutual friends back home and Hayley was messaging me about Korea. It was pure coincidence that we ended up in the same town. Yet, alot of couples do come over together :) We both through recruiters. Google Korean Horizons. They are excellent. If you have any other questions, we will gladly answer them :)
Good video. Currently, I'm looking at teaching in Korea. I just don't know which area is the best. Which area of South Korea do you teach at and do you like it?
It depends what experience you are looking for? If you want the city life, then Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Jeonju and other cities are all great. If you enjoy the country side then you must remember that the smaller cities are limited with regards to Western style restaurants and shops. We live in a small rural town along the coast and we enjoy it. The public transport in South Korea is fantastic and it is a small country, so cities are easily accessible from the rural areas. Is there anything else you would like to know? ☺
What about seoul busan amsa uwu
i really want to learn more ways to teach elementary school students English
I really want to teach english in Korea. I've just started learning the language in prepertion but I'm a really shy person. I'm worried about being able teach appropreately because of it. Any advice? I do work with kids now once a week, I'm painfully shy when talking to them as a group but I'm much better at speaking to them in smaller groups.
Nathan Lawrence Well you will find that the Korean kids and kids in general are also pretty shy when they first meet a stranger. I was also shy and nervous, as were my kids. But as we got to know each other more, my confidence as well as the kiddies confidence grew. All I can say is that it is definitely not a weakness to be shy and you already have taken the first step in teaching. Just be yourself and the kids will love you for who you are 😊
I’m the same way and I don’t want my shyness to hold me back from teaching but ahhh
Love this video! Saved it so that when I (hopefully) become an English teacher in SK I can have ideas. I'm still in high school so it's a while away... but it's my dream!! Hope to be back here in a few years... :) Anyways, awesome video!
Thank you :) Follow your dreams.
Great video! You look like an awesome teacher!! Just had a question, as I will also be going to Korea to teach English this fall, would you recommend that I bring a gift for my co-teacher?
Oh my...the ole "I'm fine thank you, and you"? hahaha
what cute little kids...especially after 8:06, I used to babysit and i really missed it because it's sooo much easier than my current job, but the pay wasn't as much.
They are just great and bring so much joy to a persons life :) Low paying jobs, story of our life :( We all just want moooooooore hahaha
This is a great video! The lessons seems fun and the kids look happy! I was wondering what the attention getters were at 3:12-3:20 and 5:06-5:11 and the praise at 3:38? Unfortunately my speakers are not so good so I couldn't really understand. If possible is this something that I could use when I teach in Korea?
Rock scissor paper? Never heard that order before. I have always used Rock-Paper-Scissors and if you wanted more complicated you could add Lizard-Spock \^_^/
Leo C. C. T. I grew up with Paper-Scissors-Rock haha!
Holy guacamole! I LOVED THIS
Hi, from your video (superb, by the way!), Korea looks like a great place to teach. I've been teaching in Thailand (I loved my students!) and am looking for a new challenge. Please can you tell me, do the school supply you with all the required materials or do you have to design everything (as indeed I had to do at one Thai government school). Also, how many lessons per week do you have to teach?
Hi there. Its ironic that we in the same situation. Although we have loved Korea, we are looking for a new challenge. Ok, so to answer your question. The Korean government designs the syllabus and you work according to a textbook :) You just prepare fun activities and the korean co-teacher does alot of work. It really is not difficult work. You teach 22 hours a week and you get paid per hour if you teach more hours. :)
Just drop us a comment if you have any more questions :)
looks good~~!!!
thanks teacher~~
Thank you :)
That looks pretty busy....classes look huge!!! When do you find time to prepare program and what ages do u teach?......l have to say that it is a bit scary 😅
I plan on being sort of nomadic after college so TEFL is a godsend of a job option for me. If I teach in a more rural area like at a Hagwon, do I need to know some Korean? Also, at which level is it easiest to teach at? Can I be a teacher for kids with basic English knowledge? Sorry for the questions haha, great video
Spliff Splitting Wrist Slitter Don't be sorry, we love answering questions :) Firstly, we would probably not recommend a Hagwon. The hours are better at public schools, you get more vacation and you don't run the risk of not getting paid or being fired. There are some good Hagwons around but we have also heard some bad stories from friends and other foreigners. You really don't need to speak Korean but it does help. But, we arrived not even knowing a single word of Korean. Usually the older the children are the more they can speak English but easiest to teach is dependent on the school. The grade 3s are easy because they super excited to learn and listen but grade 6s can understand more. We hear middle school is great too. It depends on who you think you could relate to more :) If you looking to get a good job and deal with a reliable agency, go through the recruiting company called Korean Horizons . They will place you according to your needs :)
Four Dirty Feet thanks!
Any advice for a young 22 year old wanting to teach English in South Korea? As I am worried about the lack of experience or prejudice on young people teaching in Asian countries. I studied abroad during my undergraduate degree in Seoul and I really like teaching and have been a maths tutor before. Really want to experience more of Seoul and also the rest of Asia before doing a masters in the future. My degree is in Economics so would I need a TEFL qualification? Loving your videos , just subscribed. Amazing channel!
Daniel Williams Thanks so much Daniel! You should definitely not have a problem with your age. We knew of plenty young teachers and they all had a great experience. In fact, being younger may be an advantage as you are more relatable to the students. You would still need to do a TEFL course. If you want more info you can read our blog post on it www.fourdirtyfeet.com/single-post/2017/06/19/Teaching-English-In-South-Korea-The-Complete-Guide . If you are looking for a great TEFL course we also have a discount in the description:) Let us know if you have any other questions, we are happy to help :)
How well can you speak and write Korean, my son is going to university this year studying German and Korean and hope to teach English abroad when he graduates
I am teacher too and it looks like you are having a great time.
Can I where you are from?
Thank you. I am from South Africa. Where are you from?
Wow amazing !
There school is awesome
im a senior in college and i plan on majoring in early childhood education, after i graduate i want to teach in korea, but do they teach young children like first grade english
In public schools (Government schools, which we would recommend getting a job at), English in normal class time is only taught from grade 3 upwards (9 years on). But, after school classes (extra classes), which you will teach, you may teach first or second grade depending on your school :)
Hi Steven, your vlog is very helpful and interesting. I am currently trying to get my TEFL certification and thinking to teach English in South Korea. Any suggestion for people like me who had no any kind of background and experience with teaching? I prefer to teach kindergarten or small group of students since I am not that good with large groups. Also, how do you usually create your lesson plans/ activities for each day especially when teaching three of four different classes? Your feedback would be very helpful. Thank you.
Hi there from a fellow South African. I'm currently teaching ESL at a university in Saudi Arabia but considering moving back to school teaching. After watching your vid, I'm actually considering Korea. I've got a B.Ed, SACE and CELTA. I've got one year experience in school teaching in RSA and 3 years at tertiary level. Do they recognise Cambridge CELTA in Korea? I know it sounds dumb but I have a buddy who taught in China. He told me they rejected his CELTA and insisted he do a TEFL. LOL
By the way, I knew you're South African for 3 reasons.
1. the accent ofcourse
2. you said the class is "going on"
3. your shirt looks familiar. Is it Old Khaki perhaps? lol
btw, is this Seoul City?
Shuhaid Savahl If you have a B.ed, you wont even need a CELTA or TEFL for Korea. You should be more than fine. You really consider applying for Korea via Korean Horizons (google them). Alister is a straight forward agent who will get you into a good public school (I would not do a hogwon). He wont waste time and can get you to Korea quickly. Hope all goes well.
Hi there, thank you for the video, it was such a nice exposure of the other side, as I would like to come teach there. I have a few questions if you don't mind. Which school are you teaching at and which agency did you go through? Where in Korea are you based? I heard there is an age limit of 30 max, do you know if this is true? Lastly, is it true that the Korean schools prefer the American accent? Thank you so much for your time :)
Maknea C Hi there, it is a pleasure. I teach at an Elementary school and I went throught the agency Korean Horizons (strongly recommend them). I am based in a small town about 2 hours from Seoul. It is definitely not true that you have to be under 30 because I know people over 30. Also they don't prefer the American accent. The teaching material is all American but there are loads of people teaching here, not from America 😊 Thanks for watching.
Hi Steven, thank you for the feedback. One last question, I also heard that you need a degree, is this true? I have friends who would also like to join but they only have a Diploma? Thank you
Maknea C Unfortunately for a Korean public school, like the one I am at, you would need a degree. They could try Hagwons or "private schools" but be sure that it is a good one. I also know that you don't need a degree for China and some other countries. Good Luck 😊
Thank you...all the best with your channel and teaching :)
Thank you :D
Hey I was wondering if you could give some tips on classroom management. I will be teaching in a hagwon this summer and I have no in-class experience.
Hi there, it all depends on what age group you are teaching. For the younger grades I use claps or trigger words that trigger an action. For example, the teacher will say "1 clap" or "two claps" or "touch your head" which then they must do the action. This way they learn a listening skill and you have a way of getting their attention. he most important thing is that you set the tone from the first class. Rather start of strict and then slowly progress into being more approachable. You cannot go from friendly and fun to strict. Also, find ways that allow you to be yourself. This come with experience. Every teacher is different and students respond differently to different teachers. Don't try be something you are not, because then you will not enjoy being in the classroom. Set the example and they will follow.
@@FourDirtyFeet Thank you very much! This was very helpful!
The most important part is to make sure your classes are not boring. Bored kids are the worst students to manage. If your classes are fun, you are having fun and your students are having fun. Happy kids, are kids that are learning. Take a look at waygook.org . It is the most useful resource with activities and lessons from other teachers. It is brilliant for finding fun games and activities. I strongly recommend paying for the inexpensive subscription. You will thank me later :)
@@FourDirtyFeet Thank you! I will definitely use the resources on that website!
How adorable korean kids
In America teachers can wear whatever they like. Some come in with shorts and sandals with a t-shirt. Do Korean schools have some kind of dress code for teachers? Or are teachers free to wear what they like?
Esper At my school you cannot wear shorts but it is advised to look respectable all the time. I some times just wear jeans and a golf shirt. But looking neat and respectable will go a long way in earning respect amongst co workers.
What about head wear like a baseball hat?
Esper Um I would not advise wearing hats of any kind. Unless its sports day or you doing some kind of activity in class.
Well this sucks for people going bald like me. -facepalm-
Esper Me too haha
I wish i could be an English teacher in Korea as well but i`m non-native speaker and it will be really tough if it even happens :(
OK. But after watching this video, I do NOT want to teach in Korea or China. I taught English in Europe and it was much better than this. I was teaching English to executives in international companies in their offices and I was served tea and biscuits! Awesome. You don't get that in Korea.
I was looking towards teaching in Korea but wasn't sure who the best recruiters were. I tried clicking on your link but it didn't work. Is it possible to let me know the best recruiters for teaching in Korea? Thank you, love the video!
I would have to say Korean Horizons :)
Do you mind attaching a link? It would help me so much! Thank you so much!
Are u british ? I like the way you speak 😊 very nice video
Mariana V. Loreto I am South African 😊 Thank you 😆
Four Dirty Feet That's cool. I had not met a youtuber from South Africa 😉
Mariana V. Loreto We glad to be your first 😊 Hope you enjoy our content!
I have been looking into teaching in Korea and would like to apply for EPIK when I am done with college which will be in about 3 years. I have always been super shy and feel it would be good to do something crazy and teach in a foreign country. It’d finally allow me to come out my shell and experience something totally out of my comfort zone. Although I often feel discouraged since the people around me doubt me because of being so quiet, I was wondering if the whole thing is really worth it?
For those exact reasons and what you are seeking, it is definitely worth it. If you embrace the experience, you will gain so much in terms of personal growth :)
Were do you apply to get a teaching job in South Korea? I looked in your description and there’s the link for the TEFL course but not one for the actual process of applying there? Also, did you have any experience in teaching prior before arriving in South Korea.
Oh sorry never mind😂 I found it
Wow nise teaching and wow nise south Korean school is very bast school wow wow wow😃😃😃😃😃😘😘😘😘
Wow, it is a good view into what happens during a school day over there. Just a few questions. How do you plan for lessons? Does the TEFL course assist you in preparation for this? Is there a textbook to follow? I am considering doing this after graduation next year, and am just a bit nervous regarding lessons and how to properly plan and engage the students?
They do teach you how to plan for lessons and it gets much easier after a few times. You do teach out of a text book and the activities you can just do yourself. If you have a look at www.waygook.org , you will find a ton of material, activities and games for all ages and even for the textbooks :) But the TEFL will teach you all you need to know.
Did you graduate with a teaching degree? Did you take Tesol training? I finished college but i didnt graduate with a teaching degree. I would love to teach kids and go abroad, so im planning to take my Tesol training this summer. Hope i can teach someday after i get my tesol certificate 😄
I did not got a teaching degree, but I did a post grad in education while in Korea and I am now qualified as a teacher. I did my tesol online and have put the link at the top comment or pinned comments :) I am sure you will teach, just believe in yourself :)
Do you have to get a teaching degree like you would in America?
No, not a teaching degree but you do need a degree. It does not matter what degree. Then you would also need to do a TEFL course. Something like the one we have advertised in our description :) Hope that makes sense?
What city did you teach in? Was this through public school/EPIK or was this with a private academy? Did you enjoy your experience with the route you chose/would you recommend it?
Are you south african?
physco K Yes :)
They have sweat chairs
So how did you bring your family with you where did you find a place
I have a AA degree in Graphic Design and currently work in a graphic design job. Lately I've been thinking about wanting to become a english teacher at South Korea. How exactly long are the certification programs in order to teach there? is it like a 2 year kind of course? does it have exams? does it include stuff like english and math? I have no idea on this information.
A TEFL course is really not long and can be completed online but def not longer than a few weeks. Each course various on how they test you but it is not difficult to complete. The course just provide you with a basic understanding of teaching skills and equip you to teach English as a second language :)
those chairs doe
I HAVE THE SAME TEXT BOOKS AS THE FORTH GRADERS
funny kids!
Are you from South Africa?
@FourDirtyFeet I hope you reply to this! Do you know what degree you're supposed to have in order to teach in Korea? Because I have been reading articles from retired teachers who say you need at least a bachelors but then I have friends from the military who are stationed in Korea that says you don't need a Bachelors but at least an AA with a certification in order to teach in south korea.
Hi there :) I know to teach in a public school, where I teach you would need any bachelors degree and a TEFL course. I am not to sure about private English Academies and what would you would need. Maybe you should contact a recruiter and enquire :) Here is a list of good recruiters in Korea (www.fourdirtyfeet.com/single-post/2016/07/18/Teaching-English-in-South-Korea-Top-Recruiters). The TEFL course are very short and can even be done online.
Aww man a bachelors? :( ahhh Thank you for replying!
Don't get your hopes down :) I would honestly contact a recruiter and see what they can do for you!
I'm assuming that's what you did to get your information haha, thank you for supporting (:
"Rock Scissor Paper"
Wut
hello :)
I'm an Asian but I am really good in english.
Can Asians teach English in Korea? I have been lurking around and some said that if you aren't from western countries, you aren't eligible to teach english in Korea.
Is it true? Hope to hear from you soon and thanks in advance! :)
It depends what country you are from and what type of school you apply at? At a Korean government school they are specific with where they want people to be from :)
Four Dirty Feet I'm from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I planning wanted to apply at government school, then it sounds impossible, right? thanks for the reply anyways!
annis nmz It is not Impossible 😊 Korea allow teachers from Singapore, Malaysia and Phillipines. You just need to have a teaching degree from your country. You can google "EPIK" and find out more 😊
Rummikub is one of my favorite games.
Counter Tenor me too :)
i am looking for english tutor online ,how to contact with you ?
How do you get started with teaching in Korea?
are you allowed to talk to your students in korean?
Do you make up your own curriculum?
to teach in south korea, do you need to learn the language also?
jaddline well its better to know a conversational level, but its not absolutely needed. it depends on the school, but usually you have lessons at the end of the day.
i guess you come from uk right?
I Guessed South Africa. The accents are pretty similar
Nope :) South Africa :)
You guessed right :)
Me, a Koreaboo:
**Immediately gets excited at the sight of a cute little korean boy**
what's amazing about teaching English is that anybody can even their accents pretty bad....this guys accent is ok...………..but sad to see foreigners teaching English to foreigners...or maybe I am too too anal about English language with purity and articulating English set mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The guy is from South Africa. Most people in South Africa are NOT native English speakers! But a South African passport qualifies you to teach in Korea. Also, wages in South Africa are low so teaching in Korea for them is a big pay rise! They're very lucky those South Africans!
hi , I'm Mohanna Mohammad an english teacher from Palestine. I'm
looking for new expereinece for teaching abroad . If you are
interested in some one like me so I will supply you with my CV as well
as my certifications and years of teaching english for students in public schools .
with beautiful regardings
Mohanna
unfortunately we are not recruiters, and are just English teachers ourselves. There are plenty recruiters looking to employ English teachers all over Asia. I am sure with your experience they would be more than willing to assist you. Good luck
I'm a junior high school ALT in Tokyo for almost 2 years now and I'd love to make a video like this but we're not allowed to. We can't even take selfies with the kids or basically take any photos at all, although I occasionally take a sneaky photo of places around the school but never of people. I go to school events and the parents all have their phones and cameras out but I have to sit there just making memories (and who the hell does that these days?)
Andrew Hall Wow, that's some pretty intense rule. Although, when it comes to kids you can never be too careful and there are some real creeps out there so I can understand why they are so strict about it. How have you found teaching in Japan?
Yes, very true about the creeps that are out there. As an ALT working for a dispatch company I'm not "officially" a staff member so I'm not actually allowed to be alone with a student or students. However, in practice they are pretty relaxed about that, especially now that I've been at the same school for almost two years, although they have to consider their legal obligations above everything else I guess. I'm really quite impressed by what I've seen of Korean schools on RUclips lately, as they seem very modern and spacious and well maintained. Not that there's anything really wrong with Japanese schools but they just seem to be a bit older on average, and I guess in Tokyo space is more of an issue compared to other areas. My students all wear uniforms, but that's Junior high, and most elementary schools here don't wear uniforms either. I really enjoy my job by the way.
Hi Steven Thanks for your prompt reply. Most grateful for you help. I'm older than you at 55 (but super fit), do you think a school such as yours would reject me due to my age? If you think not, I'd be grateful if we talk via email (I'm paulclem1@aol.com), skype paul.clements43. As you are both ready for a new challenge, I'd recommend teaching in Thailand. I'd recommend a school in or near Bangkok as it's the most wicked place on the planet. The only reason I quit Thailand is because I had already taught in 2 schools. I have a degree and tefl but no post grad teaching qualification, which meant I was only allowed to teach for a max of 2 schools (and I changed schools twice), then my work permit expired. We both want a change -- I'm actually back in Scotland and missing my students like crazy so need to get back to the far east --- let me help you if you'd like to teach in Thailand. I have many questions I'd ike to ask you! I won't inundate you with trivial queries, I just want know what I'm letting myself in for if I'm not too old to teach in Korea. Thanks again! Paul
Ps a really really good secondary school to work for in Thailand is Boonwattana school in Korat. I worked there for a few weeks at which point I found out that I couldn't renew my work permit as I had already worked for 2 schools. I still miss that school 2 years on - they were the very best..
Always welcome Paul. I am not to sure what the maximum age limit is, but I think it might be 62. There is no need for a a teaching license or postgrad. You fill the criteria with a degree and TEFL. The fact that you have teaching experience will work in your favor. You could apply through www.koreanhorizons.com . It is a recruitment agency that works closely with the government. They provide professional and honest service and will place you somewhere according to your needs, at no expense to you at all! Thank you for the awesome advice on Thailand. We will be finishing here next year and travelling for a few months. We are looking into Thailand and other countries. It is refreshing to know, we now have a contact through you. So thank you. If you have any other questions, please feel free to drop us an email at contact@fourdirtyfeet.com . We will gladly answer any questions. :) Thanks again!
Wow what a fast reply! Thanks again very much. Guess i owe you a drink already. If you do go for Thailand, look at Boonwattana school in Korat before anything else. My boss there was the finest person i ever worked for, he's from Cameroon -- Simon Mauma Efange on facebook. Quite simply he was the only guy I ever worked for (he's still there) who was totally appreciative of everything i did, and working for him was a complete privilege . I've told him that if and when he gets his own school, he must hire me immediately! Bangkok is only about 3.5 hours away from Korat. Korat in itself is a nice and interesting town and the locals are very friendly. There are other schools in Thailand I worked for that I would never go near again, so any questions you may have if you decide to go there, please ask. I'll email you later with a few questions (sensible of course!) , thanks and good wishes to you!
What do you think about Korean's English level in general? Many people don't prefer Koreans due to language barriers and their terrible English speaking. Eventually, many Koreans unable to get a good job and they usually end up to work at Japanese restaurant or other Asian restaurant in USA and Canada.
Where did you get that information? Base on what ?
No English requires in restaurants business ? I didn't know that.
Did you get permission to film the kids and post the video online?
Silver Fox I sure did 😊
Why do Koreans learn English? Is it an option? I wish I was Korean. Do you know Korean?
Mochii모치이 Because it is widely spoken, it isnt an option. Also, remember, korea has extremely high suicide rates so its not all its cracked up to be xx