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1. When would I start? |
From the time you apply till the time you arrive in Korea will take a minimum of 6 weeks but generally we ask that applicants allow at least 8 to 10 weeks for processing. |
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2. What is the training like? How long? |
Training will begin as soon as you arrive. You will have 2 to 5 days of training and watching another teacher in the classroom. After that, you are expected to teach on your own. |
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3. Will I teach alone or with a Korean teacher? |
For the most part, you will be teaching on your own. There will be Korean teachers available to assist you should you require it. Other foreigners will be there as well in case you have any questions. |
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4. How big is the school? |
Depends on the school, some of our schools have more than 400 students but on average there are roughly 200 students. |
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5. How many students per class? |
| There are usually 6 to 10 students per class with a maximum of 15. If class sizes are too big parents will start to complain, as they want their child to get enough attention from the teacher and that can only happen in a small classroom. |
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6. What is the age range? |
7 to 15 years old; classes range from second or third grade elementary school level to high middle school level. There are rarely any high school students as their schedule doesn't allow them enough time to study at hagwons (private academies). |
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7. What are the hours? How many? |
Working hours are generally from 1 to 2 pm until 8 to 9 pm. During the winter and summer vacation months (January/February and August) the schedule may change so that classes begin and end sooner (i.e., 9 am to 5 pm / 10 am to 6 pm). On average you'll be teaching 25 to 30 hours per week. |
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8. Am I expected to do weekend work? |
No, you'll have weekends off. Occasionally the school may plan a field trip to an amusement park or play land. You may be asked to help and volunteer but it would be optional. We found it useful to participate, as long as it wasn't too often, as it helps build a bond with the students and they get to see you outside of the classroom.
Some schools do have mandatory workshops. They take place one Saturday every month and run from 10am to 12pm. They are not paid but the director does buy lunch for the staff. |
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9. How near is the accommodation from the school? |
Most are a 10 to 15 minute walk or a short bus ride. |
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10. What is the housing like? Is the accommodation free? Does the accommodation come furnished? |
The accommodation is free, but you have to pay utilities (gas, water, electricity, phone, cable). All apartments come with furnishings, which include: a bed, a table, a chair, two-burner gas hotplate, refrigerator, wardrobe, washing machine, and TV set. |
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11. Can couples live together? |
Yes. Generally one of you will get the apartment as a part of your contract and the other will get a housing allowance, roughly W300000 to W400000. However, in some cases the employer may choose to provide you with a larger apartment at a higher rent and therefore may not offer a housing allowance. |
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12. How much is rent? |
Most schools cover the rent, but from what we have heard a good place can be found for about KRW300000 to KRW400000/month plus key deposit. |
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13. How much will I get paid? |
It depends on your qualifications, certifications and experience. Starting salaries range from KRW1900000 to KRW2,200,000/month. |
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14. Do I get a bonus at the end of the contract? |
Yes, the equivalent of one month's salary is given at the end of each contract year. This bonus may be taxed as it is still considered part of your salary. |
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15. How many paid holidays do I get? How many bank holidays are there? How many days off will I get altogether? |
All your holidays are paid. You'll get 10 days plus all (15) national holidays. However, if a national holiday falls on a weekend those days are not carried forward. The Lunar New Year and Korean Thanksgiving are each 3-day holidays. |
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16. Are there set times I can take my holiday? |
For the most part, you will have to take your holidays on days when the school is closed (i.e., during summer and winter breaks) but public holidays are not counted as personal vacation days. However, if you need a day or two off you may be able to work out an agreement with the director. |
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17. Does my salary increase the longer I stay at the school? |
You will have to renegotiate your contract with the school once it expires so the decision rests with the director. Chances are that if they like you and you show that you are willing to stay for another year, they will increase your pay. Keeping the same teachers for longer is better for the school as parents prefer that their child studies with the same teacher. Plus, it takes time for students to adjust to each new teacher that arrives. |
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18. Can you help get a visa? Do I have to pay for that? |
We can help you with the details in getting a visa. The cost of the visa in Korea (the school¡¯s part) is paid for by the school. The cost of getting the visa stamped in your passport by the Korean Consulate or Embassy in your country (your part) is paid for by you. |
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19. How many foreign English teachers will there be at the school? |
Roughly 2 to 3 but at larger schools there may be more than 5 and some have 10 or more. |
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20. When I arrive in Korea, will I have to start work immediately or will I have time to settle in? |
You¡¯ll be given a day or two depending on when you arrive but for the most part they will try to get you in to work as soon as they can. Koreans move fast and they expect everyone to move as fast as they do. |
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21. Is there overtime? Will I be expected to do it? How much is it per hour? |
Generally not, unless another teacher is sick or there is some other important reason. You do get paid for overtime (KRW12,000/40 minutes or KRW20,000/hour) so most school prefer that you don¡¯t work overtime. |
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22. How much are bills per month? |
It depends on your consumption. During the winter months, heat tends to run around KRW40000/month and electricity about KRW20,000. Heat is lower in the summer and electricity is higher in the summer if you use your A/C a lot. Phone bills depend on your usage and what plan you have but should cost you about KRW20000 for basic service. Cable is about the same. |
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23. How much tax will I pay? |
3 to 7% is taken out of each month¡¯s pay. Pension and medical insurance may also be taken out. |
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24. I get a pension? If so, can I carry it on into my home country? |
Yes. Korea has an agreement with the UK, Canada, USA and a few other countries that when your contract is over you will get the pension money back. |
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