Seoul is the largest city in South Korea.  Its population is close to 15 million. It’s one of the most populated cities in the world.  The pace is fast, and there is lots to do.

“Smaller cities” such as Daegu, Busan, Daejeon, Kwangju and others have populations of 1 to 2 million or more.  The pace is also quick, and while there is not as much to see as in Seoul, you will have no problem finding new things to do.

Seoul also has satellite cities such as Bundang, Ilsan, Suwon, and others.  They are connected via subway to Seoul, but are more like suburbs of the main city.  However, don’t be fooled into imagining it is like a suburb in the West.  There are plenty of high-rise buildings, and the bustle is noticeable.

There are small towns spread out between the major centers.  The pace is slower, and Western influence is much harder to find. 

All of these areas have their pros and cons; it’s more a matter of individual preference.

I will try our best to meet all your requirements. Please keep in mind there may not be immediate openings in the city of your choice.

If you have a certain city in mind be sure to let me know and I will do my best to place you in that area.

Yes, you should apply now. If you fill out the online application now, you will be contacted at the appropriate time.

No, the university has to be in one of the countries that qualify for a visa. For example, if you are Canadian but you went to university in Mexico, you cannot receive an E2 visa.

Yes, absolutely. An E2 visa will be issued to anyone holding a BA finished in 3 years.

Yes, a university degree is a must if you want to teach English in Korea. Any undergraduate degree or higher will be accepted from any university located in a native English speaking country listed as being the required nationality. Part of the documents required for your E2 working visa includes sealed transcripts proving you have met all the requirements of your degree. Please refer to our Requirements section….link

Absolutely! You do not have to be a qualified teacher to teach English in Korea. In fact some of the “best” teachers had no experience whatsoever. You will have a great time developing your own style and routine with the kids.

You will need 2 copies of “officially sealed” transcripts from the registrar office of the university you graduated from. The transcripts are proof statements that you met all the requirements of your degree. The transcripts MUST be placed in a sealed envelope and place their logo, stamp or crest over the seal of the envelope. If the envolpe is not properly sealed and stamped, your application could be rejected by Korean immigration.

No, you do not need any ESL training course to be considered for employment in Korea. For university positions, additional ESL training courses may enhance your resume and better your chances of being hired. University jobs require a year or more teaching experience in Korea.

Your employer will pay for a round trip fare to and from Korea. You will be provided with a ticket from the closest international airport in your area. Upon arrival or after completion of your contract, you will receive the return ticket home. We at teachandtraveljobs.com will help you arrange your flights and get you there on time.

You will need:

your passport

-your original diploma or notarized copy

-3 sets of university transcripts (sealed and stamped in an envelope)

- a criminal record check (vulnerable sector search) with apostille stamp

All of the schools we work with pay for flights and accommodation upfront. I will even book your flight for you!

After reviewing your application, I will find out which school is best for you and we will arrange a telephone interview between you and the director.

Do not be nervous about this stage of the process. Your director will simply want to know what university you went to and why you want to teach in Korea. They will ask you if you have any ESL experience but it is not mandatory. You will only have 5 to 10 minutes to make an impression on the director. The directors are looking for enthusiastic candidates who love working with children. Be happy and outgoing on the phone and you will do fine!

You are welcome to bring as many of your own personal belongings you can fit in your luggage. You may want to stock up on some favorite products as you might not be able to find them in Korea. I would recommend that you bring bed sheets as sometimes they are tough to find. Keep in mind that you can always have items mailed (by airplane or ship) anytime.

The visa process can take 4 to 6 weeks. Once you have your valid passport and documents ready, I can begin the visa process. You can always apply sooner and negotiate the start date for whenever it fits your schedule.

If you have any teaching experience that's great but it’s not required. You will receive some training when you get to Korea. You will get a chance to sit in on another teacher's classroom and watch how they teach for a few days. You also do not need the TESOL certificate but extra qualifications may help you get a slighty higher salary. I personally wouldn’t waste my money taking these courses as they are not required.

Absolutely! I have many jobs that would be well suited for a couple or for two or more people. We will get you and your friends a job working at the same school with shared accommodation. Going with a friend is great as you can support each other and plan traveling adventures together. Still, don’t be nervous about going by yourself as that is very common.

Generally, the contracts in Korea are for one year. Sometimes you can find contracts that are shorter but I wouldn't recommend it because the employers typically will not pay for your flight to Korea, nor will you receive a bonus at the end of your contract. Remember, if you work for 12 months, they pay you for 13!

Yes, but you should give at least two months notice prior to termination. If you want to terminate your contract, you need a letter of release from your employer. Then you can sign another contract and you don't have to travel to Japan for another visa. Your visa will be transferred to the new school. A release paper states that you are free from the obligations of your contract signed and stamped by your boss. Immigration will not process new documents until they see a letter of release or unless the old contract has expired.

The new visa laws in Korea are very strict. If you have a criminal conviction or a criminal record, it will be very difficult for you to get a job. Remember that one of the documents you have to produce is a criminal background check.

No. You must have officially graduated from your university and received your degree to work in Korea. In some circumstances where you are finished school but haven’t received your degree yet, the university can write a letter confirming you have met all the requirements and we can begin processing your work visa.

The teaching visa is known as the E2 visa.  To obtain this visa, you must be a passport holder from one of these countries: Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., or South Africa. 

There are absolutely no exceptions, regardless of education, English skill, or experience. 

There are no restrictions on issuing a visa when it comes to age. It is up to the school who they do or do not want to hire.

Typically, employers like to hire people aged 22-35 years old. Those over this age do still find employment in Korea, but it sometimes takes longer. So, if you are within this age group, you will be a prime candidate.

If you are in your forties, fifties, or sixties, you are still more than welcome to apply. We have had success in placing your peers. 

South Korea has always been a popular place for female teachers to work and women have often commented to me about how safet they feel. Not surprising when you read that the country is one of the most law-abiding nations in the world. This can be partly attributed to South Koreans ancient beliefs in Buddhism and Karma, where one is taught not to do bad things towards another. Korea has a matriarchal society. Men hold many positions of seniority, but it is quite obvious that women "wear the pants" in Korea.

Yes, your spouse can accompany you. Ideally, if they qualify to teach as well, they can also work and you'll be earning twice the salary! However, if they do not qualify for the E2 visa, they are still able to travel and live with you.

They will have to obtain an F3 visa, which is designated as a visa for dependent family members of those holding an E2 visa. For more info on different types of visas, visit this site: http://www.moj.go.kr/

Of course, if they are not working, they will have to provide their own flight but would be able to stay with you in your apartment.

Like a spouse, your children would also qualify under the F3 visa as a dependent of an E2 visa holder.

Some considerations include: Will you be home schooling? Will you be sending them to a private school?  Will you want to arrange daycare for them? 

Living in a foreign country can be a great learning experience. It will give children an advantage over other children who have never seen much beyond their own home town. Make sure you do your homework before taking this step.

Yes, it does.  As stated above, you must have a passport from either Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., or South Africa.

The school does not have the chance to meet you in person to do an interview.  Interviews are done over the phone. Therefore, the only way to get an impression of what you look like is by a photo. This is very important, as they will base a lot on what it looks like.  Your employer doesn’t care how handsome/beautiful you are, they are looking for someone who is presentable, professional, and happy.

Once a contract is signed and the terms and conditions are agreed upon, you will send your documents via courier to the school for processing.

Unfortunately, the schools are looking for native English speakers.  If an accent is detected in the interview, you will not be hired.