What to Expect Before Teaching in Korea

So, you’re an ESL teacher ready to take a flight to Korea but don’t know what to expect. We have heard this before, and we know how to tackle this one. 

Teaching English in South Korea has been catching the attention of many. There are a lot of heads in this world that might need to learn a thing or two about pronouns, adjectives, colloquial phrases, and whatnot. The experience is truly life-changing for most individuals who have decided to take this opportunity.

Let’s go through some important things you need to know before you begin teaching in Korea.

Be Prepared to Double-Guess Your Decision in First Month

It’s totally normal to be all nervous and jittery before the big move, but a little bucking up can go a long way. 

Your mind will gradually adapt to the new routine. But don’t be scared if you find yourself having second thoughts about it in the early few weeks.

The first month will always be the toughest to make it through, no matter where you go. For some people, the ‘weird’ phase can last a couple of months. It’s a normal part of the whole process of adjusting and taking everything in. So, hang in there, stay in touch with your process, and let everything sink in naturally.

Throughout this while, you will have mixed experiences – both good and bad. The only thing that will get you through is your perspective. It’s always the people who choose to focus on the good parts who survive. 

Adjusting to the Culture as an ESL Teacher in Korea

If you have not been to a country with a vibrant culture, you will now. Teaching in Korea will become ten times more fun when you allow yourself to connect with the Korean culture. From busy streets in Seoul to majestic temples in the mountains, you’ll find the culture and modernity existing side by side. 

Understanding what matters will make the transformation easier for you. You’ll earn affection from the natives sooner than you know. Most of them will welcome you to participate in their traditions and customs. And almost everyone will encourage you to try Korean cuisine. We suggest you try indulging in both to build a social network and make memories.

Get the hang of the Korean Education System

Before going as an ESL teacher in Korea, take out your laptop and do some studying on how the Korean education system works. Learn about how the public and private schools work and what type of sector will suit your life preferences. Both lifestyles have their own pros and cons; you get to choose what you think you’ll enjoy in the long run.

Another thing that you must know is that Korean culture prioritizes education above anything else. So, be prepared to become a part of the hustle culture. You will see little kids rushing to ESL kindergartens and working hard on their English language skills in the initial days of schooling. By middle school, they barely have time to sleep because the pressure to juggle academic and non-academic activities keeps building. 

The locals have gotten used to it, but you might find it very stressful as an outsider. As an English teacher in Korea, all you can do is make your lessons entertaining and stress-free. 

Professional and Personal Development While Teaching in Korea

While teaching in Korea, you can attend workshops, conferences, and networking events to enhance your teaching skills and connect with other teachers. The country has a supportive community along with access to modern resources, creating a setting that encourages professional development and innovation.

Building Network and Creating Memories

While you’re in a new community, don’t hesitate to go out and make some new friends. It will make you feel at home sooner and make your stay more easier. Maybe socialise with neighbours, go out on weekends, and show interest in locals. 

But even if you’re too shy to reach out, we still have a cheat code for you. And, the cheat code is called: Volunteering! You can volunteer for any cause that you like and meet like-minded people there. 

Networking becomes even more easy if you’re into sports. You can always join some sports club or team as a way to gel in. Basically, Korea is full of fun activities like that; all you have to do is find what interests you and make some great friends. 

Be Open to New Experiences!

We know moving to a new place can be very daunting, but it comes with its perks. Teaching in Korea will also have its ups and downs, and the experience will be worth sticking around.

If you aspire to shape the future, we have brilliant opportunities waiting to be discovered. Dig in and explore teaching jobs that not only let you inspire young minds but also provide you with exposure to a culture as colorful as Korea