By Gina Nordini
You’re thinking about becoming an English teacher in Korea. That’s great! But where do you start?
A lot of potential teachers feel overwhelmed and even fearful of the process of applying and teaching.
The application process may seem daunting. There are hundreds of job openings in many different places. Different positions require different things. Employee requirements and benefits are just as variable as the locations themselves. How do you know which to choose?
This is where Teacher Tech comes in. When I got in touch with Madeline Moon at Teacher Tech, she discussed my abilities and expectations with me. She listened carefully, and within days started connecting me with a variety of private schools. She is serious about matching teachers to the right place, and she is honest when she doesn’t think something is the right fit. She helps brand new teachers present their existing employment strengths in the best way. Even if you have never been at the front of a classroom before, experiences in tutoring, retail management, and team leadership can demonstrate your existing teaching skills.
Once you have signed a contract, Teacher Tech continues to assist throughout the visa process and even airline ticket booking. A lot of paperwork is involved in working legally in a foreign country. Teacher Tech provides step-by-step instructions to ensure every form is filled out correctly, sent to the right place, and processed as quickly as possible. When you have your working visa in hand, you will be further assisted in finding a flight and connecting to your destination.
For many new teachers, the worries don’t end when they arrive to their new school. One of the biggest worries is how to be a good teacher. When a private school offers you a contract, they will be well aware of your previous job experience—or lack thereof. Fortunately, most schools provide clear curriculum and easy-to-use texts that cater to brand new teachers. Private schools support their employee’s potential; you may not be an experienced teacher now, but you have the potential to become a professional educator with the excellent start of teaching abroad. There’s no better training that on-the-job experience, and as a teacher, that experience will come quickly.
If you do have problems in the classroom, there are numerous resources to turn to. First and foremost, look to your colleagues at your school. In most cases, they are happy to offer advice and assistance, especially as you become familiar with the campus and teaching style. You can also look beyond to the wider community. Nearly every city in Korea has a strong network of other native English speaking teachers. These teachers have been through the same process of applying, arriving, and adapting as you are going through now. They are very familiar with English teaching methods and local expectations. If you have trouble locating other teachers locally, a quick Google search will turn up online forums and social media groups for teachers in Korea.
Don’t let your concerns for the application process and job experience get in the way of your desire to teach abroad. You will find a lot of support in the resources available, and you will quickly develop into a skilled teacher.
Comments are closed.