Recently, I was contacted to work in South Korea because I h...

I had a cousin who went to Korea to a private school. She had no teaching experience and no ESL Certification. She was simply tossed to the kids - she had to learn how to do lesson plans and everything on her own. You sound like you know your way around the classroom and will have a better time than she did. It took her almost her entire contract to figure out what she was doing.

Hello Aprillyn,
I am sure you can be successful in Korea without getting a TEFL cert or other certification. I taught in Korea for 6 years and it was a great experience. You need only a 4 year degree. Go for it. The kids will love you.
Happy New Year.
Steve Johnson

You can do it young lasy. Better step up to the plate and take a swing at it than wait and 10 years from now say "Why didn’t I grab that opportunity when it came my way?"

I do not think teaching is a profession where you think about "wasting money"on an ESL certficate?!
A Teacher with many strings to his/her bow is a very much a sought after commodoty,and the minimum expereince I would aim for is two years.Sub is a great way to gain diversified experience, however be mindful you do not oversell your sub,since hiring organisations may think you do not have suffieent experience to get a full tiem job.Almost 100% License is necessary in many countries who are serious about hiring qualified teachers.

There are a number of things that are suspicious about this thread.

1st, South Korea immigration has a list or appropriate, authentic degrees. I am sure a "conversational English" degree is not on the list of approved degrees. A list of accepted degrees can be found on the Korean Immigration website. I don’t think ECE is even accepted.
2nd, Aprillyn Darling is not a very "English" name. If you are not a native citizen from the one of the 6 recognized English speaking countries (Canada, USA, England, South Africa, N.Zealand or Australia, you don’t qualify to teach in Korea.

No amount of teaching certification or experience will trump these basic requirements to work in Korea. There has been talk of allowing 3 year diploma university graduates teach in kindergardens, but with the large amounts of teachers applying for the small amount of jobs in Korea, even the kin die jobs are being filled by 4 year degree holding applicants.

Hi Aprillyn,
My name is December and I have been teaching here in S. Korea for the last 3.5 years. I also majored in Early Childhood-4th Grade and Special Ed (all levels). I do have my US/TX teaching credentials, but you do not necessarily need them to teach English in S. Korea. Some other countries may require them, but not here. At this point in time (regulations keep shifting), all you need is a valid 4-year University diploma, a clean FBI criminal background check (an apostille for both documents ...you can get that at the Dept. of State office in the capital city of your home state), and be a Native English speaker from one of 7 recognized English speaking countries. Also, you do not absolutely need an ESL Cert to teach in Korea either. Other countries require it, but not Korea. Korea is a good place to gain experience before trying out a different country. You can also find me on FB under December McMahon. Be blessed!

Well Mark - all it took was a quick look on facebook and I found Aprillyn Class of 2010 · COMP. SCIENCE-PROGRAMMING · BA History · Web Design & Development - I think that makes the list

Basically what they and other countries are seeking are native English speakers. Teaching experience is not always necessary but a college degree in any discipline is. Most countries also require ESL certification. I have a master’s in education and taught various disciplines to high school and college students for over 15 years when I got the itch to travel. The more research I did, the more I learned that an ESL certification was either beneficial or necessary. Oddly, I didn’t learn much in the ESL class that I didn’t already learn while studying for my master’s.Teaching English abroad was the most rewarding and enriching experience I’ve ever had. Good luck!

good for you John, I too took a look and found her.. Marc before you try to make anything look like a scam do your homework ...really maybe I should look you up...nah won’t bother.....

Most jobs i’ve seen require you to have some sort of certification. Before doing my teacher training i was told that only two qualifications are recognised internationally, they are the Cambridge CELTA or the Trinity TESOL but thats from the UK I’m not sure about other countries. Korea is a good place to teach so i’ve heard but so is Japan and China and also the Middle East where the money is very good and a lot of benefits included in the package. Good luck.

Aprillyn, go for it! Don’t worry about the ESL part. some schools ask for it, and offer extra salary. I waited four years before I decided to do a course, and that was me treating it as a working holiday. Before that I met a lot of teachers who had done a course, and said it was not needed. Just plan your lessons, plenty of stuff on the internet, and speak English. When you get to Korea, hopefully there will be other teachers to work with, who will help. Otherwise, you’ll meet other teachers as you socialise. Guaranteed, 2 months top, you’ll wonder what your worry was!

Aprillyn,
There is a big difference between pre-K and 3rd grade. It is always helpful to finish your fieldwork for obtaining employment in the states. I taught for many years without my professional but it would have helped me immensely to have it when offering a 2nd year contract. As for Korea, I spent three years there teaching from early elementary to adults in college with just an English degree. Along the way, I met professionally certified teacher who guided me. I think your subbing experience will help you and your background in EC ED will be valuable. The Koreans are very kind people. Enjoy.

hello good see there people like me how love to teach. just get your TEFL and look in china there lot of work here in prinary and up i been here over a year now i work in all level and my master was business you get good TEFL from international house you need it work in china or korea vietnam thialand or it is harder get work

oh and if you learn teach IELTSit is better to know pay better i learn to teach it my pay over 10k rmb

Hi Aprillyn,
Qualifications differ from country to country. In most cases you only need a degree and in some countries you don’t even need that as they are in bad need of native English speakers to teach. I think if I were you, I would decide first on the country you want to teach in, then narrow it down to the city .....then contact the schools to see what their requirements are. Also, try to complete a TEFL course (I did the one here which was good and do recommend) to add to your Resume. I have taught in Thailand and in Korea. I recently returned from China after 3 years of teaching which was great. In most cases, the schools/recruiters will work with you to get you hired. Don’t give up and you will see that patience pays off in the end. The same applies in the USA for ESL teachers.......depends on the State/Institution. If you want to teach ESL in the USA, maybe you should think about offering classes and going into business for yourself as it is not too difficult to start. I find this good as well. I also have lots of resources for books and materials for ESL classes if you need assistance. I was also a Teaching Director in China and was able to get several teachers hired without full degrees as well. Good Luck to you.
Craig

Hi Aprillyn, this may be a duplicate but I forgot that an email is not allowed here and don’t know if it got approved. Anyway, the main thing is to keep plugging away as patience pays off in the end. Different countries/schools have different requirements as to having a full 4-year degree and being TEFL certified. The best thing to do is to send an email out to the school in the country/countries and schools in those countries and find out their requirements. I think you will be surprised how well they will work with you. I do think that you should take a course to get TEFL certified ( I can suggest the one offered here as I have taken it and found it to be really good) as some schools require it. Plus it is never a waste of time because of what you learn from it. Do it and get it out of the way plus, it will be something you can add to your Resume. The same applies to ESL schools in the USA. Have to check where you want to teach, contact them and see what their requirements are. Also another possibility is to start your own classes where you live as you can do well with that and you will be surprised how many takers you get. I have lots of resources for ESL books, materials and lesson plans and would share with you if you like. GOOD LUCK and hang in there. Craig Powell

Aprillyn, Teaching English in Korea sparked a love of teaching that encouraged me to keep adding new certifications and degrees to improve my craft. If you have a position there take it and make the most of it. Do get a TEFL when you have a break in the action. A TEFL will open more doors and state certification will also increase your earnings. Do also sock away funds because you will also find the retirement age in this field will come surprisingly quick as well-with or without credentials.

I’ve worked in Korea and China. Depends on what you really want.

In Korea you can get a job at any hogwon or academy with just a basic 4 year degree. Mine was BIS so they accept any bachelors. I wouldn’t recommend it though. Usually the hogwons and academys have bad hours and pay. You don’t really need any teaching experience. If you can get into a university gig there. The hours are good and the money is better. You can get private jobs on the side as well. Another stepping stone into Korea is to do a summer or winter camp. The directors will invite you back to the university for a semester if they see you did a good job. And finally the main question to your answer...YOU DON’T NEED A TEACHING DEGREE!

Hi Aprillyn! a very pretty name might I add. I taught English in South Korea from 2009-2010 & it was the best experience ever! Before that I worked as a substitute teacher for 2 counties in Atlanta, GA because I’m not a certified teacher, my Bachelors degree was in straight History. Before agencies and companies did not require ESL/EFL certification but now most do and it would definitely open more job opportunites to you overseas. I would advise you to go ahead and pay and take the course because if you plan to teach in the States too, it will actually help you with your ESOL students as well. It’s worth it also, gives you a whole new perspective in teaching and working with non-English speaking students. Good luck!

Hello Aprillyn Darling, my advice comes from three years of experience, Korea is a wonderful country to work in, of course there are exceptions to every rule and I believe it has to do with ones own ability to adapt. Being nervous is normal, your are on the other side of the world, the scenery may be familiar but the culture has many differences. Your most important attribute here is patience, your schedule can change from minute to minute, you will be the last to know when changes are made, you are expected to take charge and then the next moment relinquish that power to your co-worker, no questions asked. You have all the qualifications Darling, having the 120 hours TEFL will allow you to work in the public school system in Korea and is worth every penny that you spend on it, make sure you get an accredited course, do not cheap out on some deal you see on the internet, I started teaching when I was 52 years old in Korea, it was my first experience getting paid to teach, I have 50 years of practical training. You can teach public or private, some schools like the middle school I taught in was both at the same time. It can be confusing but that is Korea. Private has its advantages and disadvantages (smaller classes but weird hours), Public i believe is more reliable when it comes to being paid on time, also when it comes to having your expenses (medical and pension)... paid correctly. I was really lucky and worked with a reliable and caring recruiter, get in touch with Korean Horizons, owner and operated by my good friend Alistair Wery. I was also lucky that the former Teacher left me lesson plans to begin my first year, before accepting a job make sure the employer supplies you with teachers you can reference, if they refuse look else where.You are in demand never forget that. Find out all you can about the place they place you in, use your internet skills, I worked in a relatively small city 300,000 , fresh air, fresh food, and wonderful people. If you ever need help grab the nearest student, most are glad and willing to use their English skills to help. I found Korea to be a very safe place to live, you still have to use common sense but do not be afraid to go there. It can be very hard work, different schools require you to do different things, lesson plans, extra curricular activities, outings with the teachers and students all at a moments notice. That is about all I can say right now, the sky is the limit if you are willing to give of yourself, and also to immerse yourself in a new culture. respectfully Ronald

hi april, 9 words in the middle of your ad to me say it all and your picture says even more. i love to teach. i really want to teach. wow. you have entusiasm and experience and caring. i would consider any student of yours blessed and especialy kids and they need that the most. i know nothing of korea and a little of mexico. should you or any of the nice folks reading this be interested in mexico i might have a few ideas. thank you all on this forum and especially aprillyn darling, nice name, and john, nice name. it sounds to me you have more than enough stuff to be out standing. remember to breathe deep. when we get nervous we dont breathe much. imagine your chest rising and your lungs filling up with air eh. be well

oh ya, dont forget to breathe out.

Hi Aprillyn,
Most of what everyone has said before me is true. A BS will do.I was in Korea for 2 years, one thing I can honestly say is that I don’t think you’ll have a problem finding a job because many private schools would rather have a female teacher especially for elementary age. Most importantly be careful because some of these private academies can be shady. Ask the recruiter and principal lots of questions! All the best to you!

You don’t need more than what you have. Most Hagwons will be very glad to take you.

Lot’’s of good advice. I taught in S. Korea several yrs. Also, both my son’s taught there.I’m a licensed teacher and they have degrees in English. It’s a great place and opportunity. An ESL certificate or degree is not a waste. It may not be a requirement but it will give you more confidence. If it’s not required, you can get it after you are hired. I love Korea, it’s a very great place. Good Luck

The only thing you need to teach English in South Korea is a 2 or 4 year degree. It used to be only a 4 year degree, but changed it in 2009. 2 year degrees pay less though. As far as certifications go, they are not necessary in SK, but help you get a higher salary. (not much, but higher is higher). Make sure any language certifications you get are legit. These are TESOL, CELTA, TEFL, and TESL. Anything else seems bogus to me.

HI THERE - THE BEST OF LUCK TO YOU- I AM SURE EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT FOR YOU. I CAN ONLY SPEAK FROM MY SHORT EXPERIENCE. I AM TEACHING IN THE SOUTH OF CHINA NEAR HONG KONG IN A MIDDLE SCHOOL. I HAVE NO DEGREE- 3 YEARS OF COLLEGE AND A 100 HOUR TESOL ONLINE CERTIFICATE. I PERSONALLY FIND THAT EXPERIENCE SHOULD COUNT MORE THAN EDUCATION, BUT THAT IS MY OPINION. I HAVE ONLY BEEN TEACHING FOR THREE MONTHS- BUT FOREIGN TEACHING HAS GREAT REWARDS, BOTH IN AND OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM. THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS HERE HAVE BEEN GREAT TO ME, AND WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT CHINA HERE IN A FEW WEEKS,I COULD NEVER HAVE LEARNED BY READING A BOOK. THE EXPERIENCE IS WONDERFUL AND CANNOT WAIT TO TELL MY SON ABOUT IT BACK IN NEWYORK.BEST WISHES- ROBERT

Dear: Aprillyn Darling

Worry not. You don’t need a specialised degree or certificate. But you will need a degree of some sort or 2 years college and an esl teaching certificate if you want to teach legally. I’ve taught in korea for a year and taiwan for 7 years.

Hi, I taught English in South Korea in 2009. I worked at a public school at the time. First thing, decide on public school or private. Understand that at a public school you will work M-F daytime. You may very well be the only foreign teacher and foreign person in sight! With private schools, you may work longer hours, nights, and or , week ends. I enjoyed public school work in Korea. The application process can be tiring and they rec. tons of applications...best of luck.

It would be best that you complete your university degree in the states f possible. Secondly if you are able to obtain your bachelors degree which is the minimum i would suggest you pick up a TEFL certificate from this site that would fulfill the minimum requirements for positions.

Your best bet is China they need thousands of teachers with or without experience take a 6 month or 1 year position and your career is on the way. Korea has very tight requirements and make it difficult foreven the most experienced teacher to find a position.

contact me if i can help u further dr.Grant Armstrong

Yes you need a Tefl, Tesol or Celta to work anywhere in the world as an esl no less then a 120 hr course that also provides practical teaching hours about a month of work no pay, lots of schools in Vietnam where you can get this for about 12 to 16 hundred. You need a degree no less then a BA if you don’t have that don’t come teach internationally. No matter what people tell you. You will waste money and go broke in a different country. Always have your own return ticket home to your country no matter what. Especially being a woman. Do your home work on any school that offers you a job. Look them up if you can’t find enough relative info on that school run very fast away from them. This is not a game this is serious teaching that can be fun. You will be working a lot but make sure the money is good if it’s not stay where you are, travel later in life as vacation. Best advise you will get good luck