We recently placed Jeremy and his wife Amy, an America couple, at a public school in Korea. We asked them these 5 questions below and you can read what they had to say.
1. Why did you want to teach in Korea?
My wife and I want to be teachers in the U.S. Teaching in Korea has given us an opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience while simultaneously pursuing master’s degrees with teaching certificates online. Also Korea pays better than other countries, so that was a plus.
2. What do you like the best about teaching in Korea?
I enjoy the summer camps the most. In Korea during the summer break the students attend special camps. As a native English teacher you have the opportunity to design the camp all on your own. This summer I taught a writing workshop. I guided my students as the wrote argumentative essays. They started with outlines, moved to rough drafts, and then their final essays. At the end they presented their essays by giving a 2-3 minutes speech in English. After the camp one student told me that she wasn’t sure if she could do all the work, because she lacked confidence in her abilities, but now she knows she can.
3. What surprised you the most about teaching in Korea?
Many of my professors told me that Korean students are very respectful to their teachers. Even during orientation for my program I was told that they were much more respectful than western students. This is not entirely accurate. They’re not worse than western students, but they’re not really better either. They’re kids, don’t expect them to be anything else.
4. What do you like the best about living in Korea?
We like the ease of public transportation. You can go everywhere in Korea for very little money. Also Koreans are so hospitable. Most go out of their way to help you. And of course, they pay for your apartment…that is so awesome.
5. What advice do you have for teachers following in your footsteps?
Go with the flow!!! Some things will be weird. Some things will make you scratch your head. Some things will make your mouth drop open. Just roll with it. You’re in a different country. It’s a different culture. Be prepared for that and it will be much easier for you. And don’t compare it to home…because you are not home…you’re in Korea.
** Apply to teach English in Korea. ** Sign up for TEFL.