Hi Alicia,

Unfortunately having a degree is a *legal requirement* for teaching in Korea, in hagwons and public schools. If an employer takes you on without enforcing that policy, then you should start to worry what type of operation they’re running…it’s shady.

TESOL isn’t widely recognised in Korea, and then only for older age groups (adults, university students). There is a steady supply of people wanting to teach in Korea, so “schools willing to look past the degree” should be treated with a degree of suspicion.

Unfortunately, I don’t think you are legally eligable to get an E-2 visa for Korea.

What nationality are you?

Certain countries that have trade agreements with Korea, and use English as their official languages may be eligible.

i.e. India, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

You should ask your current/ex school for advice on this, if they have an international office then all the better.

Somebody in your current school should be able to advise you on:

- Scholarship
- Course advice (e.g. what courses you are eligible to do).
- The program’s offered and the cost
- The study abroad term

If you are employed with a university, then it is common to get more than two weeks vacation.

If you are employed by a public school then it also common to get more than two weeks vacation during the year.

For a hagwon, it’s unlikely. Hagwon’s might also try to tell you when to take your vacation, and it could be staggered if you are the only foreign teacher working at your hagwon e.g. you can take no more than 2 consecutive working days off.

The policy differs from school to school, but if vacation time is your interest then you should be looking at a public school or a university.

Neither do I. Coffeeshops area also popular here, so you could meet people there. I find that people who don’t drink often stick together, so if you find one person, they’re sure to know others.

If you sign a teaching contract, it should be the job of your boss to purchase your flight for you. For teachers, flights are usually arranged by the school or program. If you are looking for a flight on your own, I find the best international fares are found on kayak.com and vayama.com. If you’re under 25, check out studentuniverse.com too.

I really missed my family, and after a while, being an outsider starts to get to you. The language barrier can be exhausting, but learning how to communicate simple things can feel like a real victory.

Korea has classes just like other countries. They are extremely advanced in technology but not everyone can necessarily afford it. I noticed both very rich and very poor people. Most daily living items are extremely affordable and therefore available to all the people and other things are luxurious and only available to some.

Of course everyone is different, just like in your home country. Generally speaking though Koreans are extremely generous and helpful to foreigners. They are usually quite excited to have someone to speak to in English and most of your taxi drivers will try out their little bits of English on you as well. Keep in mind that you are in a foreign country and customs and expectations are different.