What Kind of school will I work in teaching English in South Korea?

In South Korea, when teaching English, you are likely to work in a Hagwon, also known as a private language institute. Here is some additional information about the type of school you may work in while teaching English in South Korea:

• Hagwon: These are privately-owned academies that offer supplementary education outside regular school hours. They are a common place for English teachers to work in South Korea.
• Class Sizes: Classes in Hagwons can vary in size, but they are often smaller than public school classes, allowing for more individualized attention.
• Curriculum: Hagwons typically follow a structured curriculum, often focusing on English language skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Some may also offer test preparation classes for exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
• Working Hours: Teachers in Hagwons may have varying schedules, with some working in the afternoons and evenings due to students attending after regular school hours.
• Student Age Range: Depending on the specific Hagwon, you may teach a wide range of students, from young learners to adults, with classes tailored to each age group's needs.
• Resources: Hagwons usually provide teaching materials, but teachers may also be encouraged to supplement with their own resources and activities. Overall, working in a Hagwon in South Korea can offer a dynamic teaching environment with diverse students and opportunities for professional growth.

What qualifications do I need to teach English in South Korea?

To teach English in South Korea, you typically need the following qualifications:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Most schools and language institutes in South Korea require English teachers to have a bachelor's degree in any field.
2. TEFL/TESOL Certification: While not always mandatory, having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification can significantly improve your job prospects and earning potential.
3. Native English Proficiency: Schools in South Korea usually prefer native English speakers from countries like the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
4. Clean Criminal Record: In order to obtain a work visa in South Korea, you will need to provide a clean criminal background check from your home country.
5. Teaching Experience: While not always required, having previous teaching experience, especially in a classroom setting, can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
6. Understanding of Korean Culture: Familiarity with Korean culture and customs can also be beneficial in adapting to your new environment and building relationships with students and colleagues. Meeting these qualifications will help you secure a teaching position in South Korea and have a successful experience teaching English in the country.

What is the typical class size in English teaching schools in South Korea?

The typical class size in English teaching schools in South Korea varies depending on the type of institution and level of students. Here are some general insights into class sizes in South Korea: In public schools:

• Elementary schools: Classes typically range from 25 to 35 students per class.
• Middle schools: Class sizes are usually larger, with around 30 to 40 students per class.
• High schools: Classes can be even larger, with 35 to 45 students per class. In private language institutes (hagwons):
• Hagwons often have smaller class sizes compared to public schools, with around 10 to 15 students per class.
• Some specialized hagwons may have even smaller classes, with 5 to 10 students per class. In universities:
• Class sizes in university English programs can vary widely, from smaller seminar-style classes with 15 to 20 students to larger lecture-style classes with 30 to 40 students.
• Graduate-level classes tend to be smaller, with around 10 to 20 students per class. Overall, while public schools in South Korea tend to have larger class sizes, private language institutes and higher education institutions generally have smaller classes, allowing for more personalized attention and interaction between teachers and students.

What teaching resources are usually provided in schools for English teachers in South Korea?

English teachers in South Korea are typically provided with a variety of teaching resources to support their lessons and enhance student learning. These resources may vary depending on the school and its resources, but some common items that English teachers can expect to have access to include:

1. Textbooks and Workbooks: Schools often provide English teachers with textbooks and workbooks that follow a structured curriculum. These materials may cover grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
2. Audio-Visual Aids: Schools usually have audio-visual equipment such as projectors, computers, and speakers to help teachers incorporate multimedia elements into their lessons. This can include videos, audio recordings, and interactive activities.
3. Supplementary Materials: In addition to textbooks, teachers may have access to supplementary materials such as flashcards, games, worksheets, and online resources to use in the classroom.
4. Language Labs: Some schools have language labs equipped with software for language practice, pronunciation exercises, and listening comprehension activities.
5. Professional Development Resources: Schools may also provide access to professional development resources such as workshops, training sessions, and educational websites to support teachers' ongoing growth and development in the field of English language teaching. Overall, schools in South Korea strive to provide English teachers with a range of resources to help them deliver engaging and effective lessons to their students.

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