Work in South Korea
The life and Seoul
Your dream job looks like: earning up to USD $1,900 a month, living rent free in your own studio apartment, and making a difference teaching English while living in one of the most exciting countries in the world.
Why teach in South Korea
IN-COUNTRY TEACHER TRAINING
With no need to worry about finding time to fit in your hours back home, you can choose to complete your 120-hour TESOL English teacher training over four weeks in Incheon (just a few stops from Seoul). Immersed in the language and culture, you’ll learn faster in a classroom environment and make friends with fellow teachers doing the same as you.
UP TO USD $1,900 PER MONTH
It’s common for travellers to do an ‘off-the-shelf' online teaching English qualification before they go away, with a vague idea of teaching abroad. It’s harder than you think to find a legitimate and paid position. After your training, we guarantee a teaching placement (typically in a private language school) with a salary of between USD $1,700-1,900 a month.
PAID HOUSING AND FLIGHT COSTS
With your high monthly salary, most BUNACers tend to save money on their year teaching in Korea. Plus, the school will also source and pay for your own studio apartment, reimburse you USD $1,000 for your flights after your second month of teaching, AND you'll receive a bonus of one months’ salary if you finish your 12-month teaching contract.
APPLY UP TO 40-YEARS-OLD
Unlike most working holiday visas that have a cut-off point of 30, you can do our Work South Korea program up to the age of 40. You must have an Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, UK or USA passport, and have a bachelor’s degree (in any field) or the equivalent with a minimum of a 2:2. No previous teach experience is required.
Why South Korea
We’re all about the K-Wave. Generous locals that will fall over themselves to help you, mouth-watering Korean barbecue on every corner, and beautiful and compact countryside to explore at the weekends – including surf towns, ski fields and remote islands. Plus, the Seoul train is one helluva ride. South Korea’s capital is one of Asia’s most forward-thinking and dynamic cities – where futuristic skyscrapers and K-Pop bars sit comfortably alongside ancient Buddhist temples and royal palaces. Plus, with low-cost flights to the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia – the rest of Asia is on your doorstep to travel during your paid 12 days holiday per year, plus public holidays.
Why teach English
An intensive and globally recognised qualification, your TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) will guarantee you a paid placement in a school in South Korea. A qualification that will open doors to teaching around the world, you can choose to do your four-week course when you arrive, or at home via contact online training. If you do your TESOL in South Korea (recommended) you’ll have three weeks of teacher training, plus a week of cultural orientation – where you’ll take group trips and learn about Korean life, including language lessons, cooking, Te Kwon Do and more. After your initial 12 months, there’s the option to extend your contract and increase your earning potential.
Program eligibility
- You must be aged 21-40, and be a UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand passport holder.
- Although no teaching experience is required, you’ll need to have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of a 2:2.
- You’ll need to be in excellent mental and physical health, and be willing to undergo a compulsory medical when you arrive.
- You must have no criminal convictions.
- Due to cultural differences, tattoos and piercings must not be visible or extensive.
- You must be willing to commit to a 12-month contract.
Visa information
- You’ll enter Korea on a tourist visa, and will complete your TESOL course and orientation whilst on this tourist visa.
- During this time, your job placement at a school will be secured, and our partners in South Korea will start the process to obtain your E2 teaching visa.
- BUNAC and our partners in South Korea will provide you with all visa processing information, documentation and guidance needed.
- The costs of your visa are all factored into the support funds needed on your arrival in South Korea.
