1. KakaoTalk (Communication)

Why You Need It: KakaoTalk is the most popular messaging app in South Korea, used for everything from work communications to socializing. As an English teacher, you’ll use it to communicate with colleagues, students’ parents, and new friends. It also supports voice and video calls, which can be handy for professional and personal use. If you’re starting a teaching job in Korea, this app is crucial for staying connected.

2. Naver Map (Navigation)

Why You Need It: While Google Maps is the go-to in many countries, it’s not as reliable in Korea. Naver Map, on the other hand, is extremely accurate and widely used by locals. If you’re teaching English in South Korea, Naver Map will help you navigate from your apartment to your school and explore your new neighborhood, ensuring you’re never lost while commuting.

3. Papago (Translation)

Why You Need It: One of the most challenging aspects of moving abroad, especially for a teach abroad opportunity, is the language barrier. Papago is an excellent translation app that will help you with Korean to English translations. Whether you’re reading a menu, asking for directions, or shopping, Papago is an essential tool for teachers still learning Korean.

4. KakaoMap (Navigation)

Why You Need It: Another fantastic navigation app is KakaoMap. It’s well integrated with KakaoTalk and offers updated bus and subway routes. It’s an excellent alternative to Naver Map, making it easy for teachers to share their locations with friends or colleagues. Whether you’re traveling to your school or exploring a new area on the weekend, KakaoMap will get you where you need to go.

5. Coupang (Shopping)

Why You Need It: Setting up your new life in Korea requires purchasing home essentials, and Coupang is South Korea’s largest online shopping platform. For teachers who teach English in South Korea, Coupang makes it easy to order everything from groceries to electronics, often with next-day delivery. It’s a convenient way to stock up on supplies while adjusting to your new teaching job.

6. Yogiyo (Food Delivery)

Why You Need It: Teaching can be exhausting, and some days, you’ll just want to order food. Yogiyo is one of Korea’s top food delivery apps, offering a wide selection of restaurants. Whether you want to try Korean dishes or enjoy international food, Yogiyo delivers to your door, perfect for busy teachers after a long day of teaching.

7. Subway Korea (Subway Navigation)

Why You Need It: South Korea has an impressive subway system, and as a teacher, you’ll likely be using it to commute. Subway Korea provides real-time updates and maps for the subway system, making it easy to plan your route. Whether you’re heading to work or exploring on the weekends, this app is a must for navigating the city efficiently.

8. KB Star Banking App (Banking)

Why You Need It: Managing your finances is essential, especially if you’re teaching abroad. The KB Star Banking App simplifies banking in South Korea. With features that allow you to transfer money, check your account, and pay bills, the app also offers English support, making it ideal for expat teachers managing their finances.

9. Seoul Bus (Bus Navigation)

Why You Need It: If you live in a suburban or rural area, buses are likely a big part of your daily commute. The Seoul Bus app helps you navigate the bus system by providing real-time schedules and routes. It’s especially useful for teachers who may not live near a subway line but still need reliable transportation to their teaching jobs.

10. Kakao T (Taxi & Transportation)

Why You Need It: When public transport isn’t available, Kakao T is a lifesaver. It allows you to book taxis, rent bikes, and even arrange chauffeur services. For teachers rushing to work or getting home late, Kakao T offers a reliable and easy way to get around. The app is also available in English, making it user-friendly for expats.

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For those planning to teach English in South Korea or currently working a teaching job there, these apps will significantly enhance your experience. They’ll help you navigate your new home, manage daily tasks, and make the most of your time abroad. Download these must-have apps to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience as an English teacher in South Korea.

The post Must-Have Apps in Korea for English Teachers appeared first on ESL Consulting.

1. Submit Your Application on Our Website (1 minute)
Start by submitting your resume and a recent photo through our website: Apply Now. During this quick and straightforward step, you’ll also provide your preferences for your ideal teaching position, location, and school type.

2. Interview with a Recruiter from ESL Consulting (3 days)
After reviewing your resume, a member of our team will schedule a video interview with you. If you’re a good match, we’ll connect you with schools that align with both your preferences and their needs. This step typically takes around three days.

3. Interview with Employers in Korea (1 week)
We’ll then arrange interviews with multiple schools in Korea that match your qualifications and preferences. If both you and the school feel it’s a good fit, you’ll receive a job offer. This process usually takes about a week.

4. Sign Your Employment Contract (1-2 weeks)
Once you’re offered a position, a copy of the employment contract will be sent to you for review and signing. After accepting the offer, you’ll need to send all necessary visa documents to our office in Seoul.

5. Receive Your Visa Number (2-3 weeks)
Your school will then submit your visa documents to Korean immigration. It typically takes 2-3 weeks for your visa number to be issued.

6. Apply for a Visa at the Nearest Korean Consulate (2-3 weeks)
With your visa number in hand, you can apply for an E2 visa at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate. The visa process generally takes about 2-3 weeks.

7. Book Your Flight to Korea
Once your visa is approved, it’s time to book your flight! This is when the adventure truly begins.

8. Arrive in Korea
Upon arrival, our recruiter will guide you on getting to your apartment or temporary accommodation, ensuring a smooth transition as you settle into your new life in Korea.

With this timeline, you can see how quickly you can secure a teaching job in Seoul or another vibrant city in Korea. Your journey to becoming an English teacher in Korea is closer than you think!

See you soon in Korea

The post Ready to Teach in Korea? Here’s How You Can Start in Just 2 Months appeared first on ESL Consulting.

Regardless of whether or not you have been vaccinated, you must obtain a negative confirmation of a PCR test or a professional antigen test (RAT) before entering Korea. (*1)

After you arrive in Korea, you must bring your passport and flight ticket for the PCR test within 1 day, and you will receive the result within 1 to 2 days.
The first PCR test can be done at a public health center or a temporary screening clinic.
You can test for free and it is open until 18:00 on weekdays, so you can check the available time through the website (*1) (https://www.mohw.go.kr/react/popup_200128_5.html).
Secondly, you can proceed with the inspection immediately after entering the country at Incheon Airport.
There are two on the east and west side of each passenger terminal, and the operating hours are from 07-18 o’clock for departure inspection / from 07 to 21:00 for immigration inspection, and the Immigration Inspection Center on the east side of Passenger Terminal 2 is open 24 hours. You can make a reservation on the Incheon Airport website and pay a fee to get the test.  Do note that only foreigners with short-term visas(Stay in South Korea for up to 3 months) can get tested for free upon arrival at the Incheon airport.
(*2) (https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/svc/covid19/medical/medical.do#)
Thirdly, PCR testing for overseas entrants is possible even at a hospital near your home.
You can access the website of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, search for a hospital near your house, make a reservation for the available time, and pay a fee for the test. (*1)

Reference
*1) https://www.mohw.go.kr/react/popup_200128_5.html
*2) https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/svc/covid19/medical/medical.do#

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Let’s start with Jirisan National Park. It is the largest mountain-type national park and the first national park in Korea. Here, countless peaks spread out like a folding screen to represent a beautiful scene, which cannot be expressed simply with the words ‘big, deep, wide’. It is one of the best sunrise spots of the country and offers spectacular views all year round.

The next is Bukhansan National Park, where a clear stream runs between dozens of gorges and peaks, showing a beautiful harmony of mountain and water. It is also popular to tourists as it is the closest national park to Seoul, the capital city of South Korea.

Third is Seoraksan National Park. It is very famous for its large pine trees and various oak trees. Also, it is popular during autumn season for its picturesque foliage.

Gyeongju National Park is the only historical national park existing in Korea. As it was the capital of the Silla Dynasty in Korea, here you can see some of the oldest structures in Korea, such as Bulguksa Temple or Anapji Royal Pond Garden.

What’s next? Songnisan National Park! It is the park that most tourists mainly begin their journey at Beopjusa, one of the oldest temples located at the foot of the mountain range of Songnisan. In the spring season of Songnisan, pink azaleas bloom all over the mountain, showing a beautiful scenery.

The sixth is Mudeungsan National Park, famous for the Juangjeolli Cliffs formed about 70 million years ago. When walking the promenade here, you would be stopped walking by looking at old stone structures as well as large Buddhist temples surrounded by pillars for photo opportunities.

Finally, Hallasan National Park, which is one of the most visited attractions in Jeju Island, has not only the highest peak in Korea, but also has the shield volcano formed millions of years ago. There are various walking trails where you can enjoy the natural scenery.

References -Unsplash & Pixabay

These national parks in Korea are equipped with facilities for tourists.
Facilities like campsites or shelters are available!

Campsite, a space where you can relax and enjoy camping with your loved ones, is equipped. Here, you can camp with your loved ones and enjoy the changing seasons of nature!
Also, a small shelter is provided that you could enjoy watching clouds and feel wind for a while. It is a safety facility where you can rest your tired body at the end of a long road, check your health and movement, and take a break for safe hiking.
To experience these facilities, you must make a reservation in advance.

How to make a reservation

1. Log in after accessing the KNPS website(https://reservation.knps.or.kr/foreigner/main.do)

2. Press “Introduction” of the facility you are interested in, either at the shelter or campsite

3. Select the desired national park → Select the desired shelter or camping and click “Search”

4. After reading the description of the desired facility, press the “reservation button” when making a reservation

5. Check the “facility reservation report” and search by the selected criteria

6. Click the “Book Now” button and make a payment

References

https://english.knps.or.kr/

https://reservation.knps.or.kr/foreigner/main.do

The post Exploring a beautiful Natural Scenery: National parks in South Korea appeared first on ESL Consulting.

TEFL stands for teaching English as a foreign language.
TESOL stands for teaching English to speakers of other languages.
CELTA stands for Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other languages.
ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other languages.

To apply for EPIK, having one of the teaching certifications is a must. For Private Institutions, having a teaching certificate is not required, but strongly recommended as this will be a great addition to your resume. We strongly suggest embracing yourself with one of the teaching certificates as this will get you ready for teaching English as a second language environment. Any of the English certificates (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, or ESOL) is okay but with COVID and with your busy schedule, in-person classes have been uneasy. To work with your busy schedule with the limited time that we have, online classes can be great alternatives. We have a great partnership with myTEFL which offers 35 % discount.

We strongly recommend the TEFL certificate as your first choice. The TEFL is a program that recognizes various programs and everywhere. Also, a TEFL certificate course will give you the skills, knowledge, and tools need to deliver an effective English lesson. If you want to apply for an EPIK program in Korean public schools, you must have more than 100 hours of TEFL certificate. Moreover, most private institutes prefer teachers who have TEFL certificates. Seoul ESL recommends a discount of 35 percent for 120 hours of online TEFL course. Please visit (https://www.eslcon.com/tefl/) for more information. Additionally, due to the effect of the Covid-19 situation, the demand for online lectures is increasing. So we also recommend 140-hour online classes that help you to prepare for the online lectures. We offer a special discount of 35 percent on this course too.

We hope this certificate will help you with your job application. SEOUL ESL recruiters are always working hard to find the perfect fit job for applicants.

The post Do I need teaching certificate to teach English in non-English speaking countries? appeared first on ESL Consulting.

First, when you enter the country, you will come to Incheon international airport, which is one of the greatest airports in the world. You will pass a quarantine inspection after entering Korea. Incheon International Airport is one of the best airports in the world. Incheon International Airport is always doing its best to prevent Corona on 24/7. All employees wear protective equipment. As an airport with the world’s best quarantine system, it will minimize the inconvenience of your trip. At this time, you will complete your temperature check and quarantine declaration form. After installing the ‘Self-quarantine Safety App’, you will be protected and monitored for two weeks. If you have any symptoms after the quarantine procedure, you will be examined at a screening center for the case. Foreigners with no symptoms will be moved to their residence and will be subject to diagnostic tests within three days of their arrival. Inspection fees are free for all foreigners who have entered the country from abroad. Airport limousines, quarantine taxis, and self-driving cars are available for transportation from the airport to the residential area. If you have any questions, please contact the Recruiter.

Next, I’ll tell you about the place of self-quarantine. The place of self-quarantine will be held at the accommodation provided by your employer. If the accommodation is not available, you will be moved to a foreign quarantine facility. The fees for quarantine facilities will be supported by 50% to 100% depending on the employer. For more information, please contact the Recruiter. Next, I will tell you about the food preparation during the self-quarantine period. Recently, the government has provided hygiene products to foreigners within one to two days of your arrival, but the government has not provided daily necessities and groceries. You can also shop groceries online (ex. Coupang, ssg) to shop your own groceries for food preparation (You can enjoy Korea’s fast delivery system!). I hope you have a healthy self-quarantine period while eating delicious and various foods.

Moreover, Korea is making all-out efforts to prevent living through five stages of social development. The table above describes the five steps taken from the article ‘The Korea Herald’. The steps vary from time to time, so please check the social distancing steps when you arrive and follow the instructions. In this regard, if you have any questions, please contact the Recruiter. From November 13, 2020, Korea has issued an administrative order requiring people to wear masks. Please always wear a mask all the time. If you do not wear a mask, you will be charged 100,000 won(approximately $90). On the other hand, you may wonder if you can’t enjoy a variety of cultural life due to the Covid-19 situation. As I mentioned above, you can enjoy a healthy and enjoyable cultural life if you follow the guidelines.
Please refer to the English site of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for continuous updates on Covid-19.

Of course, I hope it doesn’t happen during your life in Korea, but I will tell you how to deal with the symptoms of Covid-19. Korea operates ‘Foreign Information Center’ 24 hours a day. In addition to questions related to Covid-19, they also provide counseling on various immigration/residence. Please call 1345 to follow the instructions. The Foreign Information Center (1345) operates in 20 languages including Korean, English, and Chinese during weekdays. From 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day, only three languages are available: Korean, English, and Chinese. Also, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s call center has strengthened interpretation support. Therefore, if a problem occurs, please call the disease control and prevention call center immediately and take action. Moreover, if you feel threatened, please call your country’s embassy in Korea.

If you are confirmed after the test, you will be quarantined and treated immediately. Unfortunately, people in all countries do not receive medical aid through mutual treaties. New Zealand, England, Canada, Australia, and Ireland citizens are fully funded through mutual treaties with the Korean government. Unfortunately, the people from the United States, South Africa, are not supported.

Lastly, I will explain part of the salary. Most schools and academies are operating normally following the social distancing. However, in inevitable situations, schools or academies are sometimes closed. Most academies or schools use online platforms to give lectures even though they are closed due to Covid-19. But in the worst-case scenario, the employer might unpaid your salary, while schools or academies are closed. However, Korea has a prevention system for the Covid-19 situation, and employers are doing their best to provide classes through various preparations.

Here are the useful links that you can use.

Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (http://www.kdca.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a30401000000&bid=0029)
Central Disease Control Headquarters
(http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en/)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(http://www.mofa.go.kr/eng/index.do)

The post How is Korea responding to Covid-19 situation? appeared first on ESL Consulting.

There are many good things to know before you come to S.Korea. Here is some good tips that you should know.

1. Internet speed is amazing (WIFI is often free!)
Did you know that Korea has one of the fastest Internet speeds in the world? Seoul is the world’s most connected city. Wi-Fi is integrated into every subway station, platform, train, and many public spaces. You can surf and watch some videos by using the fast Internet in Korea!

2. Transportation is efficient and inexpensive
There are a number of convenient transportation methods available to easily get around Korea. The subways in Korea serve the fast and affordable prices. When you arrive, pick up a T-money card, which can be used on public buses and the subway. You can also save money on the hassle of purchasing single journey subway tickets. Taxis are just about everywhere and fares, which are calculated based on time and distance, are inexpensive. Lastly, avoid black or “deluxe” taxis, which charge a premium for reportedly better services.

3. There is no tipping in Korea!
In Korea’s restaurant, tipping is not required or expected. You can simply go to restaurants and enjoy your food! So the food in Korea has an affordable price. Do not hesitate to try diverse Korean food!

4. Online shopping is amazing!
Online shopping in Korea is very fast and convenient. Even if you order the night before, you can receive your order at dawn the next day. If you don’t have time to shop for groceries, you can just turn on your phone and order. Experience fast shopping in the world!

5. South Korea is one of the lowest crime rates in the modern world.
South Korea has one of the lowest crime rates in the modern world. Most of the metropolitan areas remain mostly safe at any hour of the day. You might worry about North Korea. You don’t have to worry, because South Korea is protecting South Korea as an alliance with the United States army.

The post Good things to know before you come to S.Korea appeared first on ESL Consulting.

새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Happy Korean Lunar New Year)!

It’s crazy to think it’s been nearly a year since I landed in Korea. Apart from my necessary belongings and what I thought I knew from watching an infinite amount of K-dramas, I didn’t really know what to expect from Seoul. My Korean skills were non-existent, I’d never been a teacher before and I’d never lived in a foreign country alone so I decided to wing it and see how things played out naturally.

If I’m being completely honest, I definitely lucked out on everything from my school to my colleagues and accommodation (#sorrynotsorry lol). I live near Yonsei University, so my neighbourhood is filled with a lot of people my age. My landlords are incredibly sweet and welcoming (I legit call them my Korean mum and dad) and are a great point of contact to ask about local hospitals, pharmacies, and nearby areas to explore so make sure you get on their good side early on! I also got mine a little thank you present after I received my first paycheck for helping me settle down and now they always surprise me with goodies here and there! I teach 5th & 6th grade at a local elementary school, which is about a 5-minute bus ride away. Yes, I know I could easily do the 25-minute walk in the morning but 1) It’s like 8 am. 2) Hello, daily lie-ins. 3) EW MORNING LIFE 😊

My colleagues have all been super welcoming and don’t worry if you think there’s going to be a language barrier… Papago will be your savior anytime you need it! A lot of my colleagues try to speak English to me either to practice or because they know my Korean skills are low (THEY HAVE IMPROVED OVER THE YEAR THOUGH) but bear in mind that some might apologise for not being able to speak English well. When this happens, I’m usually the one that apologises since I’m the one who entered their country and they’re the ones making more effort to communicate with me and make me feel included! This was a huge motivation for me to start learning Korean though – it’s such a nice feeling to be able to converse with your colleagues and no matter how poor your Korean skills are, they REALLY appreciate the effort you make!!!

Learning to read and write in Korean made a huge difference in helping me settle in. Even if you have 0 experience in the subject prior to your arrival, I really do recommend you at least try to learn the alphabet. You can feel really helpless and lost being illiterate in a foreign country so every little helps and honestly, makes everything easier (TOP TIP: Google Translate actually has a word lens translator on the app so you just hold your phone screen over the text and it translates it pretty well!). It also makes it more entertaining for the kids when you surprise them with a random Korean word here and there. They find it really funny when you make mistakes and it’s actually pretty entertaining to be called out by them.

Once, I learned how to say, “나는 멋있다” (I am cool) but when I was telling them what I learned, I ended up saying, “나는 맛있다” (I am delicious) lololol.

As you can probably tell, my kids and I get along really well and I always have a lot of fun teaching them! If you’ve never taught before, Korshare will be your best friend – it’s free and is a great source for lesson plans/inspiration. The games are ace too and the kids love them! It’s a really good way of seeing how other teachers interact with their classes and what works well/doesn’t.

I always knew that I wanted to renew my contract for the upcoming year and although my school was a huge part of my decision, my life outside of work also played a key role. The friends you make at orientation will be a big part of your time in Korea because you’ll all be on the same boat for a lot of things. Exploring your city with them is also really fun! Outside of orientation, a few colleagues are some of the best friends that I have here and joining a recreational activity nearby will also allow you to meet other people (e.g. my yoga classes have a lot of people my age and I even hang out with some of them in our neighbourhood!). There’s SO MUCH to do in Seoul (and Korea) so you’ll always find yourself something to do or eat.

FOOD. IS. AMAZING.

Even though I have to walk up a hill to my house every day, I have lost 0kg. You’ll find deliciousness everywhere – great portion sizes and great prices too. Korea is all about sharing food, so you’ll find yourself ordering a few different dishes and digging into them all rather than just having a meal to yourself a lot of the time. My favourite things to eat and drink in Korea are 파전 (pajeon/green onion Korean pancake), 막걸리 (makgeolli/Korean rice wine), grilled pig’s skin, ALL TYPES OF BBQ (OBV), 곱창 (gopchang/small intestines of cattle or pigs), 김치찌개 (kimchi jjigae/kimchi stew) and of course 소맥 (somaek/soju+maekju (beer)) AKA the lethal combination for memory loss and the hangover from hell. You’ll be glad to know Korea does have hangover cures though, so make sure you stock up (I usually keep them in the fridge for that extra special hangover cooling effect).

I hope this gives you a bit more of an insight into some parts of life in Korea! You will find yourself overloaded with information at some points (especially at orientation) but don’t stress! Just take things one step at a time and use the information towards the end of your EPIK Orientation book to guide you to settle into life in Korea within the first few months (ARC, bank account, etc.). I would recommend just doing things at your own pace and make sure you enjoy yourself because you have an exciting year (or more) ahead!

Pritasha Kariappa

Pritasha Kariappa is an EPIK teacher from United Kingdom who has been living and teaching in S. Korea since Feb. 2019. She graduated from the University of Glasgow with MA(Hons) Digital Media and Information Studies.

The post Happy Korean Lunar New Year from Pritasha in Seoul, S. Korea appeared first on ESL Consulting.

Following are the reasons that will surely help you make an informed decision about teaching abroad.

Personal Growth
Teaching is an art that forces you to get out of your comfort zone, develop an extensive skill set, and always be on your toes. Teaching abroad does all of this at an even higher level by helping you embrace change and become an improved version of yourself. So, whether it be learning new languages, improving your communication skills, or immersing yourself in a new culture to understand better what diversity really means, you’ll, without doubt, learn a lot.

Make a lasting difference
Let’s face it; we all need to give back to the global community. There are numerous places and individuals that can make do with our help. From nurturing souls so that they can improve their own lives as well as of their families to imparting knowledge so that students can then go on to do the same in the future, you can be a part of a noble cause that is teaching abroad.

Explore the world
There is no better way to explore a place than to become a part of it. By teaching abroad, you’ll get to become a member of an international community, build lasting connections, and travel.
By taking a look at different parts of the world through different lenses, enjoying various cuisines, and mixing with the locals, you’ll be on an adventurous journey that will set you up well for your life.

Get paid handsomely
Contrary to popular belief, teaching abroad helps you make an excellent living given the attractive salaries offered to foreign teachers who are always in high demand. Plus, the fact that costs of living are relatively low in most of the other countries and various other benefits such as housing, as well as airfares, are usually provided means that you can save a ton of money while teaching overseas. What can be better than this, huh?

Fast track your career
It’s not a hidden fact that employers around the world value people with experiences overseas as it depicts that the candidate is a leader who is open to challenges, independent, and willing to do what others don’t. In addition to this, you can always go ahead and explore other beneficial opportunities in the foreign country you are in as employers there will most definitely be looking for talent from overseas, one time or another.

Parting thoughts
In a nutshell, teaching abroad is the right opportunity for you if you want to advance your personal as well as professional life. From exciting and fulfilling diverse experiences to earning good money, teaching abroad offers it all.
With numerous opportunities currently available, the ball is in your court.
This could be your chance to make a difference. So, act now.
Do remember that it is our choices and not the abilities that differentiate us and decide our life’s outcome.

The post Why Teach Abroad? appeared first on ESL Consulting.