Are you wondering what qualifications you need to have to land a job? Korea has a high demand for English teachers, which is why it attracts people from all over the world to come and teach. However, there are certain qualifications you must have to be eligible for teaching English in Korea. Here are some of the qualifications for an English teacher in Korea:
A Bachelor’s degree
One of the primary qualifications you need to become an English teacher in Korea is a Bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in English. If its in a field related to education or linguistics, you will have no problem finding a job here quickly. You can also ask and qualify for a higher salary.
If your degree is in any other subject, don’t worry. That is fine. My own degree was in business administration which is the exact opposite of education and I had no problem securing a job. As long as you have that Bachelors degree, you can get a job here.
TEFL/TESOL certification
To teach English in Korea, you do not need to have a TEFL or TESOL certification. These certificates however can make it easier to find a job. They can also help you secure a higher salary for a job here in Korea. You can get a TEFL or TESOL certification online or in-person at a language school.
Criminal background check
All foreign teachers in Korea must undergo a criminal background check before they can be employed. The process can take a few weeks, so it’s essential to start the application process as soon as possible.
Native speaker
To qualify for an English language instructor E-2 visa in Korea, you must be a native speaker from one of the following countries: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa. There are aren’t really any exemptions to this rule.
Korean schools and language institutions usually look for teachers who are native speakers of English. However, non-native speakers with high-level proficiency can also teach English in Korea but it is EXTREMELY hard to secure a job. If you’re a non-native speaker, you may need to provide proof of your English proficiency, such as a TOEFL or IELTS score.
I have only met one person in my entire time here in Korea who wasn’t a native English speaker that was able to get a job here. She was from the Philippines but was married to a Korean so she had a residence visa to remain in the country. She was able to find a school to hire her as an English speaker but was given a significantly lower salary then other English teachers and was not treated that well by her employer.
So keep in mind for non native speakers it is possible to find a job. However, it’s really difficult to find these jobs and you might not be treated as equal as other English teachers.
Experience
Although it’s not a requirement, having teaching experience can increase your chances of finding a job in Korea. Most schools and language institutions prefer teachers with experience, especially those who have taught in other countries. If you don’t have any teaching experience, don’t worry. It is still relative easy to get to find a job with no experience.
In conclusion, to become an English teacher in Korea, you need a Bachelor’s degree, criminal background check, and teaching experience (preferably). Having these qualifications can increase your chances of finding a job and provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to be an effective English teacher in Korea. To learn more about qualifications, you can visit the Korean immigration website here.