FAQs...Part 1 (of many)

As a recruiting agency, we at HandS Korea have come across the gammit when it comes to questions regarding teaching in Korea. Below are a few questions that you may have already come up with!

* Do I need to learn the Korean language before coming to teach in Korea?

The answer is "No." However, as a foreigner in any country, it is generally seen as polite when the person has taken the time to at least learn a few basic phrases such as "Hello," "Thank you," "Good bye," etc. You will inevitably pick up the language as you spend more time here. Be on the look out for another blog entry pertaining to the Korean language!

* I don't have any teaching experience. Am I still qualified to teach in Korea?
Despite the lack of any teaching certificate or experience, it is not mandatory to teach English in Korea. Of course the afore mentioned would be a plus when negotiating your salary, but once again, it is not necessary.

* So I get my documents in order to obtain my visa. What does HandS Korea do exactly?
While you are busy getting your documents in order, we will be getting your contract ready and contacting schools in order to set up interviews for you with someone from the school over the telephone. During this time, you will also be receiving lots of helpful information regarding culture and other things to help you better adjust upon arrival.

* Will I have any official training before I begin teaching?
You will have some type of orientation to get you adjusted to your new surroundings as well as your new place of employment. Typically, you will receive your contract and written within will be an official start date. That is the day that you will begin teaching. Schools generally like to have the teacher arrive anywhere from 3 days to one week prior to that date. During this time, you will most likely be getting familiar with your neighborhood, settling into your new apartment, and observing what is going on at your school. While in your "training period," you will be familiarizing yourself with the curriculum, observing classes taught by other teachers, and have materials to read on what the standard is at your school.

* Are there high seasons and low seasons for being hired?
In Korea, the school system is different from most Western countries. There are public schools just like in your country. The schedule is standard and the class sizes are larger (20~30 students per class.) However, there exists also a special kind of school called a hagwon. It is a private academy that costs money and students go there after their regular school hours to receive supplementary education. Being that education is very highly esteemed in Korea, there are a vast amount of hagwons all over the country. HandS Korea works with many of them.
** Stay tuned for the suite of this FAQ entry!