Who is eligible for English teaching jobs in South Korea?
There are 5 prerequisites for all foreign English teachers employed in South Korea.
- Native English speaker
- Valid passport from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Ireland or New Zealand
- An undergraduate degree – bachelors – from a school that resides in one of the 7 countries listed above
- Clean criminal history
- Adequate bill of health
FYI: Being eligible for a work visa is not the same as being eligible for a job. Every school has their own in-house requirements; some will only hire education majors, others will only consider candidates with prior teaching experience, and so on. Similarly, additional credentials are needed for a large percentage of opportunities. (For example, all public school positions require candidates to be TEFL or TESOL certified.)
Documents you will need to apply for jobs and receive a teaching visa
You will need the following documents to apply for jobs with Korean schools.
- Resume
- Recent Photo
- General Application Form
You will need the following documents to apply for your work visa.
- Nationwide Criminal Record Check
- Notarized Copy of Bachelors Degree
- Apostille or Consulate Authentication
- Sealed University Transcripts
- Visa Application Form
- E2 Health Statement
- Signed Employment Contract
Is TEFL / TESOL / CELTA certification necessary for teaching in Korea?
Korean employer requirements are different than work visa requirements with the Korean Immigration Office. Having a TEFL / TESOL / CELTA credential is not a Korean Immigration requirement, meaning, you can apply for a work visa without being certified. However, certification is compulsory for many teaching jobs with Korean schools, programs and education offices.
Having a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification (120 hours minimum) is a basic requirement for all public school positions with the education offices and EPIK Program. However, certification is not a prerequisite for private school employment, but schools clearly prefer candidates who have basic knowledge of English teaching fundamentals, which is exactly what these courses offer. In a nutshell, TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification and training is recommended.