Is it hard to meet people that speak English in Korea? What do you find is the average age group in your programs? I want to sign up for a program but I get scared that I will get lonely because I don't know if the Koreans are easy to become friends with or if there are enough Americans my age to have friends?
Also, what is the minimum time that you can spend in these programs? I have only found 1 year programs.
Any help will be appreciated!
Thanks!
Liz
Teaching English in Korea
Hi Liz,
Finding people to speak English to Korea really depends on where you are. All cities have foreign populations and you will be able to find people to talk to there. There are usually foriegner bars where expats hang out. Being in rural areas can be more isolating.
The age of your students will depend on what hogwon (private English school often called institute) you go to but the majority of teachers work with kids from ages as low as 5 through high school. Some university students and professionals take English courses at hogwons but the main purpose of these institutes is to help children pass the university entrance examinations.
You should be able to make some Korean friends but the cultural differences can be straining at times, depending on you and the other people.
In order to get a visa to teach English in Korea, you will have to sign a 1 year contract.
Hope this helps!