ESL Consulting-SeoulESL

ESL Consulting

Why choose ESL Consulting?

ESL Consulting, established in 2005 and headquartered in Seoul, is a distinguished ESL recruiting company with an extensive network encompassing public schools and private English academies throughout South Korea. Our mission is to actively contribute to the advancement of English education by seamlessly connecting exceptional teachers with outstanding academies.
**** Why ESL Consulting-SeoulESL****
• Our service is free of charge for teachers
• Experienced recruitment team running since 2005
• A large network of reputable schools in Korea
• Specialized for the position with private elementary school and GEPIK
• Experienced Korean English bilingual staff
• Fast, friendly & reliable service
• Outstanding support

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Founded
2005

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

Reviews

T
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience with ESL Consulting

Hello there. I've actually been meaning to post this review for a while now, and wanted to fulfill my promise. I used the services of ESL Consulting in 2023. I had a few special requests which they were so accommodating about. My interview with them was pleasant and I liked that the interviewer was informed and caring. Being my first time teaching English abroad, I had a lot of questions, but my agents were so patient and kind (May and Grace); they always did their best to answer me. This agency never gave up on me during the process and liaised with the school on my behalf. From start to finish ESL Consulting was a pleasure to work with, so I definitely recommend them. I'm so grateful that they even checked up on me once I was teaching overseas, and I'm so glad I got to meet them briefly. With all my heart, thank you so much, ESL Consulting Team!

Ryan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent experience

Since reaching out to the SeoulESL team at the beginning of my journey, I have had an overwhelmingly positive and well supported experience.

I was provided with thorough help whilst preparing for my placement and guided through the most effective courses of action to ensure that my process moved along as smoothly as possible.

I would like to thank Avery in particular for being so helpful and for communicating the steps I was meant to follow in a kind and straighforward manner.

I highly recommend SeoulESL for anyone who is eager move forward professionally with confidence and support.

Pros
  • Clear communication
  • Helpfulness
  • Professionalism
Li-Mari
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I had a wonderful experience with SeoulESL!

At the start of my journey to teach in Korea, I interviewed with many recruiters, but the staff at SeoulESL stood out to me, because they treated me warmly, and like they had my best interests in mind. They have a personal element that other recruitment agencies seem to lack.

SeoulESL explained everything I need to have in place to find a job, and as soon as I got my paperwork in order, they sent me a list of schools that I could apply to interview for! Throughout all of the interviews they were really supportive, and if I had any questions or worries, they would help me immediately.

After accepting the contract at my current school, I was a bit worried about the E2 Visa application, but the agency sent me so much information that the entire process went smoothly, and my worry was for nothing. I got my Visa without problem, and in no time I was off to teach in Korea! They sent me so much helpful information about life in Korea too, like how to use transportation

I am so grateful for their recommendation of the hagwon I’m with, it’s the perfect place for me, everyone I work with is lovely, as are the students. I hope to stay here for a long time!

I’d like to say big thank you to SeoulESL for their incredibly valuable help in my journey!

Meagan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent support, placement and professionalism which exceeded my expectations!

I initially tried job hunting on my own because I was worried that going through an agent might push me into positions that weren’t the right fit for me. After searching for several weeks, attending interviews, and not quite landing the right opportunity, I decided to give Seoul ESL a chance—and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.

Avery was incredibly fast, efficient, kind, and thoughtful throughout the entire process. She truly listened to my concerns and understood what I was looking for. Rather than simply placing me anywhere, she carefully matched me with schools that suited my personality, needs, and circumstances.

Within a short time, she helped me secure a position that absolutely exceeded my expectations. I was initially a bit nervous about working in Seoul, but it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Avery took the time to consider who I am as a person—my personality, my needs, and even my stage of life—and found a workplace where I feel genuinely comfortable and happy. Although it’s still early days, I’m already considering staying longer, and from the feedback I’ve received from colleagues, I can see this is an academy where I can truly grow.

What also stood out to me was the support even after I started the job. Avery and Sammy followed up and checked in to make sure I was settling in well meant a lot.

Thank you so much, Seoul ESL, and especially Avery, for your professionalism, empathy, and continued support throughout the entire process. I am truly grateful.

Maribel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching Abroad in S. Korea

I had a great experience with ESL Consulting. The team is professional, supportive, and truly dedicated to helping their clients succeed. They communicate clearly, are very knowledgeable, and always make you feel guided and confident throughout the process.

I really appreciated their patience, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to quality. I would absolutely recommend ESL Consulting to anyone looking for reliable and high-quality teaching abroad support. Thank you for such a positive experience!

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

There was much talk about how wonderful teaching in Korea could be when I was studying for my TEFL. I did not buy into it. I wanted to spend some time in Spain to get more fluent so that I could return to New York City and better serve the Spanish speaking families and students I worked with.

After teaching abroad for two years in Spain, I couldn't imagine going back, continuing to travel was the only option. Still not really considering Korea, an opportunity arose and I took a risk. I began communicating with Yuri from Seoul ESL; she was highly organized and found the perfect fit for me.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The team at Seoul ESL were in constant communication, offering support throughout the application, interview, hiring, and contract signing process.

I had a detailed list of documents I needed to gather from my universities, employers, and government. Seoul ESL handled all the communication in Korea between the employer and the government. I collected my visa in the US and Yuri met me at the airport in Seoul.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

It can seem a little overwhelming for a first-time visa applicant as South Korea requires very precise documents. Working in a foreign country is an experience everyone should have - obtaining a visa is part of the experience. You don't need to master the language before you get there; of course, it is great if you can, but part of the growth that happens working in a new country is learning the language immersed in the culture.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I was hired under EPIK, but my position is outside of EPIK, in a National Institute that serves all of the public schools in the region. I generally work from 9:00 to 6:00, more like regular office hours rather than school hours.

I teach about 23 hours a week and have opportunities to teach classes for extra income.
It is a really interesting position because I get to go to many different schools throughout the region. I get to teach not only students of all ages but native Korean teachers too. In addition to meeting English teachers from all over the world!

On the weekends, I usually head to Seoul or another city to explore Korea's beautiful landscape and to meet friends. I live in a remote area surrounded by mountains, which is such a contrast to the cities I have inhabited all of my life, and I absolutely love it!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I usually move towards fear. It was a really difficult decision to leave my students in New York, but I thought ultimately the experience would benefit my teaching practice and therefore my students.

Deciding to move to Korea was exciting because I really did not think about it; it happened so fast before I could consider what to fear I was standing in Asia for the first time attempting syllables of a language I had zero knowledge of. The only thing I considered before arriving was how was I going to bond with people in the land of soy and soju when I am allergic to soy and I don't drink.

Turns out Korean is not a difficult language to learn; it is actually really fun! And there is an abundance of modern culture to get you engaged in learning and practicing the language. The soy allergy is difficult here, but the entire world makes avoiding soy nearly impossible. I'm learning how to better communicate, and making more Korean friends who help me at restaurants, but more fun is learning to cook Korean food without soy.

How can you blend in when you stand out?

I am used to blending in. Living in New York City, no one seems to notice anyone. Adjusting to living in a small Korean town was a bit of a hurdle.

Everyone recognizes you - you could become a bit of a celebrity. Attention is not something I enjoy, so it was strange at first, but humanity is easily desensitized and the initial shock wears off for the locals and they eventually stop noticing you. Or maybe your fashion sense has shifted and the short pants and socks and sandals are helping you blend in. Still, occasionally people will come up to you to practice their English.