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Korvia Consulting

Why choose Korvia Consulting?

Korvia Consulting is an ESL recruiting agency based in Seoul, South Korea. We work with the Korean government (GEPIK, EPIK, GOE,) and commercial franchises and programs in China to place English teachers into public and private schools across the country. Our goal is to provide a world-class experience for both our clients and candidates throughout the entire placement process.

Reviews

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Kaylee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing!

Korvia made my transition to Korea as smooth as it could be! They found me a wonderful job, where I wanted and within my preferences. They supported me through the interviews and application process and I couldn’t imagine working with a different company! My recruiter, Ann, was responsive, kind and so helpful as I had AMPLE questions for her during this process. I’m now a week into my time in Seoul and feel set up for success! From initial interview with Korvia to see if I would be a good fit, to when I was trying to find my shuttle to my new accommodation in Seoul, Korvia helped me through the whole process.

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Gorba
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Korvia is awesome

I am very happy with the fact that I chose Korvia to help with my new journey here in South Korea. I would recommend them to anyone who wishes to explore new horizons, and start a new career. I like the fact that they prepared me for everything we would encounter throughout this process. Even though I initially applied to Korvia in October they were ready to have me onboard for the spring intake but when I said I wanted to wait until the end of the school year to move. I was advised to reach out again in January. I did and the entire process was very smooth. Questions I did not ask yet were getting answered and I was very happy about their promptness.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Watch the webminars and get the tax exemption form early on. Since it was just a recommendation I took lightly and decided to apply for it about a month before my move. Now I’m here but I still don’t have it. It takes a very long time to be delivered but it’s a very important document to exempt you from taxes while in South Korea for the term of your contract.
Pros
  • Guided help throughout the entire process.
  • Availability of staff to answer questions
  • Many webinars to help prepare for each step of the way in order to succeed.
Cons
  • Waiting period for different steps of the process can be long and you never have a timeframe so you’re constantly checking your email for updates.
  • You don’t know much about your placement until after you get there
  • You may spend a lot of money at the beginning for documents you need without any guarantee that you will get a contract in the end.
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Lindiwe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Epik adventure

I started this process with Korvia. I didn't know what to expect but they were clear that it would be a long process. And they were right. The collection of documents took months! I was very anxious but the staff at Korvia were on top of things! They were very supportive. I have to mention my recruiter, Samantha Lee. She was very professional and supportive. She kept me updated and checked up on me until the last minute. I've just arrived in Korea and my new colleagues are also kind and supportive. I'm looking forward to what promises to be an EPIK year!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Oh my word, today I ate this raw leafy vegetable. I don't know the name. It gave me a runny stomach and I had to go to the school nurse who gave me a pill and medicine. Thankfully, I'm fine now.
Pros
  • Great way to learn a new culture.
  • Save money.
  • Good for your resume.
Cons
  • Lengthy process without any guarantees of placement
  • Expensive process especially for those who are straight out of university.
  • Being away from your support system.
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Nqobile
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best recruitment agency

I applied to teach English in South Korea through Korvia. Korvia was extremely helpful throughout the entire process and their assitance has made the entire process much easier. My recruiter was Tyler his support and encouragement provided me with the neccassary confidence I needed to ace my interview & acquiring my documentation. Every single staff member I have interacted with is extremely professional and efficient. Should you have any questions they respond quite promptly and they all do their best to clarify anything you migt be confused about. In my opinion it is the best recruitment agency and still provide ongoing support post departure. They host frequent meetings/webinars everything you will need for the application process. I have no regrets by choosing them and I would reccomend it to anybody considering to go and teach in South Korea.

Cons
  • No cons!
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Ethan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Helpful and Speedy

They made the whole process, from initial applications to getting set up at my new apartment, much less stressful. My recruiter was dedicated to her job and I always felt like I could text them and get a quick, helpful response. Using my recruiter as a resource saved me countless hours and I felt encouraged and supported by them throughout. Occasionally, I'd be in a stressful situation, like at the immigration office or getting ready for an interview, and it was very nice to know I could quickly get a answer or word of encouragement.

Jobs

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Alumni Interviews

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

Why did you choose this program?

I remember for my ninth birthday, my friend gifted me a mixed CD. On that CD, she included a bunch of BoA and Sechs Kies songs. I was hooked on Korean music since then. Fast forward to college, I was lucky that UMass started offering Korean courses my junior year. I jumped right in and took three semesters of Korean to learn the language and culture.

My mom never really had the money to take me anywhere so I really wanted to travel as much as I can before settling down with a career. I already knew a little bit of Korean so why not go to South Korea? Not even two weeks after graduating, I signed up for a TEFL course and landed a teaching job in South Korea a few months later.

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

Korvia went above and beyond my expectations as a recruiter. They were on top of their game in correspondence and were completely professional during the entire process. They were true to their word and only sent me offers based on my preferences. They answered my questions about potential schools and followed up after each interview.

They even helped me prepare all the documents I needed, researched a good flight to take, and even arranged an airport pickup service. I've had bad experiences with other recruiters for my first year, so for my second year, I knew exactly what I wanted, and Korvia delivered.

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

Do your research. Be open-minded. And just go for it (after doing your research of course.)

Going abroad is a life changing experience so make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. I cannot stress out how important it is to do your research. Make sure the school is a good fit for you. Research the school and try to get in touch with other teachers if you can.

Research is something I wish I had done my first year. Honestly, I took the first job I was offered and just signed the contract without really thinking about it. Within my first month at my school, there were three teachers who pulled a midnight run, and the fourth teacher got fired. I remembered thinking “what did I get myself into?!”

Yes, my first school was terrible, but no, I did not regret my decision to come to South Korea. Yes, I should've done more research before jumping in but it was a good learning experience for me. I became good friends with my remaining co-teachers and had the sweetest students so they made my year bearable.

Just remember that you are living in another country with different cultural norms and expectations than what you are used to. Be open-minded, and keep in mind that one year is not forever.

Don't let one bad thing ruin your perception of a country. And when you've done your research, just go for it. Living and working in another country is truly life changing.

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

I work at a hagwon (private academy) so my hours are pretty late. I usually work from 2 PM to 10 PM but I'm a night owl so I'm okay with this. I'm at my school for 40 hours each week but my actual teaching time is about 30 hours with the rest being prep time and dinner breaks.

From 2 PM to usually 7 PM, I teach lower level classes with students who are anywhere between first grade to sixth grade. In the evening, I teach the higher level and advanced classes with students ranging from fourth grade to ninth grade.

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

It sounds kind of silly but I think one of my biggest concerns was the food. What can I eat? As a child, I was a really really picky eater. I was SO picky that I didn't eat my first slice of pizza until my freshman year of college (that was when I stopped being so picky!)

My pickiness eventually led to me becoming a vegetarian. I was a vegetarian for eight years before finally reintroducing meat back into my lifestyle. At first, I kept getting sick because my stomach wasn't used to digesting meat. However, I was living in another country, and I didn't want this to stop me from enjoying the food here. I kept trying and trying all different kinds of meat until I got used to it.

Now I am able to eat most foods. I still have a huge preference for vegetarian dishes but South Korea taught me to just enjoy life and eat good food. So that's exactly what I'm doing.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Niki Lee

Job Title
Recruiter
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As a recruiter at Korvia Consulting, Niki conducts interviews and organizes documents for visa issuance. She ensures that the schools are a good fit for each teacher. Also, Niki makes sure that the clients always have a positive experience with Korvia.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Back in 2015, when I was in Brighton, United Kingdom, as a student, I often traveled around Europe. One of the most memorable experiences was traveling to Switzerland.

I stayed in my friend’s house for a day, and she showed me around the town all day. There was quiet and peace, and it was one of the most beautiful places I have been to so far. We also had dinner with her parents. Also, I learned about different cultures the entire time over there. It has helped me a lot to understand better and consider things from a different point of view. It was an experience that I will never forget.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have learned a lot since I started working for Korvia. My family, friends, and acquaintances told me that I have changed for the better. I think the biggest change is that my self-esteem has now improved. Before, I was afraid to begin anything, But not anymore! I also learn a lot from the stories, dreams, and passions shared by people I meet everyday. It has motivated me to grow.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I like every story but the best is from a new teacher who has just begun her life in Korea. I sometimes see her daily life through her social media or messages. I can see how much she is doing well and can feel her energy and passion as well. Also, I was happy when she said that she has truly enjoyed her Korean life and has had a valuable experience which cannot be replaced with anything.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Korvia provides a variety of English Programs – EPIK, GEPIK, GOE, Private Academy (a.k.a Hagwon). I am in charge of a public school and a private academy, so it is difficult to choose which program is better since each program has its own nature.

If I were a candidate, I would choose all programs. I could learn valuable skills such as teaching, creating a lesson plan, as well as communication skills, conflict resolution skills, etc. from co-workers, students, and the classroom environment.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We host a welcome party twice a year and prepare some welcome gifts for teachers. This is to welcome and appreciate their professional attitude displayed throughout the recruitment process.

We also have a support system, and we try to do our best for everyone at all times. I also had spent time abroad for about a year, and I know that some time is needed to fully adapt. We are ready to listen and help whenever they have questions or concerns.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Many factors are needed to succeed. However, I would emphasize the following:

  • Team work
  • Communication
  • An attitude of learning to improve
  • No fear of change

Without communication, a team’s balance will break someday. We strengthen our relationships by constantly talking and encouraging each other. Also, we do not settle for the present. We try to make efforts to improve ourselves. I believe these are what make Korvia last.