Program Reviews

Throughout the entire process of getting to South Korea, Reach to Teach was extremely helpful. Every question that I had was answered quickly and thoroughly, and it was evident that the representatives from Reach to Teach truly cared about my placement in South Korea as well as my wellbeing. I just want to thank the Director of Recruiting for all of his help, and would strongly recommend that anybody who is contemplating teaching with EPIK go through Reach to Teach!

I am currently working in Changhua, a small city in central Taiwan. I was hired through Reach to Teach, and am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from them.

Back in Canada, I spent endless hours researching various English teaching opportunities in countries all over, and after many different applications, interviews and a few offers, I had a tough decision to make about which country (and company) to choose in the end. The Global Director of Recruiting made it easy for me to feel that Taiwan and Reach to Teach were the right choice. After six months on the job, I’m still glad I made that decision.

From the start of my journey, the Director of Recruiting has been friendly and professional. Because she comes from Canada and has lived in Taiwan for so long, she can relate well with new teachers while providing a bridge for understanding and adapting to Taiwan. She has been available to answer any questions or concerns throughout the entire process both before and after arriving.

Reach to Teach also hold regular events to help teachers broaden a network here in Taiwan. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know such a high caliber group of people, and look forward to the next events! Life in Changhua is a little slow, so a trip to Taipei is a nice treat—and just a quick HSR (high speed rail) ride away.

Taiwan is a wonderful country, the pay is pretty good, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly. The language is difficult and takes real commitment to learn, especially if you focus a lot of energy on your lesson plans and teaching English. My recommendation is to find a language exchange partner—one of the best things I've done since coming here. Also, if you get a scooter you'll magnify your enjoyment tenfold. (At first, I never thought I would brave the roads here on a scooter myself, but it turns out it was just inevitable, and it opens up a whole new perspective!)

I’m glad I made the choice to come to Taiwan, and I’m glad I came with Reach to Teach.

Reach to Teach is a solid resource for new teachers, veteran ESL folks, or English speaking people thinking of teaching in Asia. Their customer service is top notch. The staff walked me through all the aspects of getting the job: the job search, interviews, demo, follow up, and job acceptance! Additionally, they have provided insightful advice to me while in my current position. What’s best is that they host socials every so often to ensure that you can meet people in your new community. I was surprised to learn that they are the ONLY recruiting company in Taiwan that does not charge its customers a finder’s fee. I feel lucky to have worked with them and would recommend them to anyone, especially those looking to teach in Taiwan.

I am a teacher in Wuxi China. As a woman I feel very safe. Living here and working here is like have about 15 big brothers. My office is prominently male, and whenever I go out I feel like I am flanked like the president. Living and working in China has been great. My landlord is excellent and works well with me, because random things break all the time. My neighbors are nice too, even though we don't understand each other. I gave him the number to our foreign service officer in case I have ever had problems, and he called him once, when my key snapped in my door at 5 am and he came right out to help me. I have made some great new friends and it feels like a family here. Sure the buracracy can be a little awkward, but all in all I have enjoyed my time here so far and I think I may stay here longer.

Having previously taught in South Korea for a few years, I had plenty of experience living and working in Asia. However, the transition to a new country with a new system/visa requirements can be chaotic. Upon hearing excellent reviews from friends, I was able to work with Rick from Reach to Teach and I am very satisfied with the overall experience.

Rick and Steve accompanied me to my new job on the first day in order to sign the contract and translate. They also gave me excellent advice regarding what documents I should gather along with what to expect. In Taiwan, the Visa process is much different than Korea but their ongoing support made this effortless.

Furthermore, the fact that Reach to Teach has so many amazing events once you are in the country allows for you to easily transition into a new culture and meet some great people along the way.

RTT has long term relationships with the schools they work with and will help you with any problems that may arise.
The day to day management of the school was very supportive and gave flexibility in how we as teachers could express ourselves.
Difficulties only cam with some communication between management and the owners on issues of bonus compensation and other benefits.

I am currently teaching in South Korea through Reach to Teach's recruiting program. I have been in Korea for 3 months and live on the outskirts of Seoul.

Korea has been amazing. Everyone here is super nice and although there is an initial culture shock, getting used to the scene is not that difficult. The nightlife is amazing, people are generally super amiable and unprejudiced and the community is very supportive.

Regarding my job, it has its ups and downs. I am currently a 'back-up' teacher meaning my job requires substituting for teachers that go on vacation. I will remain a back-up teacher until the Winter semester when a position opens.

The promises Reach to Teach made regarding this position is one of the major criticisms I have of the recruitment program. The recruiter, who was otherwise extremely helpful and supportive, made the position seem ideal when it is not. He said the back-up teachers would get first choice when the semester started as to which campus they would go to. This was not the case for me. Basically, you teach where the company tells you to teach, and you have little to no choice in the matter. I believe you do have 'first refusal' meaning you can refuse a position at a campus if you do not want it but coming here I thought I would have a choice at several different campuses. The recruiter spun it into something it was not.

However, overall I love Korea and my job when I actually get to teach (I am just a back-up teacher, as I said). Korea is way better than America, and I am seriously considering not going back to my home country.

I was thoroughly impressed with ReachtoTeach's program.
Especially to have them meet me at the airport on my arrival in Korea! They were incredibly helpful!

First and foremost, I am very happy with my decision to teach in Korean public schools under EPIK. The process leading up to this point, as assisted pre-departure by Reach to Teach and upon arrival by EPIK staff has been terrific. Their combined assistance has helped make my transition to my new life in Korea painless (well, as painless as possible!)

I should be honest, though; there are days that I really love my job, and others that I feel miserable. But that's what the job is, and applicants should know that up-front. I would not want to discourage anyone from making this audacious step to teach abroad, because ultimately it is rewarding. There are days when things in and out of the classroom just do not go as planned. But it happens. For every tribulation, there is an even stronger feeling of inspiration and strength.

My situation teaching in South Korea has been unforgettable, to say the least, but it has not been without its disappointments. I never thought (or wanted for that matter) that I would be placed in a small rural town in the countryside of Korea. There is quite honestly almost nothing to do in the town. However, with the simple rural life comes small class rooms and friendly neighbors. Overall I am extremely happy with my job teaching for EPIK. I have had to give a little bit, but in return I have gotten so much!

And that is how I would summarize this job to anyone interested in teaching abroad, particularly in Korea--Not everything will go according to plan, but don't let that scare you! As much as this can be a tedious job, it's also an adventure! There will be good and bad, but roll with the punches because you're in for a great ride! Don't be afraid to take the plunge.

Reach to Teach has a very helpful staff who are friendly and always supportive of their recruits. They keep you updated constantly on your application and you are always notified of any changes that occur in a timely manner.

Moving to a foreign country and meeting new people is a great experience that can you teach you many things about the world and yourself. The language barrier can be very frustrating and frightening at times, so be sure to prepare yourself as much as you can.