Program Reviews

I have had previous experience of Korea, teaching in private schools, but this year was my first year teaching in a public school and I wasn't disappointed. Any worries I had about making new friends were quickly dispelled as the orientation period quickly got underway upon arrival. All of the teachers introduced themselves and after two weeks of training and advice, before our teaching posts actually started, strong bonds and friendships were already forged. During the orientation period there was a gradual introduction towards the food, culture and traditions of Korea. I already found the food delicious, and was used to some of the cultural differences that can be experienced, but it was fun to see the newbies reactions to all that was going on. Generally, this was one of the great strengths of the program, immediately you could form a network of friends, some new to Korea and some with prior experience and everyone helped each other. The staff in Canada and Korea are very helpful, and they did as much as they could to make us all feel right at home, and avoid any major culture shocks, which is all too possible in a land very different from our own.

I had suggested to Canadian Connection that I would be a bit more comfortable with older students and they duly obliged by setting me up in an all boys high school. Let me make at least one thing perfectly clear to anyone who reads this review, I love teaching the students here. I am now ten months into my contract and I have developed a real rapport with them. This doesn't mean to say that teaching here is easy; in fact, one of the really rewarding things is that it is challenging. The student’s level is probably not what I expected it to be when I arrived, and I had up to 40, sleep deprived 16-18 year old boys in every class. Motivating them was not a simple matter. The school, however, gave me a free reign to use any ideas I had at my disposal to encourage them to participate and learn English. Planning an interesting lesson and good behavioral management were essential, as the students could have easily made my life very difficult indeed.

In my case, with previous experience of Korea and my general personality, the very hands-off approach of my school suited me very well. It may not have been everybody's cup of tea, though, as there was a general lack of support by the school and I was quite often left in the dark about upcoming events. Although all my co-workers at the school were very friendly, not much interest was taken in my role at the school and I was left to just get on with it. I thrived with this independence, however, and they really did appreciate that I didn't ask for too much help from them.

The schools supplies and equipment were perfectly adequate, and they pretty much had whatever I needed for the lessons. Each classroom was equipped with a computer linked to a widescreen television and the internet, which I used for PowerPoint presentations, videos, and music in my lessons. The only thing that frustrated me was that because of their lack of input and support they often forgot to tell me when computers or TVs in certain rooms were not working or if the internet was offline and this ruined a few classes every now and then.

Working in the school was such a wonderful way of experiencing the culture. Co-workers and students were always genuinely interested in me and wanted to show me their culture. Being at the school gave me plenty of opportunities to interact with Korean people, and experience a side of Korea that a tourist never could. The staff at the school were so friendly and willing to talk to me and make me feel part of the school, despite not really having a clue what was going on in my classes. All they knew was that the students enjoyed my classes, and that was good enough for them.

Korea, generally is a great place to teach English. It is a modern, convenient, and a rich nation very much like where we have all come from, so it is possible to relax and feel at home and have most of the usual creature comforts. It is also one of the safest places I have ever traveled to and I have not once felt uncomfortable or threatened. In fact quite the opposite, as often Koreans can feel a little threatened by Western foreigners and can be a little stand-offish sometimes as a result. There is a genuine and rather large cultural difference between us, though, and the behaviors and practices that result from this can sometimes be amusing, strange, and maybe even a little frustrating, but they are never dull. Living here in Korea has been a life changing experience for me and has truly broadened my horizons in life. I plan to spend one more year teaching in the same school in Korea by extending my contract and then to train to teach science when I go back home to England in August 2013. Teaching in Korea has really given me the confidence and drive to be a teacher in my own country. I feel proud of what I have achieved on this program so far and there is more to come.

I would whole-heartedly recommend this program to anyone, especially those that have recently left university, as it is real life experience. And in the current economic climate, where jobs are hard to come by, this is an excellent way to earn good money whilst travelling and learning all about a culture very different to our own. I think it gives a fantastically different perspective on life, living in Korea, without being overly uncomfortable or harsh regarding the standard of living. Any time spent living and working in Korea will be time well spent.

Working with Canadian Connection was amazing. Everything is set up for you and when the bumps in the road come they are there to help you work through them. Then getting here everything was laid out so making the transition was effortless.
The working conditions are awesome. Being able to talk with people that worked with other recruiters and the problems that they are running into is something that I never have to think about.
Great experience, and a great company to come through.

I absolutely have loved working with Canadian Connections. They were incredible from the get-go.From even before we accepted our positions they were helpful in placing us ( my fiance and I)in the same city. They provided guidance throughout the paperwork process.
They provided us with an excellent orientation where we were able to meet with other to be foreign English teachers in our area who are a vital asset in living abroad.

The biggest challenge is not the culture itself, that is a beautiful thing, but realizing how to work in a different culture and let down your guard and be open to new ideas and thought processes.As with any job you are going to have co workers you love and some that you don't.
I definitively encourage reading up on the Confusion culture as it will help to be aware of some of the culture norms that come with that.
The teaching itself is the best part of living here! The kids are so wonderful and so fun. They are lively and for the most part adore having a foreign teacher.
I have highly recommended Canadian Connections to multiple friends and I will continue to do so. Awesome company who helps ease the transition and equips you well for teaching.

I highly recommend using Canadian Connection to begin your journey abroad. My year in Korea has been great, and I can thank Canadian Connection for that. They are helpful throughout the whole process, prepare you, and aid you in document collection.

Go abroad with Canadian Connection --you won't regret it!

Loved everything about CanConx. They were beyond helpful with everything. People in my orientation who applied through other recruiters were shocked at how much information CanConx had provided us before taking off for Korea. Highly recommended!

I would recommend Canadian Connection to anyone wanting to teach English in Korea. They placed me with the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education (Public School system) in Incheon - right next to Seoul.

They were very supportive and helpful. I had no problem getting my papers ready (visa, passport, etc.); their instructions are quite detailed. I applied for a job through them at the end of December and was in Incheon by the end of February. The Canadian Connection team is very friendly and prompt - they are always there to lend a hand.

They also provided us with an Orientation before leaving the country, so we knew what to expect; at Orientation I met a few people traveling with me to Incheon so I didn't feel lost on the way over (a couple of these have become my best friends). The orientation book we were given also had very detailed information on what to expect in terms of housing, bills, food, travel, how to use a washing machine (the instructions here are in Korean!), etc. VERY HELPFUL!

Overall - a great experience.

I felt extremely prepared in terms of things to expect; differences in culture; teaching methods; the co-teachers; apartments; and general things about Korea. During orientation, English teachers from other companies seemed less informed about different aspects about teaching in South Korea.

The staff were amazing throughout the course of my application from when I started until I started teaching. They were very thorough with the entire process, helping me complete my documents, giving instructions for the day of travel, and setting us up with the Orientation in Korea.

As someone who had very little experience with travelling and living away from home, going to Korea through Canadian Connection was a very good decision. They made the process of applying super easy, where they took care of all the paperwork and direct communication with employers. The job they offered me was with a reputable employer, which I later found to be legitimate, trusting, and credible. I have heard so many horror stories before of people winding up with bad employers, but I have been with this current job for 9 months so far and have had nothing but positive experiences.

I went though the Jeollanamdo Language Program, which offered me a job in a small town in the southern part of South Korea. I was given an extensive 10-day orientation at a hotel (all expenses paid) where I met many friends, was introduced to Korea and Korean culture, and learned more about what to expect on the job. Many of the friends I met at this orientation still remain my close friends today, and we often hang out on weekends to explore the area, travel, or take Korean language courses. My teaching job is quite pleasant and my rent-free apartment is nice to have as I can turn it into my own private personalized space.

Some highlights so far include: taking Korean classes, meeting new people through the active foreigner community in Jeollanamdo, going to various events hosted by the foreigner community, trying new foods at Korean restaurants, travelling to Thailand and Malaysia on my paid vacation dates, checking out temples and festivals in the area, paying off my student loans, and gaining a once-in-a-lifetime experience of living and working with another culture.

Some difficulties I encountered included homesickness, culture shock, and the challenges associated with living on your own for the first time. Homesickness and culture shock happens to everyone, but it really helps if you get out, meet people, and keep busy!

Overall, I would recommend anyone to do this, especially if you want an international experience.

I am really grateful to the staff at Canadian Connection for all of their support. I love life in Korea and I am currently teaching my second year in a middle school (located in Seoul). Given the opportunity, I will continue to build a life in Korea.

I think that if I was in Canada and had to prepare for Korea all over again, I would have packed differently. Canadian Connection does give you an extensive and very helpful list of things that you should pack, however, I realize that there were many things I could have left behind. For example, I spent quite a bit of money and packed quite a few toiletries and medicines... but I live in Seoul where everything is accessible and available. I also bought a new pair of glasses in Canada, which was another big expense, only to find that glasses are EXTREMELY CHEAP in Korea.

I love my community and the people here are great. The Korean education system is different from Canada, so it will be an adjustment, however, if you have an open mind and are flexible you will be successful!

I do have to say that teaching ESL is not quite the satisfying job that I thought it would be. Even though your co-teachers might be very supportive, the students have a tendency to really push their boundaries with a Native English Teacher. Classroom management is definitely the biggest challenge in the public school system. This is the hardest part for me- I have my Bachelor of Education in Canada and teaching ESL is not the same as teaching curriculum. I find that, although the students are extremely friendly and really love you as a teacher, it is hard to connect with them on a personal level. You will hear a lot of "I'm fine thank you, and you".... and then that's the extent of the conversation :) (it's pretty endearing actually).

As for professional development.... I realize that ESL as a life long career is not the best match for me. I would not consider getting a Master's degree in ESL. Personally, I would rather teach subject curriculum in my first language so I am researching job opportunities in International Schools. I also speak French so I am considering teaching ESL in a French speaking country so that I may communicate a little better with the students. Classroom management and personal, more intimate conversations with students would be easier if I had a working knowledge of THEIR first language. (I do know some Korean, but it is very limited)

Obviously there are many unexpected challenges that arise- that is the nature of teaching! I would say the biggest piece of advice for new teachers is to have a healthy lifestyle outside of teaching. GO OUTSIDE and enjoy this beautiful country! Don't spend all your time on the computer when you go home at the end of the day. Don't just spend all of your time with other Native English teachers- make Korean friends! Also, I highly suggest that (if you are in a large city like Seoul or Busan) you leave the city at least once a month and travel around the countryside.

The local community is quite welcoming. Respect is reciprocal- give it to get it! However, keep in mind that it is a metropolitan city with a huge and dense population, so there are bound to be some rude people. Try not to take it personally!

I honestly have to say that connecting with Canadian Connection and taking that first step towards teaching in Korea has been the best decision that I have ever made. Thanks to everyone!

Canadian Connection is the best recruiting company I have ever used. Shane and his staff answer any enquiries an applicant may have promptly and professionally. They provide the applicant with a detailed list of the application and VISA process including checklists to make sure you've got it all. They're also very upfront with what the new teacher is going to experience, they want us to be successful, so the teacher has a realistic expectation of what to expect in Korea. A Canadian Connection staff member travels to Korea with us and is available at orientation if we have any issues. Shane travelled with us to our first orientation and when we used his company again 3 years later, Katie came with us. Both were AWESOME people! This is an amazing recruiting company and if you're coming to Korea, they're the people you need.