www.teachenglishinkorea.org

Program Reviews

Shane
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Honest Account of Teaching in Korea and working with Bradley at TEIK

Hello guys, just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that all is well here. That first day was a whirlwind, but I would say that the week after has been quite good as I know what to do and what to expect now. Kids are terrific. In general! Sure, the bigger kids in upper classes as well as the bigger classes can be quite challenging when it comes to holding their focus and attention but still, I couldn't have imagined myself having opposite feelings. This week they have been preparing my apartment room and I will move tomorrow from the hotel to my apartment center, which I personally cannot wait for. This was a wonderful end of the week, also, because all the kids brought in stamps for excellent work and other school related activities for school “money” which bought things like pencils, pens, erasers, play mats and so forth. I am not sure if they were more thrilled about free stuff or this replaced their classes...! The other teachers here too are a delight, both in terms of Korean and English speaking.

I have a great friend from the states who is equally a joker and another lady who is from New Zealand and is as kind as one can get. Korean teachers are just fabulous too! Well, I don't mean to keep blabbering and sorry for repeating myself but am just very excited to be present in this room. Thanks once again for making it all possible.

Shane S.

Pros
  • Accurate & quick
  • My cat is happy!
  • Very direct and honest
Cons
  • None
Eric
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEIK: The Secret Sauce for Teaching English in Korea

If you’ve ever daydreamed about teaching English in Korea but felt overwhelmed by the “where-do-I-even-start” syndrome, let me introduce you to TEIK (Teach English in Korea). These guys are the fairy godparents of making your teaching-abroad dream come true. And Bradley? Oh, he’s the fairy godparent in chief. Let me break down my experience for you. Spoiler alert: it was amazing. From the moment I sent in my very hesitant, very “do-I-really-want-to-do-this” application, Bradley was on it like kimchi on rice. This guy knows his stuff. He answered all my questions—even the dumb ones—like a pro. Visa confusion? Solved. Housing worries? Poof, gone. Scared about your lack of chopstick skills? Bradley’s got you. He is the Obi-Wan of teaching in Korea!

What really blew me away was how patient he was during the whole white-knuckle process of sorting paperwork. If you’ve ever tried applying for a visa, you know it’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube with your eyes closed. But with Bradley guiding me, it felt more like assembling IKEA furniture with a very detailed instruction manual. He even threw in tips for surviving Korean winters (pro tip: buy the heat packs).

So, here’s the cherry on top of the teaching in Korea experience: the TEIK-hosted networking dinners. Absolute gold. Imagine a room full of newbie’s who are just as nervous, excited, and clueless as you. It’s like finding your long-lost tribe of English-teaching warriors. Over steaming plates of pizza, hot wings, fries, and spinach dip, we bonded over our shared terror of teaching teenagers and our mutual love of K-dramas, while downing beers and hard seltzer. And if you’re worried about showing up alone, don’t be. Bradley works his magic here too, making introductions and ensuring no one feels like the awkward kid at prom. I made a few new friends in different parts of Korea, so now I have weekend trips planner to explore Korea while couch surfing.

Once I actually got to Korea, everything was as promised. My school was great, the apartment was cozy (though, yes, small by Western standards), but clean, and the support from TEIK didn’t stop after I got on the plane. Bradley gave me arrival instructions and how to get to my APT and the door key code, so I could let myself in and the school checked in to make sure everything was running smoothly, and honestly, it felt like having a safety net in a foreign country where I knew approximately three words: “annyeong,” “kimchi,” and “soju.”

The best part? Thanks to Bradley’s tips and the connections I made at the networking dinner, I wasn’t just surviving—I was thriving. From learning how to order coffee (essential) to mastering public transportation (intimidating at first, but now I’m a subway ninja), TEIK had set me up for success. If you’re on the fence about teaching English in Korea, let me save you the mental back-and-forth. TEIK is the way to go. They take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on the exciting stuff—like deciding what to pack and how to fit “visit every Korean fried chicken spot” into your schedule. Cheers again mate!

Eric S. UK

Pros
  • Visa Assistance
  • Gathering documents assistance
  • Clear & Fast Communication
Cons
  • Only 2 hosted networking dinners per year-Please more fun events!...:)
Jennifer
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Professional and Precise!

I had been previously working with a recruiter and applied to a school I really wanted, but I wasn't sure the interview had gone well and I hadn't heard from anyone for several days. So, I started looking to other recruiters and applied with TEIK. When I heard from Brad and met with him, I was thoroughly impressed! However, shortly after our interview, my other recruiter let me know I had been offered the position and was negotiating my salary with the school. While I ended up taking the other offer, I wanted to emphasize that I think TEIK is top tier, and I wish we could have worked together more. TEIK had a lot of school postings that aligned with what I wanted, and Brad made sure I was prepared and he was so helpful. I really believe in what TEIK is doing and how helpful they are in preparing people for this job and this move. I am referring friends who want to teach in Korea to apply with TEIK, and if I plan to start a new contract with a new school, I will be sure to reach out to them first!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Apply with TEIK! They will help you with everything from finding a school you really want all the way to getting your documents. They don't want to send anyone to Korea if they think you will be unhappy there, so they really listen to you and what you want.
Pros
  • Communicative
  • Professional
  • Caring
Zach
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2024 October review

It is what you make of it. The people at Teik do a good job doing their best to set you up on where you want to be. They are also good at responding to questions you might have even if you are already done with them. They are good people. The work can be hard at times but honestly it’s not to bad. If you’re looking for a place to take a break or try something new. Teaching in Korea can be a great time. The work can be rewarding at times even with those annoying kids you might have. They can also be fun.

Gurpreet
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing

Amazing people and atmosphere. They will take care of you. They treat you like family. The teaching network was amazing and created a great sense of community. This is a program that is highly recommended and very appealing. This is a program that can be an invaluable resource. Amazing people to help you along your teaching career as you navigate the next adventure of your life.

I was looking for adventure and I found it in Korea, and you can do it too. Let’s all go together.

Calla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Can’t recommend enough!

I cannot recommend TEIK enough! I have always wanted to come and teach in Korea and they made that dream happen. Any concerns I had before coming were answered quickly and with great detail! The director of my school actually mentioned that I had found a great recruiter- so I think a lot of the reason I got the job I did was because of Bradley! The visa process to become a teacher in Korea is very complicated so having a good recruiter to help you through it is super important! TEIK also gave me a couple schools to choose from so I could pick the one that suited me the best. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you want to teach in Korea!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do your research before you come! Contact the teachers at your school with any questions you have to make sure it’s the right school for you.
Pros
  • Bradley answered all my questions quickly and in such detail!
Paige
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

So much fun!

I live in busan and it is wonderful! Such wonderful people and always something fun to do! My coworkers are so nice and we go out to eat frequently. I’ve been able to travel all around Korea, and the memories I have made will last forever. I still have 11 months left, and I have so many plans with my new friends and traveling has been so much fun. Seoul, and busan have both been fun, and I want to travel to other cities next. Perhaps Daegu and incheon. I have had so much support from friends and family as well!

What was your funniest moment?
When my coworkers and I decided to go to seomyeon on a whim. I don’t remember anything besides sitting in a McDonald’s at 5 am
Pros
  • Fun
  • Wonderful friends
  • Culture
Cons
  • Busy
  • Overwhelming sometimes
Princess
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Such a great service

Would recommend for anyone interested in teaching overseas. Brad was so helpful and responsive. He gave good advice. He hosts regular networking events to help you forge connections that will help down the line. I made so many new friends I could talk to for support during my time here. The events he hosts are very well organized and engaging. He always goes out of his way to make everyone comfortable. He made the application process very smooth and answered any difficult questions with full honesty.

Lilly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Can’t recommend enough!!

If you’re considering coming to Korea to teach English - go for it!! I cannot recommend TEIK enough! From start to finish Bradley was an incredible recruiter. He provided support from the begging of the application process all the way until we received our visas and our trip to Korea was fully confirmed. Also, my friend and I planned to come together and TEIK found us schools that allow friends and couples to come together - if this is something you’re looking into, it’s totally possible. His support was super fast and helpful and I credit him with allowing me to fulfil my dream of coming to Korea. Highly recommend TEIK and a huge thank you to Bradley!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Classic advice but do your research before coming!
Pros
  • Fast reply times
  • Knowledgeable
  • Zero cost
Cons
  • Limited choice of schools
Samantha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Love it!

Yumi was great with getting me a placement! She really helped me feel safe with such a big move. Bradley is awesome at making sure all the new teachers feel safe and supported both before and after the job starts. They're great at making sure you have all the information you need. I especially love the networking events they have. It's a great opportunity to meet other expats around Korea and make new friends. I'm sure they will continue to hell me through my adventure in Korea and to find another job if I want one after my contract is over.