This program is a bit pricey, BUT if you are willing to pay there is some peace of mind that you will be placed and that there are a team of people dedicated to getting you a job in korea. I didn't have a certificate and I was a fresh grad and they still assured me they would find me a placement and they did! They even do an orientation so you connect with other foreigners right away and are good qt pointing you in the right direction if you need it.

Connecting with CIEE after graduating was a decision I will forever be grateful for. Being uncertain about teaching abroad is common and with the help from this organization, I was able to begin feeling more comfortable with the idea of traveling to a foreign country to teach English. I've been given amazing in-country support here in Korea and that has proven to be the most valuable because there's so much to learn. Having their email has been a luxury that other teachers here simply do not have because they chose other routes to get here.

My advice to anyone reading this is to be patient. Whether you're fresh out of college or well past your collegiate years, please understand that making a move to a different country to teach is a process. It is 100% attainable if you are dedicated to the idea of working with children and sharing your knowledge of the English language. Additionally, come prepared with questions that may be lingering in the back of your head. CIEE is dedicated to doing their best, so why not ask great questions?! There are so many and after reading a great deal of information, it can be easy to even forget stuff that's already been provided along the way. Additionally, I advise getting your TEFL Certification if you want to teach more than one year. It translates cross-culturally and is a great addition to your resume. All in all, so happy I chose CIEE.

Teaching in South Korea was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love teaching my wonderful students, and travelling all over every chance I get. Choosing CIEE to help me get here was another great choice. From the beginning everyone was super helpful. Once I got to Korea the support was AMAZING. Orientation was a chance for me to meet other teachers (new and old) and have lots of my questions about teaching and general life in Korea answered. I still meet up with and talk to people I met at my orientation. The support system that CIEE has created for their teachers in Korea is just great! It definitly helped make my transition to living in a new country a lot easier.

Overall, I've had a superb experience with CIEE. After comparing multiple programs, I decided on CIEE and have never regretted it. From your TEFL certification to job placement, they've got you covered. In addition to the TEFL course (that includes an abundant amount of resources), they also provide a pre-departure mini-course to prepare you for the big move (focusing on work place and societal cultural differences).

For me, the personal support has been the best part of the program. They have gone above and beyond to provide guidance and support for me throughout my experience. When I was stressing over getting all of my documents in time, I remember just bombarding Luke and Brad with emails. Without fail, they'd respond within 24 hours and solve any issues I was having. During the interview process, I once called Brad on a weekend asking for advice. He was very patient and helped me through it even though I had abruptly called him without prior warning. (Seriously, Luke and Brad are the MVPs.)

Ultimately, CIEE will provide you with everything you need to start your journey. However, there are also many components that are up to you to figure out - such as what offers to accept and what you make of your time. As people have mentioned, do not settle on a job. If a position does not seem like a right fit, you don't have to say yes to the dress. CIEE will help you find another interview. I wish I was more sure of this before coming (but that's a different story). I definitely recommend CIEE to anyone that is looking for a program to set you up with the basics for your first year teaching abroad.

CIEE is amazing and worked hard to help me find the perfect job. I went through 4 interviews before I decided on a school and I am so happy that I did not settle. There are some scary reviews about hagwons online but I can now say with confidence that there are many good ones out there. Be patient and ask as many questions as possible before accepting any offers!
Once you move to Korea, the in-country supporters are fabulous and always willing to help! They get you in contact with people your age who have experience living in Korea which I loved. I feel supported and very happy with my life in Korea. I can't recommend this program enough!

CIEE is incredibly organized and supportive. The staff is quick to respond and works efficiently and effectively to assure your placement is the best fit for you. (Thank you Luke Beland, Sagan Pope, and Brad and Yumi!) They take care of the tedious paperwork and very assistive of any hiccups that may occur along the application and hiring process. The entire program is very organized and efficient. I really felt that I had an entire team working for me the whole way.

I really enjoyed meeting the rest of the CIEE staff and team members here in Korea (especially Brad!!!). They are a great support system and even made great friendships and connections through our orientation and meet ups.

Personally from my experience in South Korea, a TEFL is not necessary at most hagwons (private schools) nor do they even ask. However, if you plan on applying for EPIK (public schools), it is necessary. This is important to keep in mind when paying for the course. The TEFL certification opens up a lot of opportunities for me to expand my teaching career, however, if you plan on teaching in Korea for a year at a hagwon, I would not recommend taking the course. It is not necessary.

Overall, I had a great experience with CIEE.

CIEE really helped me with the application process. Of course, with EPIK you can apply directly to the program, however, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. CIEE helped throughout the whole process of applying and sending all of my materials necessary for applying. They really do all of the hard parts for you. Sagan was able to help me through the whole process of finding a job and predeparture logistics. Having the TEFL class in addition to the program made it a lot easier because all of your materials were through the same program and they were there for you throughout the whole process. Especially in application of public schools and if this is your first time teaching abroad, I would highly recommend CIEE as your recruiter. The in country orientation weekend was also amazing and you get to meet some other CIEE teachers as well as hear and swap stories from teaching abroad in Korea. Thank you to CIEE!

My experience has been very positive. I started about a month ago teaching in Seocheon. My apartment is descent a little dirty when I moved in. I teach at two schools with amazing teachers. The other teachers have been helpful. Sagan with CIEE was amazing. Sagan was was who I worked with back in USA. She assisted me throughout the processed and answered any questions that I had. She has been very helpful and is still there to help me out when needed. I met many new friends at CIEE orientation. The orientation was fun and very well organized. So far I am very happy with my experience in South Korea and with CIEE.