I live in a small town near the Southern peninsula of Korea. Overall, the community is kind and welcoming. There have been countless times I have been lost or taken the wrong bus and people have helped me. It can also be very boring at times. Most of the young people when they graduate leave to Seoul or a university or both. So the community is full of old people and really young people mostly. English is not commonly spoken by the locals, in the cities you would encounter it more. However, EPIK, offers more money to those placed in the rural areas, so there is some compensation for being out in the middle of nowhere.

Overall, this is an experience worth having. The application process was tedious and at times overwhelming, but I do appreciate CIEE helping me get this position.

There are so many different ways to get to South Korea and teach English! I am mostly happy that I went with CIEE because they took a lot of the stress and planning out of my hands. I applied to teach English abroad when I was an insanely busy university student--overloaded class schedule, work, varsity athlete, etc. I felt that I didn't a lot of time to devote to finding my own recruiter or figuring out my TEFL certification, and CIEE made those steps a lot easier. The support from the program and network that it offers within Korea has been really amazing, too! However, the program does come with a considerable price tag. Of course, there are pros and cons of every service. I think if you are someone who likes structure, amazing in-program support, and an immediate community to be able to reach out to, then the price is justifiable.

I would definitely recommend finding a teaching position in South Korea or just anywhere with CIEE. They are honestly so helpful throughout the ENTIRE process of searching and making sure you have all documentation. Essentially they simplify everything so you don't have to be stressed out. I love my school placement and the coordinators try to make sure that your school and area is a good fit for you. This program is a great chance to get out of your comfort zone and experience a very different culture than what most participants generally come from! Also, there is no need to worry about prior teaching experience because CIEE also provides you with great training beforehand through their online TEFL course. Going straight after college I think is definitely a great adventure into the adult world in a very unique way.

After studying abroad for one semester in 2015, I came back to Korea with CIEE to teach at a private school. The support I have received and continue to receive from the staff is nothing short of remarkable. The local representative is available 24/7 for any questions, comments or concerns I may have. My school placement is fantastic and offers excellent benefits. Without CIEE, I wouldn't have known where to start or with whom to get TEFL certified. I am very impressed with this program and would enthusiastically recommend it to others.
Because of this placement, I have developed a strong network consisting of other CIEE participants. I am confident I will continue to rely on their connections in order to advance in the English teaching community. I am excited to see where else CIEE can take me around the world.

The CIEE program provided a full package for me to teach in South Korea. At the beginning, they did a great job of getting me excited and reassuring they would help me though the entire process, which they definitely did. After ever step of the way they prepared me well to take on the next step making sure to waste none of my time. When there were waiting periods such as waiting for documents or waiting for an interview, they provided me with a crash course to work on at my own pace. The good thing about this course was that I was able to see comments and discussions with other teachers just like me. It was reassuring to have some of the same questions and concerns as others but it was also helpful to learn new ideas and prepare myself for obstacles I wouldn't have previously considered. Not only was CIEE there for me when I got off the plane in South Korea, but they were there weeks after. They held a weekend for the new teachers a couple weeks after my arrival. This was a great chance to meet some English speaking teachers as well as voice some concerns about teaching and life in Korea. It was helpful to tackle these issues together and reassuring to know there were people in the country who could help me with anything. I have many CIEE contacts in Korea that I know I can contact and get help whenever I need it. This is something that you might not get with every program. CIEE was a great choice for me and I am happy to have made this great life transition with their help.

I've been in Korea for almost a year and a half and can truly say it's one of the best experiences I've had thus far. CIEE helped me every step of the way and I haven't had any serious hiccups with my school or environment during this time which speaks volumes. Coming from a small town with no exposure to any Korean culture or cuisine, I adapted well knowing CIEE and the staff of my school had my back during this transition. I've grown so used to the lifestyle that I would recommend any adventurous individual to immerse themselves in what this country and it's people has to offer.

My area is perfectly suited to my personality with the quiet, somewhat suburban area with various restaurants, malls and parks to keep yourself occupied during the day with the ease of catching a 30min bus ride to get to Seoul whenever I want to meet up with friends in other areas. Although there is always the feeling of blindingly choosing an organisation and hoping for the best, I feel CIEE was the best option providing me with all the necessary tools and information to ease the preparation of such a great decision to work and live abroad. No complaints and the orientations are very informative with a lot of useful information pertaining to stores, products and online apps to name e few of making the process as easy as possible.

I have nothing but good things to say about CIEE Teach in Korea! This is a good program for any prospective ESL teacher who is interested in teaching in Korea. CIEE helps you all the way through (there is a lot of paperwork) to make it easier for you. The in-country support is second to none, and their locations are some of the best that I have seen. They will pick you up from the airport, and help you get to your location. Brad and Yumi are super friendly and always available if you have any questions. When you begin a new adventure in a different country, it's natural to have a lot of questions, but they are there to help you every step of the way. Korea itself is a wonderful and beautiful country and culture, rich with history, culture, and amazing food to eat. I would highly recommend it!

I've spoken at length with Katy, the program coordinator in the US, about some things I would have liked to know before coming, so I won't discuss that here.
My trip here was long but the stress of it all was minimal: I learned, months before my flight, that I could rely on CIEE if I needed anything. I've thoroughly enjoyed my private school so far. I can't speak for those working in public schools, but my job hasn't been too easy—we work hard, as most people in Korea do. That being said, it's been extremely rewarding. Kindergarten and elementary teaching was never something I thought I wanted to do, but I was so, so wrong. They're a handful, sure, but these kids brighten my every day. I'm so, so happy to say that I really mean that. No BS.
I can also safely say that CIEE's Korea coordinators (Brad and Yumi) have been incredibly helpful throughout the process—from helping me find a school that was right for me, to assisting with any concerns I had once I arrived. Uprooting, especially to move to another country, is incredibly scary... but CIEE was there to help every step of the way. I can't recommend this provider enough.