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Location
  • South Korea
    • Seoul
    • Gwangju
    • Busan
Length
52+ weeks
Classroom Audience
Early Childhood Middle School Pre-School

Program Details

Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree
Job Type
Teacher Exchange
Classroom Audience
Early Childhood Middle School Pre-School
Housing
Apartment
Weekly Classroom Hours
25

Pricing

Salary / Benefits
Salary: 2100000 to 2700000 KRW | South Korean Won per Month
Flights: Reimbursed (Sometimes Provided Up Front)
Housing: Provided
Health Insurance: Provided
Severance: 1 Month's salary at end of contract
Price Details
Our programs are always Free!
What's Included
Accommodation Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
What's Not Included
Activities Airport Transfers Meals SIM cards Transportation
Nov 25, 2019
Jun 16, 2016
Wish List
29 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Around since 2001, Footprints is one of the longest-running recruiters working in Korea. With several former teachers on staff, we are among the most experienced agencies in South Korea - for both public and private school jobs.

We do not recruit for just any school though. Footprints only partners with a small number of reputable organizations that we know we can trust. We have great options for you to work with schools in locations all around the country, but we aim for quality over quantity!

Applying for a visa for Korea will take time and patience, and Footprints knows like no other how to turn this seemingly daunting process into smooth sailing.

Seasoned teacher? Fresh out of college and looking for your first overseas teaching experience? Either way, we can help you find the position you are looking for. Take your career on a field trip! Apply today!

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Video and Photos

Teaching jobs in Korea with Footprints takes you places - like here in Chungnam
Teaching jobs in Korea with Footprints takes you places - like here in Daejon
Teaching jobs in Korea with Footprints takes you places - like here in Jeollabuk
Teaching jobs in Korea with Footprints takes you places - like this restaurant
Teaching jobs in Korea with EPIK - Footprints is an official recruiter for EPIK

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Program Highlights

  • Footprints partners works with a select number of private schools who have a proven, positive track record with past teachers!
  • Competitive salaries with housing and airfare reimbursement always included!
  • Teachers can live well and save up to half their salary, or travel, or pay down student loans, or... who knows?
  • Enjoy the unique language, culture, and cuisine of Korea!
  • Add professional experience to your resume while earning a professional salary!

Program Reviews

4.72 Rating
based on 18 reviews
Leave a Review
  • 5 rating 77.78%
  • 4 rating 16.67%
  • 3 rating 5.56%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Benefits 4.9
  • Support 4.5
  • Fun 4.75
  • Facilities 4.75
  • Safety 4.75
Showing 17 - 18 of 18 reviews
Default avatar
rhowell
31
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teach in a public school in Incheon

Apr 9, 2012

I taught English in a public elementary school in Incheon, South Korea. I have fond memories of my whole year in Korea. While there were many challenges to living in a country where foreigners are such a small minority there were also many perks.

Incheon is a large city approximately thirty minutes by subway to Seoul. While it does not have the wealth of activities and culture of Seoul, there is plenty to do in the city and Seoul is an easy subway ride away. I lived a mere fifteen minute walk from my school and most of my friends could either walk or take public transit easily to their schools. Teaching in a public school means less classes to teach than private, and more dependable salary and more respect of the contract, more vacation days (more travel!). You also get a Korean co-teacher who helps teach and control the classroom with you. Co-teachers can often make or break your public school teaching experience. Sometimes if the level of English is low at your school and your teacher does not assist you, teaching can be incredibly frustrating. Also, public school teaching can be more monotonous than teaching at a private school because there are less individual lessons to teach in one day. Overall, I think public school teaching gives you more opportunities for travel, and more a cultural experience since you are generally the only foreigner in the entire school.

I thoroughly enjoyed living in Incheon, mainly because it is so close to Seoul which is a lively city with a wealth of music, art, museums, good restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities. Lastly, if you're missing home Seoul is the place to find familiarities from your home country.

46 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Default avatar
coreyMO
31
Male
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience in Ulsan

Jan 25, 2012

I went to Ulsan in 2011 with Footprints. Initially I wasn't all too sure about this whole thing, but I chose to push ahead anyway as I really didn't have much to do staying at home in Missouri.

Upon arrival I was put at ease immediately because we were received at the airport by Scott, who runs the Footprints office in Korea and is the go-to guy for the teachers. We got a footprints arrival package which was really cool, and were taken to our apartments. Scott is a great guy and as we were heading to town from the airport I really did feel like Footprints was the right choice to make.

I gotta say that I'm not a huge fan of the Korean housing, it's tiny and a little spartan in terms of decoration... however it is comfortable and you get used to the small space, if 25 million Koreans can get used to it I can too. Over the months I decorated the place a bit and it did become home.

Teachign was an awesome experience, very different from working with kids in the states as they're way better behaved. The school was great, the co-teachers were friendly and I was lucky enough to have a great restaurant around the corner with awesome Korean dishes... and some cheap soju for after work :)

47 people found this review helpful.
Helpful

Questions & Answers

What kind of degree? A high school degree to show that you graduated or a college degree?
Answer this question
If my English level is at proficiency but I don't have an American passport (or any other English speaking country) can I apply?

You need to work in Korea is a degree and a passport from an English speaking country.

By Footprints Recruiting on March 22, 2018
Is the minimum contracted length 12 months or can it be shorter?

Thanks Donna! Your insight helped a lot!!

By Tan Allan on February 7, 2016
See all 2 answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Stephanie Heinrich

Program
Teaching Jobs in Korea with Footprints
Stephanie Heinrich is from Glendora, CA and currently resides in Okcheon, South Korea working as a Guest English Teacher at three public schools, teaching children ages 4-18. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 2010, completing a Bachelors of Science in Ecology, Behavior, & Evolution; and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. At UCSD she was co-captain of the Women's Water Polo Team and Division II Player of the Year. Upon graduation she moved to Australia to play water polo professionally for Drummoyne Water Polo Club, and lived there for a year working and traveling. In 2011 she came back to San Diego and worked as a scuba diver for SeaWorld, San Diego; until leaving to work as a Research Associate with SKS Ocular, an ophthalmic drug delivery technology lab. In her spare time Stephanie also worked as Head Coach of the Women's Water Polo Team at La Jolla Country Day School. Before leaving for South Korea in February 2014 she completed her TEFL certification to aid in her education training. In the future, Stephanie hopes to use her teaching experience and science background to help in marine conservation efforts in the field or through education. She is also currently working on establishing her own photography business. In her free time Stephanie enjoys hitting up the beach, scuba diving, surfing, spending time with friends, and a good microbrew beer.
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Why did you decide to find a teaching job through Footprints Recruiting?

While living in Australia in 2011, I had decided that I wanted to continue my work abroad experience somewhere in Asia. I had originally considered teaching in Thailand, but after doing some research a friend recommended teaching in South Korea. My first reaction was "yeah right, not happening."

After looking into it, I was impressed by the benefits of the program. For me, the decision had to be worthwhile; things such as a secure job, good pay, and the opportunity to travel as well as bring money home after my contract. A different friend had actually taught in Korea, and recommended Footprints Recruiting.

I immediately got in touch with them, completed the first interview, and was really pleased with the people as well as the support they provided so I continued the process with them. In addition, compared to other recruiters they had a detailed and organized website, and all the reviews were generally positive. Since they were much more familiar with the whole application process, I felt like I had nothing to lose.

What made this teach abroad experience unique and special?

Teaching in Korea has been unlike any experience I have had traveling or working abroad elsewhere. The most immediate difference was the language barrier, and I have since become very good at charades. I have picked up Korean words here and there, but nothing even close to conversational. Bringing that language barrier to the classroom has been one of my biggest challenges (especially when I have no co-teacher), but so rewarding when you are able to break that wall down with your students. I have had the privilege of meeting some awesome people both Korean and foreign, as well as visiting many incredible places all over Korea.

Additionally, I was very lucky in my school placement, my co-teachers at all three schools have been very helpful; and being in the middle of the country has allowed me to travel easily on the weekends. Korea has further deepened my passion for traveling, and learning about other cultures. One thing I did not expect to encounter was the inevitable “Korean Surprise”; this is when situations take a complete 180 in a split second, out of nowhere. For example: “Oh I'm teaching 1st and 2nd graders? With no co-teacher?” Surprise! It does and will happen, guaranteed. But these moments have taught me to just relax and go with the flow, something I think is very important when you are in unknown territory.

How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, academically, etc.)

I came to Korea with three goals in mind- to gain teaching experience, travel, and save money. All of which I can say have been accomplished so far 9 months into my 12 month contract. I have been playing with the idea of becoming a teacher in the states, and teaching abroad has given me a peek into this career.

Obviously, it’s going to be a bit easier at home without the language barrier. Don’t get me wrong though, teaching still has its ups and downs wherever you are and there is no easy road. But, on those good days it is so rewarding to be in the classroom so it is a possibility I am considering when going back home. Looking forward I am applying to go back to get my Masters in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation so that I can keep my options open of either working in the field or teaching at a private school.

Besides that, I am also looking to continue with photography as a side business, a hobby that has turned into a passion through traveling. Personally, this experience has been a real time of growth and self-reflection. Having a long distance relationship has probably been one of the hardest things to do over this year, but it has strengthened our relationship to a whole new level. I guess my grandma was right when she said “Distance only makes the heart grow stronger.”

While it hasn’t been easy, it can be done and makes coming home all that more exciting. Plus, I could not have done this without the support of my boyfriend, family, and friends. Experiences like this really help put what is important in your life into perspective.

What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering teaching abroad in South Korea?

If you are considering teaching abroad in Korea, do it. I believe living abroad is an opportunity not enough people take advantage of. Even if it is not in Korea, teaching or working abroad looks great on your resume, and is an unforgettable life experience. I would highly recommend using a recruiter as they know the process, and there are many steps along the way that can get confusing and intimidating. I have not met one person who has regretted their decision to teach abroad, the worst-case scenario being you quit and go home.

Regardless, it’s an experience worth doing if you are considering it so don’t second-guess yourself. Also, be prepared to get homesick; it’s completely natural. You just have to stick it out. I recommend getting out of the house, and even out of your town on the weekends, meet new people and see new things. Keeping your journey fun and refreshing will remind you why you came, and I guarantee your hometown will be just how you left it when you return after your contract.

About Footprints Recruiting

Ever been to China or Korea? Interested in teaching in the UAE? Or have you ever wondered how different the American expereince can be way up in Alaska? Discover all of our destinations and learn about the necessary qualifications. Since 2001, we've answered many of your questions over at https://www.footprintsrecruiting.com. Footprints Recruiting...

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