Do your research. Be open-minded. And just go for it (after doing your research of course.)

Going abroad is a life changing experience so make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. I cannot stress out how important it is to do your research. Make sure the school is a good fit for you. Research the school and try to get in touch with other teachers if you can.

Research is something I wish I had done my first year. Honestly, I took the first job I was offered and just signed the contract without really thinking about it. Within my first month at my school, there were three teachers who pulled a midnight run, and the fourth teacher got fired. I remembered thinking “what did I get myself into?!”

Yes, my first school was terrible, but no, I did not regret my decision to come to South Korea. Yes, I should've done more research before jumping in but it was a good learning experience for me. I became good friends with my remaining co-teachers and had the sweetest students so they made my year bearable.

Don't let one bad thing ruin your perception of a country. And when you've done your research, just go for it. Living and working in another country is truly life changing.

I work at a hagwon (private academy) so my hours are pretty late. I usually work from 2 PM to 10 PM but I'm a night owl so I'm okay with this. I'm at my school for 40 hours each week but my actual teaching time is about 30 hours with the rest being prep time and dinner breaks.

From 2 PM to usually 7 PM, I teach lower level classes with students who are anywhere between first grade to sixth grade. In the evening, I teach the higher level and advanced classes with students ranging from fourth grade to ninth grade.

It sounds kind of silly but I think one of my biggest concerns was the food. What can I eat? As a child, I was a really really picky eater. I was SO picky that I didn't eat my first slice of pizza until my freshman year of college (that was when I stopped being so picky!)

My pickiness eventually led to me becoming a vegetarian. I was a vegetarian for eight years before finally reintroducing meat back into my lifestyle. At first, I kept getting sick because my stomach wasn't used to digesting meat. However, I was living in another country, and I didn't want this to stop me from enjoying the food here. I kept trying and trying all different kinds of meat until I got used to it.

Now I am able to eat most foods. I still have a huge preference for vegetarian dishes but South Korea taught me to just enjoy life and eat good food. So that's exactly what I'm doing.

I have learned a lot since I started working for Korvia. My family, friends, and acquaintances told me that I have changed for the better. I think the biggest change is that my self-esteem has now improved. Before, I was afraid to begin anything, But not anymore! I also learn a lot from the stories, dreams, and passions shared by people I meet everyday. It has motivated me to grow.

I like every story but the best is from a new teacher who has just begun her life in Korea. I sometimes see her daily life through her social media or messages. I can see how much she is doing well and can feel her energy and passion as well. Also, I was happy when she said that she has truly enjoyed her Korean life and has had a valuable experience which cannot be replaced with anything.

Korvia provides a variety of English Programs – EPIK, GEPIK, GOE, Private Academy (a.k.a Hagwon). I am in charge of a public school and a private academy, so it is difficult to choose which program is better since each program has its own nature.

If I were a candidate, I would choose all programs. I could learn valuable skills such as teaching, creating a lesson plan, as well as communication skills, conflict resolution skills, etc. from co-workers, students, and the classroom environment.

We host a welcome party twice a year and prepare some welcome gifts for teachers. This is to welcome and appreciate their professional attitude displayed throughout the recruitment process.

We also have a support system, and we try to do our best for everyone at all times. I also had spent time abroad for about a year, and I know that some time is needed to fully adapt. We are ready to listen and help whenever they have questions or concerns.

Many factors are needed to succeed. However, I would emphasize the following:

• Team work
• Communication
• An attitude of learning to improve
• No fear of change

Without communication, a team’s balance will break someday. We strengthen our relationships by constantly talking and encouraging each other. Also, we do not settle for the present. We try to make efforts to improve ourselves. I believe these are what make Korvia last.