So You Want to Teach English in Korea: Questions to Ask

Because the job market is so tight for native speakers in Korea, employers try to make their ads look very appealing. Somehow they are under the impression that once you get here, you won't be upset when they pull a bait and switch. I have heard a lot of horror stories and experienced a few ugly surprises myself. Arriving jet lagged in the middle of the night only to find that the job you were promised in Seoul with the three room apartment is really a glorified dorm room in Mapo is not something you want to experience first hand. Ask a lot of questions, even ones that seem rude to you, and you will save yourself a lot of stress later. And make sure you get any changes to the contract in writing because your employer is likely to treat that contract like holy writ and refer to it anytime you need something. Good bosses are out there, but there are many more bad bosses and the contract is your only defense.

1. Where exactly is the job?
Look online for maps to refer to so that you will know where you really will be living and working. Much of your happiness will depend on where you are and many ads are very carefully worded. Within Seoul, it's very easy to find subway maps online that will give you a good idea.

2. What are the working hours?
Not teaching hours. Many jobs advertise 20 teaching hours but expect you to camp out at your desk doing who knows what for the other 20 hours. And I have heard of schools that further expected you to turn up for events on a regular schedule. The Korean work ethic demands that you work a lot of hours. You don't really have to get a lot done, but you have to be on the job.

3. What is expected of you?
Find out what the actual job demands are. For some hagwon owners, "teacher" covers a lot of ground. I have found myself playing nanny, negotiator, curriculum writer and cleaning lady because I didn't ask the right questions.