Teaching English in Korea is the hottest ticket to living and
working abroad and here is all the information that you need to get
started. If this is your first time to Galbijim, you may be just
starting to learn about the work opportunities for teaching English
in Korea in the thriving English as a Second Language (ESL) industry in
Korea.
So, we'll take it from the top.
Background
Unlike many other countries that have abundant resources, Korea
has a knowledge-based economy. Education has been a valued
centerpiece in their society, dating back centuries. Since coming out of the
ashes of the Korean War, the industrialization of the country
has paved the way for creating an education-rich environment. And
as recently as the past 10-15 years, the Korean government has
stated broad initiatives for the country to acquire English, in
order for them to prosper in the global marketplace. These
developments have helped swing open the doors for people interested
in teaching English in Korea.
Over time, the initiatives have developed into a hotly lucrative
and competitive ESL industry. Ultra-competitive university entrance
examinations require english proficiency to be eligible to attend
the top schools. Many large Korean companies that are coveted
places to work at, such as Samsung,
Hyundai, and LG, require interviews conducted in Korean and
English. The ferociously competitive nature of English education
has developed it into one of Korea's leading domestic industries,
generating over $3 billion/year in revenues. The 'English frenzy'
has even compelled some uber-competitive mothers to have their
children undergo some small surgical enhancements to the student's tongue,
in hopes of achieving linguistic perfection. Adding to all of this,
is that English is 'fashionable' and written everywhere in Korea.
Although the industry has had its share of positives and negatives,
teaching English in Korea is here to stay, flourish, and seek out
adventurous westerners to come teach conversation to Korean
students for a year or two.
As a result of this national thirst, there are now over 5,000
English language institutes (known as 'hagwons'), a
majority of universities and colleges offering English programs,
corporate English departments, and another recent governmental
initiative to pump $51 billion into English education over the next 5
years, and have all middle schools employ at least one
native-speaking English teacher by 2010.
What does all this mean to you? Well, a lot if you are the
adventurous type who is up for teaching English in Korea and
experiencing a vibrant culture....