Education Related Jobs In Korea: Teachers Manager/Trainer
South Korea has put itself on the map as one of ‘the’ best destination for teaching English. However, it does have more to offer than just that. English teaching is a highly profitable and sought after business in Korea. Consequently, the education industry is huge. As a result, along with the regular teaching jobs, it offers a plethora of non-teaching jobs in human resources, trainers, content development and research etc.
If you want to work in Korea in education related field but not necessarily teach then this article might be able to help you.
Kinds Of Non-Teaching Jobs Available
Job Responsibilities
Your main role/responsibility is to develop a strong teaching culture. In order to achieve this goal you have to help teachers develop teaching ESL skills and strategies. Furthermore, you have to observe classes, provide feedback and conduct workshops for teachers. The usual focus is on core modules which include Speaking, Reading, Writing and Micro teaching.
Workplaces
Korea has several government run teacher-training institutes. These institutes focus on training teachers that are currently working for public schools and teach English as a subject. Most places want skilled native English instructors to provide teacher-training and professional development courses for in service Korean English teachers. These jobs usually deal with teaching English indirectly. So essentially, you are not required to be in a classroom teaching kids but rather teaching/ training the teachers
that teach these kids at various public and private schools. You will work mainly on English teaching methodologies, assisting teachers to develop language and teaching ESL skills. In addition, you are required to provide a wide range of teaching resources, curriculum, assessment and teaching tools etc.
Some private institutions (hagwons) may also have teacher training positions. In this case, you will be hiring/training other teachers. You will basically assist new teachers to develop ESL teaching skills. You will have to teach them basic teaching methodologies, classroom discipline strategies and help them with teaching materials and resources, evaluation format etc.
Other projects may want you to conduct workshops, assist with making/editing/proofreading English language textbooks, test materials or test based textbooks. Curriculum development may also be required.
Job Requirements
For most of these jobs you need a
degree and some Korean ability. However, some jobs need candidates who are fluent in Korean and have additional certifications in the related field.
Most jobs require a Bachelors degree or higher in Education, Applied Linguistics, English Literature etc. A related teaching certificate such as: TESOL/TEFL/CELTA etc. is preferred.
In addition, you must have strong management and leadership skills. Many places tend to choose candidates who possess strong teamwork and team building skills. Many but not all jobs, prefer prior management and teaching experience.
Documents Needed
For most jobs, the basic paperwork necessary is the same as for an E-2 visa or other valid working statuses in Korea (F-2, F-4 or F-5). You need an Apostilled Bachelors or higher Diploma/Degree and other relevant certifications. You also need an Apostilled Criminal Background Check.
How To Apply
If your visa is going to be sponsored then you should submit your RESUME / CV along with the other required/relevant documents to the institution/school you will be working for. The institute/school will submit your documents to the immigration office to start the visa process.
If you are already in Korea on a valid visa and legally qualify for a teachers trainer/manager job then you need to send your updated resume, required documents and a cover letter to the institute/school directly. You can also try contacting the institute/school offering the job directly via telephone or email to apply for a job.
Working Hours
Most jobs are between 6/8 hours a day for 5 days a week. Most workshops are 4 to 8 weeks long throughout the year with breaks periods in between. Weekly hours can be between 21~30 hours, including consultation hours with trainees.
Where To Find These Jobs
You can find these jobs online seoul.craigslist.co.kr is a good resource. Websites like Korea Job Finder and Worknplay are also good sites that posts non-teaching jobs like manager positions in Korea for foreigners.
Another option is to visit the website of the government run teacher-training institute. They usually post the current vacancies and have an option to apply online.
Yet another way is via networking. If you have friends or acquaintances who work for government organizations or public schools, they will be able to hook you up.
Visa Sponsorship
Few places offer visa sponsorship while others favor candidates already in Korea or even Korean citizens who are fluent in spoken and written English. Positions that are on a 1 year contract basis, will most certainly assist with visa sponsorship and paperwork.
Salary And Other Benefits
Salary is competitive and often times based on
experience and skills. Most places offer salary starting at 2.5~3.0million KRW. At some places, a salary of 3.5 million or higher for highly specialized workshops and courses is not unusual either. It all depends upon your qualifications, skills and experience.
Many places that offer visa sponsorship also provide similar benefits to that of an E-1/E-2 visa. Fully or semi furnished accommodations are usually provided. In some cases a housing allowance is given. Some places offer a settlement allowance and airfare as
well. In addition, certain places also give severance pay at the end of the contract period.
Are you looking to do something different and challenging as an educator and teacher? How about giving it a go! If you are an enthusiastic teacher with relevant qualifications and experience, this might just be the right fit for you.