Typically as a Native English Teacher (NET) in South Korea, you can expect to teach in a specially designed 'teaching lab'. Situations vary from school to school and you may be the only native teacher or work with more than one. You will design the lessons yourself and may or may not work with a textbook - as such it is quite a challenge to make an effective ESL program but you also have a lot of freedom to teach how you like. I have taught classes of up to 50 students, but your school may decide to split the classes in half, which allows for much more affective 'conversation' teaching. You will always work with a Korean teacher in the classroom, as native teachers do not possess the Korean teaching certificate it is illegal for Native teachers to teach alone - so you will always have support with your lessons - in theory!!
Korean education is roughly divided between the public and private systems. Personally I recommend the public system if you are to experience teaching in Korea.
School life begins comparatively late in Korea - Elementary school beginning around 7-8 years old, with middle school beginning around the age of 12. The school day is typically 8.30 - 16.30 and students are divided into 'homerooms' of up to 50 students of the same gender (although most schools have both male and female students).
High School is very different. Students enter High School around the age of 15 and are subject to 3 years of strict discipline as they focus on the all important 'SAT' test at 17-8. Consequently aptitude is sacrificed in favour of an intesnive memory style learning. . producing some of the highest IQ levels amongst students anywhere in the world! Students arrive between 7.30-8 and the day ends between 21.30-22.00!
As an NET you your day begins at 8.30 or 9.00 and ends 16.30 or 17.00. For more info view this sample contract.
As time goes on I will provide some hints and tips as well as what to expect as an English Language teacher in Korea for the benefit of those who intend to come for that purpose too
Books
A guide to books I would recommend or would not, based on Korean culture, travel and language or related to living here or for teaching
Good Websites to check out
Eat Your Kimchi is a very upbeat blog and resource for new teachers! Check it out!
Korean Students
You may well be seeing up to 800 students a week!!! But don't worry its not all that intimidating, particularly when you find yourself with instant celebrity status when you arrive, and having spent over 18 months in one school, it never wares off! Generally the NET (you) represent something totally different and so students will be bowing to teachers and then probably offering gifts and jumping around when you go past. In my experience as a male teacher, girls are overly excited and are very interested in telling you just about anything! The boys take a bit more work but the lucky ace is the English Premier League - thankfully being an Everton fan the students instantly know a little about where you come from etc!
You will never have any serious problems with Korean students as you might in the UK (or back home) As an NET, you are expected to set an example of the education system of your own country and hopefully distill a two way learning process. Be as responsible a teacher as you can - and the cultural exchange should be golden for all!
