Teach English in South Korea with CIEE | Includes TEFL Certification & Rent Free Housing

I'm four months into my teach abroad experience in Dongtan, South Korea. It's been an amazing experience so far, and I believe that CIEE'S program helped me to feel prepared for the challenges that come when moving countries for the first time such as culture shock and home sickness. I absolutely love the school I was placed with (a hagwon) and have loved getting to know and teaching my class. I feel that the in country support had been very strong, my only regret is not attending more events to connect with more CIEE participants. My favorite memory so far was a weekend trip to the beach with my coworkers. Coming from the US Midwest, the ability to hop on a bus for two hours and arrive at the ocean was a thrill. I'm learning so much about myself and about this beautiful culture and I wouldn't change anything about how I ended up here. I would recommend teaching abroad to anyone, especially through CIEE.

Overall, I think this was a great organization to go through to complete my year of teaching abroad. You could constantly reach out to someone for support, and everything was well-structured and well-organized so that you always knew what to expect and what you needed to do in preparation for your departure. The TEFL course itself, through CIEE, was an added benefit. For everything, in terms of cost, it was well worth the money. On site, the teacher orientation was both fun and informative, and it was great to be able to connect with other teachers in the program. Additionally, I appreciated that our on-site contact person was very friendly, open, and always available - be it through call or chat - to answer any questions we may have throughout the year. From the resources to the support, I can safely recommend this program to other people considering teaching in South Korea.

I'm about 3 months in to my job at a private school and so far I'm loving it! In general, private schools put a lot of pressure on both student and teacher performance because the parents are investing a lot of money in the school. But for me the job so far has been very low stress and a lot of fun. Korea is insanely safe, and I have never once felt uncomfortable walking alone. There's a lot to explore, and every weekend I've been able to see a new part of Seoul or take trips to different areas of Korea. I think if you ever get bored here, you're doing something wrong.
One thing I have really appreciated about CIEE is their constant and quick communication. I always felt supported and knew that I could trust them to help me move halfway across the world.

I chose CIEE for the various programs it offered. You can only apply to one program at a time. If you are do not get into the program you want, you can choose another one. I like that CIEE gives you various options and allows you to transfer your application to another program, if you do not get it. I also liked that you could choose to work at a private or public school (EPIK). I chose the EPIK option. The application thru EPIK does take time and can be nerve-racking to hear back the results. CIEE also provides a TEFL course (if you need it), a preparation course, and iNext insurance (supplemental insurance).
With EPIK you can request a location, I chose to be flexible on the location. I like the area I am in. It's a quiet town but it is close to other cities in the Jeonnam providence, that I can go to the cities on weekends.

I have been in Korea for just over 2 months now and I love it. I am glad I chose CIEE. This program has helped me a lot. Before coming here they helped me with all the questions I had and if I would be able to even come. Even after coming here they are always here for me when I have trouble with work. At first my job was not going so good but now it is. I am glad that we have support here and we are not alone. I enjoy the location that I am at. I am in a small city and I can walk everywhere. It is not huge like Seoul. I feel like I am helping a lot here cause there are not many people that speak English fluently here.

Through this program I have made awesome friends. Even though we do not live by each other we are always supporting each other. We even planned trips to travel around the country together. It is nice to have other English speaking friends in a foreign place. I will cherish the friendships I made through this program.

This has been a very good experience for me so far. I was very happy when I found out CIEE had teaching abroad programs available and that included a credible TEFL certificate. I like how CIEE has both the public school option, where they are partnered with EPIK, and a private school option. So if one doesn't work out you can have another alternative. I'm glad I chose the public school option and that it worked out!

The staff helped me a lot throughout the lengthy process. They were very quick to send emails as well as updates and answer any questions that I had. I also liked how they interviewed me beforehand so I could prepare more for the actual interview and get more practice. The staff in Korea is also great and willing to help with any issues you come across. I like how they have an on-site orientation so you can meet other teachers and ask questions regarding about teaching. It is a good way to make friends and to get tips!

I'm really grateful to CIEE for I love my job and I'm having a great time! For anyone considering teaching abroad in Korea, there are so many benefits and the kids are absolutely precious! The pay is good, housing is rent free, and you have lots of aid from coworkers as well a other English teachers. I would recommend anyone to check out this program!

I had been to South Korea before, but for staying a year and actually working a real job, I'm glad that I chose CIEE. The program is pretty pricey, but that includes a rather extensive TEFL certification, so that should be taken into account. South Korea is known for paying its English teachers very well, so even though the initial cost of CIEE's program is a lot, you can earn that money back within the first few months after you start working. In my experience, CIEE's staff is very quick to respond to questions (both when I was in the U.S. applying and now in Korea). I have a personal interest in the country, so it's been very exciting to be here as aspects of Korean culture get more popular overseas and as the North and South come to more friendly terms with one another. It's a cool front row seat to history, but with the full in-country support of CIEE to make living in a country (where you don't speak the language!) a lot less intimidating. South Korea isn't that big and has a good public transportation system, so you can travel around and get to know the country pretty well within a year and still be able to visit neighboring countries during winter or summer break.

I absolutely love Korea. I'm so glad I decided to come here with the help of CIEE. I have lived in here for about 3 months and I think I am adjusting nicely. I was able to meet a couple great friends through the orientation offered by CIEE and we have traveled around together a few times in the last couple months. The orientation helped new teachers become accustomed to the everyday life and teaching culture in Korea, which is so different than in the United States.

Before coming, CIEE offered a lot of support. I was so anxious going through the visa process, but CIEE was there every step of the way with their expertise. It made me feel so at ease. I talked with a coworker that did not come with a recruiter and she said she felt like she was drowning throughout the whole process. They help you find a placement and work with you to try and place you in an area you want to be in. Though I am not in love with my home city since it is very small, I am only 30 minutes away from Busan and one hour away from Changwon, another larger city in my province. I'm glad CIEE was there for me and offered their help! CIEE ensures you receive a fair salary and working conditions. The staff is there for you and can help you if any problems arise with your school or life in Korea. I feel comfortable living here and that I have support because of CIEE.