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

I decided to come to Korea with CIEE because I needed my transition process to be both smooth and time-efficient. I was finishing my undergrad thesis as I was preparing for Korea, and CIEE took a lot of stress and confusion out of the job search. I saved hours and hours of time on the visa alone. CIEE tells you exactly what documents you need, how and who to mail them to, and they even give you tips on how to fill the documents out. Without the pre-departure support, I likely wouldn’t have been able to start teaching so soon after graduating, which really justifies the program fee in my case. It also helped ease my mind that CIEE would be connecting me with reputable schools, and even if something did go wrong, I would still have their support after I arrived. The advisors really want you to succeed, and if you come with a positive attitude, you will!

I've enjoyed living in another country, but I don't really like the food here. Hopefully, I'll start finding more things I like to eat. My school is a nice place, and my Director and other co-workers are all very kind to me. I'm within walking distance to the school; my apartment is small, but it has everything I need. Most people in the area speak at least a little English. I've found some fun things to do nearby, but I like exploring other cities too. CIEE has been pretty helpful by doing orientations and helping me get set up here. I know I can contact them if I run into any issues, and they will help wherever they are able.
I love working with kids, especially the younger ones. They have found ways to express themselves in English that I find very creative.

I knew that I wanted to teach in S. Korea, but I wasn't sure what steps I needed to take, what forms to fill out, how to get a TEFL, how to find a school, ... (the list goes on and on). CIEE was there every step of the way, answering my questions and helping me achieve my goal. There were times while I was taking the TEFL course where it felt like I was wasting my time, and I didn't think that teaching would be for me. But thankfully, I decided to stick it through thanks to the open communication of multiple CIEE staff members and their friendliness. The day before my flight from the U.S. to S. Korea, my visa was lost in the mail. I had to track it down, frantically calling every post office I could think of. At one point, there were 2 CIEE staff members who were spending their Friday morning helping me call around, dedicated to making sure that I got on that plane the next day. We found the visa, they called me to answer any final questions I had (and to calm me down), and sure enough, here I am writing this review in my apartment in Korea! Everyone has been great, and the program made this entire process MUCH easier. It also was nice knowing that I was never alone, and there was a group of people on my team, working behind the scenes every step of the way.

I have used CIEE twice to go abroad. The first time was when I studied abroad while still a university student, and the second time is now. CIEE is a great organization that is very understanding of situations that one might have and are willing to help as much as possible. Without their help and assistance, I might not have been able to go abroad, so I’m forever grateful to them.

CIEE’s support doesn’t stop once you’re abroad, but continues in the best way possible. They give you the opportunity to create your own network of people by having orientations which allows you to meet other CIEE participants. Also, although you come through CIEE, they don’t force you to do anything. We have the freedom to make our own memories, have our own experiences, and solve our own problems. But, when you’re in a bind and really need help, CIEE is there. Just remember: CIEE is there to help, but you should still be responsible and make wise choices.

I had a positive experience with CIEE. I wanted to travel to South Korea to teach English with my girlfriend after we both graduated from college. CIEE worked with us and connected us to a school in Korea that hires couples. It was a really good fit and we’re happy CIEE helped us find something that worked for us. The orientation weekend in Seoul was a lot of fun and a great way to connect with other foreign teachers and get to see some of the capital. In general, CIEE is great at making sure you have the resources to connect with other foreigners while here in Korea. Overall, CIEE was very responsive throughout the application process, offered very helpful visa assistance, and gave us immediate in-country support when we arrived. If you want to teach abroad, CIEE can get you there.

I used CIEE to apply with the English Program in Korea (EPIK) and received help and support through what could be a long stressful application process. I applied and passed my interview in 2018 but could not accept for personal reasons. When it was time to reapply the next year, CIEE made sure I had everything I needed, and supported through the TEFL and with additional documents. I really liked their style of giving the TEFL, it was multi faceted and interesting. The orientation in Seoul was also very fun and helped me meet a lot of great people . Overall, though it was a financially a lot, It was worth having the extra security and options at hand. It really was a easy process all the way till the end. I love being in Korea and enjoy the benefits and opportunities that EPIK and CIEE gave me!

The program staff was able to place me near the location of my choice. The school they placed me at has been a great fit, and while CIEE provides most of their support during pre-departure, the school they placed me in has helped me get settled into my life and job. Commiting to teach in a foreign country seems daunting, but there will be other teachers who will help and support you along the way. CIEE does provide an in country orientation once you arrive which was a really good opportunity to meet new people. If there is any legal issues, the CIEE team will always be there to help. I highly recommend this program if you are looking for fun and a convenient way to fuel your travelling. The job is fairly easy and pays well, giving you plenty of time and resources to do the things you love.

I found CIEE by doing a bit of research on my own. I wanted to make sure I was going through a reliable organization, especially considering this is my first time living and working abroad. The people at CIEE have been so helpful, encouraging, and available to communicate with directly in the United States AND abroad. Most, if not all, people through CIEE have also experienced living and/or teaching abroad, so they are very helpful in real-world experience and application. CIEE has their own fees, but it gives you piece of mind to know you have a real person advocating for you, helping you through the visa process, and communicating with schools abroad during the application and interview process, as well. Even when I finally got to South Korea, my CIEE coordinator called me to help me find accomodations while in transition to my school location and followed up with me to ensure my safety and overall comfort. I truly recommend this to anyone thinking about teaching and living abroad as they really do care about where you end up and how you get there!