Teaching English in Korea (srs)

[Zwicker]

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I've been here for a month now about 20 miles from Seoul... swimming distance from North Korea. I live at the school I teach at and there is a VERY nice gym within walking distance here on campus. I couldn't ask for better (well, I could ask for a squat rack).

I'm jelly.

I'd guess that it's still a pretty big city with lots of foreigners to hang out with?

No squat rack? Then where do you place the bar between bicep curls? Hah. Thanks for the input!

[pMFparker]

the JET program looks pretty exiting. I read a blog about some guys teaching journey in 2003 and it seemed pretty awesome. my fear is that getting a job with them will be really competitive by the time i graduate.

[Zwicker]

the JET program looks pretty exiting. I read a blog about some guys teaching journey in 2003 and it seemed pretty awesome. my fear is that getting a job with them will be really competitive by the time i graduate.

JET is the Japanese program? I think that'd be equally or more exciting except I've heard the cost of living is significantly higher if that's important to you. Wont take home as much.

What's your degree? If it's not English or Education, you can easily take a TEFL course to be a better candidate.

[Zwicker]

I'm jelly.

I'd guess that it's still a pretty big city with lots of foreigners to hang out with?

No squat rack? Then where do you place the bar between bicep curls? Hah. Thanks for the input!

These

[fred2367]

Bump for more input/ stories from people who may have done this.

[mynameisuntz]

Bumping this for more input.

[lalalalakerss24]

More input

[B3AU]

great thread, i've been seriously considering moving to asia and teaching english.. most likely option being japan, anyone know what bodybuilding is like in japan, how are the gyms? the food, the tech supps etc.. i know fish and rice is meant to be cheap and great?

i lived in hong kong for over 4 years, noticed a few people in this thread mentioning wanting to move out there, it's a great place to live, lots of foreigners, mainly english, australian, south african.. busy nightlife, theres a more sleazy area to go partying with lots of strip clubs etc then a more upmarket place with the fancy bars etc... food is really cheap, i trained at a couple pretty decent gyms out there too with everything i needed.. feels good to be the biggest guy on the island too

[BasRutten]

great thread, i've been seriously considering moving to asia and teaching english.. most likely option being japan, anyone know what bodybuilding is like in japan, how are the gyms? the food, the tech supps etc.. i know fish and rice is meant to be cheap and great?

Japan is still recovering

[Bbvoncrumb]

Helpful misc is helpful. Trying to hand out measely reps.

Additional info: NOT really into Asian women; looking to pay off [small] student loan; need a gym, etc.

Forgot about N. Korea dilemma... That'd be scary, eh.

In that case, probs not Japan. No-one lifts, and a lot of Gyms don't allow foreigners (long story, not particularly racist).

[LP36]

Mom suggested this the other day, in for further research

[dtsnyder]

Bump, interesting thread. Saw another one like this the other day.

[MetaFitX23]

Just a note, if you're interested in going to Korea. Get your FBI background check ASAP. Sh*t can take UP TO 12 weeks. I had to leave the country b/c I didn't have mine (srs).

[SickJs]

Man, this seems sick. I've made it a point to travel as much as possible and always wanted to see South Korea.

[DTRrex]

Bumping this.

Always wanted to do this in Japan or S. Korea.

I appreciate those that have already responded. I graduated college with a business degree and have a good job making good money in accounting/finance but I'm ridiculously bored at work and really want to experience something new and unique before I settle down and regret not going for the rest of my life. Plus I have a huge affinity for Asian culture, food, and women.

Been doing a lot of research and while it seems like Japan is the "cooler" country to live in, for the English teaching program purposes, my research is indicating that S. Korea is incredible if you can get a job in Seoul.


I have a good friend (one of my best bros actually) and we want to do this together. We don't necessarily have to work at the same place but it would be cool if we could arrange something where we work in the same city or can share an apartment together. Is this possible through a buddy-system or something?

[astrolic]

Bump....will be teaching n Seoul hopefully by January

[StupidWheels]

i dunno man, japan seems like a better spot if you trying to get them asians. Not to mention you have a slightly smaller chance of getting blown to **** when north decides to go bat**** insane on the south.

LMAO STRONG, STRONG predictions for the near future

[Bodybuilding191]

Get your teaching degree bro

[Tormoz]

So is a BA or BS required? Every site I've been to states it as a requirement.

[codefreeze]

Bump. There was a larger thread but I cannot find it; would appreciate a link. (EDIT: right here https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...hp?t=135582391)

In any case, are there more-current brahs who would like to share their experience? Hoping to join you this Fall, although perhaps not in Korea.

[quadfecta]

I would not do it personally. Work you like a dog with the mandatory overtime that I’m not sure they pay you for, and the base salary is barely enough to live off of. But if teaching is your passion and you’re a weaboo who wants to live in an asian country then I guess it’s nice since they cover a lot of your living expenses

[TapWater]

I'm currently working as an English teacher in Japan, I'll provide what insight I can from my own experience. The company I work for is Peppy Kid's Club. Salary is 240,000 yen a month. After rent and job required transportation costs I have about 180,000 left a month, around 1700 USD. From talking to other teachers here, Peppy is among one of the more reputable companies to work for.

Work life: Average 3-4 one hour lessons a day, five days a week. It's an after school English class, so hours are anytime from 3:45 - 9:45. The schools are each just one classroom, and with 1 teacher, so 95% of the time its just me with the kids. Super chill. Including lesson prep and cleanup, expect around 5-6 hour days, so around 25-30 hours a week. Once you get into the swing of things that is. In the beginning it's a lot more as there's 16 different curriculum's to learn for the kids ages 1-17. Also commute's to the school's are about 45 minutes each way.

Getting the job: just need any sort of 4 year degree. Don't be weird and you'll get the job. They have maybe an average of 15 new employees every month, so lots of openings. Visa process takes three months, once you have it it lasts for 3 years. Some people get the visa, get to Japan and just **** off somewhere. Interview was a simple grammar test plus a short 5 minute lesson demo. Again, just don't be a weird kunt and you'll be fine.

Location: Major downside. For peppy I didn't get to pick, they just ship you wherever they need you. But finding another English teaching job once your in Japan with a visa isn't difficult so you can always just do that.

[codefreeze]

I'm currently working as an English teacher in Japan, I'll provide what insight I can from my own experience. The company I work for is Peppy Kid's Club. Salary is 240,000 yen a month. After rent and job required transportation costs I have about 180,000 left a month, around 1700 USD. From talking to other teachers here, Peppy is among one of the more reputable companies to work for.

Work life: Average 3-4 one hour lessons a day, five days a week. It's an after school English class, so hours are anytime from 3:45 - 9:45. The schools are each just one classroom, and with 1 teacher, so 95% of the time its just me with the kids. Super chill. Including lesson prep and cleanup, expect around 5-6 hour days, so around 25-30 hours a week. Once you get into the swing of things that is. In the beginning it's a lot more as there's 16 different curriculum's to learn for the kids ages 1-17. Also commute's to the school's are about 45 minutes each way.

Getting the job: just need any sort of 4 year degree. Don't be weird and you'll get the job. They have maybe an average of 15 new employees every month, so lots of openings. Visa process takes three months, once you have it it lasts for 3 years. Some people get the visa, get to Japan and just **** off somewhere. Interview was a simple grammar test plus a short 5 minute lesson demo. Again, just don't be a weird kunt and you'll be fine.

Location: Major downside. For peppy I didn't get to pick, they just ship you wherever they need you. But finding another English teaching job once your in Japan with a visa isn't difficult so you can always just do that.

Repped + PM'd, good ****

[Tormoz]

I'm currently working as an English teacher in Japan, I'll provide what insight I can from my own experience. The company I work for is Peppy Kid's Club. Salary is 240,000 yen a month. After rent and job required transportation costs I have about 180,000 left a month, around 1700 USD. From talking to other teachers here, Peppy is among one of the more reputable companies to work for.

Work life: Average 3-4 one hour lessons a day, five days a week. It's an after school English class, so hours are anytime from 3:45 - 9:45. The schools are each just one classroom, and with 1 teacher, so 95% of the time its just me with the kids. Super chill. Including lesson prep and cleanup, expect around 5-6 hour days, so around 25-30 hours a week. Once you get into the swing of things that is. In the beginning it's a lot more as there's 16 different curriculum's to learn for the kids ages 1-17. Also commute's to the school's are about 45 minutes each way.

Getting the job: just need any sort of 4 year degree. Don't be weird and you'll get the job. They have maybe an average of 15 new employees every month, so lots of openings. Visa process takes three months, once you have it it lasts for 3 years. Some people get the visa, get to Japan and just **** off somewhere. Interview was a simple grammar test plus a short 5 minute lesson demo. Again, just don't be a weird kunt and you'll be fine.

Location: Major downside. For peppy I didn't get to pick, they just ship you wherever they need you. But finding another English teaching job once your in Japan with a visa isn't difficult so you can always just do that.

Friend is currently there as well and says the cost of living is a bit expensive. Food costs more, and good luck buying a car. But its still something I want to try in life!

[Gayle1]

One of my few regrets is not finishing my teaching degree