We've taken the time to write out the most commonly asked questions regarding coming to Korea to teach English. Please read through our FAQ and if you still have a burning question in your mind, add it!

Q: Will I be able to find X in Korea?

A: Well, it depends largely on your favorite brands, but, for the most part, yes. Korea is very modern and you can find pretty much all the same comforts from home, but you will have to do some searching. Please read our section on "What to Bring" in the Living section of our information website.

Q: I am interested in WorknPlay Consulting's services, how much does it cost?

A: All of our services are provided at absolutely NO COST to you. Actually, you should be highly suspicious of anybody asking fees of you. Especially beware of anybody trying to take a percentage of your salary. Native English teachers are in such high demand in Korea, that recruiters receive their full fees from the schools. The only reason a recruiter would have to charge a fee from you would be purely greed. The down side of this is that many recruiters care more about their big 'clients' than about the teachers.

In our case, however, we have established a reputation for quality unmatched in the industry and are able to receive our fees from the schools and still be able to advocate for the best interests of the teachers. Many schools out there want to work with us, enabling us to operate on our own terms.

Q: What vaccinations do I need to come to Korea?

A: There is a set of recommended vaccinations for those traveling to Korea for long periods of time. However, remember that Korea is a modern, industrialized nation with first-rate medical care. It is pretty much up to you, but if something is way too expensive for you, or the series requires a follow-up shot in three months, well. Let's just say that we've never heard of anybody living in a city coming down with Malaria, Yellow Fever, or Japanese Encephalitis. If you'll be living in rural areas or plan to spend significant time on farmland in certain regions, then maybe go the extra mile. Otherwise just get what you can afford/have time for.

Disclaimer: This should not be seen as medical advice. Rather, we are relating to you what the conventional wisdom among the native English teacher community in Korea seems to be on this topic.

Q: What if I have a horrible boss, the apartment is terrible, I get sick, and want to go home?

A: Breaking your contract is serious business, but at the same time, you're not signing your life away. There are always options. Everybody goes through an initial adjustment period and it is difficult to find a person that has not seriously wondered if they've made a huge mistake in coming here.

If it's cultural/emotional, let us know about it. We can help you deal with a lot of problems and can even guide you in finding professional help if need be. If something is seriously wrong at your school, you don't have to just leave in the middle of the night! You can talk to your school about your situation, and you can always talk to us.

If things are absolutely unbearable and you just can't take it, follow the terms in your contract. Give the required notice and try to leave on the best terms possible. It is possible to get a different job in Korea, but there is a lot of paperwork and procedures that must be done. If you leave before six months, you will usually need to refund the school for your airfare.

That being said, if there is something criminal going on at your school, or you feel in physical danger (extremely rare), of course you should never stay in that situation and immediately go to the police, labor board, immigration, etc. If you're not sure what to do, it's better to be safe than sorry, but you can always call us for advice as well.

Q: I've heard that I can make a lot of extra money doing work on the side. Is this true?

A: Well, just because you are physically able to do something doesn't always mean it's a good idea. We cannot recommend taking on private tutoring or other part time work unless it is cleared by your school as well as the Immigration Office. However, realistically speaking, it is done quite a bit and the risk is relatively low. It is not wise to count on this money though, as it may be more difficult to develop the necessary contacts than you think. Most such arrangements are 'lucked' into. If you decide to do it, exercise discretion both in the students you take on and the people with whom you discuss it.

Q: But seriously, I've never taught before. I'm not sure I can do this.

A: If the thought of public speaking terrifies you, you have zero social skills, and you do not know how to use an Internet search engine, then you may be in trouble. Barring those extremes, though, you will probably do just fine after the first few days. Many people have been quite surprised by just how well they take to the work and some even decide to make their career out of it. If you have the study and research skills, and self-discipline it takes to earn a college degree, then you certainly have the inner resources you'll need to teach English in Korea.

If you're seriously worried about this, then it may be best to work in a private institute (Hagwon) for your first job where your classes will be much smaller than in public schools, your curriculum is planned in advance for you, and all you have to do is walk in, read over the lesson, and get to work. There are some very good Hagwons out there with established curriculums, which are a great place for new teachers to cut their teeth.

However, it is true that teaching isn't for everybody. If you truly don't like kids, then you really shouldn't teach in Korea unless you know your job is teaching adults. If you have problems such as depression and anxiety, then you should have a conversation with your healthcare provider about how well you could cope. Living in a foreign country is stressful. Starting a new job is stressful. Being away from family and having to make a whole new set of friends is very stressful. All these stressors going on inside of you can really wear you down if you don't have some ways of coping. The good news is that you will most likely be able to find all your needed medications. Also there are English-speaking and western-trained counselors, therapists, and Priests of any number of denominations that can help you deal with hard times. You will have to do some research though. Once again, we can help you with the research.

Q: I hate my life! My girlfriend dumped me, I got fired from my job, and my parents are on my case. I'm ready to leave today for my new life in Korea where everything will be much better!

A: Sounds like you have a lot going on. Are you sure that you're going to be any happier living in a foreign country? Seriously think about the reasons you want to do this. A change in scenery is just a temporary fix. When you make a rash decision because you're running away from something, usually whatever it is will catch up to you in the end.

On the other hand, if you feel like you need to get some perspective on life, are bored with the "same 'ole same 'ole," and you're ready for an adventure, well, come on over!

Q: How is Korea compared to Japan?

A: Korea and Japan are remarkably different. Specifically in terms of teaching English, Korea seems to have a lower cost of living and teachers that come to Korea can usually save more money and/or have more money for travel, joining a gym, etc.

Korea definitely has a lot to offer in terms of its own unique culture, art, and people, it's just not as well-known as Japan and China. There is a treasure trove of information on Korea out there. A good place to start is with our own 'information' pages.

Q: Do I have to send my original diploma to Korea?

A: Well, basically, no. Sending a certified (by a Korean consulate) copy is the other option. While it is possible to have a copy of your degree certified by the Korean consulate in your home country, most do not find this to be practical. Whether or not this is an option for you largely depends on where you live. For example, if you live in Wichita, Kansas, USA, then you have to make it to Chicago or Dallas to visit the nearest consulate. It may be possible to take care of it through the mail, again, if you have time, but you will have to check with your own consulate to find out.

As you can see, it can be quite a hassle. That's why most teachers find it much easier to just pay a reputable courier service to send their original diploma to Korea. There are very rarely complications, and since you don't need to have it physically with you to enter Korea, we will have it waiting for you when you arrive.

Q: Who pays for my flights?

A: In most cases you will need to pay for your flight ahead of time and the school will reimburse you after your arrival. This is pretty much the standard for Public Schools and some Hagwons. There are still some Hagwons that will purchase your ticket for you in advance, but this seems to be becoming rare.

Q: What is the best time of year for getting a teaching job in Korea?

A: You can find work in Korea year-round. However, there are primary hiring seasons for public schools. These are January/February and July/August. If you want to come at an off-peak time, there's nothing stopping you, and you could quite likely find a Public School job, but if you come during one of the primary hiring seasons you'll be able to be a bit more selective.

Q: My friend/spouse and I want to teach together. Is it possible to find work together?

A: Basically, yes. But be aware that you may have to make certain compromises, or else allow yourself more time to find the right opportunity. In the end, you might not get your preferred location. If you can live with that, then Korea is waiting for you with open arms.

Q: How do I use my vacation time and holidays?

A: You won't be able to just take your vacation time whenever you please. Most likely, you will be able to arrange for one week in the winter and one week in the summer.

You can expect for Public Schools to offer a few more holidays off than Hagwons, though no matter where you work you'll definitely get Christmas Day off, and nearly a week at Chusok, the fall harvest festival, which is Korea's biggest holiday of the year (closely resembling 'Thanksgiving Day' in the U.S. or Canada).