I have been receiving Emails and messages from fellow Pinoys inquiring about job openings in Korea, particularly on teaching. Although I am working (legally) as an ESL teacher in an academy and there have been many Filipinos working as English teachers in SK, let me tell you that it’s not that easy for a Filipino or any non-native English speaker to find a teaching job here LEGALLY, if you’re not a holder of F2-1 visa (spousal visa) or f-5 visa (permanent residence visa), or if you’re not a naturalized Korean citizen. One of the requirements for teaching English in Korea is that you MUST have citizenship and a valid passport from one of the following English speaking countries: Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa or United States.
When I was looking for a job, I have experienced being rejected many times just because I’m NOT A NATIVE SPEAKER, and according to some wonjangnims (directors/owners of academies), it is ILLEGAL for a NON-NATIVE SPEAKER or a FILIPINO to teach in Korea, which is not entirely true. As I have said, F2-1 VISA HOLDERS can teach English LEGALLY in Korea. My husband and I even asked the Korean Immigration Office about this, and an official said that as long as you’re holding an f2-1 or f-5 visa, or if you have already acquired Korean citizenship, you can work LEGALLY anywhere in Korea. I guess most hagwons just don’t want to hire Filipino teachers because of that common misconception about Filipino English accent. Although there are so many Filipino teachers who can speak English LIKE A NATIVE SPEAKER and who are more experienced and dedicated educators, we have to accept the fact that SOME Koreans have prejudice against Filipino teachers, and most wonjangnims would rather hire a native speaker or someone who looks “like a native speaker”. (Hopefully, this will soon change.) An academy where I used to work part-time hired a Russian, who could barely speak English, to teach English. She was hired because she has Caucasian features. I was hired to assist her in class. I was asked to pretend I was a Kyopo (a Korean born and raised in an English-speaking country). After all, I don’t look like a Filipina, and my features are more similar to a Korean. Besides, I don’t sound Filipino when I speak English, so it was easy to make the students, my co-teachers (other than my wonjangnim and supervisor), and parents (of the students) believe I was a Kyopo… but my heart was screaming, and everyday I was asking myself why I had to feign my identity like that. I couldn’t take the lying so I decided to quit. My wonjangnim didn’t want to let me go and was offering me a regular teaching job and a higher salary, but my skills and years of experience as an EDUCATOR are too good for an academy that is more of a business than a place of learning. Most of all, I didn’t favor the lying.
I’m not trying to sound pessimistic here… I just want my fellow Filipinos to realize that Korea is not the place for Filipino teachers who want to find great teaching opportunities, unless you’re already in Korea and you register as a private tutor or you attain the visas I have mentioned earlier. I’m just fortunate to be able to find a wonjangnim who has seen my potential as an efficient and effective educator, but before finding the right job, I had to go to many academies and submit my resume personally. There are other Filipino teachers in Korea, but like me, most of them have lived here before applying for a teaching job. If you are currently in the Philippines, most likely, you will not find an academy that would be willing to spend for your ticket and board and lodging once you are in Korea, some of the benefits that only E-1 or E-2 visa holders (legal working visas for native English speakers) can enjoy.
Try looking for teaching jobs in neighboring countries such as China and Singapore where Filipino English teachers are in high demand. I have friends working in China and Singapore and they have been working there as English teachers for some years now. The Middle East like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, as well as Western countries like the United States and New Zealand are hiring competent teachers and instructors from the Philippines. (For more information, refer to OFW Guide.) Recently, Japan and Canada have offered more teaching jobs to Filipino teachers. One of my university classmates, a fellow writer and debater, is now teaching in Canada. Working conditions are more than satisfactory and she was even able to take her family to Canada.
If you are seeking a teaching position abroad, here are three of the most reliable sites I know that might help you: filjobsempire.com, workoverseas.com.ph and workabroad.ph.
There are also job openings for Filipinos in South Korea, mostly technical and engineering.
Good luck on finding the right job for you, kabayan! ^^
Once you’ve found the job abroad that you have been wanting to have, show them the great potential of a Filipino professional or Filipino worker. MAKE YOURSELF AND YOUR COUNTRY PROUD by doing your job well. ^^v
Related articles
- What I Miss in Pinas (chrissantosra.wordpress.com)
- First Things I Have Learned from Teaching Korean Students (chrissantosra.wordpress.com)
- Don’t Make These 7 Mistakes Teaching English Abroad (tripbase.com)
- Prospective English Teachers Can Now Work as English Language Assistants in France or Morocco Upon Completion of the TEFL Certificate Program (prweb.com)
- Those Who Wish to Become English Teachers Can Soon Gain TESOL/TEFL Certification at The Language House’s Newest Location in Nice, France (prweb.com)
- English Teaching Jobs in Turkey (englishjobsturkey.wordpress.com)
- Local needs and local resources in teaching English (neltachoutari.wordpress.com)
- A Risk Worth Taking (shawniabroad.wordpress.com)
- Classroom Etiquette (sophisticatedfinance.typepad.com)
- Korea or Bust: Part I (travelingenglishteacher.wordpress.com)
From Korea with Love 
August 31, 2020 at 6:24 am
I’m sorry to be so direct, but I think many Filipinos overestimate their level of English. Let me say it in another way. While many Filipinos undoubtedly speak English well, few have the level of a native speaker. Sentence structure, grammar, pronunciation and word usage are often quite different. At the same time, I have heard many who speak English with an accent that is similar to the American.
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September 16, 2018 at 12:06 pm
Try applying for a part-time teaching job or an after-school program. If it’s a regular teaching job you want, you may have a hard time looking for one, because the Ministry of Education hires native teachers abroad. I’m currently working in a public school in Seoul, but not as a regular teacher. I was hired by the city (mayor), not the MOE to teach regular English subject (not after-school). I found the job OL, submitted my resume, was interviewed, did a demo; then got hired and signed a contract… (same procedure we all go through when we apply for a teaching job). I’ve been teaching in this public school for three years and it’s a breeze.
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September 15, 2018 at 9:49 pm
hello there, i have been living in korea for 3 years now and currently working in a hagwon. i’m fortunate enough to find this hagwon but i’m also dreaming of becoming a public teacher here..i’m an f6 visa holder.do u have any idea how to be a public school teacher in korea? i would appreciate ur reply..thank you
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March 28, 2017 at 3:44 am
I don’t get it. They don’t want to hire filipino english teacher in Korea. But, majority of Koreans go to Philippines just to learn English. What’s the difference tho?
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February 8, 2017 at 5:06 am
This blog post is very helpful and straight forward. Thanks 🙂
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December 2, 2016 at 3:03 am
I would like to know how to contact Filipino to teach in our school. I am in Chuncheon.
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September 11, 2016 at 8:23 am
Do you know where or best resources to look for a filipino caregiver, possibly live-in, for an elderly in korea?
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September 11, 2016 at 4:26 am
Mga racist pala mga yan. Nakakainis.
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August 16, 2016 at 8:15 am
Keep trying. We’re Kaya University in Korea and we’re thinking of hiring Filipino Instructors.
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November 13, 2015 at 7:16 am
Teacher is the most noble profession which helps students in elementary and high school a lot of ideas, traditions, culture and learning in different areas of subject that’s includes in the current curriculum of the particular school/country. I am taking Bachelor in Elementary Education major in elementary education, which means I am capable to teach elementary pupils. I am now a fourth year student here in the Philippines and after graduating in college I want to teach Korean public school in South Korea. But when I read an article here I was a bit of dismayed because according to some wonjangnims (directors/owners of academies), it is ILLEGAL for a NON-NATIVE SPEAKER or a FILIPINO to teach in Korea, which is not entirely true. I have a sort of question, why native Filipino’s can’t teach KS if they are capable in speaking and teaching English? but I am still hoping and praying that this kind of protocol will be change. And if not, then I will try to look other neighboring country for me to teach public or private schools. I hope this will be answered anybody here. Thank you so much and I’m gonna wait for the suggestions here.
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August 6, 2015 at 12:58 pm
hai po im pauleen bedis po need po namin ng friend ko ng trabaho jan xa korea…
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June 30, 2015 at 5:22 am
Hi po tnong ko lng kung may mkukuha po akong trabaho sa korea khit na may tattoo ako na d ko po kya tkpan nsa hand and arm ko po kse im only 18 yrs old turning 19 this august posible po ba na matanggap pa rin ako sa trabaho sa korea
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June 4, 2015 at 11:15 pm
Hi..hello….. Puwde po ba ako mag work jan sa Korea..but I’m 39 yes old…nag work ako ngaun dto sa Hongkong..single mother po ako. Baka puwde po ninyo ako. Matulongan.slam at po
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May 20, 2015 at 2:40 am
seriously I’ve been so disappointed by this.I’m a sixteen years old filipino citizen and I’m gonna be a college student days from now. I really want to work at korea as an english teacher but seems like it’s hard. I’m asking of there are possible jobs after I graduate with the course ( BSIT ) or bachelor of science in Information technology. I guess it would be hard since I don’t know how to speak Hangul but I desperately need work at seoul. I hope you’re gonna help me . Thank you. You could also call me by this number +639460109457 . Gomawohyu
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March 20, 2015 at 9:14 am
Hello. My brother-in-law is searching for 2 filipina entertainers with a working/spouse/permanent residence visa in byeollae area. 20-30 y/o.
Working hours: 7pm-2am. Salary: 1,250,000 won. With pleasing personality, playful and cheerful. Email your picture if you are interested.
Thanks.
You may contact me at: 070-8272-4002
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December 27, 2014 at 3:31 pm
hi po mam, ako po ay 16 yrs old pa lamang at graduating na po sa high school,nagbabalak po ako na kumuha ng BSE major in english po, dahil po sa na basa ko sa inyong blog ay na disappoint po ako sa na laman ko tungkol sa mga non native english speaker tulad nating mga pilipino..pero hindi po ako nawawalan ng pag asa,gusto ko lng po sanang e share sa inyo ang plano ko po pagkatapos ng college upang makapagtrabaho sa korea dahil gustong gusto ko po talagang magtrabaho dyan..ito po ang plano ko,pagkatapos ko pong magtapos ay mag aaply ako sa mga school na naghahire ng mga newly grad. para po ito sa experience sa pagtuturo..habang akoy nagtratrabaho ay kukuha po ako ng LET..at tsaka po magaaply sa new zealand o canada upang makakuha ng c itizenship..pagkatapos po ng contrata ko po ay magaaply na po ako sa korea..dahil nabanggit nyo po kasi sa post nyo na mas madali na makapagturo sa SK kng may US citizenship ka na..gusto ko lng po sanang itanong ang inyong opinion tungkol sa aking plano at kng maaari po ay pwede rin kayong magdagdag ng mga paraan na makakatulong sa akin..fulfillment ko po ang makapagturo dyan sa korea.. maraming salamat po 🙂
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November 21, 2014 at 5:28 am
It’s genuinely very difficult to find a teaching job for Asian teachers in Korea, because Korean people are racists. Koreans think Asian people are no good.
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June 8, 2014 at 3:37 am
Sis I have a question. What are the chances of me getting a teaching job in S. Korea? I have a Bachelor’s Degree from the Philippines and a Master’s Degree here in the US. I have a US passport as well. I have dual-citizenship. My husband is American and we wanted to teach in different countries but I am somewhat worried that I would not be able to get anything because of my Filipino descent. I have heard some successful and not so successful stories from Fil-Ams that have been teaching in S. K.
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May 11, 2014 at 8:39 am
Ganun po ba?? (Sigh) sana po payagan na nila mga pinoy teachers na makapagturo sa SK.
thanks po for answering my questions po and have a good day. ^-^
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May 11, 2014 at 8:35 am
As far as I know ung mga nabanggit kong visas ang usually kinukuha to be able to teach here. Ang iba they get tourist visa and then they teach here for a month, 2 or 3 months… but that is illegal, kahit pa meron ka kakilala na Korean na kukuha sayo to teach. Tell your friend or the one hiring you to call the Korean embassy and ask them what visa you can apply for para makapagturo sa academy nila. Anyway, may sponsor ka naman, sabi mo someone is hiring you. He/she has to help you out.
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May 11, 2014 at 8:18 am
Im still here in the philippines pa po. I heard also about that po na sa american, canadians, etc lang po ang binibigyan nila ng e2 visa. Wala na po bang ibang visa na pwde ko pong kunin. Pasensya na po talaga sa mga question ko, wala na po talaga akong mapagtatanongan eh.
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May 11, 2014 at 8:02 am
Hi! Are you in Korea? Anong visa meron ka ngayon? Kung student visa ang hawak mo, ang alam ko you can teach “part-time”, but you need to get a letter of permission from your professor. Ang ibang academies like where I worked before, we hired a Filipina teacher who had a missionary visa and she worked part-time as well. Kung nasa Pilipinas ka, mahihirapan kang kumuha ng visa for teaching, kasi ang E2 ang legal na teaching visa. Binibigay lang ito sa mga native speakers of English.
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May 11, 2014 at 6:35 am
Hi po! Tanong ko lang po kung anong visa po ba ang pwde kung kunin kasi po natanggap na po kasi ako sa isang academy sa SK at ang problema po ang visa nalang kasi they dont give e2 visas for filipinos. Hope to hear from you sokn po. Thanks
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April 23, 2014 at 2:34 am
Hi to all.gusto ko sana mag apply ulet sa korea pero legal pwede pa kaya kahit nag tnt ako ng 1yr halos at umuwi ako noong 2009.ex hubby ko ay korean taga yangsan kami
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March 30, 2014 at 6:48 pm
Journalists needed to report soccer matches in South Korea
We are seeking for freelance/professional journalists who like to work by watching soccer matches being inside the stadium and doing a 90-mins reporting job in the evenings or weekends (i.e. Saturday or Sunday). A considerable salary is paid for each match you report!
We need people who are located in the following cities (or near them):
Mokpo, Pohang, Seogwipo, Chuncheon, Daegu, Jeonju, Daejeon, Gangneung, Sangju
Kind of the job:
Giving simple information about the match you attend (e.g. corner kicks, penalties, cards, goals scored etc.), by talking in your cell phone in English. You are not expected to report like a Radio/TV commentator. You just report the match by using some simple keywords (e.g. “home team scores a goal”, “away team is attacking”, etc.). You pay NOTHING for the phone call.
Reporter’s qualifications:
• Availability to attend soccer matches inside the stadium in the evenings or weekends (or both).
• Ability to communicate in English at basic level.
• Experience in attending soccer matches (familiarized with soccer).
• Good and quick perception of what is happening in the field.
• Being reliable, honest and punctual.
Reporters usually cover either home matches of local soccer clubs or home matches of national soccer team depending on the city/country they live.
Even if you are already employed or have any other commitment but you would like to participate, then you can also apply! You are not obligated to follow all home matches of a team! You can just attend those matches you are available for.
If you are interested to take part in the project of reporting matches, contact us:
info@sport-view.com
Exact details will be given to you about how the job is done, as well as financial terms and payment process.
** People who generally go to the stadium and attend soccer matches of their favourite local team, are accepted and can also apply! Students who are responsible and seeking for a part time job are also accepted.
Waiting your feedback!
Sport-view team
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March 26, 2014 at 12:23 am
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems
of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of completely unique content
I’ve either written myself or outsourced but
it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization.
Do you know any methods to help reduce content from being ripped
off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
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March 19, 2014 at 3:10 pm
Hello po.Im currently a second year college student taking up BSEd Major in Eglish.And I am planning my career na po as an English teacher,and I really want to work there in South Korea.
I was really inspired po from your post,pero wala po ba talagang opportunity ang mga Filipino teachers jan sa SK kahit na they are more qualified than those who belong in native English speaking countries?
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February 7, 2014 at 1:28 pm
HI WOULD YOU HELP ME FIND A JOB IN KOREA? I USED TO HAVE AN ALIEN CARD IN KOREA AND I WANNA WORK IN KOREA NOW THAT I AM AN ADULT. THANK YOU! PLEASE REPLY! THANK YOU!
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January 13, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Hello po…i have this korean friend who is asking me if i could teach english in her academy. We met in Baguio Philippines she was a student then and i was her tutor. Im working now here korea with an e9 visa gusto ko po sana itanung gaano katagal ung student visa mgamit sakali mag palit ako.. is it only really for 90 days?
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January 10, 2014 at 3:58 pm
Hmm. Actually, before I set foot here in Korea, I also thought it was easy to get a job… however, it isn’t. I got a job 5 months after I came here… others are hopping from one hagwon to another coz of work conditions while others are still searching (jobless ika nga)… ung iba kahit may f4 visa (spousal visa) mahirap parin makakuha ng job.. E2 (teaching visa) is only granted to native speakers tlaga… pwede ka student visa pro it’s costly kase gagastos ka sa tuition (part time teaching lng.. not that big rate) and it’ll only be for the duration of your course…
And isa pa nga pala, 2.4 million won is a very rare salary here especially if hindi native speakers. May iba ngang native speakers who earn so much lower than that. =( hindi din po ganyan kalaki salary ko dito sa hagwon.. aigooo hehe
Moreover, d mo na kelangan magsurgery.. super gastos un and makikita din naman sa credentials mo that you’re a Filipino. Just be proud to be one =) just bring your teaching career to a place more suitable and a place that can accept our race ☆ a lot of Filipinos shine in other countries and those countries can have a cool fashion too.
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January 10, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Hello I’m taking up Bachelor of Arts Major in English 1st year plang ako . and i’m thinking that after this bachelor’s degree i will also get my Master’s then im planning to teach in Korea but i still don’t know if im compatible to teach English there. can you please give me an advice. Thank you i”m really interested on this Blog it helps 🙂 god bless
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January 1, 2014 at 12:41 pm
hindi ko alam bakit pinagsisiksikan ng mga koreano na mag aral sila dito sa Pilipinas ngaun at ganyan ang trato nila sa mga PilipinoTeachers sa Korea, sige sabihin na natin financial wise, mas mura ang edukasyon dito sa Pilipinas at kaya kung saan saang probinsya nagkalat at nagsisiksik ang mga koreanong yan. (dito lang sa malolos bulakan nagkalat) dapat bigayan, alam ng mga Koreanong yan na dito sa Pilipinas maganda mag aral at malugod silang tinatanggap rito, e dapat mag bigay rin sila ng pagkakataon at pantay na trato sa mga Pilipino doon na gustong mag trabaho roon lalo teacher. kamangmangan kung magpupumilit pang pumunta roon at magturo, mga taong ngaun ngaun lang namulat sa kabihasnan ang lakas sa diskriminasyon.pasensya na diko gusto mang away pero diko lang mapigilan ang nabasa
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January 1, 2014 at 12:33 pm
hindi ko alam bakit pinagsisiksikan ng mga koreano na mag aral sila dito sa Pilipinas ngaun at ganyan ang trato nila sa mga PilipinoTeachers sa Korea, sige sabihin na natin financial wise, mas mura ang edukasyon dito sa Pilipinas at kaya kung saan saang probinsya nagkalat at nagsisiksik ang mga koreanong yan. (dito lang sa malolos bulakan nagkalat) dapat bigayan, alam ng mga Koreanong yan na dito sa Pilipinas maganda mag aral at malugod silang tinatanggap rito, e dapat mag bigay rin sila ng pagkakataon at pantay na trato sa mga Pilipino doon na gustong mag trabaho roon lalo teacher. kamangmangan kung magpupumilit pang pumunta roon at magturo, mga taong ngaun ngaun lang namulat sa kabihasnan ang lakas sa diskriminasyon.pasensya na diko gusto mang away pero diko lang mapigilan ang nabasa
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November 14, 2013 at 4:07 pm
Hello Kababayans! I’m asking for your help if you know any Korean students interested in learning English here in the Philippines, particularly Baguio City po. I posted an ad on this blog if it’s okay with the admin. Particularly for those interested in freelance marketing. Please feel free to send me a message on my facebook account http://www.facebook.com/jehanabdelkawi regarding the commission for freelance marketers. Salamat po. Hope to hear from you soon =)
“Calling all marketing agents. The New Found Hope English Academy (NFHEA) of Baguio City is now accepting foreign students for the upcoming English as a Second Language winter camp. All interested marketing staff and students may send their inquiries to nfhea_esl@yahoo.com.
For more information you may visit http://www.nfhea-esl.com
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October 31, 2013 at 6:07 pm
Hi! I’ve got a question that i need to ask you regarding working in Korea.
I have a student and this student of mine wants me to go to Korea and to teach her and her father English. She told me that her father is a businessman and he can write a letter of invitation and or make a contract that he would be hiring me.
My question is: Is it possible for me to teach them in a privately? and if so will i be able to stay in Korea for atleast a year? What type of Visa would i need in this case?
Thank you so much.
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October 22, 2013 at 6:25 am
Hello sa lahat..
May alam ba kayo na direct hiring for a caregiver sa SK or any nursing jobs? Mostly kasi nagha-hire sila ng english teachers diba… Wala bang opportunity ang nasa medical field para SK? Just wanna some details.. TY and God bless you all.. ^_^
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October 17, 2013 at 3:42 am
sorry for the out of topic. im looking for a filipino who can speak korean. he/ she will be working in Makati City Philippines.
We have a client here in Makati looking for this kind of qualification
If you know someone or if you are interested, please let me know
Thank you for your understanding.
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October 10, 2013 at 1:53 am
Hi, Jineh. Ang E2 visa kasi binibigay lang sa mga native speakers. Pwede kang mag-aral sa Korea at magturo dito part-time (with the permission of one of your professors). In that case, student visa ang kukunin mo. Meron din visa na binibigay sa mga missionaries, and karamihan sa kanila nakakapagturo dito sa Korea, but this kind of visa requires you to be a member of a certain church and be a foreign missionary.
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October 10, 2013 at 1:44 am
Try mo workabroad.ph… http://www.workabroad.ph/list_specific_jobs.php?by_what=specialization&id=41&page=1… maraming job openings abroad, especially teaching, sa site na ito. Good luck sayo, and sana wag mong sayangin ang pagiging teacher mo and eventually find the right job for you.
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October 10, 2013 at 1:40 am
Hi, Cristine. Sorry ha, matanong ko lang. Nakatapos ka, bakit gugustuhin mong magtrabaho bilang factory worker sa Korea? Wala naman masama sa pagiging factory woker, pero sayang ang natapos mong kurso kung hindi mo gagamitin para sa ikauunlad mo. Pwede naman mag-apply ka bilang guro sa ibang bansa tulad sa China, Singapore or Middle East. Doon mas open sila sa pag-hire ng teachers from the Philippines.
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October 5, 2013 at 2:33 pm
hello po,,im a teacher graduate 4years,,pero mas gusto ko po muna mag try ng factory worker may alam po ba kau kung san pwede makapag apply???aside sa poea at kylangan mag exam at mag take ng klt??mtagal kasi ang process ng klt exam papuntang korea,hindi sana ako advise baka may alam po kaung pwedeng aplayan for manufacturing,,willing napo ako mag abroad ngaun habang may pera pang gagamitin hehe,,salamat po
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September 15, 2013 at 1:44 am
It’s like you learn my thoughts! You appear to know so
much. This is a fantastic blog. A fantastic
read.
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August 26, 2013 at 4:38 am
Hello po.I just need some advice.I’ve been teaching as an EFL teacher po dito sa Philippines for 3 years. may gusto pong magsponsor sakin from s.korea na magturo dun pero dahil nga po hindi applicable and e2 visa for me, hindi po namin yun maprocess…may iba pa po bang option to get a work permit? Thank you po.
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July 28, 2013 at 3:04 am
Hello Ms. theresa, I’m delaney, It;s been years already since I started to look for a teaching job in South Korea, unfortunately I can’t land even one… but your post gave a little hope in my heart.. i will immediately send you my updated resume… hope you can help me! a lot of thanks.
by the way I am currently teaching in a public school here in the Philippines for almost 3 years already and also 6 years in a private school. Im also taking up my masters ( MA ESL) at De La Salle
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July 26, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Hi, Dennisse. ^^ Yes, I had been teaching in an international school for 8 years before I got married and came to Korea, and na-invite na din ako to teach as a foreign guest teacher here in Korea bago ako ikasal. I think a few years from now, mag-h-hire na rin ang Korea ng mga teachers from the Philippines. Paghusayan mo ang course mo sa Educ. Payo ko sayo mag-take up ka ng ESL course. God bless you. =)
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July 26, 2013 at 2:42 pm
Hello po. I’m 16 years old. I’m taking up Tourism Management. I’m planning to shift courses. I want to take up Education because I want to teach in Korea. Of course hindi naman po ako agad maeemploy pero sa tingin nyo po ba, mga 6 years from now, meron nang improvement sa sistema nila?
Were you a teacher before you got married?
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July 18, 2013 at 11:50 am
Hi, Jesse. =) I suggest during your free time, mag-apply ka sa mga hagwon, and hopefully, may wonjangnim na tutulong sayo to get the right visa once you get hired. Tapusin mo muna ang kontrata mo bago ka lumipat ng trabaho. Make sure that you will be given the appropriate working visa. Sa pagkaka-alam ko mga native speakers lang talaga ang binibigyan ng teaching visa (E-2) sa Korea, pero may ilang Filipinos na akong nakilala dito na nagtuturo ng English LEGALLY without E-2. Karamihan sa kanila under a student visa, iba naman married to a Filipino (or foreigner) working here. Ang mga may F-2 and permanent residence visa, pwede din magturo LEGALLY here. Ang mga wonjangnims kapag talagang gusto ka hire, tutulungan ka naman sa visa procedure. Make sure lang ha, na LEGAL kang makakapagturo dito. Beware of wonjangnims who will only use you and hire you kahit hindi ka registered. Good luck.
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July 18, 2013 at 11:31 am
Thank you. You’re right, Filipinos are indeed resilient and very talented. Anywhere around the world, you will find a Pinoy making a name for himself. =)
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July 18, 2013 at 2:48 am
Filipinos are known for being flexible in the workforce. We can easily adapt to a new working environment. We can communicate well with foreign people and we can easily adapt with their culture. Very nice post!
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July 17, 2013 at 9:38 am
I am working here in korea as a factory worker(E-9 visa). I took the job cuz I wannna go to korea. I dont mean to brag but I can speak good english since may pinag aralan naman ako and I use to be a call center agent in the Philippines. Would it be possible to change my visa to that of english teachers and eventually leave my factory job to teach english?
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July 4, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Hello, your blog is really helpful. I am 19 years old now and I finished a 2 year diploma in business administration. I want to apply as a part time english tutor in seoul. I really wanto to work in SK, specially in Seoul. Baka po may kilala kayong naghahanap ng english tutor, anytime po available ako. I’m currently living at Imus Cavite.
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June 29, 2013 at 4:17 am
Hello! I’m planning to visit South Korea soon. Is it possible to convert my tourist visa (it’s for 2 months, right?) to working visa within a short period of time,i f I got lucky in finding a job there? I have a few Korean contacts who could help me in finding a tutorial/teaching job in academies. I’m a Filipino and I’m confident of my skills.Thanks so much^_^
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June 20, 2013 at 6:31 pm
Thank u for giving time to read and for the message response. I am still figuring it out if what would be the best thing to do, and since i don’t hold any bachelors degree I don’t have much that confident but I am planning to take TESOL to get a certificate. I do hope things would work out.^^
I’ll be keeping in touch with ur blog i find t very helpful. God BLESS!!
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June 19, 2013 at 9:20 am
Hi, Emem. Don’t think that way. Maybe the admin of that group is just busy. Why not try to apply in hagwons near your area? Prepare an outstanding resume and submit it to the hagwon personally.
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June 18, 2013 at 1:04 am
hi to filipino job seekers! my name is theresa and i’m a filipina working as an ESL teacher in south korea. my school is currently looking for a part-time teacher. please read this job post:
Job Post:
Filipino Part-time Teacher (F-6 Visa)
Location: Pyeong-chon, Anyang
Job Term: Part-Time
Salary: Negotiable
Hours: Afternoon & Evening / 3-5 days a week
Student Age: Elementary
Qualifications:
4-year Bachelors Degree
Can teach novel & writing, speaking & listening and TOEFL classes
Can develop and edit class materials
Visa Requirement: F-6 visa holders only
Starts ASAP
For interested applicants please send resume with photo and scanned diploma to:
lucy_van_pelt07@yahoo.com
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June 17, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Hello!!
I am here again i hope it won’t bother u..^^
I tried one of ur suggestions, I visited that FB page of KOTESOL and requested to join their group page after they accepted me I post some questions in there that could give me some infos but sadly they ignore it nobody suggest or even bothered to entertain my post..:( well i’ve noticed that most of the members in there were native speakers and koreans. So my thought was maybe they don’t really entertain filipinos like me or a fresher like me..(sigh)
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June 9, 2013 at 8:23 am
Thank you, Adorksy. God bless you. ^^
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June 9, 2013 at 2:06 am
I’m lucky to be following you FKWL.I’m reading much helpful information here..
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June 3, 2013 at 2:45 pm
wow this site is really great! ( such a very informative site)
yes i do really like korean’s, upon reading this site i learn more about korea and what’s goes on….. especially for a job seeker like me who wants to work in to. I’m just curious if to be a student in korea is one of the fastest way to be hired, what would be the subjects to be taken? do i need to take a degree courses or just a supplementary if possible, or what?
can u give me some links….. :))
thanks, more power and a healthy living to you and your family
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May 14, 2013 at 3:29 pm
i am 17 now , incoming freshman in one of the university here on calamba city, laguna since i was 3rd year in high school i know what i am going to take when i step up college and it was BsEd major in english , after i search the google of where is the best place to teach english, i discover that in SOUTH KOREA you can earn up to 2.4 M korean won that coul reach up to almost 100k php here on the philippines, i really know a lot about korea because i really buy their vocabularies ad dictionaries, i know their history, culture and their writings is just so easy to learn , i love kpop music and korean dramas too, so i am really dreaming to teach there because i thought it was that easy, i thought that whenever you want to go there and teach it is possible then i read this blog and it really makes me sad.
knowing that my dream is almost possible because we are not native speakers of english 😦
i just want to ask because there’s a lot of recruitments here to travel and work to korea, i have never try to inquire.
i like that country so much because the fashion is there you can wear clothes you want and i found their people cool.that is my only dream to my whole life.
do i need to earn money and take glutathione or something like that to look like them?
do i really need to make some surgeries to make my skin like theirs?
even i do that in the future can i really teach there? (T_T)
i dont like any country except sk.
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May 6, 2013 at 12:58 pm
Hello!!!^^
Thank u sooo much for the info…^^ yes i will try ur suggestions.. thank u for the reply..^^ God bless…!!
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May 6, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Hello, Emem. ^^ Some migrant centers offer seminars and training for married immigrants who would like to work as teachers here in SK. Why not call or go to the nearest migrant center in your area to inquire about any teaching seminar or training? Try to visit this page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/105279700234/
KOTESOL yan sa Daegu. It’s an org for English teachers in SK. Alam ko sa Daegu, may workshop every Saturday. Check their FB page for more info. Kung gusto mo naman and may time ka, pwde ka mag-work as a part-time tutor. Dapat pa-register ka muna para legal ang tutorials mo. Another way is to finish a teaching course in a university near your area, kasi nga baka mahirapan ka makahanap ng teaching job, because you are under grad. You have mentioned that you were pregnant when you got here, so if you have a baby to take care of, would it be possible for you to work at the moment? Try mo kaya on-line teaching? Check this site: http://ontue.com/… maraming Filipino teachers ang nag-po-post ng resume diyan sa site na yan. It’s for teaching English on-line.
GOOD LUCK. =)
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April 30, 2013 at 5:09 am
Sorry for the unfinished comment..:(
I was using my mobile, push the wrong one.. anyway i wanted to continue my questions..^^
I was still a college student wd the AB english course in Cebu city, i was wondering if i have a chance to get a job in here since i need it badly.. any job would do but it would be great if i have the chance to be an english teacher either part time or full time. I am not confident enough of being a teacher because i am lack of teaching experience and i think it would be best if i could join in some training program that would give me a certificate to be qualified enough for any ESL teaching applications, to be an effective english teacher and to gain much more confidence in my english language skills…^^
My questions are:
do u have any suggestions in where i could meet my needs for getting a job here in SK?
Can u give me some training programs that offers certification and jobs?
I am currently living in Daegu City now and i was already pregnant since i got here so i didn’t have the chance to explore much the city…:(
Pls. Do give me some ideas and suggestions..^^
Thank u in advance..^^
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April 30, 2013 at 4:54 am
Hi there kabayan!!^^
I need some of ur advice about job opportunities. That i cud find here in korea. I am married to a korean, we’ve been together for 6 yrs. Now, but i just migrated here last year october wd our son since my husband stayed in philippines for over 3 yrs. And now we’re expecting for our 2nd child.
I have few questions so please give me some ideas or advices..^^
– I don’t hold any BA degrees, bec. I was still a college student in phlippines before i moved here
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April 26, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Hi, Geraldine. ^^ Well, if you are already an American citizen, I suppose you could get hired easily. In one academy where I worked, we had another Asian teacher who is a US citizen.
However, he was already staying in SK when he was hired.
I’m just curious… if you are already there in the US, why would you want to risk coming to SK to find a job here? Isn’t teaching a high paying job in the US? Besides, Filipino teachers are in demand in America.
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April 26, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Thank you for this info. ^^
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April 24, 2013 at 11:03 am
we are from turkey and have an english language school.We know that many Philippino people have american accent and they speak clearly so we are looking for Philippino people who can speak english with american accent so anybody interested please let us know so my email adress is kerembo_67@hotmail.com skype: keremtasci1 good salary and accomdation will be covered by us.
best regards
kerem tasci
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April 22, 2013 at 4:09 am
please help me find a suitable job for me in korea conatc me 09353524065
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April 20, 2013 at 9:57 am
They have a lot of ESLesl work opportunities in Kingdom
of thailand. If you want a teaching job, the simplest way to
go about it is by heading to bangkok Here you’ll come across tons of businesses ECC, Siam computer, english first and so on. These people are constantly trying to hire teachers. Pay is roughly around THIRTY THOUSAND up to 40,000 baht each month, which is enough to live on in the city.
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April 17, 2013 at 3:23 pm
hi i graduated BS Secondary Education last 2011 and since then i already worked at a call center industry. i am plannning to apply as teacher in Korea but the problem is, i don’t have the liscense yet. is it possible for me to get hired because i do have an american accent since we are dealing with north american people since i worked in a call center industry for almost 2 years now. can you help me out?
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April 17, 2013 at 12:53 pm
we are looking for filipino english teacher and must have american english without an accent.We are from Turkey by the way and .commy email adress is kerembo_67@hotmail.com good environmate good salary will be paid.
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April 16, 2013 at 11:58 pm
HI there, I enjoyed reading the comments here. I have a question, how about my case. I graduated in the Philippines but currently living here in Wa State and a US citizen. Is it easy for me to get a teaching job in Korea? or I will have the same dilemna? Any feedback will be appreciated….
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April 16, 2013 at 3:16 am
open po ba ang Domestic jobs sa south korea?
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April 16, 2013 at 3:15 am
my open po bang domestic jobs sa seoul? just wanna know
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April 14, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Hi, Vin. Don’t be discouraged. Though it is difficult for a Filipino teacher to find a teaching job in SK, it isn’t impossible. I have met some Pinoys here who are studying and teaching at the same time. If you have a dream, aim for it. There is always a way to fulfill it despite the obstacles. Good luck. =)
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April 11, 2013 at 9:53 am
Hello! I’m currently working as a video editor here in the Philippines. I just wanna ask if finding a job concerning arts or media like video editing or writing is possible in korea? Thank you!
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April 8, 2013 at 12:05 pm
I just graduated last March 23,I finished BSED English.It has been my greatest dream to work at SK as an English Teacher someday.After reading the differents stories from this site,I feel disappointed and discouraged,it seems that my dream is very hard to achieve.
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April 2, 2013 at 4:51 pm
hi! very interesting post! I had just came back from a vacation trip from korea. i became interested to seek a teaching job there. Therefore i’m a C-3 visa holder already. I graduated AB Communication in de la salle lipa, and currently working as an online english tutor to Japanese. can you please help me , please tell me the steps that I should take in order to have a teaching job offer from korea. do i have to contact the phil korean embassy? thank you in advance.
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March 13, 2013 at 11:07 am
You’re welcome, Blessie. Thank you for those kind and encouraging words. =)
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March 13, 2013 at 10:42 am
Hi Chris,
Thanks a lot for these advices. I will definitely send this link to my brother so he can see and read what you said. My brother has been working in that factory since November and lagi syang malangkot tuwing kausap namin talaga. Kaya sobrang naaawa kame sa kanya ngayon and we (his family) are really hoping that he could find a better job in SR.
And yes Chris, i will really tell him to stay in SR legally if he decides to resign from his job. Salamat talaga and i wish you happiness and i wish you all the best things Korea can offer.
I pray that God give you more power and wisdom so you can write more and inspire other people especially our kababayans.
Mabuhay ka Chris! Please say “hi” to your husband 🙂
Take care!
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March 13, 2013 at 9:53 am
Hi, Kenneth. =) You’re partly correct. A Filipino who is already in SK holding a spousal or permanent residence visa, or who is a naturalized Korean citizen may teach English in South Korea. Those who are holding a student visa may work here PART-TIME, too, as REGISTERED tutors or as teachers in academies. (Some academies, however, don’t give a damn about legalities (or perhaps they are not aware of them), so they hire student visa holders as full-time instructors.
If you are currently in the Philippines, and you’re applying for a job in SK, it may be very difficult to find an academy/school that will hire you and finance your travel expenses, as well as the accommodation once you are in SK. I’m saying “may”, because there is one Filipina professor who is working in a prominent university in Seoul, and she isn’t married to a Korean, nor was she under a student visa when she got here.
To tell you honestly, (most) Koreans who are hiring foreign teachers are not after the TESOL certificate or your credentials; they care more where you come from. If you are a native English speaker, you won’t have any problems getting an E1 or E2 visa, which are legal working visas for English teachers… but hey, nothing is impossible these days, and somehow Korea is changing its standards. If you see a RELIABLE agency looking for Filipino teachers in South Korea, why not apply for the job? Just make sure EVERYTHING is done LEGALLY. Good luck. ^^
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March 13, 2013 at 9:26 am
Hi, Blessie. I’m sorry that your brother is going through tough times here in Korea, but he is not the only one who experiences that. I’ve known some Pinoys who work in factories in SK, and they share the same experience. Though meron naman mga Pinoy factory workers dito ang nakakahanap ng mas maayos na trabaho, di talaga maiiwasan ang ibang Pinoy ay mapunta sa mga unfair na boss, and to tell you the truth, common dito sa Korea ang pagtrabahuhin ka na sobra sa oras mo pero walang overtime fee… kahit sa mga academies dito and ibang companies nangyayari din yan, hindi lang sa factories.
Kung talagang nahihirapan ang brother mo sa trabaho niya sa factory and hindi na niya makayanan, pwede naman habang andito siya sa Korea, maghanap siya ng ibang factories na malilipatan, pero should he decide na lumipat, he should make his stay here legal. If another factory would hire him, most probably tutulungan naman siya sa papers… pero sana wag niya maisip na umalis sa current job niya and magstay dito sa Korea na wala pang nakikitang trabaho. Bukod sa delikado ito dahil sa that would be illegal kasi ang visa niya is working visa diba, mahihirapan siya to fend for himself. Mahirap mag-survive sa Korea na walang trabaho.
He could go back to the Philippines and ask his agency to refer him to another factory/company in SK, or pwede siyang maghanap ON-LINE ng panibagong trabaho. Workabroad is a good site to find jobs for Pinoys hindi lang sa Korea kundi sa ibang bansa din. Tell him wag siya mag-alala na hindi na siya makakakita ng trabaho ulit sa Korea or abroad kapag umuwi siya ng Pinas. Maraming Pinoy ang umuuwi ng Pinas pag hindi maayos ang pagtrato sa kanila dito sa Korea, and nakakahanap sila ng mas magandang trabaho ulit.
Sana kahit papaano nakatulong ako. My husband managed a factory before, and ang maipapayo lang niya sa brother mo, hanggat kaya ng katawan niya, tapusin niya ang kontrata niya, and mag-ipon siya, uwi ng Pinas, then hanap ulit ng trabaho sa Korea… hopefully, it will be a better one. Pwede siyang mag-paregister ulit sa POEA for a job in SK. This might help him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zALO-Bc6AM
God bless you and your family.
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March 13, 2013 at 5:43 am
Hi Cris,
Your blog is really helpful. Keet it up! 🙂
I hope you can give me any advice.. My younger brother is working as a factory worker in a steel company in Seoul right now. He has been telling me and the whole family that he can not stay there any longer because the work is too heavy and hard for him. His salary is very low and that the manager always requires them to work overtime even if it is against his will.
He always tell the manager that he can not work overtime since he had worked the whole day and he was very tired and weary already, But the manager won’t listen to his plea.
Another thing is that, the other 2 Filipino co workers had left already because they can not take the work anymore. So he was left with more work loads because of that.
He is planning to resign next month but he doesn’t know where to look for another job as a factory worker. We are asking him to just go back here in the Philippines but he refused and told us, he wanted to still work there so he can at least pay those people whom he borrowed money from.
Cris, i hope you can give us any advice. Thanks in advance and more power to you and your blog. God Bless 🙂
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March 2, 2013 at 3:58 pm
Wait, so let me just get this straight, A Filipino educator won’t be able to teach there unless they are (A)married to a Korean thus having an F-1 visa or (B) students who have permission to teach as a PART-TIME tutor? Am I correct?
Because I was actually planning to be an ESL teacher there in SK despite being a SCIENCE teacher here in an international school in the Philippines. I already have a TESOL certification. Please help me.
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February 25, 2013 at 1:45 pm
감사합니다!
Thanks for the reply, Chris! Your blog has been really helpful… Like.. Really… A lot… Jinja! ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
My fiancé also suggested the same path 😉 learn hangul first (teaching also helps!) and the culture…
I surfed the net for stuffs on the korean culture, tradition, fashion, climate, language, in-laws, etcetera… Understanding the culture is really crucial… That said, pinangatawanan ko na talaga ang pag search2x and I studied hangul (on my own nga lng)… Taz tanong2 sa fiancé 🙂
I can read it nah…yippee! Mejo okay nadin daw ako mag.write (needs improvement daw, sabi niya… Biglang naging feeling teacher ang fiancé ㅋㅋ)… But binawi naman ang comment by saying, “Langga, you’re really a fast learner.” … Echos 😛
Anyway, Mejo i know na the sentence structure and use of particles and conjugations… Mejo nakaka.form na ng sentences… Pero mahina pako sa vocabs Huhu 😦 kaya I don’t fully understand what the korean dramas are saying.. I watch korean dramas and sing along to some songs ni “Ailee” para somehow ma.trim ang dila ko 🙂 pero d pa talaga enough ang korean know-how ko … Need to try harder. Aja!
Aie by the way, Chris, do u know of any hagwons near changwon? Dun kasi fiancé ko nakatira… Sa jinhae… Proximity is necessary kasi 😦
I’m preparing my resumes now 🙂 but this “teaching endeavor” is still kinda vague to me… Dala din ng kaba siguro kaya d na ma.process ng brain ko ㅋㅋㅋ
Thanks talaga sa help, Chris. I will forever be indebted sa help 🙂
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February 25, 2013 at 10:37 am
Thank you for constantly visiting “FKWL”. ^^ Best wishes on your coming wedding. =)
I think you will have plenty of job opportunities here in SK, considering your wide array of skills and training.
Why not try teaching here first? Once you have acquired enough knowledge on Korean culture and learned the language, you can try applying for a job at the hospital. I go to one of the biggest hospitals in SK all the time. They do have international health care, but the nurses are all Koreans who can speak English, and most of the documents they hand me are in Korean language. They only assist in confirming hospital reservations made by foreigners who can’t speak Korean, as well as in translating instructions which are also (mostly) written in Korean. If you’d like to work as a nurse here, I think you should learn Korean language first. Who knows you will be the first Filipina nurse to work in Seoul National University Hospital? God bless you and your husband… and have a wonderful life in Korea. ^^
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February 25, 2013 at 9:28 am
Hi, Frances. ^^ Some Filipino teachers I have met who are teaching in Korea don’t have the spouse visa; they are not married to Koreans, so they can’t have that visa. They teach as part-time teachers here under a student visa. Based on my research, and what I’ve been told, you can teach English in SK if you have a student visa, but you cannot teach full time. Also, to do this, you have to ask your prof/one of your profs in the university where you study to give you a letter allowing you or recommending you to teach part time. It is true that you can’t get an E2 visa if you are not a native English speaker, but you don’t have to be an E2 visa holder to teach English here. A few years ago, I went to Korea as a foreign guest teacher, but I couldn’t stay longer because I couldn’t get the E2 visa. My sponsor suggested I study in Korea, so I could get the student visa and teach part-time in her academy, but I decided to go back to the Philippines, because I had a job waiting for me in the IS. That time, the Korean embassy was more strict on issuing visas, even to tourists or guest teachers/lecturers from our country. These days, there are more scholarships being offered to Filipinos to study in SK. Why not apply for a scholarship, and then work here as a part-time teacher or a REGISTERED private tutor? If someone is helping you, it would be easier. The best thing to do is to go to the embassy or better ask your employer/sponsor to get details from the immigration office in SK. Good luck. ^^
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February 22, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Hi. I’m so glad to found this site. It’s really helpful… I have been looking for a site to help me about my current situation… I have a Canuck friend in Korea and he recommended me to his korean friend in Korea to teach English in Seoul. The korean employer interviewed me via Skype and she wanted to hire me as an English teacher but after a few days she told me that the immigration told her that they don’t issue E2 visa for non native English speakers. The korean employer is really willing to hire she asked me if I know any Filipinos who are working in Korea as an English teacher… Then I should ask for any advice on how to work there… Is it really possible for a filipino like me to work in Korea even I don’t have F2 visa? I hope you can help me regarding w this matter. Thank you do much and more power to you!
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February 19, 2013 at 6:40 am
Hello Chris! Been “patronizing” your blog a lot hehe. I’m a filipina getting married to a korean next month. I’ve been a nurse for 4years and shifted my gears to “ESL teaching” where I also met my fiancé. I handles Sparta (rigid module) and American accent classes. Surfed the net and learned that teachings jobs are common for filipinas married to Koreans? I was wondering if I can also find nurse jobs of some sort, like maybe in international hospitals and clinics? Not quite sure about my options. Hehe. Just wanna help augment our monthly income while he’ll prepare for his CPA exam come February 2014.
What are some job opportunities possible for me? Oh and if it helps, i can also run a song or a repertoire playing the piano and doing the vocals. I donno if that increased my chances of getting a job hehe.
Pls enlighten 🙂 thank u so much
I really pray that u can help me out 😦
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February 19, 2013 at 6:37 am
Hello Chris! Been “patronizing” your blog a lot hehe. I’m a filipina getting married to a korean next month. I’ve been a nurse for 4years and shifted my gears to “ESL teaching” where I also met my fiancé. I handles Sparta (rigid module) and American accent classes. Surfed the net and learned that teachings jobs are common for filipinas married to Koreans? I was wondering if I can also find nurse jobs of some sort, like maybe in international hospitals and clinics? Not quite sure about my options. Hehe. Just wanna help augment our monthly income while he’ll prepare for his CPA exam come February 2014.
What are some job opportunities possible for me? Oh and if it helps, i can also run a song or a repertoire playing the piano and doing the vocals. I donno if that increased my chances of getting a job hehe.
Pls enlighten 🙂 thank u so much
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February 12, 2013 at 12:21 pm
Hi, Ronamel! ^^ The posts in this blog are not all negative things about Korea. In fact, you will read a number of posts that talk about the wonderful things here.
Yes, discrimination is still rampant in this country, but not every Korean has prejudice towards Filipinos (and other nationalities). I have met some Koreans who have good things to say about Pinoys and Pinas, and I know many of those who keep coming back to our country because they love it there.
Besides, there are a lot of Filipinos here in South Korea who have made a good name for our country.
If you have the chance to visit SK, why not come here? I’m sure that you will enjoy Korea. =)
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February 5, 2013 at 2:05 am
Some of the posts here saddens me a bit. I am a Filipino. I so love Koreans. I plan to visit Korea in the near future. It looks like their culture, the places are so enchanting. The K-fever here in the Philippines kinda influenced me a lot. I love to watch all koreanovelas and really that makes me want more to reach the country asap.
But the posts here disappoint me somehow. I never thought that they have this discriminating attitude towards Filipinos.
Now I am thinking whether to go or not.
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Pingback: Question from a reader: Coming to Korea as a teacher? » Chris in South Korea
January 5, 2013 at 12:49 pm
Hi, Jel. ^^ Thank you for reading the post. I’m glad you find it helpful. ^^
Like you, I was also offered a teaching job in Korea (maybe 5 mor 6 years ago). It was the sister of one of my adult ESL students who recruited me. I worked in her family’s academy for some months, but decided to go back to the Philippines, since I had a job waiting for me there. I was supposed to study (and work) in Korea, so that I could stay there longer, but for some reason, I didn’t pursue it. That time, Korea was very strict on hiring foreign teachers. They hired only Native speakers to teach English. Being a Filipino citizen, I couldn’t work there as an English teacher for a long time. I was a foreign guest teacher. If I studied there and got a student visa, I could work legally as an English teacher (part-time) or register as a private tutor.
Before you said YES to the one offering you a teaching job, make sure he’ll hire you as a legal tutor or teacher. You should be registered as a private tutor in Korea. God bless you. ^^
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January 4, 2013 at 2:10 am
Hi! This is a very helpful article.
I’ve been thinking back and forth if I’ll have the chance to make it to SK. I am a licensed teacher and have practiced my profession for more than 2 years (in a normal classroom and as an online English teacher). I have taught Koreans of different ages , virtually. And some of my students still keep in touch with me thru email and social sites, albeit I am no longer their teacher. ^^ (I quit teaching online some months ago)
I have this student, He’s an English Teacher in Seoul. I told him that I want to work in Korea as a teacher but I know it’ll be hard because, I’m not a native speaker (But I can speak English well in an american accent). He then told me that his brother runs an academy in Seoul and he’ll try to help me out. He asked me about my expected salary, I have no idea about the salary of a regular tutor. So, I just told him,”Whatever is the standard rate”. lol He wants me to be his son’s private tutor and even offered me a free lodging at his place. He said, he wants to help me because he has seen how dedicated and helpful I was when he asked me a favor (He asked me to correct all his students paragraphs, there were about 60 students on my email. ^^ I had to correct all their poems, stories etc.. with “thank you “in return. I was really pissed off that time, but I still did it. lol) I really hope that he could help me out. ^^
And, if I ever make it to SK. I will remember all the experiences you guys have underwent and yes, I will hold my head up high and prove them that Filipinos are the best!
I really found this article very helpful. Thanks.
All the Best,
Jel
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November 13, 2012 at 6:21 am
Hi, J. ^^ Sorry, my reply came late. Just came back to SK from a vaca.
Are you holding a student visa? If you are, you should get an approval from your prof to allow you to teach legally as a private tutor here (maybe through a letter); then go to the nearest regional educational office and tax authority and register as a private tutor. I’ve read an article about private tutoring on Koreatimes, but it was 2 or 3 years ago. It says that if you teach illegally (that means that you’re not registered) and you get caught, you will be subject to a year in prison or you may be asked to pay a fine of 1 to 5 million KRW. The same thing applies to foreigners holding F-series visas. The best thing to do is to REGISTER first; then you can find students. If you have Korean friends, tell them to help you look for students, or you can tutor some of your classmates if they want. Once registered, you can post ads or give out leaflets to parents who might be looking for a private teacher. You may want to try on-line teaching, too. Try this link: http://ontue.com/
Good luck. ^^
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November 13, 2012 at 5:51 am
Hi, Harry! ^^ I’m so glad to hear from you, and here sa blog pa. ^^ I know you are truly blessed. You deserve that, Harry… I know how hard-working and great you are as a teacher. God bless you more and sana dumami pa ang mga Filipino educators na katulad mo na maipagmamalaki sa kahit saang sulok ng mundo. ^^
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November 3, 2012 at 3:10 pm
I can super relate my experiences here in China with this one… I was rejected many times and still being rejected at this moment…. But i have learned to just shrug it off and dust it out everytime I hear some words of prejudice and discrimination just because of my looks and passport…I’m just super blessed that I have found my niche here, with my school who have trusted me all along and who have recognized me for my skills and with what I can present to them in terms of this teaching job…I could say that English teaching job hunting in China for Filipinos is much easier compared to SK, but as long you’re driven, confident and sincere Guts… all the hardworks will turn into much bigger Achievement…I’ve been here for more than 5 years now and still happy…but there are times that you’re longing to go back to Pinas…but that’s part of being OFW… Mabuhay ka Crissy…
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October 18, 2012 at 4:18 am
Hi, I’m a scholar student studying here in Seoul and I have been trying, for a few months now, to look for a part time job in tutoring English. I was able to tutor some people back when I was in Daegu for my Korean Language training but transferring here in Seoul, I’m having a hard time looking for tutees. I dont look Filipino too, and I speak English in an American accent. I would appreciate it very much if you could help me find or at least give me tips on where to find. Thanks!!
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September 16, 2012 at 8:03 am
Hi, 유틴틴. ^^
I started with that salary, too (1.3 KRW). That time I was hired as a sub-teacher and worked 3 or 4 times a week. I also felt discriminated. During the interview, I was told that they can’t give me the same pay they give to a native speaker, BECAUSE I AM NOT A NATIVE SPEAKER WITH BLUE EYES AND BLOND HAIR… but I accepted the job, not because I was desperate to find work, but because I wanted to prove to them that an Asian teacher can do whatever a Native speaker can do. Later on, I was offered to replace the native speaker. I was given a higher salary (not too high). I have been offered regular teaching jobs in other hagwons, with a much higher salary… but I chose to stay in my current job, because I have already proven something to them. Besides, my wonjangnim and co-teachers are very kind and understanding. I don’t feel discriminated anymore.
Discrimination may happen to anyone here. Even native speakers get a different treatment, too, you know.
If you feel you that you are being discriminated, there’s only one way to change that… PROVE TO THEM THAT YOU ARE BETTER THAN THEIR PERCEPTION OF YOU OR YOUR RACE.
Now, regarding your question, I am not in a position to tell you if it’s an act of discrimination or not… but a piece of advice, if you’re not happy with your job, quit it and find another one that will satisfy you. GOOD LUCK! ^^
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September 11, 2012 at 1:14 am
Hi there~ I’m actually working in an English academy here at the moment but am kinda thinking about quitting coz of the salary they give me. It’s not that it’s too low or anything but it’s coz I’ve heard from another Filipina who is also currently teaching English in a different academy in Busan (am from Daegu) that she is receiving pay like that of a native speaker’s monthly salary. She even gets an apartment provided by the academy she works at. Meanwhile, in my case, I get only 1.3 mil won monthly and work for 7 hours whilst she works for only 4. Plus, I have to go to the academy an hour later and actually do nothing coz the wonjangnim says I have to do so like their other Korean teachers. I’m just wondering if I’m being taken for granted here coz I’m just a FILIPINA. The only advantage I have on this is that the hagwon is near my apartment so I don’t have to travel far. I’m writing this to confirm the “discrimination” that is currently swirling in my head about this job I have. It’s my first job here actually since I just arrived this March so my husband tells me not to quit yet to earn more experience and such but I can’t help the feeling of taking for granted for the skills I have. I have teaching experience for 5 years in the Philippines although I’m a licensed nurse (there’re just damn too many nurses in the phils, it’s difficult to get accepted in a hospital nowadays unless you’ve got a “contact” or pay for your “volunteer” time) and studied TESOL here in Korea even just to up my credentials. So, again, can you call my case a situation of discrimination or is it just all in my head?
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August 22, 2012 at 1:57 pm
I’m sorry that you had those unpleasant encounters. While it is true that there are some Koreans who “discriminate” not only Filipinos, but also other Asians in Korea, (besides Koreans, of course) there are those who are more open-minded, and if you’re lucky enough, you will find a ‘wonjangnim’ who will hire you and pay you as much as native speakers are paid.
Someone told me I am luckier than other Filipinas because I don’t look like a Filipino… but I never lied about being Pinoy. When I’m asked where I’m from, I would always say, “I’m from the Philippines”. I’ve had some Koreans tell me bad things about my country… to my face! I’d just smile and tell them, “How did you know so much about the Philippines? Have you lived there all your life?”
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August 22, 2012 at 7:52 am
this is so true.. I was in seoul last winter to visit my husband who is an e-7 visa holder. I tried to look for jobs but to no avail coz im not a native speaker and dont speak korean. Based on experience the younger generation is less aggressive in discriminating foreigners in sk compare to the old, traditional people. I have a very filipino face with a filipino nose and they stare at me a lot(oldies). My husband looks kinda japanese so they just ignore him. Once in the subway i was hit by an ajosshi with a rolled newspaper coz i stopped for a while and he was behind me getting off the train coz someone was blocking my way. All in all the experience was pleasant, im going back this coming nov. to experience more winter and prolly late autumn
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August 11, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Hi, Melanie. ^^ Don’t worry, nowadays most Korean wonjangnims are becoming more open-minded on this issue. ^^
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August 9, 2012 at 6:18 am
so true…. they discriminate a lot….
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July 19, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Thank you. ^^ When you come to Korea, I hope you find the job you are looking for right away. Bring all your credentials, your diploma, as many copies of your resume as possible… and of course tons of CONFIDENCE. ^^
God bless. Have a happy life in Korea. ^^
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July 19, 2012 at 6:56 am
Hi Ms. Chris. I would like to say I also love your blog. I must say, I have been enjoying reading and most importantly, learning! Thank you for sharing a lot of things. Your blog is a big help to us. I am also married to a Korean and I am coming to Korea very soon to start a life with my husband. I am planning to teach English, hopefully, I get hired:) God bless!
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June 10, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Hi, Ms. D. ^^ Thanks for appreciating the blog. ^^
If someone is inviting you to teach in Korea, go for it. I’m sure it will be a great experience. Make sure, though, that the one inviting you will register you as a tutor… and make sure that everything is legal. As long as you have a sponsor, it won’t be as hard as it is for other Filipinos to come to Korea and work as a teacher/tutor. A few years ago, before I came to Korea as a wife, I was also invited to be a foreign guest teacher in an academy. It wasn’t that difficult to have my visa approved by the Korean embassy because I had a sponsor, the owner/founder of the academy. I also met another Pinay who was invited by her tutee’s parents in SK, and she stayed here for 3 months as a tourist, not as a teacher. The parents of her tutee were kind enough to sponsor her, provided she would teach their child while she stayed with them. That’s kind of risky, because she wasn’t allowed to work… but then she wasn’t actually/officially working… she was just a “bakasyunista” who did “free talking” with her former tutee.
When you come to Korea, I hope we could meet if you’re near our area. Let me know if you will push through with your plan of coming here. God bless. ^^
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June 10, 2012 at 7:51 am
*find their luck (i typed fine, sorry)
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June 10, 2012 at 7:48 am
Hi Ms. Chris~ First of all, I just wanna say I love your blog. And I agree with everything you said here. Koreans are really nice but sadly, in SK, they prefer a native speaker. I know that there are some Filipinos who want to go and fine their luck in SK. Most of my co-teachers are also thinking of having a teaching career there, it’s not that easy, though.
As of now, I am teaching Koreans online and one of my student’s mom is actually inviting me to visit SK, she said I can even stay in their house for a long time and teach her daughter personally. At first I really wanted to say yes but I hesitated. I’m not sure whether I’d go or not. I’m worried. What do you think? I am having second thoughts, because as much as I love everything about Korea, I might have difficult time once I get there. I know that this is not an advice blog but having been able to live there and experience how it’s like living there Maybe you can share some of your experiences. Thanks! GB!
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April 11, 2012 at 5:50 am
Yes, I did, Kitte. ^^
I have been working in the same hagwon for more than a year now. After all those “unpleasant experiences”, I got calls from other hagwons, but I chose the one where I am currently employed because my wonjangnim believes in me, and she doesn’t discriminate Filipino teachers. In fact, she even hired a Filipino tutor for her son. I have met the Filipina and she’s also a good speaker. =)
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April 11, 2012 at 1:54 am
Did you find a hwagon that didn’t discriminate you, after quitting that school that accepted the Russian who is not good in english? this really makes me sad…but this is reality here in Korea. discrimination toward Filifino teacher who’s only fault is that they’re not born as a native speaker. I pity the fools that cant appreciated the skills and passion of the Filifino teachers.
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