If South Korea is at the top of your list of destinations for teaching English abroad, you may have come across one of the acronyms above. Let's find out what they mean together.
You've done your research, and you're dead set on teaching English in South Korea. However, you're not sure whether a private language school (hagwon) is of any interest to you. Fear not, the South Korean government has many public school programs that could be a great fit!
As one of the most popular locations to teach English abroad, South Korea has several government programs for varying backgrounds and interests. Here's a quick breakdown of what each abbreviation stands for and what each Korean teaching program offers you.
The English Teaching Programs in South Korea
What are the Most Popular English Teaching Programs for Teaching English in Korea?
Government placement programs provide opportunities to work in public schools abroad. The programs tend to be application-based and place you in specific locations within South Korea. Teaching placements can include grade schools, high schools, and even sometimes community colleges. Participants in these programs typically assist a local teacher abroad, rather than teaching solo, though there are some exceptions.
Read more: Pros and cons of government assistantship programs.
The most popular teaching programs in South Korea include:
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The EPIK Program
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The GEPIK Program
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The SMOE Program
The EPIK Program
The EPIK acronym stands for “English Program in Korea”. The EPIK program is South Korea’s most well-known government program. Sponsored by the Ministry of Education, if accepted, English teachers are placed in elementary and middle schools across South Korea. Benefits of this program include furnished housing, roundtrip airfare, medical insurance, 18 paid vacation days per year, and a paid 9-day orientation.
Read more: What is the EPIK Program for Teaching English in South Korea?
EPIK Requirements
- 3-4 Year BA/BS Degree
- TEFL certification (note: If you have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education, a TEFL course is not officially required).
- Native English speaker with citizenship from one of the Big 7 English-speaking countries
- Be in good physical/mental health
- Must be under the age of 62
- A clean background check (nothing at all showing up)
- 1-year commitment required
Read more: What are the Requirements to teach English in the EPIK Program in South Korea?
There is a more structured format, and timeline, for applying to the EPIK program. Therefore, make sure to be planning in advance. We recommend at least 6 to 8 months before you want to be abroad. Applications must be submitted between February and July to start the program in September, and between August and January to start the program in March.
"
There are so many travel opportunities here in Korea. The country is pretty small so it's super easy to explore other cities or take day trips. Working with EPIK gives you great vacation benefits"
- Alumna Kim Jackson teaching in Daejeon, South via EPIK.
There are so many travel opportunities here in Korea. The country is pretty small so it's super easy to explore other cities or take day trips. Working with EPIK gives you great vacation benefits" The GEPIK Program
The GEPIK acronym stands for “Gyeonggi English Program in Korea”. The GEPIK Program places English teachers in the Gyeonggi province exclusively (the area surrounding Seoul). GEPIK is sponsored through the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, and if accepted, English teachers work at one school and are the only native English speaker at that school.
Benefits of this program include roundtrip airfare, furnished housing, medical insurance, and 20 days of paid vacation a year.
GEPIK Requirements
- 3-4 Year BA/BS Degree
- TEFL Certification (note: If you have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education, English, or Linguistics, a TEFL course is not officially required).
- Native English speaker with citizenship from one of the Big 7 English-speaking countries
- A clean background check (nothing at all showing up)
- Be in good physical/mental health
- Must be under the age of 62
- 1-year commitment required
Like EPIK, the GEPIK program is fairly structured in terms of the application process. Applications must be submitted well in advance.
*Special note: GEPIK is less likely to hire couples compared to EPIK*
The SMOE Program
The SMOE acronym stands for “Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education”. The SMOE Program is sponsored by the city government of Seoul and places teachers in school districts around Seoul, South Korea’s capital city.
Benefits of this program include an urban lifestyle, choosing your school level preference, furnished housing, roundtrip airfare, medical insurance, 21 days vacation, and a paid 9-day orientation.
SMOE Requirements
- 3-4 Year BA/BS Degree
- TEFL Certification (note: If you have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education, or have 1 year of TaLK experience, a TEFL course is not officially required).
- Native English speaker with citizenship from one of the Big 7 English-speaking countries
- A clean background check (nothing at all showing up)
- Be in good physical/mental health
- Must be under the age of 62
- 1-year commitment required
Fun Fact: SMOE uses EPIK as a primary recruiting source to find English teachers. You can apply directly to SMOE or via EPIK, as they are two different programs at their core. If accepted, you’re an SMOE teacher and are no longer affiliated with EPIK.
Read further: 8 Top Government TEFL Programs for teaching English abroad
Still confused about all of these options? No worries! Call us at 773-634-9900 to speak to an expert advisor about your options for English teaching programs in South Korea.
Enrolled ITA students should consult the Job Search Guidance Manual to learn more and get in touch with the Student Affairs Department to receive additional assistance. We even have preferred recruiters we recommend using to give you support and an extra leg up in the application process!
Go further:
- Requirements for teaching English in Korea
- How much can you make teaching English in Korea
- Korea is in the top 5 countries to make the most money teaching English
Posted In: EPIK, Teach English in South Korea, Teach English in Asia, Teach English in South Korea Must Read
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