ELIGIBILITY

Teaching in Korea is an amazing opportunity with terrific benefits, career potential, and longevity. However, unfortunately not everyone has the qualifications to do so. Here are the minimum requirements for anyone wanting to become an English teacher in Korea:

Must hold citizenship from one of the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • South Africa

Must have studied from 7th grade until university in one of the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Canada*
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • South Africa**

*For EPIK, those who received their education in Quebec must submit schooling letter(s) saying said applicant has had at a minimum from grade 7 through university their schooling taught in English. See required documents for more information.

**For EPIK, those who received their education in South Africa must submit schooling letter(s) saying said applicant has had at a minimum from grade 7 through university their schooling taught in English. See required documents for more information.

In order to teach in South Korea (and thus receive an E2 visa) one must have received at least a bachelor’s degree. Other degrees such as honors, masters, or doctorate are of course fine, but as explained in required documents, the main focus (at least at first) will be on your bachelor’s). You do not need to have completed your degree upon applying, however you will still be required to submit a letter of graduation along with your documents (when applying for your visa) and will be expected to submit the degree upon receiving and processing as soon as possible.

Associates degrees, or any other 2 year (or less) degrees do not make one qualify for teaching English in Korea. In addition, advanced diplomas will not suffice as a bachelor’s degree.

In order to teach in Korea, one must have a clean criminal record check. Any misdemeanors or records on the criminal background check will immediately disqualify a candidate. Minor traffic violations do not apply to this. Any alcohol or substance-related traffic offense or theft, even in the distant past, will also disqualify the candidate.