Location
  • South Korea
    • Seoul
    • Gwangju
    • Busan
Length
52+ weeks
Classroom Audience
Early Childhood High School Middle School Pre-School

Program Details

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in any field of study
Classroom Audience
Early Childhood High School Middle School Pre-School
Housing
Apartment
Age Min.
21
Age Max
40

Pricing

Salary / Benefits
$1700 to $1900 monthly salary
Flight reimbursement
Contract completion bonus equivalent to one month's salary
Free medical insurance
Free furnished studio apartment
Starting Price
$2,100 USD
Price Details
We have 2 program options:

- Orientation, support & placement at either private or public schools including online TESOL course: $2100
- Orientation, support & placement at private schools with in-class TESOL course conducted in South Korea: $2350
What's Included
Accommodation Airfare Airport Transfers
What's Included (Extra)

We also offer an in-class TESOL/TEFL for South Korea which includes supervised teaching practicum in South Korea prior to graduating and starting work.

What's Not Included
Transportation Travel Insurance Visa
Jun 07, 2021
Nov 06, 2019

About Program

If you have a degree and are looking to get the holy trinity of gap year goals under your belt - traveling the world, experiencing new cultures, getting paid well - then teaching English in South Korea is definitely for you! Our placements, whether you choose public schools or private language centers across South Korea, all come with amazing perks like great pay, free accommodation, flight reimbursement, and 24/7 pre-departure and in-country support.

We offer both regular online and are the only provider of an in-class TESOL course which takes place in South Korea, prior to beginning your job placement. There are a lot of benefits to our packages like airport pickups, an in-depth cultural orientation, visa guidance and complete assistance throughout the complex job application and interview process. The TravelBud team have also all taught English overseas before, so you'll be speaking to someone in the know who can answer all your questions both serious and simple.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Great pay of $1700 to 1900 (USD) per month + contract completion bonus pay.
  • Free furnished accommodation.
  • Flights to South Korea reimbursed.
  • Choice between public and private school placement.
  • Choice between online or in-class TESOL course included in the program.

Current Teaching Jobs

Program Reviews

8.77 Rating
based on 13 reviews
  • 9-10 rating 61.54%
  • 7-8 rating 38.46%
  • 5-6 rating 0%
  • 3-4 rating 0%
  • 1-2 rating 0%
  • Benefits 8.8
  • Support 9.2
  • Fun 8.2
  • Facilities 7.5
  • Safety 9.2
Showing 1 - 8 of 13 reviews
Default avatar
Quetzal
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

TESOL

TravelBud is very helpful throughout the application process as well as through any problems you have in-country during the course. I actually had 3 phone calls (as opposed to 1) to ask them a million and a half questions about where I should teach and why and TravelBud was always so patient with me. They guided me with spreadsheets, easy to follow websites, pros and cons lists and everything in between. It was so nice to have them by my side while prepping for a big move! Overall, if you are worried about placement and visas or anything else, TravelBud is there to help you transition smoothly :) I am so happy I chose to have a program to help me through this because, trust me, there are so many fine details that go into moving and working abroad!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
It seems terrifying to walk into a room full of people you've never met and start a class with them in a foreign country. It's scary to have a random roommate and not know the language - but you create a full-on family with these people! They will be your support group your entire course and year teaching (if you stick around to teach). It's important to remind yourself this and be aware of each others differences and celebrate them! Help each other out in the hard times, these people will be YOUR people.
14 people found this review helpful.
Megan-Paige Smith
Megan-Paige
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a life time opportunity

Being able to travel and explore a country while earning money is the ideal situation that any young adult wants to be in. Working through Travelbud was a fantastic experience. The organization offered support throughout the entire experience. They helped me with all documentation I needed, answered all the questions I had about the program and offered emotional and practical support once I had gotten to South Korea. I never felt like I was alone in this ordeal. I was placed at a lovely school near the centre of Seoul. The program considers where you’d like to be placed which makes it truly unique to others. Through this program I made life long friends, traveled across South Korea and found myself immersing into their stunning culture. South Korea is a perfect blend of the modern wave and traditional customs and will suit almost anybody’s personality.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to any future travelers is to get out of your comfort zone and enjoy every opportunity that comes your way through this experience.
16 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Beth
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching in Korea with travelbud

I chose to go through travelbud to teach in South Korea. Although the process of getting here is stressful thanks to all the documents and forms travelbud especially Saskia is incredibly helpful in making sure everything is filled out correctly and that you show the best of yourself. They also take great time to ensure that the schools you are placed at are good schools and that you will be safe and looked after properly in your placement.

I am at a private school in a small city, I have a modern one bedroom apartment with a bed and small kitchen area. I teach children from the ages of 7-16 during the week and on weekends can explore this beautiful country.

When in Korea they continue to look after you and check up on you. I couldn't recommend them enough and if anyone is wanting to go teach abroad go get in touch with them!

15 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Reanne
8/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience the culture

The reason why I chose to do this program with the TESOL is to learn more about the culture and prepare myself for my placement. This placement did it as whilst learning to teach, we were able to travel to different cities during the first month. They offered a few classes to learn more about history and language but I felt it was better for myself to experience it.

But the only thing I would say is, always plan for the unexpected because sometimes things change last minute and you need to be able to handle that as you are out in another country on your own.

Other than that, I have really enjoyed myself so far teaching here as the people who I've encountered with have been friendly! Living here isn't so expensive and travelling places is quite easy to use! Just make sure you are prepared for the month especially if it's your first time!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Honestly just do it, I’m always the one that kicks myself if I miss an opportunity like this. But you can head home if you don’t like it, but just know that there are people in the same situation as you whilst you’re out here! Whether it’s your first time working/travelling abroad, it’s a journey you can’t miss!
16 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Thanks so much for the wonderful review Reanne! So glad you're having a great time in South Korea, it seems like you embarked on this venture with the perfect attitude of open-mindedness to make the absolute most out of everything coming your way.

If there are any changes you're finding difficult to adjust to in Korea, please give Saskia a shout, she's great for advice or even just to be a listening ear, if that's what you need :)

Default avatar
Patrick
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome service

Everyone I worked with was amazing and they guided me to accomplishing my dream of teaching abroad.

Saskia and Sabine answered all my questions so quickly, and really helped me through the entire trip. They are always willing to help me and they give great advice.

I do wish the program worked a little more with the schools. Instead you in end having to go through middlemen which is a little frustrating. I think this would have a really helped me with the few issues I had. Overall, very awesome.

What would you improve about this program?
Work more with the schools
15 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Thanks so much for the wonderful review Patrick! And thanks even more for the feedback on the relationship with the schools, we'll chat it over with the team and see what else can be done to make things even smoother for future applicants.

Wishing you all the best in your journey of personal growth, adventure and in enriching the lives of your students!

Default avatar
Mathew
8/10
Yes, I recommend this program

My Experience

I found the assistance from Travel Bud to be excellent. The staff were very helpful and provided me with very valuable information. At no point did I feel that I could not approach Travel Bud with any concerns I had. Their availability to help me at any point was much appreciated. Saskia Smuts was especially helpful and provided excellent support and information which helped me to make well informed decisions.
I want like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all the staff at Travel Bud very their help and assistance in helping me to have an amazing experience in South Korea.

15 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Hi Matthew, thanks so much for the review! We're all so chuffed to hear how well Saskia did helping you with your preparation. She works so hard to make each and everyone's experience a great one so it's fantastic to hear when it's noticed and appreciated.

Wishing you all the best with your placement in Korea!

Tessa
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

South Korea

I have really enjoyed myself so far. It is a great country and most of the people are very friendly. My life has changed a lot and this experience is an eye opener. Each school is different so you shouldn't suspect any similarities. The lifestyle isn't to expensive and public transport is simple to use. I think the only way to understand their culture is to experience it yourself and make the most of it.

14 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Hi Tessa, thanks so much for the wonderful review!

It's great to see you embracing this experience with open arms and immersing yourself in the culture. Your attitude is exactly how it should be to make the most of your time in Korea.

Wishing you every success in your teaching placement, we're all sure you'll rock it!

Bronwen
8/10
Yes, I recommend this program

In country SK TESOL course review

I would recommend the in country TESOL course as the experience is amazing. You get to interact with the facilitators and coordinators on a daily basis and their support and expertise is wonderful to have. The staff at TravelBud and their partners are professional, well organized and assists one to the best of their ability. The course itself is well planned and the support and training we receive is practical and realistic.

The only useful I can give is to come without any expectations. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what you learn both in and outside the classroom. I cannot comment on the post-program part as I am yet to complete it but so far so good. My favourite experience to date is the orientation week as we didn't know what to expect upon arrival but we learned so much and continue to learn everyday. All the activities were well planned and executed without fault.

This is truly a life changing experience and the impact on my life so far has only been positive.

18 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Hey Bronwen, wow what an amazing review! Thanks so much. We know a lot of hard work went into making this in-country orientation and TESOL a success, so it's great to hear it was so well received! We are really thrilled that you chose to do this through us and are humbled that we get to be part of your life-changing experience! Cannot wait to see how your year turns out!

Questions & Answers

You sure can! Contracts are for 12 months, but it's not difficult to renew if you want to. By completing a 12 month contract you'll usually be paid a completion bonus also, so that's always great news! If you do your placement through TravelBud, you'll also get free re-placement at any of our other qualifying Asian programs, meaning you only pay once for the service and can continue your placement...

Hi Julie! For teaching in South Korea, a bachelor's degree is imperative, you won't be able to get a work permit without one. Check out our program in Myanmar as an alternative - it's a great immersive cultural experience where you can make a wonderful impact in the lives of locals and it will give you some ESL teaching experience which could count towards better teach abroad opportunities in...

Hi Nina, We are so sorry we missed your question and just wanted to let you know that you can definitely apply for one of our six 2020 intakes in South Korea. You'll just need to ensure that you have your physical bachelor's degree from your university in hand by the time you travel to Korea, which our team will walk you through to make sure you select a start date which coincides perfectly with...

Hi Casey, thanks for the great question! Acceptance rates depend really on how many people applying meet the requirements for the program. I see that your question appears to be around our teach in South Korea program. For this program things can be a little stricter than others where you'll need to meet requirements like holding a bachelor's degree (in any field), be of good physical and mental...