English in South Korea
Credit: Neocha
The fostering of english language ability was a key factor in South Korea’s economic boom that started in the 1960s. South Korea is dubbed as one of the four “Tiger States” in East Asia based on its impressive economic growth. It undertook enormous efforts to raise the population’s literacy rate from 22% after the Second World War to now almost 100%. The enrollment in higher education also saw a dramatic increase.
The rise of its globally successful conglomerates also raised the demand for a higher english proficiency level in the country. Electronics giant Samsung is just one example for these mighty conglomerates. As English is the language of international business it plays an important role for employment, university admissions, and social status.
The South Korean government has relied heavily on foreign teachers to achieve the advances in english language ability and the nation touts the largest private tutoring industry in the world. Foreign teachers are usually employed at public schools or private teaching institutions called “Hagwons”. Competition can be fierce, but opportunities for foreign teachers are plenty. This is why South Korea is the choice for many fresh graduates looking for teaching experience abroad.
Life of a Teacher
Foreign teachers in South Korea find a great infrastructure for teaching english as a foreign language. South Korea places a great emphasis on education and parents have high expectations for the schools to deliver on a good education for their children. Students are eager to learn and teachers are sometimes even revered and generally met with respect and appreciation.
South Korea is extremely safe and the cost of living is very reasonable. While reasonably priced, you will enjoy a high standard of living. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in South Korea’s fascinating culture while also getting to know life in its mega cities. South Korea’s cuisine is a unique, one of a kind blend of flavors that presents a culinary adventure.
The most redeeming part about doing an education and teaching internship in South Korea is that you will feel that you are having an impact on student’s lives. The social aspect of teaching is an upside that is absent from many professions. As a teaching intern in South Korea your role will be to assist teachers and to promote learning in a community.
Your role as a teaching Intern
A possible task for interns doing an education and teaching internship in South Korea can be helping with planning and preparing lessons. Other than that you might also organize educational and outside classroom activities and assist teachers with various tasks.
Gaining insight into teaching abroad in South Korea is a great way to expand your skill set. You will also gain the ability to be able to work with students from different cultural backgrounds. You will have a great time traveling through the country while you benefit from the learning experience and the relationships you will forge.
