A: The following documents will need to be submitted at some point during the hiring and visa process. We suggest making steps to acquire all these documents even if you’re still considering teaching overseas. A U.S passport usually takes a month to acquire- this is the most essential item. See the full list of the items you will need below.
Note: Make hard copies and scans of all your documents if possible (save them as PDF files). This will be useful during the application and interview process. They may also prove handy while overseas. Save them to your email draft box, that way you can access them anywhere there is a computer.
University degree (You will need to have it officially notarized by the Consulate in your region if you only have a copy. You must send your original degree to your overseas employer. Note: some schools will not pay for your airfare upfront if you send a notarized copy). Please verify whether your particular country requires that you send the original. For example, South Korea requires you to send your original degree and documents to your employer, so they can submit them to the immigration office for you. Your school, recruiter, or employer will give you more directions about what exactly you need to do once your hired.
Officially sealed transcripts (The officially sealed university transcripts must be stamped across the envelope seal. If it is somewhere else on the envelope, it will not be accepted.) Order 2 copies from your university/universities, if you don’t already have them.
Employment contract (After you’re hired you will be emailed a contract which must be signed, dated, and returned to the employer. You will also need a copy of your contract when applying for your visa at the Korean Consulate.
Passport photos (We suggest taking 6 because you'll need them all at some point The photos must be in color. Use your photo printer at home to save money or visit your local Walgreens, Post Office, or Photographer). Please see our checklist for more advice about ways to save money.
Photocopy of your passport (print the photo page/profile page)
Resume (Print at least 2 hard copies out)
Health Statement Form (You can download this form in our "forms" page)
Criminal Background Check and Apostille (The process of obtaining these documents may seem troublesome, but remember these countries are trying to protect their children and society).
In the case of South Korea, after all these documents have been submitted to your employer, the immigration office will issue them a visa issuance number/invitation letter and they will give it to you (either the number by email or in a written letter form). Japan, China, and other countries all have different requires for how to obtain a work visa. Please confirm the exact process with your employer/recruiter before sending any items off.
Q2: How much does a work visa cost? A: U.S citizens pay $45. Canadian citizens $55. Please contact your local Consulate if your from the U.K, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa to check on the cost.
Q1: What kind of support can I expect from ESL Teachers and my overseas employer? A: ESL Food is here to answer any of your questions and has listed the majority of forms you'll need right here on our website. We'll also continue to support you through the visa process, departure, arrival into the country you’ll be teaching- and throughout your stay. Your overseas employer will assist you by acquiring your apartment; helping you to complete the medical check-up; obtaining household items; opening a bank account; and with registering as a resident of their country. Remember both ESL Food and your overseas employer will invest thousands to see to it that you’re safely and happily settled and ready to teach. All this may seem like a bit of work, but once you’re set up overseas, you’ll never have to repeat it.
Q2: Are the employers that ESL Food works with reliable and safe? A: Here at ESL Food we do our best to screen online job posts and employers, but we don't guarantee their legitimacy. Nevertheless, these Employers are screened by their home countries and cannot seek to employ overseas workers without a great deal of verification- like a legal business and proper finances. We've never encounter any problems concerning this issue.
Q3: I do not have any teaching experience. Is that a problem? A: No! Prior teaching experience isn’t necessary unless your employer expressly requests it. In that case, they wouldn't be hiring you. Most employers will provide short term training programs a few days before you begin working. You may also receive additional teaching and support from other teachers in your school.
Q4: I’m thinking of enrolling in a TESL/CELTA course. Will that help? A: TEFL Programs may be helpful, but they're not essential. Moreover, only certain programs (100+ hours of study) will qualify teachers to receive extra salary. It is not a requirement for most jobs to have any teaching or TEFL/CELTA/TESOL certificate.
Q5: I don’t speak the native language of the country. Is that a problem? A: No, but you'll learn some basic classroom language after you arrive. We suggest you familiarize yourself, generally speaking, with the native tongue of your employer’s country prior to departure. As a word from the wise, students shouldn’t speak any other language in the classroom but English. Furthermore, if you speak the native language you may deter the students from having to learn English. Often times the problem with most native trained bilingual English teachers is that they tend to use the language the students know best and thus hinder their growth.
Q6: Do employers offer free language classes? A: Most Employers will gladly have someone train you in their native language. It helps for friendship and work. You'll pick up on the language easily in the work place. Free language exchange classes are everywhere. Remember, students pay a lot of money overseas to learn English. They'll gladly teach you their language in exchange for yours.
Q7: Can I experience this opportunity with a friend or partner? A: Yes. Bring a friend. Bring two if you want. Have your friend or partner apply separately, but ask the Employer or recruiter to help you find work at the same location or in the same city. Some employers will gladly host two friends in the same apartment.
Q8: Can I bring my family or wife? A: Individual schools will make this call, but as a rule, they welcome stable families. Benefits however only apply to the employees. Employees bringing dependents like children, spouses, or partners will need to find their own accommodations, secure the visa for their dependents, pay for their flight, and secure schooling for their children. International schools can be very expensive. If you bring dependents, you’ll need to be placed in a city like Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Shanghai, where it is easier to find apartments, schools, and support networks. Ask your employer for exact details and information.
Q9: Can I request a particular city location? A: Yes! Let us know where you want to work and we’ll do our best to match you with a school in that area. Just keep in mind that placements are ultimately based on the needs of the schools and the availability of teaching positions. Please email us directly if you would like for us to find you a good school and don’t care to search on your own.
Q10: Do most employers have a dress code? A: In general, the rule is “be clean, smart, and casual.” You will need to cover up any visible tattoos or piercings (other than ears). Most employers discourage unusual hairstyles or hair colors. Clean shaving and proper hygiene are most welcomed.
Q11: Am I allowed to work other part-time jobs to supplement my income? A: No. But some employers don't mind if you make a formal request. We suggest asking the school for extra hours before looking outside your work for extra money.
Q12: What does the health Insurance plan cover? A: Medical care overseas is dramatically cheaper than western countries. Usually 50% is covered by the Nation Health insurance plan. The remaining balance will need to be paid by the employee.
Q13:Is there any dental Insurance?
A: No, but dental work is much cheaper overseas. You may acquire dental insurance on your own.
Q14: What resources are provided for teachers? A: For the most part employers will do their best to keep the employee happy, on track, educated, and healthy. Schools can't make money if their foreign teacher (who make quite a bit more than native teachers) is sick, uniformed, or absent. Nevertheless, keep in mind that employers overseas may not speak English and often assume the teacher will know what to do. Don't be surprised if an employer throws you into a room full of kids and say "teach." At first you might resent the idea, but the freedom is often appreciated later. If possible, ask to speak with a current foreign teacher working for that employer to answer some of these questions. In respects to amenities on the job, most schools have a teacher lounge, complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks. Depending on the financial resources of the school most offer free computer and internet usage; along with phones, copiers, and such. Teaching resources and curriculum will usually be provided.
Q15: What will I be expected to teach? A: Depending on what type of job you apply for (i.e business, adults, kinder), lesson plans are based on the curriculum and your employer will train you on what to teach. During training, teachers will learn how to generally move through the material. Teachers are encouraged to use their own creativity and individual teaching styles to engage students. Western education is prized for its self-expression and creativity. This is lacking and undermined in Asia.
Q16: Are there additional activities teachers need to participate in? A: Often yes. We recommend you clarify just how many hours outside the contracted terms you may be required to keep. For public-school positions, teachers will occasionally be asked to participate in mandatory activities outside of regular school hours. Usually, any hours in excess of the required 22-30hrs teaching hours will be paid at designated overtime rates.
Q1: How will I be paid? A: Some employers may pay cash, but most deposit your salary once a month into your bank account.
Q2: What about taxes? A: Income taxes are lower overseas than in western (between 2–15%, depending on income). Expect about $150-$200 deduction out of $2000.00 pay check. This includes pension, Health Insurance, and taxes. For government programs, all GET teachers (except Canadians) are exempt from paying income tax for the first two years in Korea (after completing appropriate paperwork). For Canadian GET teachers, income tax is 2–4%. Many countries have pensions plans which allow you to retrieve money when you leave. Definitely confirm this with your employer before heading overseas.
Q3: What will my monthly expenses be? A: For the most part, the cost of living overseas is quite a bit lower- except for high class cities like Tokyo, Japan or Moscow, Russia. Generally speaking, employers pay for your rent and possibly internet, You pay for utilities, transportation to and from work, and daily living expenses. Utilities run less than $50 a month (that includes, gas, water, electricity) for a single person. You'll need to purchase a cell phone as well. No home phone will meet your needs overseas.
Q4: My contract gives me the domestic currency. How much will I actually make in U.S Dollars? A: Currency converter: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Q5: Is it possible to save money overseas? A: Yes! This is the one reason people choose to teach English Overseas. Depending on your personal finance habits, you can expect to save anywhere from 10% to 50% of your salary (or more). In general, if you live in a major city like Seoul or Tokyo, your cost of living will be higher. Smaller cities and rural areas tend to have a lower cost of living, so it is easier to save money. On average, teachers save about $1000/month. We recommend sending money back several times a year, but not every month (to save on fees).
Q6: Is it possible to send money back home? A: Yes. Your employer can show you how, or you can just visit your local bank. They'll usually have somewhere there who speaks English. Several options are available: bank-to-bank transfers, through the post office, and third-party agencies (e.g., Western Union).
Q7: Can I use my domestic debit, Visa, Mastercard or AMEX card overseas? A: Check the back of your debit card for Plus or Cirrus symbols. International ATMs overseas will accept cards with these symbols. You will want to check the symbols above the ATM machine before using them. All major overseas cities have ATM's. Please remember to contact your bank prior to your departure to inform them you will be traveling overseas. If you do not inform your bank, then it’s possible they will freeze your card to protect you from fraudulent charges.
Q8: How much money do I need for all this visa stuff and my first month overseas? A: Depending on your employer, you may need to pay for your plane ticket (which averages about $1,000). Expected to be reimbursed by your employer (usually within the first month of arrival)- and be aware that employers may require a copy of the original purchase receipt to verify the reimbursement about. You will also need to bring living expenses for your first month (around $500). If written in the contract most employers will pay for your plane ticket prior to departure. They may also give you a small pay cash advance upon arrival. Please ask your employer about this before your departure.
Q1: Will my apartment have Internet access? A: Many schools provide internet access to their employees at home and at work. Nevertheless, once you have registered as a resident, you will able to sign up for internet installation in your home (if it’s not provided). Note: China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan have computer rooms almost everywhere.
Q2: Are any furnishings provided in my apartment? A: Typically you will get a semi-furnished apartment with a bed, stove, fridge, washing machine, TV, table, and chair, plus a western-style bathroom. Western-style bathrooms generally have a shower but not a full bathtub.
Q3: How far is my apartment from the school? A: Apartments are usually within 10–15 minutes traveling distance from the school (either by bus, subway, or walking). However, in some cases where you must work at two different schools, it may be an hour each way. In that case, the employer usually pays for your transportation fees. Do ask about this before you leave.
Q4: Does the school pay for my commuting costs to work? A: No. Transportation costs are paid by the teacher. Yet, under some circumstances a rental car may be provided or a small stipends depending on travel between teaching locations.
Q5:I haven't graduated yet. When should I begin the hiring process? A: In general, we recommend you apply ASAP. Even if you haven't graduated yet. It’s nice to have a scope of overseas options- and employers need time to prepare anyhow. For recent graduates who are awaiting confirmations of their diplomas, it is possible to go through the hiring process and receive an offer from the employer (offer contingent on receiving the diploma) for positions available up to six months into the future.
Q6: Can I bring my cat or dog? A: It is often difficult to find pet-friendly apartments, but not impossible. Ask your employer for exact details. Candidates should do their own research for the length of quarantine and care required for their pets.
Q7: Can I speak to teachers who are currently teaching English overseas or who have recently come back? A: Due to privacy issues, we cannot disclose information regarding our teachers. However, you may ask your employer if they have a foreign teacher you can speak with.
Q8: Can I have friends/relatives visit me and stay at my apartment? A: Yes. Short-term guests are allowed. Please remember that apartment walls are not as thick as in western countries, and teachers and their guests need to be respectful of their neighbors.
Q9: Is it possible to connect with other teachers before going overseas? A: Yes. There are tons of teachers already working overseas and we have lists of them that we will notify concerning your arrival. With your permission, we'll provide them with your email and contact information so that you can have a small network of friends upon arrival. Please ask for this service if you desire it.
Q10: Should I be worried about what I watch on the news concerning my country? The media has a way of hyping things up in Asia which aren't really an issue in the day to day life of the average citizens or foreigners. The rhetoric of Kim Jung Il being a prime example. Please try not to worry. There are tons of Americans all over Asia and nobody truly worries about these things once they're aboard.
Money Talks