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Teaching English in South Korea - Fiona's TEFL Story

Posted by Amy Hanson - 09:56 on 09 June 2011

Teaching English in South Korea

Fiona, a graduate of our TEFL courses, gets in touch to tell us what it's like teaching English in South Korea.

"Piano teacher! See you next time." Monica (8) shouts as she races out of the Hagwon and onto her Taekwondo lesson.

Hi, I'm actually called Fiona and I'm 26. I took my TEFL Scotland course in February 2009 and after a false start in a search for a European position I ended up in South Korea in April 2010. I couldn't have stumbled across a better country! As a toy shop manager I was trying to use my business degree after University but I soon realised I was missing out on greater opportunities across the world. I was considering returning to University to gain my teaching certificate when my Mum suggested trying TEFL to gauge my patience and abilities as a teacher. I took the TEFL course in Edinburgh and enjoyed every minute, I was itching to get into the classroom.

I am currently in the process of returning for my second year in South Korea in a bigger and more advanced school after teaching in a small, rural location last year. I had over 110 students throughout the week, ranging from 8-14years old. Monica was one of many struggling with the introduction of the letter "F" into her phonics as the Korean alphabet would more commonly use the P. I had previously volunteered in Mexico and my saviour for my Celtic name would be the well known "Shrek", however in Korea the movie is dubbed with "Princess Piona" which my students kindly altered to "Piano". One of the many obstacles you will face in the classroom but in contrast to the managing of a toyshop this was a delightful hurdle and one which was overcome with ease.

When I first arrived at my school I was unsure, as any new teacher would be, as to the techniques to use, the lesson plans to follow or make and the methods as to how to use the text book effectively. I soon found my stride and adapted my own techniques in the classroom by using sentences, spelling tests, vocabulary games and poster making activities which enabled the children to become more confident in their own personal use of the language. I found some of the books limited the children and therefore I spent a lot of my time sourcing further worksheets or activities that would encourage their language development. This is easier than it sounds and although I was told to avoid being distracted by the children asking personal questions I found this to be a great way to lead them into conversation. By doing this they were having to think on the spot rather than remember their practised answers. I found this improved almost every aspect of their language skills and I feel my teaching methods noticeably improved their level, and this is by far the most rewarding feeling in the world!

South Korea is a fabulous place to live, I travelled the whole country while I was there, including a few of the islands. It is also a great base for touring Asia as flights are inexpensive and you have some spare time to take advantage. Hiking, paragliding, shark diving and quad biking are only some of the widely available activities at hand. I live in Ulsan and as a coastal city I also have a wide range of beaches to avail of and with the great weather and warm nights there are many enjoyable days to be had.

My TEFL course gave me the head start that I needed to revive my passion to do something different. It reminded me of basic teaching techniques and common sense methods to be applied in lessons. I have found these skills invaluable and have since recommended many friends to do the TEFL Scotland course. Since my year in Korea I have decided to return to University next year to gain my teaching certificate. I am as yet undecided as to whether I will use this in the UK or take it alongside my management degree to set up my own school abroad. TEFL has offered me more opportunities than I could have imagined, it has become my passport to the academic world and I intend to fill every page. If I could advise future TEFL students, all I could say is take the course and feel the pull of the world, take a chance and get a visa. Go for it!

Find out more: Teaching English in South Korea

Have a TEFL adventure like Fiona's: Take a TEFL course

Ready to find work? TEFL jobs in South Korea

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