TEFL Courses & Certification in South Korea

I had a blast during my time in South Korea, but it was also extremely hard. I am someone who has a background working in crisis management, so I am familiar with long hours and unexpected twists and turns, so this was not something that I struggled with too much. But it is a reality that many have to accept if they are choosing to work abroad. THIS IS NOT A VACATION. They repeat this about a million times during the course and it is very true. Although every placement is unique, the extra work/hours that are expected from you is common throughout the country. The course itself was lovely. I made lifelong friends, who I still keep in touch with now almost 2 (3?!) years later, even though we were placed in different locations. I also got to meet future coworkers, which helped the transition into the post-program life. The program did prepare me for cultural differences and allowed a bit of a breather before the real work began so I am glad I opted in to the dorm-style life. I learned a lot and got to explore Seoul before my schedule became bit wild. After the program, I moved to my new city. I didn't live in Seoul, which was my choice. I got a pretty nice apartment (not a studio!) and my school expected us to teach their curriculum, so we did not have to reinvent the wheel. I enjoyed being around the students and learning from them as much as they learned from me. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I renewed my contract for another year. I decided to leave Korea after two years because of many things - but also because I reached my limit in terms of workload as a senior teacher and expectations. I wanted to leave before I began to resent it, and it was the best choice for me. I think that if you have a good head on your shoulders and your heart is in the right place, you will enjoy life in South Korea. The kids are really lovely.

Annyeonghaseyo! My name is Alexis, and I’m from Cali. I am currently living and teaching in Seoul, South Korea.My journey through my TEFL program and into life as a teacher in South Korea has been nothing short of extraordinary. Every step of the process was supported by dedicated, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring professionals who made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel smooth, organized, and exciting. The i-to-i staff were so helpful in enrolling in the internship program. XploreAsia was exceptional from the very beginning. They guided me through every document I needed, helped me find the right offices and locations to complete requirements, and consistently encouraged me as I worked through the actual TEFL coursework. Their communication was clear, timely, and always reassuring—making me feel fully prepared for each next step. A special highlight of my journey is Shannon from XploreAsia, who was truly the most integral part of getting me to Korea. Her support was unmatched—she worked tirelessly to help me secure a prime location, answered every question with patience and kindness, and genuinely cared about my success. Even now, over a year after my arrival, she still checks in on me. That level of commitment is rare, and I’m deeply grateful for her. The recruiter from Embark also deserves recognition for their efficiency and professionalism. They worked incredibly quickly to match me with the right opportunity, and the communication from the moment I landed in Korea to arriving at my hagwon was handled seamlessly. I never felt lost or unsupported during the transition. Now, after almost two years in South Korea, I can confidently say this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I’ve been able to use my extensive background in teaching and education while also learning about another school system from the inside. My school is located right in the heart of Seoul, with great housing and endless food options steps away—something I genuinely appreciate every day. One of the greatest blessings has been the community I’ve built. I now have a long roster of close friends both inside and outside of my school. XploreAsia further enriches this experience through organized events and excursions where I can meet others who came through the same program. These opportunities have helped me create lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. This journey has shaped me so deeply that I fully intend to stay in Korea for a long time. The support, the culture, the friendships, and the personal and professional growth have all made this chapter of my life truly incredible. If anyone is considering a TEFL program or teaching abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend taking this path—and doing it with the teams that helped me. They don’t just prepare you for teaching; they prepare you for a transformative, enriching life experience.