Teaching English in South Korea

*note - currently this program is offered remotely

English is a compulsory subject at all South Korean public schools (from Grade 3-12). Schools in Korea employ local teachers who specialize in teaching English as a Foreign Language. For several years, a growing number of South Korean schools have been fitted out with technical equipment to facilitate virtual interaction on a remote, international basis. Korean teachers apply to participate in this program as it provides a unique opportunity for their students to interact with Australian PSTs and improve their literacy, communication and academic skills in English.

What’s included?

  • Pre-departure preparation for online teaching

  • Orientation including ‘Kenali Malaysia’, language and culture program

  • ongoing support and follow-up

  • supervision by accredited teacher-training personnel

  • *Actual itinerary may vary based on respective and specific needs and requirements of faculties and students.

Teaching scope

South Korean schools employ specialist local teachers to teach English from Grade 3-12. This program provides a unique opportunity to develop professional teaching skills while working remotely in Australia. You will also gain new experience teaching English as an Additional Language, collaborating with experienced teachers in South Korea and learning about South Korea's education system and culture.

Teaching schedule

Australian PSTs teach at multiple schools under the supervision of a local English teacher at South Korean host schools. This comprises a total of 140 hours of professional experience over a ten week period, including TESOL and ICT training & support, lesson planning, collaborative teaching, assessment skills and reflective practice.

Professional supervision and on-going support

PSTs receive ongoing support throughout the placement. PSTs receive feedback throughout the placement (based on Australian Professional Standards of Teaching). The final assessment report is completed by a VIT-registered mentor-teacher.

Monitoring and assessment

PSTs will be monitored, mentored and provided with constructive and critical feedback as per standard procedures for education placements. In addition, high levels of logistical coordination will also need to be provided behind the scenes leading up to each lesson and 10 minutes before each lesson commences. This will ensure there are no issues during the virtual classroom session.

PSTs are supported, mentored and provided with constructive feedback. Bilingual communication support is provided to ensure lessons runs smoothly.

Technical Requirements

PSTs are required to have access to a reliable, high-speed internet connection, high-speed PC/laptop, high quality webcam, microphone and appropriate workspace (desk, lighting, limited background noise)

Professional Supervisors

  • Brad Wilke

    Brad Wilke has more than 15 years’ experience teaching in Australia and Asia. He began his teaching career English as a Foreign Language in South Korea, and has taught English and Korean at primary and secondary levels in Australian schools. He has worked as an academic at the University of New South Wales and Monash University where he has taught TESOL pedagogy, Languages Other Than English (Curriculum Studies), Social Sciences Education and Translation Pedagogy.

    He has worked on a diverse range of educational programs and projects both locally and internationally with Australian Education International, Seoul National University, Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre (NSW Department of Education) and the Korea Research Institute (UNSW). As a teacher, he has worked with NSW Department of Education, Amity College and Department of Education, Victoria. At Monash University, Brad worked in the professional practice team where he supported preservice teachers during local and international placements in primary and secondary schools.

    His qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma in Asian Studies, Graduate Diploma in Education, a Master of Arts, a Graduate Certificate in Educational Research and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

  • Ke Hyang Lee

    Ke Hyang Lee was born and bred in Seoul and has more than twenty years teaching and research experience in South Korea and Australia. Fluent in Korean, English and Japanese, she has taught Korean at Monash University, the University of Sydney and the Korean Education Centre (Korean Consulate, Sydney). She has extensive experience teaching English as a Foreign Language in South Korea and has also worked as a freelance translator.

    She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, a Master of Education in TESOL, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Certificate IV in Business Management and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Research.

    Ke Hyang also holds a Master of Teaching (Secondary) with specialisations in Languages Education and EAL/D.

  • Ji-Hyun (Crystal) Oh

    Crystal Ji-Hyun Oh teaches Science and Mathematics in Adelaide and holds professional accreditation with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia. She has three years’ experience in Australian schools and has first-hand experience in Australian and South Korean schools. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Teaching in Primary and Secondary Education.

  • Hyun-Sung (Andy) Oh

    Andy Hyun-Sung Oh teaches Mathematics in Melbourne and holds professional registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. He has three years' experience in Australian schools and has first-hand experience in Australian and South Korean schools. Andy's qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Teaching (Secondary).