Location
  • South Korea
    • Seoul
    • Busan
    • Gwangju
Length
52+ weeks
Classroom Audience
Early Childhood Middle School High School
General grants/scholarships
Health & Safety

Program Details

Qualifications
  • Citizen of the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa
  • 60 years of age or younger
  • NO criminal record including underage drinking charges, DUIs, misdemeanors, etc.
  • See our website for additional eligibility requirements
Classroom Audience
Early Childhood Middle School High School
Housing
Apartment
Weekly Classroom Hours
40
Age Min.
20
Age Max
60

Pricing

Price Details
What’s Included:
- 3 weeks of intensive TEFL training in Incheon (if chosen) which includes 120 hours of classwork and 16 hours of student teaching
- 1-week cultural orientation upon arrival
- 1 month accommodation during the course (shared housing)
- 3 months international medical and accident insurance
- Airport pickup and transfer
- Job, visa and housing assistance

Note: Pricing varies based on type of placement (Placement only or +TESOL certification course)
What's Included
Some Accommodation Airport Transfers Travel Insurance
What's Included (Extra)

*Teachers will receive a flight reimbursement from their school

Aug 29, 2023
Dec 15, 2022
66 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

High salaries, extensive group orientation, and job/visa/housing assistance are just a few of the many perks of teaching English in South Korea.

Get to know the amazing culture of South Korea while becoming TEFL certified in Incheon. We offer free housing and orientation during the TEFL program.
After graduation, we’ll assist you with finding a hagwon (private school) job so you can stay in South Korea and teach English.

Deadline to apply: 4 months before you'd like to leave

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

We appreciate that everyone has a unique worldview and value everyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, ability, military status, religion, sexual orientation or political view. We are committed to building relationships and ensuring everyone we encounter feels welcomed, respected, and accepted. Greenheart is committed to helping anyone find the best program fit and will go the extra mile to make sure our participants feel safe and supported wherever they end up.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Greenheart Travel welcomes travelers identifying as LGTBQ+, and is committed to helping you find the best program for you. We can provide information on the cultural norms of our destination countries and are prepared to advise you on the best programs based on your needs and interests.
While most of our programs could be a good fit, we also know that certain cultures and countries are more accepting of and prepared to host LGBTQ+ people than others. We are committed to working with LGBTQ+ people to determine which experiences may be the right fit for them. Please reach out if you want to discuss which of our programs might fit you best ahead of applying at travelabroad@greenheart.org or set up a phone call with us here.

Neurodivergent Support

Greenheart works with partners who have varying levels of what is considered "good mental health". While we cannot change their eligibility conditions, we will work with participants to the best of our abilities in order to get them the program placement they want. We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with us directly, before securing these documents.

Accessibility Support

Greenheart Travel welcomes students of varying ability to explore their study abroad options! While resources and support differ from country to country, Greenheart Travel staff work with individual students as needed to find program options that will set students up for success.

Impact

Sustainability

We believe in supporting our travelers to make a positive impact in their communities. The Greenheart Club provides Greenheart Grant funding to alumni projects all over the world.
As the leading eco-friendly exchange organization, we are passionate about helping travelers explore the globe while respecting the environment and cultural heritage of the destinations they explore.

Ethical Impact

Greenheart Travel is a branch of Greenheart International, a Chicago-based organization that connects people and planet to create global leaders through personal development, volunteer service, environmentalism, fair trade, and cultural exchange. We provide resources, grants, and experiences to those who want to immerse themselves in another culture and leave it better than when they arrived. Through volunteering, creating relationships and more.

Program Highlights

  • We'll make sure you don't waste time and money preparing and submitting incorrect documents
  • Save money or pay off student loans
  • Receive in-depth pre-departure support includes cultural and logistical training to prepare you for life in South Korea
  • Be connected to a community of Greenheart Travel alumni teachers before, during and after your teaching contract

Program Reviews

4.77 Rating
based on 39 reviews
  • 5 rating 84.62%
  • 4 rating 12.82%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 2.56%
  • Benefits 4.8
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.7
  • Facilities 4.7
  • Safety 4.6
Showing 1 - 8 of 39 reviews
Default avatar
Michael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Must for Peace of Mind!

The phrase “Oh, I just do it for the piece of mind” is the first thing I thought of when writing this review. Knowing that I had a team of experienced experts that would walk me through each step of the way through the pre-arrival process proved to be invaluable. I could not imagine having to weather this process alone or with the help of just one or two people.
Greenheart Travel and their team of partners made this entire experience far less stressful than it could have been. Finding a job abroad, then finding and sending all the required paperwork is no simple feat. However, with their help and very detailed guides, it proved to be something I could easily manage.

Still, it didn’t end once I arrived in Korea. The in country TESOL course proved to be invaluable for countless reasons. The one-week introduction course was a great welcome to the country and helped ease many of my nerves and anxieties about moving to a new country. Not only this, but the course allowed me to practice lesson planning as well as actual teaching, all under the supervisor of an experienced TESOL instructor. During the four-week course, there was always someone I could turn to if I needed a question answered about anything at all. The best part, however, were the friends and experiences I had. It was wonderful being with so many likeminded individuals and getting to know them. To this day, I still keep in touch with most of them and make efforts to see them as much as possible.

Lastly, even after my course came to an end, I had several, professional, contacts I could reach out to in case I needed help or advice. Greenheart Travel’s program essentially sets you up with a “friend you can always turn to”; best of all, they are obligated to reply, and they always do.

If you are looking to move abroad to teach, this program is absolutely worth the investment and will ease any worries you may have about your potential new home and any struggles you may have.

Pros
  • Help with each and every step in the process
  • Meet like minded people
  • Lots of practice during course
Cons
  • Course work load can be heavy at times
357 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Michael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Expert Service and Peace of Mind!

The phrase “Oh, I just do it for the piece of mind” is the first thing I thought of when writing this review. Knowing that I had a team of experienced experts that would walk me through each step of the way through the pre-arrival process proved to be invaluable. I could not imagine having to weather this process alone or with the help of just one or two people.
Greenheart Travel and their team of partners made this entire experience far less stressful than it could have been. Finding a job abroad, then finding and sending all the required paperwork is no simple feat. However, with their help and very detailed guides, it proved to be something I could easily manage.
Still, it didn’t end once I arrived in Korea. The in country TESOL course proved to be invaluable for countless reasons. The one-week introduction course was a great welcome to the country and helped ease many of my nerves and anxieties about moving to a new country. Not only this, but the course allowed me to practice lesson planning as well as actual teaching, all under the supervisor of an experienced TESOL instructor. During the four-week course, there was always someone I could turn to if I needed a question answered about anything at all. The best part, however, were the friends and experiences I had. It was wonderful being with so many likeminded individuals and getting to know them. To this day, I still keep in touch with most of them and make efforts to see them as much as possible.
Lastly, even after my course came to an end, I had several, professional, contacts I could reach out to in case I needed help or advice. Greenheart Travel’s program essentially sets you up with a “friend you can always turn to”; best of all, they are obligated to reply, and they always do.
If you are looking to move abroad to teach, this program is absolutely worth the investment and will ease any worries you may have about your potential new home and any struggles you may have.

Pros
  • Timely advice and help
  • Immersive course and introduction week
  • Connect with like-minded individuals
Cons
  • Course load can be heavy at times
340 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Carolina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful Start to a Wonderful Experience

Greenheart travel partners with a team in Asia to take care of certifying teachers, applying for jobs, getting you completely ready to live and teach in SK. I was very lucky; I didn't have any issues with the training or finding a placement.
Overall, I am happy that I choose GHT. There were some restrictions in place in SK due to covid regulations, but even so I didn't feel abandoned when I arrived. I would recommend them to anyone who was interested in traveling abroad.
Coming to Korea has been such an exciting adventure. If you want to have unforgettable experiences, you should apply to come here.

Pros
  • Great food
  • A+ Nightlife
  • 1st world comforts
Cons
  • Long workdays
  • Not a lot of time off
362 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jessica
1/5
No, I don't recommend this program

PLS DO NOT USE GREENHEART TRAVEL

I used this agency to find a place to teach English in Korea and please do not use this agency. Please use XploreAsia directly instead. They ripped me off and they didn't do anything other than connect me with different agencies as such Hands Korea and XploreAsia.

It's a total scam because to even have a meeting with their person to learn more information, you have to pay 300 dollars deposit. They should have more information on their website about what to expect. After the initial meeting, you have to pay another 300 dollars to continue with your process. They are not clear about the whole money thing in the process. They just send emails saying I have ____ amount to pay due certain date. Finally, I paid 2,270 dollars to fully commit to the program.

2,870 dollars is too much to have one meeting and get connected with two agencies. I wonder how much I would've paid if I were used other agencies. For sure, I know I paid too much money to get a job that's paying around 20k dollars in a year.

I wish they were more upfront and clear with their payment in the beginning. I have no clue why there are no bad reviews on them.

Anyway, I'm glad I got to expose this company’s scheme.

Cons
  • Too expensive
  • Feels like ripped off
364 people found this review helpful.
Response from Greenheart

Thank you Jessica for sharing your feedback. It is unfortunate you found our process confusing. It is always our intent to be transparent and as easy to understand as possible. We will revisit our website’s step-by-step outline to make sure it is clear. Greenheart Travel works with partners all over the world to design the best Teach Abroad programs—and to make sure Greenheart teachers get the best school placements and the highest paying contracts. While some people prefer to apply directly with international schools, that does not come with the support and guidance that Greenheart Travel and our partners offer.

We are sorry that you were unhappy with the payment timeline. The timing for payments and visa applications is laid out with our teachers at the very beginning of our process and we follow it carefully to ensure we are setting up a positive exchange experience for you. Greenheart Travel works collaboratively with our partners to handle different parts of the application and placement process in the USA and in the destination country. All teachers must have their program fees paid before they receive their school placements and we cannot make exceptions to those timelines.

We do appreciate your feedback and we’ll be reviewing our website to make sure our process and payment timing is clear. Everyone has a choice to apply directly with international schools or to apply through Greenheart Travel. We are glad that you chose to arrange your teaching position through Greenheart Travel! We are here to support you on your upcoming journey so that you feel comfortable and safe, and so that you get the most out of your cultural exchange experience. Thank you and safe travels!

Default avatar
Alejandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Korea Program

Amazing program for students who are interested in teaching abroad. You will receive all the support and guidance you need throughout the whole program, which is definitely helpful for individuals who are going abroad for their first time. Ana is very helpful and supportive throughout the whole process. She made the whole process go by smoothly and easy. Any questions or concerns I had she was always there to assist me. Thank you for all your support and guidance. I am beyond excited to be in South Korea teaching English. It’s a dream that I’ve always had and I’m so happy to be pursuing it. Again, thank you Greenheart travel and Ana for all your help!

404 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teach in South Korea

I have been very lucky in my placement here. I live in a smaller city that provides me with the best of city and rural life. I only teach at one school and have wonderful co-teachers and lack nothing that I require to do my job. My home is within walking distance of my school and is very comfortable. I have loved every minute of my time here! For those thinking about this program I have a few pieces of advice... First, this is a teaching program, I am a certified teacher in the US so my transition has been fairly easy. I do know some however that have zero teaching experience or relevent course work that a struggling in their positions. Please keep in mind that this is a full time job, not just an extended vacation...Second, everyones experience is different. There will be bad co-teachers and apartments and you may live somewhere you werent expecting. You must be flexible and able to roll with the tide so to speak. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience a new culture. Eat the food! Speak the language! Meet the people...this is how you will get the most out of your experience here.

What would you improve about this program?
I would require that participants have some background/experience in education. This will make the experience less stressful to the participants and give the students better quality English instruction
417 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Linda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience

I have taught in a few countries now and the program in South Korea was the best for overall teaching experience. I was fortunate to have great co-teachers who really took care of me, the pay is great and I got valuable teaching experience. The EPIK program was the second time I used Greenheart Travel to help me. The entire staff at Greenheart is amazing. They have a lot of materials with information to help you prepare before you leave (like important cultural tips and packing lists) as well as information for your time in-country. They also encourage communication among candidates prior to your start date so you can ask questions, share information and get to know each other before you arrive. It doesn't cost anything.....why wouldn't you use Greenheart??

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't stress out too much (I know, easier said than done). Keep an open mind and have fun!!
405 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rebecca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Greenheart Travel: EPIK Program

I gave my overall experience a 9 because I don't have another program to compare it to, but overall it's been a really positive experience.

I went through EPIK (English Program in Korea) and it was definitely a time consuming application process. But with the help of my adviser, Kara, she helped alleviate the stress and guided me every step of the way. EPIK's application process is very long and specific. Your application will be delayed if something isn't filled out correctly, so accuracy is important. That's why I wanted to go through a recruiter. But what really stressed me out was gathering up the necessary documents needed for the application (passport photos, FBI background check, notarized/apostille diploma etc...). I couldn't imagine doing this by myself. There were so many questions I had. I emailed Kara back and forth about how to go about some things and she definitely clarified things for me--she made the process as easy as possible. What I really appreciated were the live seminars she held. These seminars went over how to fill out the application, how to gather your personal documents and anything else you wanted to go over. Also, if you couldn't make it, they were recorded so you'd be emailed the seminar. I thought this was great because I could go back whenever I needed to.

Fast forwarding to my acceptance:
Once I was accepted into the program Kara updated me as much as possible. She held another seminar before leaving the country which again, was helpful. Overall, I'm happy I went through Greenheart Travel. They definitely ensure that you are taken care of throughout the entire process!

*Note: There is a fee to go through this recruiter, but if you get TEFL certified through International TEFL Academy your fee will be waived (as of 2018).

What would you improve about this program?
One thing I suggest is to have a quick check-in in regards the tax form 8802 to ensure US residents have their 6166 form before they leave the country. It'll be a hassle to do overseas because of international shipping (Korea--> USA is around $25 to mail out the 8802 form if not done before leaving the US)
421 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Hi Yovanny. All positions in South Korea require a Bachelor's Degree. If you do not have one, please check out our Teach in Myanmar program: https://greenhearttravel.org/program/adult/teach/teach-in-m…

Hi there. The program requires that you must have studied in one of these seven citizenship countries since the 7th grade (no later): U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa (no exceptions).