Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK)

Start impacting the lives of students who need you the most!

The Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK) program was established in 2008 as a government initiative to increase accessibility to quality English education in rural areas.

As a TaLK scholar, you will lead after-school English classes at a public elementary school for only 15 hours a week. You will have the freedom to create your own lesson plans and have plenty of time to engage in culturally-edifying activities sponsored by the provincial offices of education.

Join over 2,000 scholars who have been through this unique teaching and service-learning scholarship program and make a meaningful contribution to the international community.

For more information, visit the official TaLK website.

Since April 2012, SFU Co-operative Education has placed on average 20 students a year in the TaLK program.

TaLK and EPIK info session

Want to learn more about the exciting opportunity to teach and learn in Korea?

Join us for a TaLK and EPIK info session! Representatives from the Korean Ministry of Education will be available to help answer questions.

Date: Thursday, Jan 30th
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Location: AQ 5037

Seating is limited. 

Register on myExperience: https://myexperience.sfu.ca/events.htm?evtId=2882

If you have any question, please contact: goicoop@sfu.ca.


Time to get a real taste of culture. Start TaLKing!

Benefits

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Accommodation (furnished housing)
  • Medical Insurance Coverage
  • Vacation leave (students on 6-12 month contracts):
    Up to 14 days/year but only 7 days/semester (must speak to mentor teacher far in advance to arrange)
  • Monthly stipend
  • Settlement allowance

Past Co-op Student Experiences

TaLK is a great program for students in the process of obtaining their Bachelor's. Even if you have no experience in teaching, there is a month-long orientation before you start work. Other TaLK teachers are always willing to share their experiences and tips with one another. I have learned so much these past few months from my mentor teacher, Korean co-teachers, fellow TaLK teachers, and my students. I have changed since living in Korea. I have become more independent and outgoing interacting with the people here. It's been a fantastic journey so far, and I'm looking forward to my next term here.

- Carey Lau, Business & Science Co-op Student 

As I learned more about the TaLK program, I imagined myself applying the skills I’ve learned towards teaching more and more. Coming from a background in Science and Business, along with piano music certification and an AP art portfolio, I saw myself as the ideal candidate. Arrogant? Maybe. But I was ambitious – I was keen on gauging my personal growth and taking on a worthy challenge that I’ll probably never forget. It was a challenge indeed.

- Faline Lee, Arts & Social Sciences Co-op Student

Curious about Carey and Faline's amazing experiences with TaLK?

Read more here

Interview Tips

  • Review the TaLK website: in particular, the videos or "TaLK essays" that previous TaLK scholars have produced prior to their interviews
  • Prepare examples of where you have demonstrated strengths regarding physical and emotional health
  • Interviewer will want to get a sense of genuine interest in teaching, children and Korea - do not convey you are applying because you "want a vacation"
  • Give examples of times when you've overcome challenges, how you deal with stress, how you deal with unfamiliar circumstances, and where you've displayed independence and self-reliance
  • There will be questions regarding your teaching style/methodology (i.e. how would you conduct a class when no one speaks the language?)
  • There is a personal essay component to the interview and this is where you can articulate your thoughts about why you want the job and really show the interviewers who you are as a person and what you are passionate about

Things to Consider

  • Teaching class size can be anywhere from 5-25 students
  • Classes are taught in an after school program and they are not part of the regular school curriculum
  • During the 3 week orientation, take advantage of extra classes they offer like Korean cooking and Korean language training (both popular classes)
  • Research the region in which you want to be placed
  • You will not have information on the school, how many students, or region, etc. until after you have left for Korea and are participating in orientation
  • Students have used their school earnings in many ways:
    Some students spend everything while some students have saved up to $10,000 and paid off entire school debt, while others made donations to the school/children to help the underprivileged children in the community
  • Not paid for time off for being sick and class must be made up at later date
  • Students must pay taxes on money earned when they return to Canada
  • Program caters to individuals and not couples