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Start impacting the lives of people 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 the official TaLK website, please visit here.

It’s time to get a real taste of culture. Start TaLKING!

SFU OLC articles

Faline Lee
http://www.sfu.ca/olc/stories/topic/faline-lee-teach-and-learn-korea

Quotes from SFU Students

"TaLK has been such a blessing to me. Whether it's merely an opportunity to discover where our talents lie or to meet others from all around the world, this experience has definitely allowed me to do so. I'm currently enjoying my last work term here at my school and I can't wait to approach this semester with new topics and ideas. What have I learned in my year of teaching experience? That it's all about the children and in the end, the amount of effort you put into your job, is the amount of appreciation and gratitude you get back.”

“I have done a cultural activity almost every weekend; I've gone to the lantern festival all the way at the bottom of Korea, to the mask festival to the east of Korea. I've shopped in the famous markets in Seoul and have been to the Everland amusement park (the Disneyland of Korea) and tasted lots of different Korean food!”

“I am adjusting slowly to my new workplace but where I am living I’m adjusting just fine. Three things that are different about Korea is that mail arrives SO QUICKLY, the Seoul transit system is incredible in the cities, you can get anywhere with a subway or bus!”

“My responsibilities are to do my best, show up on time and give plenty of notice for vacation time and sick days. My employer’s expectations weren't laid out from the beginning but they seem to be high as I am going on with my work. My vice principal wants me to come in early, attend workshops and other classroom teachers lessons so I can learn. We arrived to an understanding after I spoke to him about my own opinions.”

TaLK Interview Tips

  • Review the website: http://talk.go.kr, in particular, the videos or "TaLK essays" that previous TaLK scholars have produced prior to interview.
  • Prepare examples of where you have demonstrated strengths regarding physical and emotional health.
  • The 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, where you've displayed independence and self-reliance.
  • There will be questions with regards to 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

Sample 45 Minute Lesson Plan Tips

  • Take into account the varying degrees of English capabilities of class.
  • Avoid overly simplified plans (i.e. "now we'll do some vocabulary, watch a video…") – Use details.
  • Be creative, goal-oriented and engaging.
  • Review the sample lesson plans on http://talk.go.kr/ for ideas.

Benefits

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Accommodation (free, single, furnished housing)
  • Medical Insurance Coverage
  • Vacation leave (for 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: KRW 1.5 million
  • Settlement allowance: KRW 300,000

 What You Need to Know

  • Program caters to individuals and not couples.
  • Teaching class size can be anywhere from 5-25 students.
  • The classes are taught in an after school program and 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, 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; some students have saved up to $10,000 and paid off entire school debt, while others saved the money and gave it 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

Extra Items to Bring with You:

  • Korea is a big gift-giving culture. Bring gifts from Canada to give to the school principal, your mentor teacher and maybe two more just in case.
  • A Korean dictionary or thesaurus that has lists of common phrases.
  • $1300 to cover expenses for the first month.
  • Don't bother bringing high voltage items like hair dryers because Korea is on different voltage system and you can buy these items for cheap when you arrive.
  • Bring a flash drive for your lesson plans.
  • Bring extra stickers, teaching supplies or snacks to give out at class (optional).
  • Think about registering for Google Voice - an application for iphone, ipad, etc or Magic Jack - for phone calls.

Extra Costs (Approximately)

  • Utilities (gas, water electricity): $40/month.
  • Wi-Fi ($40-50 /month).
  • Budget for $100-150/month in utilities/monthly expenses (not including food).
TALK

Do you have questions? Do you want to learn more about this exciting opportunity?

Come for our TaLK Question & Answer sessions!

Session 1

Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Time: 12:30PM - 1:20PM
Location: SFU Burnaby, AQ 5039

Session 2

Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Time: 12:30PM - 1:20PM
Location: SFU Burnaby, BLU 11901