Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK) is a government-backed initiative that assigns international individuals to elementary schools throughout South Korea. While similar to the more extensive EPIK program, TaLK's distinctiveness lies in its commitment to serving under-resourced areas, ensuring they too benefit from global teaching perspectives. Participants not only enrich their teaching portfolios but also immerse themselves in the diverse Korean culture, with ample opportunities to traverse both the nation and the surrounding regions.
Table of Contents
What are the requirements for the TaLK Program?
What does the TaLK Program involve?
Where will I be placed on the TaLK Program?
What are the benefits of the TaLK Program?
What are the requirements for the TaLK Program?
To qualify for the TaLK Program, candidates must:
- Be either a college graduate or an undergraduate who has completed a minimum of two years of their degree.
- Possess a passport from countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or Ireland.
- Be at least 19 years of age. While there is no official age ceiling, individuals over 35 are generally advised to explore the EPIK Program.
- Successfully undergo and provide a clean national criminal background check.
What does the TaLK Program involve?
The TaLK Program offers a unique teaching experience in South Korea with the following elements:
- Participants commit to a one-year contract beginning in either February or August.
- An intensive one-month orientation is provided, delving into essential teaching topics like classroom management, curriculum planning, and effective methodologies. Additionally, it covers cultural aspects to ease adaptation to South Korean life.
- Teachers, during their tenure, devote approximately 15 hours weekly to classroom teaching from Monday to Friday, supplemented with dedicated hours for lesson preparation.
This structured program ensures a comprehensive and culturally enriching experience for English teachers in South Korea.
Where will I be placed on the TaLK Program?
On the TaLK Program, participants can expect placements in these distinct regions:
- Rural areas of provinces including:
- Chungnam
- Gangwon
- Incheon
- Jeju
- Jeonbuk
- Jeonnam
It is vital to note that, in contrast to the EPIK Program, the TaLK Program does not allow applicants to choose a specific location; all placements are allocated at random.
What are the benefits of the TaLK Program?
The TaLK Program offers participants an array of enticing benefits during their teaching stint in South Korea:
- Monthly Stipend: Earn KRW 1.5 million (approximately USD 1,300) every month.
- Accommodation: Furnished studio apartments (utilities not included).
- Travel Assistance: A flight allowance of KRW 2.6 million to cover round-trip airfare.
- Settling In: Settlement allowance of KRW 300,000 to ease your transition.
- Vacation Time: Enjoy seven days off per semester.
- Health Perks: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
