Is there any way to legally work in South Korea as a teacher without a degree?

Question

I know that you cannot get a work visa for teaching English in Korea unless you have a degree. I have a friend that says if you go into the country on a visitor's visa, then find a job while you are there, you can apply for a work visa and get aroung the degree issue. Does anyone know if this is true?

In reply to one answer I have already received, I have studied the culture and language extensively. I am confidant that my ability to understand and translate the Korean language to English would be an asset in a teaching position. Also I work in an environment where training others is a key skill. So please don't assume that because I do not have a degree that I am uneducated or unqualified.

Answer 1

The simple answer is "yes", BUT, with all the degreed teachers available, I suspect you will have a hard time finding good employment. If you come under a Tourist Visa, you can meet with, and accept a job, but you will have to leave Korea (even a short trip to Japan) to return under a Work Visa. You cannot make any money while under a Tourist Visa. If your education is in ESL or even as an English major, you may be able to find tutoring jobs through an agency. Most schools require a degree. You might be lucky, but don't expect to find a well-paying job without at least a college degree.

Answer 2

Quite honestly, I've lived in Korea for seven years, and w/o a degree, the only way you can teach legally is to get an F2 (family) visa, or to open your own business while you are here.
However, your friend is right as you can get a work visa while you are in the country, although not for a teaching position. However,Koreans don't seem to care much for legal issues, and many owners of schools/institutes view hiring someone w/o a degree simliar to a parking violation.thus it's actually easy to get work here if you are willing to "bend the rules".

And in addition.... although you may have great skills, in Korea, it's all about the appearance. I personally know a guy who taught here for 3 years at a middle school, had 15+ years teaching experience and a certificate in educationat a community college but was sent home a couple of years ago as the government "cracked down" on illegal workers. I also know of people who've been hired, and when arriving in Korea immediately fired because they were African American and not Caucasian. I'd suggest coming for a visit, but without a degree, don't plan to teach here.

Answer 3

I don't know, but I have a bachelors degree and I went to the Defense Language Institute for a year studying korean through the military, can speak the language to a decent level of fluency and I think that you still have a better chance of finding a teaching job in korea than I do. You do the math.

Answer 4

The simple answer is no!! (ha ha!)

It's illegal to work in South Korea without a proper visa that allows you to do the job you've been hired for (teacher, for example).

That said, non-Koreans who seem like "native English speakers" (especially white folks) can usually gain illegal employment. This is risky, however, as you are an illegal worker at risk of almost-immediate deportation if you're caught, human trafficking, not getting paid or getting underpaid, etc.

Every year, some teachers working illegally get deported and their schools get fined. The number varies: dozens.

Also, there are stories of young people--especially women--being locked in their classrooms or apartments if their employer feels they're a "flight risk." Generally, working conditions are poorer than what's common in richer, more developed countries--and if you're an illegal... what bargaining power do you have?

It's best to avoid the kinds of working conditions you're likely to face if you work illegally... plus Korean students and all the non-Korean teachers working legally in Korea deserve better than to be "taught" by or grouped together with unqualified illegals.

Please don't come to Korea to work if you can't earn at least one degree, do a bit of preparation to face Korean culture and language, figure out how to do your job--generally--or bother to apply for a working visa.

Answer 5

No. It is pretty difficult to teach without a degree these days...
and even it is difficult now a days to get a job in korea with a visitor's visa. more over they are not changing the visa types too these days... Yes you may opt for other jobs though

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

You can do a very short TEFL course, about a month, which is acceptable in a lot of Asian and far Eastern Countries. Just find them and do the course. The more training you have the better - not just for your students, but for yourself.

Answer 8

um yeah. i am a hiring director. email me at [e-mail] with your resume. i dont want to tell you where i work at because, well, it's illegal to work without degree. if you can teach a diagnostic test (ap/sat/etc) the pay is higher.

Answer 9

yes You can teach outside or at Church or any volunteer needing places ee