Frequently Asked Questions
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Application Process
Teaching/Missionary Work
What kind of classes will I be teaching?
You will be teaching speaking and conversational English classes through one or a combination of our programs. Our programs include Kinderest (Pre-Elementary), Juniors (Elementary-High School), and Adults (University and up). Missionary teachers will also be able to teach Religion classes alongside regular English classes.
How many hours will I teach?
All Teachers will be expected to teach 240 hours per term (2 months) or around 30 hours a week and be available to teach students of all ages. Classes are taught on an A-B-C schedule. A denotes 6am to 12pm; B denotes 10am to 7pm. And C denotes 6pm to 10pm. The possible combinations for schedules given to all teachers could be AB, AC, BC, or ABC, but this is dependent on the institute.
Will I need any documentation to come to Korea to work?
All teachers must acquire documentation to apply for a Visa. A Visa is necessary for you to live and work here in Korea. The type of Visa needed is called an E-2 Visa (English Teacher). This process will take anywhere from 2-4 months on average (after the interview). The Academic Office (AO) will assist you as you work towards getting your teaching Visa.
For missionary teachers, an additional application with VividFaith (VF) will be required. Please apply through their website...
https://vividfaith.com/ (Search: Korea) Or use the following direct links: All prospective teachers for the Adult /Junior program should go to https://vividfaith.com/VFEAI5 and those for the Kindergarten program should go to https://vividfaith.com/VFEAHM.
For missionary teachers, an additional application with VividFaith (VF) will be required. Please apply through their website...
https://vividfaith.com/ (Search: Korea) Or use the following direct links: All prospective teachers for the Adult /Junior program should go to https://vividfaith.com/VFEAI5 and those for the Kindergarten program should go to https://vividfaith.com/VFEAHM.
Am i required to participate in weekend programs?
As part of the mission, you are required to assist with planning and participating in vespers, Sabbath School clubs, and divine worship in the church of your institute. Non-missionary English teachers are not required to participate in the weekend programs, but are welcome to join and assist with planning and participating in the weekend programs.
What kinds of training and teaching materials are provided?
Regardless of your past experience teaching, we will train you here. When you arrive, you will spend about 2 weeks in intensive teaching training and culture orientation. Our audio-lingual program is unique to SDALI. Even if you have previous EFL/ESL experience, you will need this training.
You do not need to bring EFL/ESL materials with you since SDA Language Institute has its own textbooks and teaching guides (stationery not provided). Some religious materials and basic religion class guides are provided; however, we highly recommend that you bring your own religion class materials.
You do not need to bring EFL/ESL materials with you since SDA Language Institute has its own textbooks and teaching guides (stationery not provided). Some religious materials and basic religion class guides are provided; however, we highly recommend that you bring your own religion class materials.
What is the dress code?
Professional dress is required for teachers while in the classroom and while participating in religious weekend activities. The more teachers dress, act, and speak professionally, the more the students will relate to teachers in that manner. Teachers have a greater impact on students when they conduct themselves professionally. The dress code is as follows:
- Men: Dress shirts, neckties, and slacks are required; suit jackets are optional. During the hotter months of the year, men are not required to wear neckties and may wear short-sleeved dress shirts.
- Women: Dresses and skirts should be knee-length or longer. Dress shirts and blouses are required. Dress slacks should not be skintight.
- Men and Women: Turtlenecks and sweaters can be worn during colder weather; no sleeveless garments, jeans, or shorts.
- Jewelry: NO jewelry- with the exception of engagement and wedding rings.
- Visible Tattoos are not acceptable and will need to be covered.
- Hair: It is not acceptable in Korean culture for men to have long hair. Therefore, we ask that men do not wear their hair long. If it can be pulled back in a ponytail, it is too long.
- Facial hair: (E.g. beards or goatees) must be “clean shaven,” maintained well, and not look dirty. They should be well-kept and groomed for a professional setting.
how much vacation time is allotted?
At the end of each teaching term (every 2 months) is a break between terms. The term breaks are 1-4 days long, some including weekends, depending on the time of the year. SDA Language Institute also honors Korea’s national holidays, which sometimes provide a long weekend or class cancellations during the week.
am I allowed to leave in the middle of a term for an important event?
No. The teacher is expected to complete their duty and responsibilities except in the case of the death of an immediate family member.
RESIDENCE CARD (ARC)
What is an ARC?
The (Alien Registration Card) ARC is your government-issued identification card. This is your official ID in Korea which you can use to open bank accounts, verify your identity, register for a Korean phone plan and phone number, set up salary and remittance bank accounts, utilise the National Health Insurance system, leave and enter Korea without a new visa, and access other services (gym memberships, public libraries, etc.).
How do I get an ARC?
During your orientation period, a member of the Academic Office will visit the immigration office with you to apply for it. You must bring your passport and 39,000 KRW (CASH ONLY) to apply. The other required documents will be prepared by us. If you miss your orientation period, you will have to visit your school's local immigration office with the secretary or director as soon as possible.
How long does ARC Issuance Take?
Via express mail (included in the 39,000 KRW application fee), issuance and mailing will take about two weeks. You are not permitted to leave South Korea until you receive your physical ARC.
Does the ARC EXpire?
Yes, your ARC will expire one month after your contract end date. Thus, if you wish to extend your contract with us, you must submit a contract extension request 4 months before your contract ends. Then, we will help you extend your ARC.
Health
vaccinations and Mandatory Health Checkup
There are no required vaccinations for arriving in Korea, but you may receive any desired vaccinations before leaving your home country or upon arrival in Korea. However, receiving vaccinations in Korea is much cheaper than in the U.S. and other countries. If you choose to be vaccinated in your home country, it is imperative that you do so at least one month prior to your arrival date. As required by Immigration, every new teacher will undergo a health examination during the first week of orientation at the SDA Hospital across the street from the Headquarters Institute. This includes:
- Blood pressure, height, weight
- Vision and colorblindness
- Blood and urine samples for HIV and drug use testing, and chest X-rays
what if i am tested positive for a disease during the initial examination? What will be the outcome?
The hospital reserves the right to clear the incoming teacher according to the health standard set by the immigration office in Korea. If the teacher cannot meet this standard, they are not qualified to receive their ARC (Alien Registration Card). Without the ARC the teacher cannot work in Korea, and will only be allotted 90 days in the country.
what about current known medical problems i have?
For current medical problems, you will need to contact the Academic Office to determine your eligibility for the mission/job.
insurance coverage
The government requires all people living in Korea to have Korean national health insurance that covers illness and injuries. While under contract with SDALI, SDALI will cover 50% of the monthly health insurance fee, and the other 50% will be deducted automatically from that month's stipend.
Salary/Stipend
when will i receive my salary?
You will be paid on the 25th day of each month. Iif the 25th day is on a weekend, you will receive your pay the Friday before the 25th. During orientation, you will be taken to the bank to open up 2 bank accounts with a local Korean bank. One account is for SDALI to deposit your stipend each month, and the other is for transferring money to your home country's bank account with a low remittance fee.
The most efficient and stress-free way to send money home is through a bank-to-bank electronic wire transfer. The wire transfer fees will vary depending on your home bank. You will need to have your home bank account number, routing number, and passport (optional BIC/SWIFT code) available at the time of the money transfer. This process is fairly quick and simple.
The second bank account serves the sole purpose of transferring money to a foreign account. It is called an Easy One account (remittance account), and only deposits can be made into it. Any deposits made into that account will immediately be transferred to the foreign bank account that you specify. You will get more details on this when you visit the bank. If you have any financial obligations back home, please refer to the Survival Guide you will receive as your arrival date approaches for advice on how to meet those obligations.
The most efficient and stress-free way to send money home is through a bank-to-bank electronic wire transfer. The wire transfer fees will vary depending on your home bank. You will need to have your home bank account number, routing number, and passport (optional BIC/SWIFT code) available at the time of the money transfer. This process is fairly quick and simple.
The second bank account serves the sole purpose of transferring money to a foreign account. It is called an Easy One account (remittance account), and only deposits can be made into it. Any deposits made into that account will immediately be transferred to the foreign bank account that you specify. You will get more details on this when you visit the bank. If you have any financial obligations back home, please refer to the Survival Guide you will receive as your arrival date approaches for advice on how to meet those obligations.
what are the charges taken out of my account monthly?
- Residential Tax: A small tax that is taken out automatically depending on the location in Korea the teacher is residing in.
- Government Tax
- Medical Insurance
- National Pension
- Benevolent Fund or Mutual Aid (optional): a monthly deposit of 5,000 won towards the expenses in case of the death of an immediate family member.
- Utilities Deposit Deduction (Only for the first two months) - any portion of the utilities deposit that is not used to cover utility bills (for the last few months of the teacher's contract) or damage to the housing caused by the teacher, will be returned about 3 months after the teacher leaves.
- Deductions for the hours of absence that had to be covered by another teacher at 20,000 KRW/Hour
- Tithe (optional)
http://english.mosf.go.kr/upload/eco/2012/07/FILE_09CGH6_20120724140314_1.pdf
do i receive any money back after my contract ends?
Yes. There are three (2 which may be noncompulsory) types of payment the teacher receives when they leave Korea.
- Leftover Housing/Maintenance Deposit – (FYI: 500,000 KRW gets deposited for housing/maintenance over the first 2 months, and it is to pay for any outstanding bills after leaving Korea or repair fees to cover any damages caused by the teacher.) Therefore, whatever is left from the 500,000 KRW deposit is paid about 3 months after the teacher has concluded employment/service. Confirmation must be dealt with between the teacher and their school's director or secretary to receive the leftover money.
- Severance (noncompulsory): is 1 additional month's pay that the teacher receives when they leave SDALI following at least 12 consecutive months of service. For every consecutive 12 months of work, the teacher receives 1 month's worth of pay when they leave (2 years of work = 2 months' worth of severance pay). If a teacher works for 1 year and some additional months, their severance pay will be calculated based on the average of the last three months' pay multiplied by the number of consecutive months worked. Severance is paid in full when the teacher’s employment/service finishes with SDALI. Anything less than 12 exact months cannot qualify for severance pay. It will be paid within 14 days of the contract end date.
- Pension (noncompulsory): The pension amount is collected by the teacher when he/she leaves Korea, and must be collected by each individual teacher; it is not automatically distributed. Depending on which country you are from, the rules and regulations may differ. It is the teacher’s responsibility to claim it on a timely basis, since claiming it late (last month) may delay the day you receive your pension by a month or more (even after leaving Korea). For more information, please visit the pension website. The only countries that allow the pension to be claimed as a lump sum are the USA, Australia, and Canada. For other countries, please check the regulations for receiving the pension lump sum below:
https://www.nps.or.kr/eng/ntnlpnsplan/frgnrlpsmrfnd/getOHAI0015M0.do?menuId=MN24001368
can i use my current debit/credit cards here in korea?
Only certain debit/credit cards can be used in Korea – it depends on what bank you have an account with. Money can only be accessed from these cards at Hana Bank ATMs or international ATMs, but may involve a fee. If you are going to use debit/credit cards here, make sure to advise your bank before you leave, or they may freeze your accounts for fraud protection. It is simplest to bring an ample amount of cash to cover your expenses during your first ~2 months.
Housing
Where will I be placed?
The Academic Office is responsible for placement and will place you at any of our institutes at their discretion. You will find out where you will be placed on the second week of orientation. By policy and contract, the Academic Office has the right to transfer you to a different institute at its discretion. You can always give a placement request, but there is no guarantee it will be granted. If you plan to come with a friend, expect to be placed up to 6 hours apart. Housing is provided by the institute.
will i have my own room or will i have housemates?
It is possible to have up to 1 or 2 other housemates, but you will have your own bed room. Housing availability is dependent on the local institute housing situation as few institutes may have studio apartments instead.
what will my housing be like?
Housing is always within reasonable walking distance to your institute, if not within the institute itself. Each teacher has his/her own room in a two to three bedroom apartment. Bedrooms are typically furnished with a twin-size bed, closet, and dresser. You are provided with a pillow, comforter, and blanket, but feel free to bring your own. Kitchens are equipped with basic appliances (refrigerator, stove, microwave, kettle), cookware, cups, dishes, and utensils. An iron and ironing board (upon request), washing machine, and drying rack (no dryers are provided) are also provided.
Are housing utilities covered?
Although housing is provided, any maintenance and utility fees (water, gas, electric, etc.) are the responsibility of the teacher. If you live with a housemate/s, you will need to discuss with them how utilities will be split/covered and come to a mutual agreement where all parties can be satisfied. 500,000 KRW (250,000 KRW/Month) housing/maintenance deposit will be taken from the first and second stipend/salary.
What size bed will i have and will i have sheets or do I bring my own?
You will be provided with either a single, three-quarter, double or queen-size bed (married couples) and comforters/blankets are provided, but not sheets and pillow cases. If you prefer to bring your own bedding, you are welcome to do so; however, it is not recommended as you won’t know what type of bed size you might have and bringing your own may add to the luggage to bring. It is advised to bring money to purchase additional bedding upon arrival.
will i have internet access at my apartment?
Internet is readily available at your institute. If you want high-speed internet, it can be set up in your housing unit at your expense. The set-up and monthly bills vary and is the responsibility of the teacher to pay these bills.
will my electronic appliances plug into the outlets in korea?
Korean power outlets are 220 volts. Depending on the item, it may have a built-in converter so you may only need a plug adapter that can be purchased in Korea. Read the manufacturer's information for details about your product. Continual use of foreign appliances/ electronics by way of voltage converters tends to burn out the wiring of the product or may cause blowout.
may i bring a pet, or purchase a pet while I'm in korea?
Unfortunately purchasing of a pet or bringing of a pet isn’t allowed as most housing units under the school don’t support pet ownership. When living with other housemates, they may have allergies or may dislike having a pet. Even living alone isn’t allowed under school policies.
Travel
who will purchase my air ticket?
You will be expected to purchase your own ticket. In the case you are financially unable to do so, we will purchase your one-way ticket to Korea. This and the cost of the mandatory health exam you will go through when you arrive in Korea, will be taken from your stipend over a period of time (deduction period length is based on case by case situation). Please understand that if you are in need of flight assistance for your arrival to Korea, you cannot purchase the ticket yourself then request a cash advance or reimbursement. If you need further clarification, please contact us.
***After one year under contract at SDALI in Korea, you will receive a 700,000 KRW bonus after every 12 consecutive months of work as airfare assistance. This cannot be applied to your Korea arrival airfare.
***After one year under contract at SDALI in Korea, you will receive a 700,000 KRW bonus after every 12 consecutive months of work as airfare assistance. This cannot be applied to your Korea arrival airfare.
what are the travel opportunities while in korea?
- Traveling within Korea: The transportation system in Korea is very reliable and convenient, so it’s quite easy to travel within Korea. During your weekends off and term breaks, you can enjoy touring the country and learning more about the local culture. Weekends off will also give you the opportunity to visit other institutes and observe their weekend programs. Teachers’ retreats are also good opportunities to see different parts of Korea.
- Outside of Korea: Many teachers take advantage of term breaks to travel throughout Asia and beyond. Please make sure to check the visa requirements of the country you wish to visit and follow school procedures before you make travel plans.
What to expect upon arrival
how far is the airport from the institute where orientation is held?
The orientation venue is a one and a half hour bus trip from the airport. As your departure draws closer, you will be sent an arrival letter and survival guide giving your more details on what to pack and what to do when you land at Incheon Airport.
who will pick me up at the airport?
An employee from the Academic Office will pick you up. They will recognize you from your visa picture. Prior to your arrival in Korea, you MUST set up Kakao Talk and send a message to the HR Coordinator. Kakao Talk will be essential for communication here in Korea and will facilitate communication when you arrive at the airport.