Greenheart Travel

Category: TEFL – South Korea

Greenheart Travel and An EPIK Partnership
Greenheart Travel offers Teach Abroad Programs in many different countries, including TWO in South Korea. One is a more traditional Teach Abroad program (one where a participant arrives in a country, has an orientation week, teaches in a private school and gets continuous support from Greenheart) and the other is in partnership with EPIK.

EPIK, standing for English Program in Korea, was created by the South Korean government to bring English teachers to their country to join a community of passionate educators, immerse themselves in a vibrant culture, and gain valuable international experience. Since its inception, EPIK has been instrumental in recruiting and placing English teachers in public schools throughout the country, contributing significantly to the nation’s English language proficiency.

What exactly does that mean?

The South Korean government is opening jobs for English-speaking travelers with a lot of benefits!

Right off the bat, here are just some of the perks a Greenheart EPIK participant receives:
- Flight Reimbursement – Flights are expensive and often not included in Teach Abroad programs. Participating in the EPIK program means your flight is paid for!
- Accommodation – This program comes with a fully-furnished apartment, meaning you can skip the stress of house hunting!
- Salary – EPIK English Teachers in South Korea are paid a comfortable sum along with comprehensive health insurance and paid vacation days.
All of that is in addition to spending a year abroad, teaching English, and participating in an incredible and unique cultural exchange.

Besides the tangible and financial benefits, what else does Greenheart’s partnership with EPIK mean?
- Enhanced Support for Teachers: Greenheart Travel’s involvement in the EPIK program brings added support and resources to teachers. From pre-departure orientation to ongoing assistance while in South Korea, Greenheart Travel ensures that educators are well-prepared for their new roles and comfortable in their new environments. This comprehensive support system helps teachers navigate cultural differences and adapt to their new surroundings with confidence.
- Cultural Exchange and Immersion: One of the standout features of the partnership is the emphasis on cultural exchange. Teachers are not only placed in classrooms but are also encouraged to engage with the local communities, participate in cultural events, and build lasting connections. This immersive experience enriches teachers’ understanding of Korean culture and enhances their professional growth.
- Professional Development Opportunities: The collaboration also opens doors to professional development opportunities. Teachers can enhance their teaching skills and expand their knowledge of educational practices. This ongoing professional development is a key component benefiting both educators and their students.
Where exactly does Greenheart fit into all this?

While government sponsored programs are amazing, let’s be honest, the application process is not.

Governments require a lot of documentation. And with all the forms and fees, potential participants can get a bit overwhelmed and confused with the entire process.

That’s where Greenheart Travel comes in. Greenheart’s team streamlines this process, making it easier, and less costly, for participants to get started on their year abroad. Greenheart even waives the application fee if participants decide to also sign up for a TEFL course!

Greenheart Travel has been sending teachers to South Korea for over 15+ years. We know and understand the complexities.   We have supported thousands of people through the complicated application process as well as prepared them for life in South Korea prior to departure. By combining strengths, Greenheart and EPIK are set to provide a rewarding and impactful experience for educators seeking to teach English in South Korea.

If you’re interested in paid teaching positions in public schools throughout South Korea, the EPIK program is for you.

Now, partnered with EPIK, Greenheart can’t wait to continue creating and promoting cultural exchanges that change lives.
September 18, 2024
What is a TEFL Certification and Why is it Important for Preparing to Teach Abroad?
A simple question that a lot of people are afraid to ask is, “What is TEFL?”. This acronym shows up over and over again when researching how to teach abroad for an extensive amount of time, and it can be a process to figure out what it is, if it’s really needed, and how different ones compare to each other.

What is TEFL?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and refers to a course that you can take, either online or in-country, to learn how to teach English to those who want to learn.

What’s the difference between TEFL, TESOL and CELTA?

The biggest difference is that they are simply different acronyms that refer to the same basic thing: a certification to teach English to those who want to learn.

Here’s what each one stands for:
- TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- CELTA = Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
One main difference between the three is that a CELTA certification is specifically designed for teaching adults, while a TESOL or TEFL curriculum will cater to teaching both kids and adults. So, unless you’re only interested in teaching adults, you should look more at TEFL and TESOL courses.

Why are some courses really expensive and others are cheap?

The short answer is because you get what you pay for.

The medium answer is because different courses offer various types of curriculum. Some courses are self-directed and online-only, some are intensive and in-person only, and some are structured online with student teaching, etc. Doing extensive research to make sure you pick a course that is right for what you want is important. If you’re just looking for a piece of paper that gives you the credentials to be hired, then an inexpensive online course is what you should get. If you want to gain concrete teaching skills so you’ll know what to do when you start working, you should look at courses that offer student teaching with real ESL students.

The long answer is here.

What is accreditation and is it important?

Accreditation refers to the rigorous process that a TEFL school or course goes through to ensure that it is offering quality instruction to its students and it is very important!

During accreditation process, an independent third party looks at the curriculum and examines it according to a rubric. On top of verifying the validity of the materials, content, and instructors leading the course, the international standards for accreditation dictate that a TEFL course must have:
- At least 100 hours of academics*
- 6-20 hours of live practice teaching (called a practicum)
- A practicum that targets ESL students, not class peers
*Many potential employers require at least 120 hours of academics and at least 10 hours of practicum. All of Greenheart Travel’s TEFL programs meet international accreditation standards and are taught by university professors with Master’s Degrees and/or PhD’s.

There is no one single organization that is universally regarded as the official accrediting body for TEFL or TESOL certifications. However, reputable accrediting bodies, language institutes, ministries of education and recognized bodies within the field require that accredited TEFL certifications meet certain standards.

TEFL class in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Do I need a TEFL to teach abroad?

Yes and no, depending on what you want to get out of your teaching abroad experience. There are plenty of schools that will hire you without one just because you’re a native English speaker, but keep in mind that in most instances you are going to be hired as a full-time English instructor, and the sole responsibility for your classes and the lesson planning. Teaching is not an easy job and going into it without any training is doing a disservice to your students because they will have an unprepared and stressed out teacher instead of an organized, enthusiastic and useful teacher who can actually help them improve their English skills.

Do you have any other questions about TEFL? Comment below!
May 6, 2019
From Teaching English in Korea to Bicycling From Spain to Thailand; Alumni Spotlight on William Harris

What Greenheart Travel program did you do and what was your favorite part about living in that country?

I had the extreme privilege to connect with Greenheart Travel and teach elementary school students at three public schools in Gwangju, South Korea as a guest English teacher with the English Program in Korea (EPIK) through Greenheart Travel. I was based in Gwangju for two years and truly enjoyed my experience. Initially, I was only going to live and teach in South Korea for one year, but felt that if I truly wanted to form meaningful relationships, grow as a teacher and as an individual, and learn more about Korean culture; I needed to stay longer than just one year. It turns out that I made the right decision.

Apart from learning about Korean culture, travelling within the country, and working with my students, forming relationships with my co-workers was the most memorable part of my time in South Korea. I hadn’t played volleyball since I was a middle school student in Washington, D.C., but to my surprise volleyball is a very popular pastime in South Korea. Every Thursday after school teachers would gather in the gym to play volleyball and quite competitively. These after school volleyball tournaments functioned as a type of team building for myself and my Korean co-workers and allowed me to interact with and enjoy time with teachers with whom I didn’t have regular contact with during the school day.

Once or twice during the school year all of the other schools in my district would come together to hold interscholastic tournaments which were always exciting, especially if there was another foreign teacher from my district who was willing to suit up and play. These volleyball matches and other team-building activities within my schools were some of the most gratifying experiences during my time in South Korea, and an invaluable method for intercultural exchange.

What are you up to now?

After the culmination of my contract in Gwangju in August 2017, I moved with my girlfriend back to her hometown in Bilbao, Spain with the hopes of practicing and streamlining my command of Spanish language while still making time to travel. It was during our time in Bilbao that my girlfriend Nahia came up with the idea to embark on a cycle touring trip from Spain to Thailand. We researched cycle touring online and found a plethora of bloggers, websites, and videos from people who had done long distance cycle tours and began to make plans for a trip of our own. We set our course from Bilbao to Thailand via the Mediterranean coast and Turkey using the Eurovelo cycle routes which connect most of Western Europe by a network of cycle paths and roads with little automobile traffic.

We left Bilbao on the morning of May 2nd 2018, and have been travelling for three months, have crossed six countries, and have cycled around 4,100km (2,500 miles) to date. We are now currently in Croatia where will will stop, rest, and plan the Middle Eastern leg of our trip. Prior to our departure we wanted to make sure that our trip was about more than just our desire to cycle and experience new cultures, so we partnered with a non-profit organization called Bicycles Against Poverty which works to combat poverty in rural Uganda using bicycles. To date through our efforts we have raised enough funds to donate seven bicycle to a village in Uganda, and are really excited about the future of our project.

How did teaching English abroad have an effect on what you’re doing now?

One of most meaningful ways that living and teaching abroad impacted what I am doing now is by showing me the many opportunities that are available around the world as it relates to cultural immersion, teaching, and cultural exchange. Furthermore, my experience with Greenheart Travel allowed me to continue to practice and develop as a educator while also sharpening my leadership skills. The information and training that I received via Greenheart Travel and the EPIK program allowed me to think more critically about the role of travel as it relates to culture and sustainability. Lastly, the relationships that I made with other guest English teachers in my cohort and my Korean co-workers and friends have proved to be some of the most important relationships I have made over the past couple of years.

Seoul, South Korea

Do you think that your program abroad helped you develop skills you use back home now?

Teaching and living in South Korea had a profound impact on the development of skills that are extremely vital to me at home and abroad. Collaborating with my Korean co-workers proved to be a very effective way of practicing and honing both communication and interpersonal skills. As Korean culture and approach to education differs greatly from the system in the United States which I am more familiar with; meetings, lesson planning, and evaluations offered some valuable lessons on how best to communicate with colleagues who shared different methods than my own. Since completing my tenure in Korea the development of this skill has been invaluable, and I am positive that it will continue to serve me in many capacities in the future. Additionally, balancing teaching at three different schools afforded me the opportunity practice better time management which is a skill that is applicable in all aspects of personal and professional life.

If someone was nervous about traveling abroad because it might negatively affect their career goals what would you tell them?

It is natural to worry about the ways in which travelling abroad may negatively impact career, education, and even personal aspects of our lives. It would be untrue for me to say that I didn’t have the same concerns before relocating to Korea, however I would add the experiences and personal growth that moving to Korea allowed me to discover were well worth any risk that I undertook. When weighing my options I simply thought about the adage “if not now, then when?”

In my experience travelling abroad has only added potential opportunities to my personal goals, and not vice versa.

I would also encourage individuals to take advantage of opportunities to become more involved in the communities they work/volunteer as those were the instances where I felt I grew the most.

Interested in teaching in South Korea? Learn more here:

August 17, 2018
Traveling Isn’t a Risk, But Rather an Investment; Things Teaching English in Korea Taught Me

This week on the blog we are featuring Greenheart Travel alumni and telling the stories of “Where Are They Now?”. We handpicked alumni that are doing great things back home following their programs, and whose time abroad has shaped what they’re up to now. Lorin Husa is Greenheart Travel Teach in Korea alumni who also was a participant in the Greenheart Global Leader’s Conference in August 2018! Read on for more about what Lorin is up to and how her time abroad and at the GGLC has shaped her career goals.

What Greenheart Travel program did you do and what was your favorite part about living in that country?

I had the amazing opportunity to teach English in South Korea through Greenheart Travel. There are so many things I enjoyed while living in Korea that it is hard to just choose one favorite. I was placed in a small seaside town, which enabled me to fully immerse myself in the culture and learn some of the language. I am not fluent by any means, but I surprised myself with how much I was able to learn in a year. I taught fifth and sixth graders at two elementary schools and absolutely fell in love with my students. It was so rewarding to see the impact I was making on the students and I learned so much from them as well. I also made some great relationships with fellow expats as well as a close Korean friend, Hye Jin, who I am still in contact with today. Hye Jin was my co-teacher at my traveling school, and I have to admit, I was a little nervous when I first moved. While getting settled, I had some bumps along the way, but Hye Jin was so kind and made me feel so welcome. I wasn’t expecting to develop such an amazing friendship and although I loved being able to travel and experience something new and challenging each day, I have to say that my experience would not have been the same had I not met her.

However, perhaps the most memorable part of my experience abroad was getting the unique opportunity to volunteer at the World Peace Education Festival that was hosted in Korea. The festival was held over four days in May 2017. It included five hundred high school students from seven different countries who came to Korea to learn about world peace, teamwork, and leadership through various activities including cultural events, Paralympic games, and peacemaking banners. Students were able to decorate their banners with pictures or words written in their native language that represented what peace means to them. On the last day, we carried large banners that said: “I Love Peace, I Am A Peacemaker” as we walked along the DMZ advocating for peace and the unification of North and South Korea.

Oh yeah, and attending the 2018 winter Olympics was pretty cool too!

World Peace Education Festival

What are you up to now?

After completing my program last February, I moved back to my hometown in Northern California to spend some quality time with family. I am currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Communication and Global Leadership through Gonzaga University. I also had the amazing opportunity to participate in Greenheart International’s annual Global Leaders Conference in Washington DC last month. The attendees at the conference included forty amazing individuals from twenty different countries who were past participants of Greenheart International’s various programs. Throughout the conference, we developed skills for becoming global leaders through workshops, site visits, volunteer days, and guest speakers. Participants were divided into three tracks throughout the week: Environmental Sustainability, Mission-Driven Business, and Social Justice. I was placed in the Environmental Sustainability track and was blown away by the knowledge I gained, which only furthered my passion for the subject.

At the end of the week, a select few participants were chosen to give a speech at the Department of State to share their story of the impact that cultural exchange has had on their life. I am proud to say that I was one of the lucky few. I am still amazed and deeply humbled that my peers chose me to be a representative at the DOS. It was an indescribable feeling to be able to share my story and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to do so. Attending the GGLC solidified my passion for cultural exchange and ignited a fire in me to continue to support programs such as these.

Presenting to the US Department of State during the 2018 Greenheart Global Leader’s Conference.

How did teaching abroad have an effect on what you’re doing now?

In college, I studied abroad for one semester, but it wasn’t enough to quench my thirst for adventure. After living in South Korea, I can’t say that I’ve completely satisfied my desire to experience other cultures, but I can say that it has given me further passions. With each new experience I’ve had abroad, I’ve not only gained a better understanding of the culture I’m in, but I’ve also learned more about myself. Teaching in Korea was a priceless experience that inspired me to pursue my Masters in Communication and Global Leadership. Upon graduating next fall, I hope to go abroad again and to ultimately work in a field where I can inspire others to experience life outside of their own culture.

On Jeju Island, Korea.

Do you think that your program abroad helped you develop skills you use back home now?

Most people would describe me as having a “Type A” personality. You guessed it- I’m kind of a control freak! I’m a planner and I love making lists, especially crossing things off my lists. I’m also a germaphobe, which made me very nervous to move to a country I’d never been to before. When my friends and family back home heard that I was going to move abroad, they thought I was crazy! If I’m being completely honest, I kinda thought I was crazy too. Although I’ve always loved traveling and meeting new people from other cultures, I was worried that my habits would prevent me from having a full experience. I’ll be frank, the first few months for me were tough. Korean culture is completely different from what I was used to. Besides, the language barrier and other major cultural differences, I also had to get used to the little differences as well. For example, I had to grow accustomed to no soap in the bathrooms (yikes!), so I adapted and started carrying wet wipes with me everywhere I went. I also quickly learned that Koreans tend to be very last minute, which was hard for my “Type A” personality to adjust to at first. Although these may seem like silly things to others, for me they were a big deal.

Living abroad taught me to let go and be more adaptable.

The beauty of living in another culture is to see things from a different perspective, to learn, and to grow. My best memories in Korea were not on a list I had created but were actually unplanned and spontaneous, which was a new concept for me.

Exploring Seoul, South Korea.

If someone was nervous about traveling abroad because it might negatively affect their career goals or getting into college, what would you tell them?

Traveling can seem overwhelming, scary, and even negative at times, but I assure you that it will only benefit you in the future. As you can probably guess, I’m not much of a risk taker. However, after my experience living abroad, I wouldn’t consider traveling a risk, but rather an investment. I’ve learned that the best experiences are the ones that make you the most nervous, the ones that take you outside of your comfort zone. Take it from someone who used to be terrified of making a mistake, who planned every minute of every day, who never thought she would be capable of letting go. By letting go and fully embracing the adventure that I craved, I was able to learn and grow both personally and professionally. I truly believe that everyone should experience traveling abroad, as it changes your perspective on the world around you.

The idea of getting lost used to prevent me from doing so many things; however, living abroad taught me that it’s okay to get lost, in fact, I would encourage it. After all, you may surprise yourself. Take the leap. I promise you won’t regret it.

Interested in teaching abroad in South Korea too? Click for more info!

August 15, 2018