HOW TO FIND A GOOD ENGLISH TUTOR IN KOREA

The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply. – Author Unknown

Friday, March 26, 2015 (DAY 1,117)
This topic is primarily for Korean and non-native English individuals or groups that are unsure of what they should be mindful of when searching for a certified and 
experienced English (영어) tutor (가정 교사) in Korea, as well as, information for those that are either teaching English as a second language (#ESL) and/or are considering private tutoring. *I am also trying to use simple (layman's terms) English vocabulary for this particular blog entry topic, as much as possible.  

First of all please beware that one of the reason for writing about this topic is that I want to educate both parties (teachers and students) about the possibly legal implications or problems that may incur. I've been very surprised, working as LEGAL English tutor, that many Koreans are unaware that they are supporting ILLEGAL tutoring. My goal is to possibly help both foreigners from being arrested, fined, and deported as well as for Koreans to be more informed about the types of individuals that are able to work as private English tutors. 

Lastly, if you are are considering seeking a private 1:1 English tutor, the system and method is not complicated but simple, BUT, there are a few questions and signs that you need to look for or ask about before committing to a paying for private English tutoring. 

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#1 IS YOUR TUTOR ABLE TO WORK LEGALLY AS A PRIVATE TUTOR IN KOREA?

Source: http://www.chiangraitimes.com/17-foreigners-arrested-in-chiang-mai-for-teaching-english-online.html

There are various types of Visas that are issued by the Korean Government, and E2 Visas along with tourists and others are NOT acceptable to teach English as a private tutor. If these individuals are caught teaching illegally they will be arrested, receive large fines, be deported, will have a criminal record, and can possibly receive jail or prison time. Therefore, the risk for those that are in Korea on an E2 Visa, first of all it's not worth the risk, and second, if you think that this won't happen or that the risk is very low and it is a so-called "easy way to make some extra money," think again. Just recently a group of 17 foreigners were recently caught in January 23, 2015 in Chiang Mai, Thailand teaching English ILLEGALLY to Chinese students and were all arrested. Excerpt from the article: "All foreign instructors were asked to produce passports and work permits to authorities. Twelve of them carried passports but had no work permits. They were two German nationals, an Irish national, a French national, a Dutch national, two Britons, two Australians and three Americans.

Another American national had no work permit and had overstated in the country, while the remaining four foreigners had passports and work permits, but they breached work conditions, said authorities. They included the Canadian man, who served as the firm’s manager, one American, an Australian national and one Philippine national."

Websites that list Korean visas issued by the Korean Immigration: 
Korean Immigration Bureau
VisitKorea.or.kr
Korea for Expats
Wikipedia List of South Korean Visas

Website that describe the consequences of ILLEGAL Private Tutoring (*English or any Language):
Private Tutoring in Korea 101
English Teachers on E2 Visa are NOT allowed to Private Tutor
Wikia Korea Private ESL Tutoring

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One VERY specific that you should keep in mind–and I do NOT intend to be rude or disrepectful in any way, plus with all of my international traveling I feel that I have a very firm understanding of cultural differences–when it comes to LEGAL English Teachers / Tutors in Korea, you should realize that YOU need US more than WE need YOU. Once again, this is not meant to be rude, but this IS A FACT. Therefore, please keep this in mind, because based upon your actions you MAY lose not only a certified and LEGAL English Tutor, but you may also find it difficult to find another English Tutor. Therefore once again, BEWARE of using ILLEGAL English Tutors or Teachers, whether this is 1:1 or cheaper classes that are taught by native English speakers such or those from the #Philippines, #HongKong, #Singapore, or any other country. DEMAND to see their type of visa ARC (Alien Registration Card) and research whether they are able to LEGALLY work as a private English tutor. Unfortunately, in this day in age, you may be supporting terrorism, and when the Korean Government or Ministry, Ministry of Immigration decides to stop ILLEGALLY tutoring they may make an example of those that are involved in a VERY public manner, including arresting both the English tutors AND possibly the Korean or foreign students! 

#2 ASK FOR REFERENCES

When seeking a private English tutor, it is important to verify by finding out more information about your private English tutor. One way of doing this is by asking or references from other Korean student's that have had lessons with this English tutor. This will help you find a good English teacher by checking the persons effectiveness, professionalism, and overall ability to be a good ESL tutor that meets YOUR specific needs!

#3 IS YOUR TUTOR ORGANIZED AND PREPARED?

Whether you contact a private English tutor in Seoul by email, phone, Kakao, or in-person: evaluate or check and see how organized and prepared the English teacher may be. This is how they present their teaching method and philosophy, and WILL BE an example of how professional your private English tutor will be for future lessons.

#4 IS YOUR PRIVATE ENGLISH TUTOR EVER INAPPROPRIATE?

Unfortunately, this is a problem with some private English tutors, from talking with many of my Korean friends and previous students. Beware that there are some English teachers/tutors that are masquerading (*definition: a way of appearing or behaving that is not true or real) and if this does ever happen you need to;

1) STOP THIS IMMEDIATELY
2) END ALL COMMUNICATION AND LESSONS
3) IF IT CONTINUES, CONTACT THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY

Besides, potential sexual harassment or inappropriate touching, there can also be inappropriate questions (sexual or asking personal information, such as where you live or work exactly). You need to always trust your inner-feeling. If you ever feel uncomfortable with your private English tutor, discuss this with them, and if it continues stop lessons with them right away. There are plenty of certified and qualified English tutors in Korea that are both legal to work as private English tutors and professional through being respectful. 

#5 IS YOUR TUTOR TRULY PASSIONATE ABOUT TEACHING ENGLISH?

Just as important as finding a private English tutor that is organized, prepared, and NOT inappropriate by being professional, it is also very important to find a teacher that is truly and genuinely passionate about teaching! There are several great articles that talk about the importance of passion or strong desire and enjoyment for being a private 1:1 English tutor or English Teacher in general. Please feel free to read these articles:

How Passionate Teaching Breeds (*develops) Innovative Learning
Good Teaching: The Top Ten Requirements
WikiBooks: Foundations of Education