First-Time TEFL Teacher: Choosing Between Korea and China

So you’re a first-time TEFL teacher, and you’ve finally received an offer. The relief is real, but so are the doubts. You’ve spent months gathering documents, getting them apostilled, and navigating recruiters. Now you’re staring at a decision that could shape your entire year abroad. Should you take the offer in Korea or hold out for something in China?

The Korean Offer That Landed in Your Lap

Your current offer comes with some serious perks. The school is just a 10-minute walk from your accommodation, and that accommodation is paid for. That alone saves you a significant chunk of your monthly salary. The hours run from 9 am to 6 pm, which is standard for many hagwons. You even spoke to a current teacher who extended her contract for another year—a strong sign that the experience isn’t a nightmare.

The China Recruiters Are Still Calling

Meanwhile, recruiters from China are still flooding your inbox. They want your resume, your introduction video, and your attention. But the offers you’ve received so far haven’t been stellar. One base salary was only 10,000 RMB with a 4,000 RMB housing allowance. Worse, your monthly pay would be assessed based on performance. And you’d have to sign with the agency before the school—a red flag for many first-timers.

Comparing the Numbers

Let’s talk money. Your Korean offer is 2.4 million won per month. With free housing, that’s actually quite livable. In China, even with a housing allowance, you’d be stretching things thin on 10,000 RMB base pay. Korea also offers a severance bonus at the end of your contract, typically one month’s salary. That’s a nice safety net.

The Notice Period Question

One standout detail: your Korean contract mentions a 2-month notice period if you resign. That’s longer than most TEFL contracts. It’s worth asking if this is a standard clause or something specific to this school. On the flip side, this school waited for you when you missed their deadline. That patience could mean they value long-term relationships over rushing hires.

Consider Your Real Goals

You said your goal is simple: go abroad for a year, experience a new culture, and do something different. Both Korea and China can offer that. But as a first-time teacher who hasn’t lived abroad before, Korea often provides a smoother transition. The infrastructure is top-notch, English signage is common, and the expat community is well-established.

What’s Under the Surface

Your Korean school’s willingness to wait for you after you missed their deadline could be interpreted two ways: either they’re desperate, or they genuinely care about finding the right fit. Speaking with that teacher who renewed her contract is a solid data point—teachers don’t extend bad contracts.

The Bottom Line

For a first-time teacher wanting a manageable, supportive introduction to teaching abroad, Korea often wins. The paid housing, decent pay, and established TEFL infrastructure make it hard to beat. China can offer higher pay, but only at the better schools—and you haven’t found one yet.

Take the bird in the hand. Your Korean school has proven they want you. Go experience that culture, save some money, and if you love teaching abroad, you can always explore China next year.