SMOE Eligibility
1. Be a Citizen of One of the 7 Native English Speaking Countries
The seven countries recognized by the South Korean government are the USA, Canada, UK, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
*Canadian citizens from the Quebec Province must have been taught at English-language schools from junior high school forth to the university level to be eligible to teach English in Korea.
2. Hold a 3-4 Year Bachelor’s Degree in Any Field
Applicants must hold a 3-4 year BA or BS in any field in order to apply. Those that are currently enrolled in their final year at university may also apply to SMOE. However in addition to the regular EPIK/SMOE process you must also submit a Letter of Intent to Graduate.
3. Be TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certified
Applicants must have completed or currently be enrolled in a 100-hour or more TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification program. Both online and offline certifications are accepted by EPIK and SMOE. If you hold a Bacehlor’s or Master’s Degree in Education, a valid teacher’s certificate, or have 1 year of TaLK experience, you are not required to complete a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA course.
4. Have No Criminal Record (misdemeanors or felonies)
Applicants applying to SMOE cannot have any criminal record. Applicants will be required to obtain a National-Level Criminal Background Check. The record must be completely clear with no criminal record being stated. Those with any stated past criminal record cannot apply to SMOE. Both Misdemeanors and Felonies will disqualify you from applying to SMOE. Misdemeanors like public intoxication are also not accepted. Traffic violations generally do not appear on Criminal Record Checks.
5. Be in Good Mental & Physical Health
Due to the nature of liability, EPIK and SMOE only accept applicants who are in good health and do not have major health problems. Applicants will be required to fill out a self-medical check survey as well as complete a physical when they arrive in Korea. Those that have a clinical medical condition will be required to submit a note from their doctor or physician stating that the condition will not affect their ability to teach in a foreign country.
6. Under the Age of 62
SMOE does not hire individuals over the age of 62 (Korean retirement age).