the arrival community
The Arrival Community is here to enrich your experience abroad by pulling on years of experience from its founders and current members. TheArrivalStore.com will continue to add content and resources to this area of our website to help you get the most out of your time in Korea. Every experience is better when it is shared, so please send us your experiences and suggestions and we'll do our best to incorporate them into the site. Become a member today and become part of the community. This site is here for you!
TheArrivalStore.com only allows certain companies to be represented on our "TAS Verified Services" page. These services are not offered directly by TheArrivalStore.com, but we feel confident recommending them to our community because each company has been researched, tried and tested and have proven to be a great resource. They are companies who have a reputation and history of treating their customers well. If you have found a service that has been exceptionally helpful during your time in Korea, please send us a note so that we can check them out: info@thearrivalstore.com. If you experience any problems with the following services, please also let us know.
To read more about each service, simply click the little blue arrows on the right and great information will appear. For other helpful information about life in Korea, don’t miss our “community resources pages.”
AdventureTeaching Inc. "You Should Probably Do This"
Adventure Teaching Inc (AT) was started on the backs of two passionate and experienced English teachers. The company has since grown into one of the most respected names in the Korean ESL market. The ESL industry in Korea and worldwide is not very straightforward. Gaining employment can be full of hurdles to overcome and teaching experiences are often littered with conflicts. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose a recruiting or placement company that you can trust to be upfront and honest with you, but that also has expertise on the current market conditions and job openings. Without hesitation, TheArrivalStore.com can recommend that you get in contact with Kimberley, Reuben and the rest of the Adventure Teaching team if you are considering teaching English in South Korea.
Adventure Teaching's Services
AT provides excellent communication, necessary resources, and personal attention to each teacher so that they are prepared to live and teach abroad before they leave home. AT continues to support the teacher throughout their entire term of employment. AT's goal is not to be the biggest company in the industry. They aim at providing the following for each and every Adventure Teaching Teacher:
*No bull approach. Straightforward perspective and transparency
*Efficient communication
*A vast number of reputable Korean employers
*Expertise you can trust
*Extended support throughout the entire term of your contract
AT offers employment opportunities each month of the year to earnest, outgoing, and hardworking employees who are excited about working in Korea!
Please email teacher@adventureteaching.com to request an informational slideshow and for current job openings.
What Current Teacher's are Saying
“I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about Adventure Teaching’s services. I am so grateful for all the help AT provided. The guys were always so quick to get back to me and willing to answer any questions I had- no matter how small. They went above and beyond what I ever could have expected from a recruiter. Anyone looking into teaching in Korea shouldn’t think twice about working through Adventure Teaching; in fact, they’d be crazy not to.”
-Jamie (USA)
“I really liked how it seemed like there was a ton of people helping me out from both back home and here in Korea. I also liked how quickly my questions were answered. I never felt that I was alone in this process. I have heard horror stories about other companies so I would gladly recommend your company to others.”
- Amanda (USA)
“You were so professional, upfront and prompt about everything. I really appreciate how much effort you put into researching the jobs and employers and making sure they were a really good fit.”
-Kate (Canada)
“You were wonderful to work with and literally thought of everything I would need while in Korea. AT helps to prepare teachers for everything that may come their way in Korea.”
-Kylie (Canada)
“From all of agencies I’ve heard people go through to teach, AT is amongst the best. It is about how personal you make the process and intentional you are about getting us situated and settled in comfortably from the beginning leaving us with following your outlines. I appreciate how AT constantly applies new learned information to make each process more helpful in accomplishing.”
- Ryan (USA)
Contact Information
USA Office
Homepage: http://adventureteaching.com/index.html
Phone: 1-206-257-0613
Email: teacher@adventureteaching.com
Korean Office
Homepage: http://adventureteaching.com/index.html
Phone: +82-31-625-2258
Email: teacher@adventureteaching.com
TEFLOnline.com Online and Bridge TEFL Teaching English as a Foreign Language Courses
“But wait,” you say. “I’m leaving for Korea soon, and I have a job. I can’t possibly finish 100 hours before I get to Korea.”
No worries. You don’t have to.
You don’t even have to finish the course before you leave for Korea. You can inform your employer that you are in the process of finishing the course, and you can finish it while you are working, during your downtime. It is highly recommended that you negotiate a pay raise with your employer for completing the TEFL certificate. If you already have a TEFL certificate, be sure that you
If you have done any research into teaching foreign language courses, you know that there are hundreds of companies and courses available. It’s hard to even know where to begin when looking for a course or analyzing its quality, so we’ve done the research for you. We’ve analyzed and spoken with a myriad of companies and course directors, and we have proudly partnered with one of the leading TEFL companies, Bridge TEFL, to offer our teachers special rates for a quality program. The company has had over 20 years of experience and is also authorized to teach Cambridge ESOL’s CELTA course (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults).
Why is Bridge TEFL (TEFL Online) the best choice?
The courses and certificates are:
-
Widely known and very reputable. Masters in the industry have come together to create the Bridge TEFL Curriculum.
-
Bridge TEFL has been recognized and praised by the Korean Government as a top choice. For this reason alone, if you’re interested in the benefits of a public school job, you’ll probably want to enroll in a Bridge TEFL course.
-
World-wise and incredibly portable. Bridge TEFL offers all of their lessons online and in classrooms around the world, including Korea.
-
Going to grad school in the future? Taking a Bridge TEFL class may translate into graduate level credits. The IDELT course was recommended for 6 credits, and the “Blended Learning” course for 3. A course like this not only makes you money, it may save you money later in life, if and when you decide to go to grad school!
-
Bridge TEFL is Accredited by ACCET, the U.S. Department of Education, and other governmental agencies.
-
Outstanding value. The value of every resource included is at least $1,000 USD, and probably more. (Think of how much 6 credits at graduate school would cost you!) It is possible that your paycheck will increase by over $1,000 per year as well.
Widely known and very reputable. Masters in the industry have come together to create the Bridge TEFL Curriculum.
Bridge TEFL has been recognized and praised by the Korean Government as a top choice. For this reason alone, if you’re interested in the benefits of a public school job, you’ll probably want to enroll in a Bridge TEFL course.
World-wise and incredibly portable. Bridge TEFL offers all of their lessons online and in classrooms around the world, including Korea.
Going to grad school in the future? Taking a Bridge TEFL class may translate into graduate level credits. The IDELT course was recommended for 6 credits, and the “Blended Learning” course for 3. A course like this not only makes you money, it may save you money later in life, if and when you decide to go to grad school!
Bridge TEFL is Accredited by ACCET, the U.S. Department of Education, and other governmental agencies.
Outstanding value. The value of every resource included is at least $1,000 USD, and probably more. (Think of how much 6 credits at graduate school would cost you!) It is possible that your paycheck will increase by over $1,000 per year as well.
How much is the course?
The online courses cost various amounts according to the number of hours offered. TEFLOnline.com often offers various promotions.
TheArrivalStore.com makes you eligiblie for an additional 5% discount as well. USE PROMO CODE: AT2468
What course do you recommend?
In order for any TEFL course you take to be considered for a pay raise, or at the professional level, the course must have a minimum of 100 hours. The 120 hour course offers several benefits that are well worth a little extra cash. If you are already enrolling in a course, you might as well get as much out of it as possible.
Benefits of the 120 hour course:
*If you are planning on teaching children, the 120-hour is a must-purchase. The section about teaching young learners gives you specific tips about classroom management that every new teacher must know. It will teach you how to establish your classroom in a way to minimize dis-ruptions, and how to reach out to children who are behind, lost, or apathetic.
*The content is extremely comprehensive. You get the same package online or in the classroom, and it includes specialized endorsements for English for Young Learners and Business English. This special knowledge makes you even more valuable to your future employer.
*You work through the whole course under the guidance of a tutor, a real live professional ESOL teacher, who provides feedback on your work.
*You’ll have access not only to video tutorials within the course, but also to TEFLVideos.com, a library of over 100 “How-To” videos with step-by-step instructions for lessons, activities, classroom management skills, and more.
*You’ll get a certificate for successfully completing an online grammar course called Grammar Advisor, which reinforces all those grammar rules you learned in high school and may have forgotten about.
*What if you’re presented with a grammar question you can’t answer? Koreans are notorious for asking questions about the complicated grammar points. You can use Grammar Advisor as a resource once you begin teaching! You can ask BT’s grammar pros about grammar questions as well as how to teach grammar points. You’ll be able to come up with answers quickly and know how to answer them for future reference.
Sounds great, how do I sign up?
-
Go to http://thearrivalstore.teflonline.com/ (You must use this link if you want TheArrivalStore.com discount or use AT2468 on www.TEFLonline.com)
-
Choose your course. It must be at least 100 hours, but we recommend the 120 hour course for the best preparation
-
Enroll and pay for the course through the website.
-
Update your resume and email it to Adventure Teaching. When your employers know that you’re completing a BridgeTEFL course, they won’t be putting your resume in the rejected pile.
-
Complete the course.
-
Obtain your certificate (remember to negotiate the raise before expecting it automatically)
Adaptable Human Solutions: Expat Therapists Caring for Expat Clients
Whether you are battling cultural adjustment, trying to resolve a relationship issue, or looking for a place to get support in kicking an old habit, Adaptable Human Solutions ensures that you can find a therapist who is culturally similar to you, is a native English speaker and understands the unique dynamics that come with working as a foreigner in Korea. Plus they have an awesome French espresso machine and serve every client coffee, tea or water upon entry. Mmmmm....espresso.....
Comfortable Office
We visited their office to get an idea about the quality of their services and found the environment to be very relaxing, clean and at a much higher standard of professionalism than we expected (see pictures below for a good idea of what we’re talking about)...
Western Standard of Care
When you are moving to a foreign country, it is always nice to know that there is psychological care available, especially if you have had a past struggle with depression, anxiety or difficult experiences.
No one wants to visit a therapist who can’t speak their language, or gives well intentioned but ill informed advice. We’re pumped that there are therapists in Korea who understand the need for cross-cultural adventure and some of the challenges that come along with it, and are also legitimately licensed and experienced in the west.
The feedback we’ve gotten from friends and colleagues who have used their services is that the therapists are very down to earth, approachable and committed to supporting clients in improving their lives. Simply stated, we liked them, and we imagine that liking your therapist is a very important thing in therapy.
Who uses AHS services?
- Individuals, Couples, & Families
- English Teachers
- Children & Adolescents
- Corporate Expatriates
- Military Families
- Returning Koreans
- Korean Adoptees
- People from over 50 countries
What are their hours?
- 9am-9pm Monday-Thursday
- 9am-5pm Friday
- 9am-5pm Saturday
Where are they located?
Located conveniently in central Seoul at Gongdeok Station they offer an inviting and comfortable office space for you to meet with AHS Professionals. For more information and directions to their office click here
How much does it cost?
The fee varies according to therapist and according to the therapist’s experience, position and demand. The company wants to support the English teaching community so they make sure to have affordable rates for those of you who are paying off student loans and planning on eating ramen everyday. When you call make sure to mention if you have limited financial resources and they will try to help you out. AHS defines their therapist standards as:
- Western born and trained
- Licensed in US or Canada
- Culturally Sensitive
- Committed to inclusive Treatment Styles
- Held to ethical standards of western psychological associations
- For full therapist profiles click here
We pulled these “core philosophies” from their website because
they matched up with our experience of AHS:
"Asking for help is a sign of sanity."
"Everyone deserves the chance to hope, grow, and enjoy relief from pain."
"Being heard, seen, and understood is a basic human need."
"Transformation can be daunting, but is very rarely impossible."
To learn more about AHS or to get yourself set up with a visit to a therapist (and their espresso machine), visit their website at www.ahskorea.com or call their office at
02-749-7915 or email their inquiry team at info@ahskorea.com
Planning a Vacation, Study Abroad, Living Overseas? Get coverage with FAST/FREE Online Quotes.
The Arrival Store highly recommends Atlas Travel Insurance. Most of us have used it and have been very pleased with their services.
From the Atlas Website
“You may enjoy traveling, but may not know that travel medical insurance is something that you need to factor into your travel preparations. Travel medical insurance is no longer an ancillary factor due to various travel risks. Today, the World Health Organization strongly recommends visitors and tourists obtain travel medical insurance as a matter of routine to protect themselves from the cost of medical care outside their home country.
Atlas Travel insurance is a travel medical plan and an excellent way to protect yourself against the high cost of medical treatment outside your home country.”
Please recommend any services you believe should be on this page by emailing us: info@thearrivalstore.com
Please recommend any services you believe should be on this page by emailing us: info@thearrivalstore.com