Working Holiday in South Korea for Canadians: Teach English

Are you a young Canadian interested in living and working in South Korea?

Our friends at Languages Canada are offering placement in schools across South Korea to teach English for 12 months (or more)!

Participants receive a salary of approximately CAD $2,000–2,500 per month, housing support, and additional benefits.

Applications for the February 2026 intake open this Fall — get on the waitlist now.

South Korea has become one of the most popular working holiday destinations for Canadians, and it’s easy to see why. Extraordinary food, endlessly interesting cities, K-culture with global reach, and an ideal base for exploring Asia. For working holiday participants, South Korea also offers something rare: a full-time teaching role with free housing included.

What You’ll Do in South Korea

As an English Teaching Assistant in Korean public schools, you’ll support English education with a focus on conversational English and cultural exchange. Roles are full-time (8 hours/day, 5 days/week), contracts are 12 months, with an option to renew.

Who Can Apply?

• Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a Canadian university (any discipline)
• Native English speaker, or studied in English from Grade 7+ for at least 10 years
• TESOL/TEFL certification (minimum 100 hours) required — can be completed before start date

Compensation and Benefits

Application Timeline

📅 Upcoming intake — February 2027 start: Applications open this Fall. Get on the waitlist now and start preparing documents.

The full process takes 3–4 months and starting early matters. Candidates who have documents ready move faster once placements open.

Visa Requirements: The E-2 Teaching Visa

Canadian applicants must obtain an E-2 teaching visa before beginning their placement. Required documents typically include a bachelor’s degree, an RCMP criminal record check with fingerprints, a health declaration, a passport copy, a CV, and a signed teaching contract. Some documents must also be notarized and apostilled as part of the visa process.

Is This the Right Program for You?

Yes, if:

• You want a full-time role abroad with stable income and free housing
• You hold a bachelor’s degree from a Canadian university
• You can complete (or already have) a TESOL/TEFL certification
• You are interested in Korean culture, food, and travel in AsiaYou have already used your IEC lottery attempts
• and need a recognized organization pathway

🎁 Current offer: Languages Canada is currently offering a $200 Air Canada travel or Uber voucher to participants who join select Working Holiday programs.

👉 Join the waitlist for the South Korea program

Languages Canada is an officially recognized organization (RO) under the Government of Canada’s IEC program. Placement is not guaranteed. Visa issuance is subject to Korean and Canadian immigration requirements. Application timelines are subject to change.