Experiencing life as an English Companion for a family in South Korea offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, professional development, and personal growth. It’s a chance to enhance interpersonal and professional skills, live Korean culture firsthand and open doors for future opportunities!
South Korea’s deep, rich culture and work ethic make it an interesting choice as a Working Holiday destination, but also more challenging than the typical English-speaking work abroad country. Thankfully, Go International and our Korean partner will be by your side all the way to create a rewarding and fun experience!
Live with a Korean family and provide conversational English and light “au pair-style” support, especially for families with young children. Responsibilities may include taking children to and from school or academies, spending time with them at home in the evenings, helping with English homework, and encouraging natural English conversation through play and daily routines.
This program offers a meaningful cultural exchange and a chance to support language development in a warm, home environment.
**Note: Participants do not live with families.
Imagine spending the next six months or more in South Korea—living independently in your own apartment, earning a sustainable income with savings potential, and becoming part of a Korean family’s daily life as a mentor and role model for their children. The English Companion Program offers guaranteed job placement for anyone ready to combine meaningful work with cultural adventure. Whether you’re a graduate, a student, or simply seeking a new path, you’ll gain valuable experience, explore vibrant cities and tranquil countryside, and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most dynamic cultures. This is more than work—it’s a cultural exchange, a career-building adventure, and your chance to discover why South Korea is known as the ‘Land of the Morning Calm.’
Guaranteed job placement!
Earn a monthly wage working a maximum of 25 hours per week. Salaries range from US$850 to US$1,000 per month depending on skills, experience and working hours.
Work with a vetted and trusted Korean or international families in South Korea.
Placements are mostly in the greater Gyeonggi-do and Incheon areas but could also be throughout the country.
Placement location not guaranteed; must be open to placement anywhere in Korea.
Savings potential of US$100-300 per month.
Assistance on obtaining private accommodation in either a shared or private room or apartment (participants do not live with families).
Guaranteed job placement!
Resume and video guidance and support
Online Korean Cultural Foundation course
One month of FREE online Korean language classes
In-country orientation and cultural programs of 3 days with other participants
Free 4-nights’ accommodation upon arrival in our partner hostel/guesthouse (shared) with option to extend at participant’s own cost if necessary (private room available at additional cost)
Additional job placement support if required notice is given at previous employer
Step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Working Holiday visa
Personal support from our travel advisors prior to your departure
Support in sourcing long-term accommodation – the cost of accommodation is the responsibility of the participant (Fully refundable deposits range from US$2,500-3500 and monthly rent ranges from US$200-600 per month depending on shared versus private rooms, and location)
Airport transfer (if arriving on the designated date)
What’s not included:
Flights
Permanent accommodation – Please note that in most cases the participant will need to put down a deposit for their accommodation. We recommend bringing this amount in cash.
Visa application fees (CA$117 as of Sep 2025)
Personal expenses
Travel health insurance (mandatory)
Meals and transportation
** Note: Canadians can participate in the Korean Working Holiday program twice for up to 24 months per participation and can work up to 40 hours a week. You can also study for up to 6 months during your stay. Our English Companion program provides job placement that is up to 25 hours per week.
Locations for jobs are mostly in the greater Seoul, Gyeonggi-do and Incheon areas but could also be throughout the country. Placement location is not guaranteed; participants must be open to placement anywhere in Korea.
You will be provided with a step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Working Holiday visa and we will check if your application is complete.
You will have to hand in your visa application in person at a Korean embassy or consulate of your area (in Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto or Montreal) or mail it. More information can be found on the embassy website.
From the date of visa issue, you will have a 3 month window to enter Korea. That window will expire after 3 months as indicated on the visa. If that period has passed, you will need to reapply with all the relevant documents, so we do not recommend applying too far in advance.
After a pre-screening with your resume and general information, our partners will help you prepare for interviews and connect you with potential Korean host families. Interviews will be conducted and the job placement will be secured prior to arrival. We recommend at least three months for this.
Included in this program is 4 nights of accommodation during the orientation upon your arrival. You will also have the option to extend your stay for relatively low rates. Assistance in sourcing long-term accommodation will be provided to you typically by the host families but the local team can also provide guidance.
While it is not mandatory to speak Korean for the English Companion program, it would surely open up a lot more opportunities if you had at least basic conversational skills. This program includes a FREE one-month online Korean language lessons!
In addition, there are free language courses offered online at King Sejong Institute or in person at Seoul Global Center.
Unfortunately, no. All applicants will have to apply in person or by mail at the nearest consulate or embassy and will have to reside in Canada when the visa is issued.
Yes, you can travel outside the country as much as you’d like. The Korean working holiday visa is a multiple entry visa.
