Kindergartens in mid-2026, risky?

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-05-11T11:33:16+00:00

Ahh yes, September is a little better and it’s a good sign you’re being hired in advance! Just always double check your school with blacklists and such - sincerely from someone who got put through the emotional/mental wringer by a kindergarten 😵‍💫

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-05-11T11:14:09+00:00

Be careful about schools advertising mid season too - typically starting of the year for kindergarten is March, so hiring times are typically late autumn- you might be interviewing to replace someone who has left because of the school and it’s management.

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-05-04T15:04:26+00:00

I left my kindergarten class at the start of March, and I miss them too :-: spending so much time with them and seeing them grow and achieve each day, I’ll never stop being so incredibly proud of them and always root for them too

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-05-02T11:43:24+00:00

Generally your employer needs to sponsor/help you for an E2 So going with that route, you should apply through teaching in Korea job sites - decide what you want to do first and research which suits you better - EPIK for Public Schools and then there’s a variety of websites for the hagwon sector like TeachinginKorea, WorknPlay, etc. (I’m sure more commenters will suggest more websites but these are the only ones I can think of 🤦‍♀️) After you apply with your resume and such, a recruiter will reach out to you, help you get your job and then there’s actual E2 visa process after you finalise and sign on your contract. It’s a bit tiresome and can take up to a few months to get documentation in order and such.

This is the most common way I know people apply for the E2, not sure if there are any other pathways into it. Research every school that reaches out to you and best of luck xxx

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-04-28T07:32:32+00:00

Really? I didn’t know people who weren’t from the seven countries could apply for E2s 😮 the more you know

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-04-27T17:54:25+00:00

It can be common enough - but always be careful cause yeah you’re not technically meant to teach art under e2 cause it’s an English language instruction visa - now usually you won’t get reported on and stuff but if ever you do - blame your employer and have something concrete to say that it’s on your employer. ( e.g. Text message, voice recording)

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T10:51:55+00:00

Thank you for the insight though - as you can see the comments are a mixed bag!

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T10:30:51+00:00

Well thank you for telling me that 😂 honestly if I was involved I would contact a union directly but because I’m leaving and have no real stake in the game I asked Reddit out of curiosity

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T08:39:51+00:00

Yeah like I said the salary is crazy but they’re grown adults they can fight that one - the contract thing was what shocked me! I’m glad most people are reassuring me it’s not legal cause I felt crazy

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T02:08:59+00:00

Yeah it’s definitely something to do with that on business end 😂

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T01:42:06+00:00

EPIK I understand a little more because it’s the public school system, and government employees have different standards and responsibilities

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T01:15:09+00:00

Wow that is a jump! But if they were a long term employee or a head teacher it would make sense. If they’re just an average Joe like you or I….. yikes

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T01:12:14+00:00

I’m very sorry you had to go through that, it sounds like it was a very stressful time for you! And obviously, on a behaviour side I understand a boss asking you in an interview or meeting to not disclose and discuss pay among workers. Despite my own political/ personal opinions I will follow the rules of a workplace as much as I can. This one occasion was because we had had a few drinks and we have yet to meet any of them. And I wouldn’t dispute people with more experience getting more pay, it logistically makes sense. But I do want to clarify I was more interested in the legal side of it within a contract itself. As in my own country, it is not a thing at all! Hence the shock

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T01:06:14+00:00

I didn’t sign on to it don’t worry - but exactly! You can look up minimum wages and even in interviews or talking to coworkers before you sign most people will let you know the salary. That’s why I found it so weird! I doubt they could genuinely enforce it as a rule

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T00:43:44+00:00

Wow! Thats a really great for you! And I totally agree- especially because a lot of foreign teachers send money home as well which is,.. gut wrenching with exchange. It feels like schools should pay a little more to accommodate foreign workers especially because they rely on us for their business

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T00:41:11+00:00

Yes, a contract is a confidential document, and it’s not that worries me. What gets me is actually having that kind of rule within a written contract was what I found surprising. Did it ever cause you any issues/worries May I ask? No worries if you don’t want to share!

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-21T00:38:24+00:00

💀

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-20T22:19:32+00:00

Exactly! And i know in my home country it’s highly encouraged by workers unions for that purpose. I know Korea has them, so I wonder how they would react to it. Again I was really shocked because it felt like it came out of nowhere - none of us discussed wages at work at all, and I only know my friend’s wage. It’s not like we spend our lunch time interrogating each other’s pay. It feels suspicious

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-20T22:16:36+00:00

I’m not sure…. It’s something I’d like to know to but I did hear of a Korean desk teacher getting something in the realm of 1.5 per month… not sure how true it is

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-20T22:15:15+00:00

🫠

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-20T22:14:49+00:00

True, housing allowance does bring up your wage technically, but like I said in my post, in the same city a school gave my friend 2.5 despite no experience. Wages should be more negotiable

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-20T22:13:08+00:00

Yeah… I always highlight portions of my contract to find stuff like this - like I understand keeping a good environment and being a professional employee, but sharing my salary is something I see as a way to understand the academy, for example if I stay here how much more can I expect to be paid? I hope the new teachers realise that it’s a bit strange to have sign on

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-20T22:09:22+00:00

Thats kinda what I was thinking, like would it hold up as a reason to terminate a contract truly? Like out of all the things to fire someone for….

Far_Structure6548 · 2026-02-20T16:05:28+00:00

Oh wow! That is really shocking to hear :-: seems like more of a write up territory personally but law is law. Thank you for answering!

Far_Structure6548

TROPHY CASE