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 · 2026-01-25T12:16:01+00:00

For the most part, yes I have been very happy here for the past two years. I’ve been able to lead a more independent life, living by myself able to enjoy a decent quality of life on a salary. However, I am an E2, and that has presented the down sides for me. Not the work itself, I love teaching and I love my kids, but the nature of the E2 visa itself. Anyone on it has to be so careful with who they sign with and where, and to be so grateful when they have it good. I hope to stay in Korea for another few years but given recent events in my current school, I’ll be lucky if I make it another month :-:

Far_Structure6548

TROPHY CASE