Choose the teaching system, not only the school name.
Hagwons, public schools, international schools and universities offer very different working lives. The individual timetable and leadership team matter more than the label.
- Request a realistic whole-week timetable.
- Speak privately with a current or recent teacher.
- Confirm that visa permission matches the actual duties and workplace.
Compare the whole package
These are scouting tendencies, not guarantees of pay, eligibility or conditions.
Hagwon
- Private-academy work shaped by enrolment and parent expectations.
- Check teaching load, preparation, events, curriculum ownership and staff turnover.
Public school
- School calendar and an institutional setting.
- Check co-teaching, camps, placement, desk-warming, vacation expectations and renewal.
International school
- Often requires recognised teaching credentials and relevant experience.
- Check curriculum, safeguarding, assessment and extracurricular workload.
University or specialist role
- Can involve language teaching, research, testing, curriculum or corporate training.
- Check contact hours, split shifts, qualifications, benefits and renewal criteria.
Evidence is stronger than reassurance
A polished advert is not proof of a well-run school.
- 01Identify the employer
Confirm the registered institution and every work location.
- 02Read the real timetable
Include teaching, planning, breaks, meetings, events and travel.
- 03Check classroom support
Ask about class sizes, ages, curriculum materials, assessment and behaviour procedures.
- 04Listen to staff
Ask how recent departures, final pay, housing and documents were handled.
Vague employer identity, conflicting salary or hours, requests to surrender documents, late pay and visa threats are reasons to pause. Do not start before permission is clear.
Keep every version of the offer
Read the employer's original advert and confirm the final terms before accepting.
Collect the facts
- Employer, recruiter, workplace, age group, duties, salary, housing and start date.
- Verify why each sensitive document is needed and use the confirmed application route.
Before signing
- Resolve contradictions in writing and retain the original advert and final contract.
- Ask 1345 about permission or workplace reporting before starting or changing jobs.
Adapted from the digital edition revised 3 October 2026. Individual PDF pages retain their own source-review dates. Not independently verified — confirm official requirements before acting.