Korean Job Discussion Forums

Ms.L · Joined: 19 Jul 2007

Is 2mil won/month low for a kindergarten position at an international school?

I was told it's because of the following:
- international insurance in addition to the Korean health plan
- if I stay with the school, they provide a flight home each year.. right now, I plan to stay for only a year
- housing is expensive...there will be a security guard where I will be staying

Are these points valid? Any input will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

IMHO, no these points are not valid. The going rate is more. I would be concerned about a school that is already trying to low ball you. What "international" school is it?

Ms.L · Joined: 19 Jul 2007

I am not sure if I should post the name. I researched the school. It's a real one.

OH, I forgot to say that the vacation time is long (around 2 months) and it has regular work hours. Does that justify for the pay?

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

I make more money and have a longer vacation at a university -- sorry we do not have any openings.

It is up to you. Is this the job you really want?

Don't know for sure but I'd say 2.2 - 2.5 is the going rate at a hakwon.

Two months is something...what 8 weeks a year?

Ms.L · Joined: 19 Jul 2007

Hmm...they want my decision asap. I need to be there for September.

Maybe you could answer this question. This school only caters to 3,4,5 year olds with low numbers. Would this be the reason for the low pay? I asked for a higher salary but they won't budge.

I don't know much about the teaching situation over there, just what I've read on this site. Thanks for the help.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

I'd say talk to whoever is there now....that will give you a better idea of what to expect.

The wage does seem a bit low, but then again, if it's a great job....

Yes, you can do better elsewhere, but is money your only consideration?

Find out what kind of hours they expect from you, class size, what kind of resources they have, length of classes and number of classes per day/week/month.

Find out if the pay is ever late or short, find out about the accomodations.
Is the apartment just a shoebox? Find out if you'll have to commute to work and if so how long.

There are probably a hundred other things you should ask, but this will get you started.

Be aware that the current teacher may try and make it sound rosy just to help find a replacement.

Best of luck.

bosintang · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:48 am Post subject:

2million for an international school?!

That is really low...less than most people make in regular Korean public schools. You can make the same in international schools in other countries that have a 1/3 of the cost of living!

kimchi story · Joined: 23 Nov 2006

Is that an IS registered school that offers IB and AP at the higher levels? If it is, then the low salary might be due to the fact that it's kindergarten. And if it is, then I'd take it because it will look hot on your cv - especially if you plan on making a career out of teaching.

There was a brief discussion on the matter not long ago here

inkoreaforgood · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Location: Inchon

Ms.L · Joined: 19 Jul 2007

Thanks for the advice. I have looked further into the school.

I was able to find the school listed as an International school (one of the 3 pre-school options) on the Seoul Government website.

This school is for ex-pat kids only.

I've asked for the full contract to be sent for viewing. So far, the director only sent part of it.

Oh, I am not scared of the many different things that the little ones are capable of...kinda use to it. I use to work in daycare and most of my teaching experiences are with primary students. I actually prefer the little ones over the others.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

If the school is for children of ex-pats it's an entirely different ballgame.

I still suggest you contact the current or a former teacher though and get ahold of the full contract.

Best of luck.