How to Spot a Bad ESL School Before You Sign Anything

In thirty years of teaching and now running LucyESL, I have encountered every trick, every omission, every manipulation that a bad school can deploy against a new teacher. I am not being dramatic when I say that some of these experiences ruined people's years abroad.

This piece is my attempt to make sure that doesn't happen to you.

Red flag 1: They are vague about your work permit

A legitimate school knows exactly what your visa and work permit situation will be. They have done this before. They can tell you the visa category, when the work permit application will be submitted, and what you need to provide.

If a school says things like 'don't worry, we'll sort out the paperwork when you get here' or 'you can start on a tourist visa for the first month' — run. Working without a valid work permit is illegal in every Asian country. If there is an immigration check, you face the consequences. The school often does not.

Rule: Never board a flight without written confirmation that your work permit application has been submitted, or — better — that your work permit has been issued.

Red flag 2: They won't connect you with a current teacher

Good schools are proud of their teachers and their culture. They will happily put you in contact with a current foreign teacher for a candid conversation.

When a school refuses this request, or offers you a contact who turns out to be the director's friend rather than a working teacher, something is wrong. A candid twenty-minute conversation with a current teacher is worth more than any amount of recruitment material.

Red flag 3: Mysterious deductions from your salary

You should receive, in writing, a breakdown of your gross salary and every deduction. Tax, health insurance, pension contributions if applicable — all of these should be itemised and agreed before you sign.

I have seen teachers arrive expecting ₩2,800,000 per month and receive ₩2,100,000 because of 'housing fees', 'administration fees', or 'meal deductions' that were never mentioned. This is common enough that you should insist on a written breakdown as a non-negotiable condition of signing.

Red flag 4: 'We are like a family here'

I have heard this phrase from the directors of some of the worst schools I have encountered. What it usually means in practice: we will expect you to do things outside your contract, and when you raise this, we will tell you that families don't talk about contracts.

Good schools have a professional culture, not a family culture. They respect your time, your boundaries, and the agreement you signed.

Red flag 5: The photos don't match the description

Ask for photos of the actual classroom you will be teaching in. Not the school exterior, not the library, not the gym. The classroom. The staffroom. The view from the staff toilet if you like.

Any school with nothing to hide will send these immediately. A school that hedges, sends only exterior shots, or sends photos that look professionally staged is worth investigating further.

How to research a school properly

Google the school name plus the word 'review', 'Reddit', 'problems', or 'scam'. Check the blacklist forum on Dave's ESL Café. Ask in the relevant Facebook groups and Reddit communities for the country you're going to.

One hour of research before you sign can save you twelve months of misery. I am not exaggerating — I have met teachers who spent a full year in dreadful situations because they didn't do this step.

On LucyESL, I personally investigate every school before their listing goes live. That is not a marketing claim — it is what I actually do. If something looks wrong to me, it doesn't go up. But I encourage you to do your own research as well. No vetting process is infallible.