Job Discussion Forums

[Nerel]

I'm looking to move to SE Asia and would like some help trying to figure out where to start teaching please.

I'd like to be somewhere where I can save some money/live an ok lifestyle and not have to teach more than 20-30 hours a week max to escape my current long work schedule. Does this exist?

My current thinking is Vietnam would be the best bet, or perhaps Malaysia?
Also looking at Taiwan but I hear pay has come down quite a bit and you can struggle to make ends meet, Hong Kong although again I think it's hard to earn much if you aren't on the NET scheme, and Thailand but I've seen a few negative posts on classes being quite unruly?
I think the hours seem too long in Japan/S.Korea.

New to this so any help would be great. I have a BA in Modern Languages and 1 year teaching experience as part of that (but that was 6 years ago). Nothing since then however planning to start off wherever I go by doing TESOL or CELTA and then looking for jobs from there.

thanks

[johntpartee]

China.

[Nerel]

hmmm I haven't really looked at that much so far, was being drawn by the way travel around other places in the smaller counties anywhere in particular you'd recommend?

[johntpartee]

Not really, but you can get a position somewhere and make enough to live on and save. It will take some adjustment, but if you're a native speaker, breathing, no STDs, you're in. Preferably Caucasian; even if you're not, you can get something, it just won't be quite as easy.

[Sashadroogie]

Go a little further north, to the Motherland!

[Glenski]

How much are you looking to save per month?
Do you have any outstanding debts now (how much per month)?

What's your idea of an "OK lifestyle"? People vary in their definitions.

[tttompatz]

[TedZar]

IMO Thailand pays the least and wants the most, but most people tolerate it because it is a wonderful place to live.

Korea - probably the best in terms of saving money without working yourself to death.

China is becoming a better option all the time.

[santi84]

[Nerel]

Thanks for the tips. I don't have debts to pay off but just really want to earn enough to travel a bit in the holidays around nearby countries. Don't really want to work more than 30 hours including prep time.. and yep not expecting all kids to be angels it just seemed Thailand was particularly bad. .. hmm so many different views! Guess I'll just need to pick one and try it out

[cheezsteakwit]

OP
It sounds like you are describing Korea. Get yourself an on-line TEFL cert (at least 100 hours + 20 hours IN class) I believe that is a new requirement for Sep. 2013 intakes.

I got my TEFL on-line thru ITTT for about $200 US. It was only a 100 hour course , but I'm a certified teacher back in the states, so technically, I don't think I needed the course. (I got mixed answers to that question by people on the ground here, but whatever.)

Also, make sure you get a PUBLIC school job & NOT a hagwon (private school job) Alistair @ Korean Horizons was VERY helpful to me.

Public school jobs have steady hours (9 5 -ish) , 18 days vacation time (more than hagwons) & I have TONS of free time during the day & at night.

I teach basically the same lesson all week & just modify it to fit the level of my students. NO papers to grade at night & NO stress. I'm using my free time to take technology courses, etc... on-line thru

http://www.coursera.org

& I'm studying Korean so I can take the TOPIK exam in July

I'm finishing up my first year & about to start another in March. I traveled to Beijing, China, Thailand & Angkor Wat, Cambodia this past year. Japan & the Philippines are on my travel schedule for this upcoming year.

As for student discipline, I have ZERO problems from my high school boys. I'm in the country, so maybe that's a reason? But, I was teaching at an inner city Philadelphia high school before I came here. & I've just about 'died & gone to heaven' discipline-wise. I haven't heard any horror stories from my friends (elem, middle OR high school level) either.

I'll finish out this second year, then investigate international school options, BUT I've been VERY happy with my Korean experience thus far.

As for saving money, you should be able to save/send home half your paycheck and live very comfortably on the other half. Shoes & fruit are pretty expensive here, but the cost of living for other things isn't that bad. (It's not as cheap as Thailand or Cambodia, but i hear its cheaper than Japan.) Train transportation here is world class & cheap , as well.

Anyways, good luck to you.

[Glenski]

Japan might pay you enough to do what you described. Depends.

Classroom hours are 20-30 per week, NOT including prep time. I don't think you are in much of a bargaining position with your qualifications. Don't like it? Don't apply here.

You still didn't answer my questions about savings and lifestyle. (Savings means money aside from what you use, such as in sightseeing, which is why I ask about that again.) If the above description of Japan still appeals to you, please let me know your responses.

[Nerel]

in terms of savings I was thinking maybe $ 4-500 a month would be good to do some cheap travel and even have a little left over. Japan does sound interesting, I know less about it as I have mainly focused initially on Hong Kong/Vietnam etc which are close together for traveling, but I know Japan isn't too far. ..

Let's face it my experience of Asia is limited somewhat! I'm thinking now it may be wise to do 2-3 weeks travelling before then do celta somewhere cheaper like thailand, and from there go straight to a place to live and find work. That is, if I can sort out the logistics of visas and packing for travelling and work. .. suddenly even bringing a laptop is thrown into question :p