Job Discussion Forums

[yorkty]

Okay, I have asked this question in the Russia forum and hit a wall so I will open myself up to everyone and see if I can find a solution. I have a wife and young child (2 years old) and I want to go abroad, earn my CELTA and teach English. I do not currently have a bachelor's degree (in German language), but I will in Spring '15. I would like to begin teaching beforehand though and because I study online location is not an issue.

My question is: what countries, if any, can one support a wife and child on a teacher's salary? My wife would prefer to stay out of Asia, but I will take any and all recommendations. South America or Eastern Europe? Daycare and schooling won't be an issue because my son is still young. We live very modestly; we cook at home, don't go out much, don't need luxuries or American living standards, etc. Is this a pipe dream or a possibility?

Thanks for all your help!

[nomad soul]

The pool of jobs for those who lack a BA is shrinking. Plus, even if an employer doesn't require a degree, the country's visa regulations for legal employment could. Therefore, your biggest obstacle will be to get legit work. If by some stroke of luck you do land a job, your second challenge will be supporting a family of three on a salary that's meager because again, you lack a degree.

You didn't state the reason for your rush to head overseas before completing your BA, but seriously, finish your degree, get a CELTA, and then look for work.

[MotherF]

[nomad soul]

[rtm]

[spiral78]

Regardless of degree/CELTA, teacher salaries in Central/Eastern Europe at the entry level are barely enough to support a single person, much less a non-working spouse and child.
Getting started here also requires a fair amount of money up front: jobs are not normally found from abroad - you need to be here (at the end of August/first of September, ideally) to find something, you need to have enough to pay deposits and etc for housing, and the best case scenario is receiving a first paycheck in October. Most single teachers usually break about even at the end of the first year.
The only situation I can imagine working at all is in some very rural school that will provide accommodation and possibly food subsidies - these jobs exist but are fairly rare, and the experience tends to be socially Spartan as well - these are normally places with little opportunity for friends/cultural events/etc.

[yorkty]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I understand that it's asking a lot and it seems like a long shot at best.

I have considered German teaching certification, but that would probably just keep me working in the US and I'm wanting to get out and explore.

As far as why I want to go now, before I finish my degree? Largely a matter of being impatient. But I also just quit a relatively good paying job, have some money saved up, and thought this would be a good chance to experience teaching English to see if it is something I would like to pursue upon graduation.

I am certainly open to teaching in rural schools. I won't shy away from Siberia. This first year is really just a test-run and a way to get some experience. I won't mind roughing it to support my family.

But to move on: Assuming I have a B.A. and CELTA, is it possible to support a wife and child teaching English? If possible, where in the world should I focus my efforts? Is this a viable career for someone who wants to travel and teach with a wife and child in tow?

[nomad soul]

[MotherF]

[rtm]

[Big Worm]

Hate to say it, but you're not looking too good. The best thing to do is to get certified to teach in your home country and get into int'l schools. Seriously. The standard of living for you and your family will be night and day. I dare say it would be irresponsible to put a two year old in a situation where you might not be able to provide "adequate" health care, etc. In a few years, they will need to get into a school. You won't be able to afford it on an ESL'ers salary.

Bite the bullet and get a teaching cert. You'll be much happier for it in the long run.

[nomad soul]