Job Discussion Forums

samgakji · Joined: 29 Jun 2016 Posts: 5 Location: South Korea

Hi I'm wondering if you guys can steer me in the right direction.

I am done with Korea.
I will have 2 years of experience when it's up.

I have a TEFL 120hr certificate. University degree in Sociology. Canada, young, white male.

Where should I go next for teaching in Asia?

Hong Kong? Heard it's expensive.
Taiwan? Heard it's "dead"

I'd appreciate it if you work in either of those 2 places and enjoy it if you could tell me why. If you work in China, Vietnam, other places could you talk about what you like about your position.

Sorry that this is a vague request but hearing about other teachers' experience couldn't hurt. It might help others beyond me too. Thanks!

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

samgakji · Joined: 29 Jun 2016 Posts: 5 Location: South Korea

Hey nomad soul, where do you work are you a teacher?

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

Virtually anyplace in the east Asia region outside of mainland China and Korea the jobs are largely found as boots on the ground opportunities.

In Taiwan the requirements are similar to Korea. Jobs are usually buxibans unless you are actually certified as a teacher (you are not by your description). Hourly rates are not uncommon. Visa issues can bite you in the azz.

In HK you don't qualify for the NET program so you would pretty much be stuck working in language centers. Conditions are similar to working in a hagwon in Seoul without the benefit of housing.

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samgakji · Joined: 29 Jun 2016 Posts: 5 Location: South Korea

Hey thank you.
I was chatting with someone about working at a language center in HK and doing private tutoring on the side.

Have you worked in Taiwan though?

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

samgakji · Joined: 29 Jun 2016 Posts: 5 Location: South Korea

Wow, suphanburi it sounds like you are living an ESL dream. Great country and good job. I am taking a vacation in Thailand next month I can't wait

Jmbf · Joined: 29 Jun 2014 Posts: 663

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

I used to work in Vietnam, and had quite a positive experience. I landed a job at a private school, and the money/benefits were above average. However, I think competition might be more fierce now, and you might need slightly more in the way of qualifications to get in hired (actually though, you might be okay with your experience and cert).

China might be the way to go. Tons of work there at the moment, including private schools. I have worked in a few different teaching contexts, and generally prefer this line of work to that of language centers (in terms of hours, job satisfaction, and time off).

HK is cool, though I wouldn't want to scrape by there while working at language centers - a possible exception might be the British Council. I guess the private tutoring would help.

I'm currently in Japan working at a private high school, though have also worked at an eikaiwa and as an ALT. Eikaiwas are very hit or miss, and ALT is generally low paying and flat - unless you get into the JET program, or work directly through the board of Education (and not through a crappy dispatch company). I would honestly only recommend Japan for those who really enjoy Japanese culture (how it really is, and not how it is imagined) or for those who are qualified for the higher level jobs. I was fortunate to get a good gig, though I also have a lot of experience, and an MA TESOL (others here usually have some combination of significant experience working in Japan, a teaching related degree, or Japanese proficiency).

I think I'd lean towards China if I were you, though Vietnam might be a good bet as well! Thailand seems to be fairly low paying based on my research, though there are exceptions. One great thing about Vietnam isthat travel around SE Asia is quite cheap should you want to get out. As Korea and SE Asia are quite different, though contrast might be interesting for you.