Job Discussion Forums

[Catullus2]

yes I know - many people in the Phils speak English already, there's no ESL market etc etc.

As it happens there IS an ESL market there, though it seems mostly geared toward Korean and Japanese students. But, I don't really know how large or extensive it is and how much work is available.

My question is: what are the odds, if one has a TEFL certificate and more than a year's experience (and an American accent) in getting enough work if I simply arrive in the Phils are start browsing around the schools?

DOES ANYONE WHO HAS ACTUALLY LIVED AND TAUGHT IN THE PHILIPPINES have advice/warnings about trying to teach there?

Thanks.

[Gypsy King]

Save yourself a lot of time and money. The Philippines is a tourist destination. English schools are run by Filipinos who pay peanuts for ESL teachers. Best advice is to apply at international schools from overseas...those that are AMerican or Britishetc. If you just arrive and look for work in the PI you will be very dissapointed.

[Kiels]

YES IT IS POSSIBLE!

I just got a job at an international school in Angeles City, starting this September. I'll be an Early Years teacher but I know this school do teach ESL (qualified teachers with license from home country) since many of their students are Korean, Japanese, Chinese etc.

I wouldn't recommend just turning up though; I'm not sure how lucrative the job market is and as the previous post suggests, apply from home, not in country. Long way to go when there aren't that many immediate opportunties.

[Kiels]

Just seen two jobs advertised in the Philippines at an international school in Manila on the MOD EDIT. One for Key Stage 1 teacher, one for Science Teacher.

[russel1988]

I am in contact with Noblesse and am wondering what I should say for salary I expect. They are asking me What salary I require in US$. Any idea?

[tatsuo1]

[Teachurrrr]

In 2002, I made $1000 (50,000 pesos) a month at a language school in Cebu.

In 2006, I applied at a number of schools in Cebu. Some were offering 50,000 pesos/month during the "high" months and 30,000 pesos/month in the "low" months (with apartment). Some offered 30,000 pesos/ month period. You can guess what I told them to do with their job (albeit politely). A couple of schools were willing to offer 50,000 pesos/month + apartment or allowance. One school offered 60,000 pesos/month with no apartment allowance.

From 2006-2008, I made (take home) 61,000 pesos a month at an international school.

This is peanuts to some, but we lived rather well (35,000 peso budget for a 3 bedroom apartment and a nice lifestyle) and save almost 26,000 pesos a month (roughly $US600 a month at then exchange rate 43 pesos to the US dollar). Not bad for us. Terrible for others.

Hope this helps.

Teachurrrr

[Eva_madison]

That does help a lot,
Thanks