Job Discussion Forums

[JHS12983]

Hello to All,

I'd like to get an idea of what the TEFL picture is like in Asia at the moment, particularly Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, etc. Preferably from someone working there now or until just recently. I'm a 29 year old guy. I have a bachelor's in philosophy and religion and some special ed and counseling experience. I've also done some graduate work in Eastern medicine. I do not have a TEFL cert. I'm interested in using TEFL as a platform for traveling and saving, as I'm sure is nothing new. I'm also interested in continuing to study martial arts in Asia and gaining some cultural insights and unique experiences.

I'm sure posts like this area dime a dozen, but I'd really like to get an idea of what is essential for having a positive, productive experience along these lines. Specifically: Where do good opportunities exist for pursuing these goals? Where should I look for good honest work? What should I realistically expect given my background? Is a cert necessary? and so on...

Any advice from those who know will be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!

[tttompatz]

You have the degree.
Do you have a passport from one of: UK, USA, Can, Aus or NZ.
IF yes the chances of a job are 100%.

Salary scales at the entry level:

Vietnam: $1500-2000
Thailand: $1000-1300
Taiwan: $1500-1800
Korea: $1800-2000
China: $600-1500

The biggest thing to remember is that the wages are economy relative (cost of living in Thailand and China are MUCH lower than Taiwan or Korea, some packages include airfare and housing (Korea/China) and some don't (just about everywhere else).

Look around, determine what you need (travel won't be on the list) and look at the whole package. $1200/month in Thailand doesn't seem like much but coupled with the cheap cost of living, 6-14 weeks of paid vacation (or the chance to earn double wages for 6-14 weeks) means savings in Thailand can allow both travel and paying off of student loans).

The same can be said for Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam.

Put in your year in the classroom, save your cash for your year and then take a semester or a year off and do your traveling around Asia. Rinse and repeat as often as you like.

.