Job Discussion Forums

mersshroyer · Joined: 21 Aug 2012 Posts: 33 Location: Rosario, Argentina

Hi everyone,

I've seen a lot of newbies asking where they should go on this forum and, unfortunately, I'm going to have to do the same. So, any advice will be greatly appreciated. Sorry to clutter the forum.

First off, I'm a 23-year old American girl and I have a BA in liberal studies with a minor in applied linguistics. I'm finishing up a 100-hour TESOL certificate and thinking of doing a business english one as well. I'm currently living with my boyfriend in Argentina. I have a job offer, but the problem is it doesn't start til feb. and my $20,000 will require payments in jan. I don't expect this job to pay that off any time soon. Under 5 years is my goal.

The question: I want to pay off my debt as quickly as possible and still have an interesting cultural experience, meet people, try new things, etc. I taught at an English summer camp in South Korea and I liked it.. I would prefer to see a new place, but would teach there if it was really the best deal. I didn't find the culture that fascinating, to be honest. So, where should I go in order to have at least a semi-fun time, pay off my loans and be able to come back home to my boyfriend within 2 years?

tttompatz · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 12:51 pm Post subject:

Need money, have limited or no start up money = go to Korea. Housing and airfare from your home country to Korea are part of the normal package. Pay off $20k in 2-3 years.

Next in line would be China (housing and airfare home at the end of the contract with comparable savings). Pay off $20k in 3-4 years.

If you want culture = South America but you are unlikely to make any money at it (unless things have changed a lot in the last decade or so).

.

mersshroyer · Joined: 21 Aug 2012 Posts: 33 Location: Rosario, Argentina

Thanks for the advice. I've been in Argentina for 2 months now, looking for work and so far the best luck I've had is that an English institute told me they could offer me a job as conversation teacher in February or March. Neutral

Does anyone know if Japan is too expensive for trying to pay off student loans?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

20,000 dollars in 5 years means paying off 333 bucks/month. Easily enough done in Japan, yes.

The trick is to get hired. Pretty darned competitive here these days. Come to the Japan forum and ask specifics.

One thing, though, you are not very likely IMO to get hired to start work in January. From October to January is a pretty dead time of year. And, even after you get hired, it takes 2-8 weeks to land a work visa.

If you are not in Japan, opportunities are limited to get interviewed. If you are in Argentina, they are even more so for getting work in Japan. Not many employers do Skype interviews (how's your Internet connection there?), and even that is no guarantee of a good interview situation.

mersshroyer · Joined: 21 Aug 2012 Posts: 33 Location: Rosario, Argentina

I'm actually coming back to the states in January, so I was thinking of applying for the JET program and some of the other big schools that recruit in the US. I don't know how good my chances are with any of these, but my plan was just to send out some resumes and see what happens!

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

If you have finance problems, I question your idea of taking a business English course. Most people learn to teach general English and later adapt to business English as and when they start doing it. I'm not saying that it would be harmful, quite the contrary, merely asking whether or not it is worth the expense in your current situation.

mersshroyer · Joined: 21 Aug 2012 Posts: 33 Location: Rosario, Argentina

Well, I'm not completely broke or anything, but definitely living on a budget. But if having a business english certificate isn't that big of an advantage, then holding off is probably a good idea!

I wish I found South Korea as appealing culturally as Japan! It looks like I'll have to take the opportunity with the better financial benefits, though. Sad

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

mersshroyer · Joined: 21 Aug 2012 Posts: 33 Location: Rosario, Argentina

Glenski, yeah I've done my research. Bad word choice on my part. Razz

Old Surrender · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 1:34 am Post subject:

If you like kids and do 24-30 classroom hours a week, a 10k ($1500) yuan job a month is in your reach in a 2nd tier city in China.

You'll get a free apartment. Maybe utilities. You'll save money as long as you don't want to eat pizza and Western beer every night.