Job Discussion Forums

[Black_Beer_Man]

For those who have taught in other countries in addition to Japan, I would like to know how your experiences and net earnings compared.

And was your overall experience in the other country better than, worse than or just different from the one in Japan.

My answer:

South Korea

Pros > I found Koreans to be friendlier and warmer than Japanese people.
A lower cost of living in Korea meant that my net savings was double that of my net savings in Japan (after rent, food, health care, and public transportation). Furthermore, there is no residence tax in Korea (which hurts my wallet severely in Japan). I find Korean food to be tastier than Japanese food.

Cons > My main complaint is that there is less to do in Seoul than in Tokyo. After a year in Seoul, you might get bored. But, in Tokyo, it would take you several years.

Conclusion: After seeing the cost of national health care in Japan skyrocket in recent years (22,000 yen - 33,000 yen a month were my respective costs in the past two years compared with 8000 yen 20 years ago). and salaries actually going down over the same period, I'd have to say that if money's important to you, you should teach in Korea. But, if you just want to have fun, choose Japan.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=83787

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