Job Discussion Forums

doreenp · Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 147

I have read many postings regarding where to get the best paying teaching jobs. However, most replies are referring to the younger generation and suggesting programs like the "Jet" program. I do not qualify for this and am interested in where to make the most money for a year for my situation which is:

I am 50 years young, I have a BA and a TEFL certificate. Many years teaching experience at home (Canada)and abroad, and about 20 years business experience to add to that. I have a Cdn and EU passport.

I love teaching in Central and South America but i have depleted my savings by doing this, so i need to go someplace i can live modestly and bank some money.

I would prefer somewhere that did not have winters (i.e. snow) but if i have to endure this for a few months i would.

So, bottom line question is..... Where oh where should i go?

Income - cost of living modestly per month = how much i can bank a month>>

thanks for the suggestions in advance.
Dee.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You can't have that many years teaching experience at home, if you have spent twenty years in business outside of teaching and part of the remaining few years in Latin America.

The short answer to your question is the Gulf. Take a couple of years there to replenish the finances and then decide on your next move.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

doreenp · Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 147

Wow, i can't believe i've recieved such a response....not to my question, but a response non the less.

a. my name is Doreen, therefore please , i am not a 'he'
b. i requested information regarding where to go and get the best bang for my buck
c. if you must know, i was born in 1955, i graduated highschool in 1972, at 18, got my BA in 1976, at 22, got married at 25 , ran my own business and had two children and did many more night school courses than i can list here, while raising them. While my kids were in school i volunteered to be a T.A. and discovered i loved teaching so went on to sub teaching and then did special ed. .Then continued my education till i tried teaching children from other countries in my school and discovered the world of TEFL, all this while running two companies and participating in many functions of the community.

Since my children are now grown, well adjusted and off on their own lives, I have decided to travel and see the world and do what i love best, Teach and learn. (this began in 2000) when my oldest started to teach and travel.........

I certainly don't have to justify my living to you out there but i do think you need to realize that you can do more than one thing at a time, it's called multitasking and women have been doing it for years! So i hope i have answered your queries as to how i can have business and teaching abilities all at the same time ?'s.....

so once again I ask.....Where shall i go?

Dee.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

Dee, you can live fairly modestly in South Korea and Taiwan while banking "considerable" money. You can also live just as well in Thailand while saving money, but you will enjoy MUCH better weather!

Very Happy

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

You can also add Japan to your list. A bit of ageism goes on here but if you have a degree and a work visa nothing is impossible. NOVA the largest language school has teachers in their 60's.

Salaries are a little higher in Japan, so is the cost of living but if you want to save money Korea is supposed to be where its possible to save the most of of your income (airfares and accomodation are paid for in Korea which can save you a lot). Not sure what they feel about hiring 50 year old women though, as Korea is a rather chauvinist society.

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

younggeorge · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 350 Location: UAE

tedkarma · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 10:41 pm Post subject:

Perhaps the most important question Doreen: Are you a certified teacher in your home country? If so, many more - and much better paying options are open to you. If not, you can somewhat make the generalization that warm weather = poor pay. Thailand is wonderful - but it is unlikely that you will save a dime there.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

Actually, I save quite a bit here in Thailand because I can keep my living expenses low. And tedkarma is correct about teacher certification. International schools pay at the higher end of the scale, as do consulting and training jobs.

Celeste · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 11:29 pm Post subject:

I think that you may find yourself marketable in Japan. There is a real shortage of female teachers experienced in teaching small children here. I think that you should market yourself as a childrens' EFL teacher to Japanese companies and you should do well. (In my city, there are very few female ALTs, and the Elementary school English program has just expanded. Most of the positions have been filled by male teachers, but many principals have asked me if I know any women English teachers that I could introduce them to. Also, for private tutoring, a lot of women would prefer a female teacher to come to their home and teach them. Age should not be a big factor.)

Dr Disco · Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 3:28 am Post subject:

Try the international schools. PM me for info.