Job Discussion Forums

Surrey100 · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 28 Location: UK

I want to live and teach in SE Asia but wouln't mind saving up some bucks for a couple of years elsewhere first. Which Asian countries have the highest savings after all expenditures for a TESOL / BA teacher? Korea, Taiwan, Japan, other? If you havn't been to all please put how much you can save in the countries you know. Thanks Very Happy

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

It entirely depends on your lifestyle, where you live and the kind of job you do. If you live in Tokyo then it would be pretty hard to save an awful lot if you work for an eikaiwa company. If you live in a rural area, for a private high school or in the JET programme and don't go out drinking all that much, then it can be pretty easy to save money.

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

I know someone who is currently teaching in Taiwan. His income is about $1500 US after taxes. His living expenses are roughly 300 to 400 dollars per month. He's there to save money, so he expects to bank close to $1000 US per month.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Broadly speaking, I think Korea might be the best. Pay is almost the same as Japan, but the cost of living is much lower and schools pay your rent and flights and there are no start up costs. Going out and travelling are also much cheaper in Korea.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:53 am Post subject:

I have to second Korea for best savings. My savings in Korea are comparable to what I saved in Saudi - but with fewer contact hours per week and a four vs. five day work week. Also, Korea doesn't tend to make you as crazy as the ME - and I teach women as well as men.

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

There is no single answer to this question.

My best savings were in Japan (Tokyo).

However, I understand that there are high wages being earned in places like the United Arab Emirates.

Important variables include the kind of EFL job you have (conversation school, high school, university, corporate, etc) and what your living arrangements are.

Again, I've taught in Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan and the most lucrative place to TEFL was in Tokyo.