Job Discussion Forums

maryknight · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 83

My husband is not want to jump in with both feet. Is it possible for me to get a 3 month contract anywhere? I'd want to make enough to cover our living expenses and part or most of one plane fare.
THANKS for your help. I realize I have lots to learn.
I have a TEFL certificate, a un-related Masters Degree, and I really think I'll like teaching English. I had a good time in TEFL training.
My husband is retired and does not plan to teach.

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

See the other thread you started to get info on 3-month contracts. Extremely rare, and the only place that regulary advertises is Westgate Corporation.

Besides what is written there, you have to take into account setup costs for coming here. In only 3 months, you won't be able to make them up, so you'd be in the red by the time you left.

By the way, just what sort of work did your husband expect to do while you are here? Your salary alone will not support the two of you.

Chris_Crossley

Gregor · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 842 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Mary,
Glenski's right about the three-month contract. Either you're going to wind up well in the red, or the school will. Not worth it for you OR them.
However.There is one exception that I know, and you need to either wait a while or get into action RIGHT NOW. In a lot of Asian countries, there are two very busy peak seasons. Summer is the biggest, but winter (January and February) gets jumping too. You MIGHT be able to get a three-month contract out of EF China if you can come in December. Wouldn't hurt to give them a go. Otherwise, you'll have to wait for the summer session. But here's the web site, in case you want it:
http://www.englishfirst.com/teacherinfo/recruitment/default.asp

It is NOT true, however, that you will not be able to support your husband. This depends on where you go, of course. I have supported my wife for three years now, bought a home and saved a very nice little nestegg. My salary's a bit higher than yours will be as an entry level teacher, but not so much that you'd have trouble.
I can't say for sure about Japan or Korea, but from what I've heard from friends there, it would be no problem. And I know for a fact that you could do it in Indonesia or China. As an entry-level teacher in China or Indonesia, you can not only support a spouse, but you can also save a good deal of that money. Most of my money went to cigarettes, booze and girlfriends with expensive taste before I was married, and even with all that I had months when I somehow failed to plow through the entire paycheck before the next one came.
If you and your husband are quiet, peaceful people who are happy enough to watch DVDs together at home and just go out occasionally, you'll end up saving 75% of your pay, in Indo. or China. And, again, Japan and Korea may be the same.
Plus, if your husband is properly retired, he has his own income, right?

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

the 3 months contract is fairly possible in China. Usually, there is nothing about airfare reimbursement in it but you could make enough cash to cover your living expenses and then some.

Even for the 3-monthers, accommodations are included so all your salary goes in food and what not. The little leftover can be used for travel within the country.

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

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

I don't know too much about China or Japan, but in Indonesia you can forget doing anything less than a year. No school will touch you, as they have to pay the gov't upfront for your one-year work visa and a year's income tax.

In Latin America, few schools will bother with a contract as short as three months but it's quite possible to get "under the table" teaching work that is piece-meal.

Unfortunately with such work, you'll be earning a wage that will barely cover your rent and daily expenses. You can forget about recovering your expenses for plane tickets, etc.

If you want to break even in Latin America, you have to be willing to commit to a full year, and even then it can be difficult.

maryknight · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 83

my husband is now willing to go for a year!
that will be a lot easier and more lucrative
and easier on me as a new teacher.
thanks for your comments!