Job Discussion Forums

prospectiveteacher · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Posts: 2

Hello. I will be graduating May of 04 with a degree in English for Middle, and High-school. I want to travel, and money is not personally a big issue with me. Unfortunatly, I will be graduating with some heafty student loans, which I would like to take care of ASAP. I was wondering if someone would be able to tell me where the best place would be for me to teach where I could make the most money. I don't mean to sound like a capitalist, but the sooner I'm out of debt, the better.
Thanks.

Celeste · Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2003 5:14 am Post subject:

So, you need money. I can understand that. This means that you will probably end up somewhere in Asia or Europe. If you do not have citizenship in an EU country, you will probably want to go to Asia. The three countries that people usually go to make money in Asia are Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. I have never been to Taiwan, but I have lived in Korea and Japan, and of those two, I would say that I personally prefer living in Japan. However, start up costs in Japan are high, and this may add to your debt at the start. Interestingly, you are licensed to teach in a public school in your own country. This is a certification that many traveling EFL teachers do not have, so you might be able to get some jobs that are not open to the average EFL teacher. For example, you might be able to get employment as a regular teacher at an international school or at a school on one of the American military bases. By the way, where are you from?

bnix · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 645

Well,it is a bit confusing because first you state that money is not much of a priority...and then later you state you have hefty student loans.

Probably the best money is to be made in the MIddle East...but you can mark that one off...because of the political turmoil in the area and also because of your gender.I would not recommend it for you.

Korea can be fine...IF you get the right job...a very big"if".It is a very nice country if you can get that right job.Taiwan?You can make money there,too,but parts are very polluted.Considering all factors,Japan is probably your best bet.There is very little money in most jobs in Latin America or eastern Europe.You really need to be an EU citizen to teach in the EU countries in Europe.Try Japan.

Like Celeste said,also look at other options in your home country.Also,in some instances,you can have student loans deferred or even have a portion canceled if you teach in certain situations (rural schools) etc.in the US(if you are from the US).
Best of luck.If you decide to do the ESL thing,try Japan. Smile

Albulbul · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 364

Japan, Korea, Taiwan or the Arab countries in the M.E.

That is it. Anywhere else you will either earn enough to stay alive, and maybe get back home, OR you will be phoning Maw and Paw to bail you out.

Esterita · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 18 Location: Finland

Anywhere else?

How much can you earn in European countries, say Italy or Germany?

prospectiveteacher · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Posts: 2

I am a 24 year old male. I will be graduating, hopefully, in May of 04. I currently live in the US. Also, I am a single father of one son, who lives with me. I realize that with a child will make any move more difficult, but we are dedicated. Let me know if this should affect my options. Will Japan be receptive to a single father? He will be ready for kindergarden by the time I am teaching.
Thanks again for the information everyone.

bnix · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 645

It might be more complicated if you have a child with you,but it is possible,and ,at least in Japan,you will be making some money.I suggest you check with the Japanese Embassy in the US regarding what paperwork you might need for you and your son,if you are genuinely interested in Japan..Just make sure to do your research carefully before accepting any job.

I also suggest,since you will not actually be graduating until 2004,that you look at other non-TESOL options,in addition to teaching overseas.It is always good to have other options.Do not put all of your eggs in the ESL basket.Plan ahead.Be careful.You want to get the right job,especially since you will have a child with you.

Best of luck.We really need trained,dedicated people in this profession. Smile

avahanian · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 123

itslatedoors · Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 97

Yep you can make your money in the Middle East ,I'm there/here now.As usual bnix is talking chod when alarming you of the current situation.I'm in Qatar ,it's a safe as houses,as are the UAE,and Oman.Does 70/80 thousand $ sound good?