Job Discussion Forums

[James_T_Kirk]

Hello everyone,

I've been back from my original stint teaching English abroad in China for over three years now. Probably every day since, I have felt the itch to go back and get involved again in the TEFL field, particularly in Asia. Three years ago, it was just an once-in-a-lifetime deal, but now I feel that teaching English abroad could be more than that...more on this in a moment.

I would like to solicit your opinions about where I should go for re-entry, but first, let me briefly tell you about my relevant background/experience/qualifications: One year experience teaching English in China, TEFL Certificate, BA in Business, Master's degree (in totally unrelated field), and a few years teaching software (which may or may not be relevant).

After hours of research, combing these discussion boards on Dave�s ESL Caf�, and even creating a spreadsheet with my five finalists for target countries (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Vietnam), I think that I am finally down to two�maybe J. These two are Japan and South Korea. As you might have already guessed, unfortunately one of my top priorities is making some decent money to at least pay off my student loans and possibly save for another Master�s in the distant future, so Cambodia and Vietnam were eliminated quickly (although I am still extremely intrigued with Cambodia and will visit there soon). I have eliminated Taiwan mainly due to lack of vacation time and the tax situation there, although being able to continue studying Mandarin would be a big plus. So, I am left with two candidates, South Korea and Japan. Yes, I realize that both of these countries are very different, and they both have their pros and cons. And I realize that there are hundreds of �South Korea vs. Japan� threads out there. But I would like your expertise in determining whether my pros and cons are valid, but I want your opinion on what you would do in my shoes based on what I want to accomplish in the next couple of years (how original, eh?). Here is a list of the pros and cons that each country seem to have over one another, starting with Japan:

Japan

Pros:

� People sound like they are very friendly and like foreigners

� Teachers actually have employee rights in Japan!

� Great vacation packages (anywhere from 3 to 7 weeks a year plus holidays)

� Women are cute, are apparently somewhat �liberal�, and love blond hair/blue-eyed guys like myself (Special note to all the Western ladies: sorry if I am coming across as a conceited jerk. I don�t think for a minute that I am god�s gift to women or anything, I am just stating the stereotype I�ve heard about Japanese women; I would just assume date you instead , but if you are busy dating Japanese guys�)

Cons:

� Expensive; can save some money, but probably not as much as in Korea

� Might I find it boring? I am a 26 year-old man that doesn�t necessary want to go out and party like a rock star every night, but I want to experience some nightlife and it sounds like Korea�s is better

� No free housing; have to pay for health insurance

South Korea

Pros:

� You can easily save money here

� Health insurance and housing included

� Good and cheap public transportation, and it is possible to buy a motorcycle or car of your own and get around this way (more difficult to do in Japan I think?)

� Although �creature comforts� are available in Japan, it sounds like they are easier and cheaper to acquire in South Korea (computer, satellite TV, etc.)

� Perhaps the most beautiful women in the world live here (okay, so maybe this is a pro for both countries; please weigh in on this issue!)

� Tighter ex-pat community (probably a very subjective pro, but this is what I gather from the web)

� What many have termed �sweet� University jobs possible with my qualifications (although probably only after a year in SK)

� More work in SK, with the ability to visit many schools and negotiate your own terms

Cons

� Employee rights are nil

� Less vacation time (without Uni job anyway)

� People hate foreigners there

Thus, on paper, it appears that South Korea, at least for my situation, edges out Japan as the winner. But maybe I don�t have my facts straight�if you can shed any light on the subject, I would be extremely appreciative! I am an energetic young man eager to give the TEFL business another go�as I mentioned, this is kind of a litmus test to see if I could make a career out of this. I am extremely independent, love to travel, love new experiences, have no wife/children plans (but never say never, right?), so why not? Plus, I think I have what it takes to become a damn good teacher and I love doing it! Hey, if it doesn�t work out, there is always business school, or I could stay in my current field�but I digress. Please, your thoughts, comments, and/or opinions are greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Kirk

[PAULH]

Kirk

Great little post- I wont add to it in any way except to comment on the university teaching: my area of specialty.

I have read of teachers in Korea with no more than a BA (and a few psychological basketcases too) teaching at universities in korea but you have probably read that your qualifications [/i] may [/i] not be sufficient for uni teaching work in Japan, certainly not anything more than part time. Full time jobs now require a Matsers in a TESL/English related subject as well as several publications as well as relevant teaching experience. i guess thats what you mean by 'sweet' but i think you will find you will be outgunned in the job market here.

Your best option perhaps is trying to find a job in a high school, as pay at conversation schools is not that good, and COL is high here. University teaching is where the better incomes are, however.
need any help with choosing where to do your secnd masters? will it be by distance learning? I have some excellent links if you are interested.

[Gordon]

I'll second the comment on your good post. I've taught over a year in both Korea and Japan and plan on staying in Japan much longer.

Another comment I might add that Japan is a lot more expensive to travel around in, like 5 times more. Mind you, there is 10 times more to see too IMO. I find it's easier to spend money here than in Korea and the quality or products is higher too. I disagree that Koreans hate foreigners, never felt that there. They are more curious about us, but that's because their country has not had tourists for as long as Koreans. I'd say Koreans are friendlier in general and want to get to know you more.

[markosonlines]

Korea or Japan ???

Tough ask. I spent 16 months in Korea and have been in Japan seven months and still can't decide which I prefer. Yes, you'd save more cash in Korea but you'd be more likely to get a shit school. Korean food is better, Japan is cleaner, Korean women are great, so are the Japanese. Beer and soju is cheaper in Korea but that's not why you're going......

Tough ask, Id say if you can get something at a uni in Korea that sounds promising take it and if it's not what it was billed as start looking for escape routes to Japan. With a Masters in TESL you'll find something, just remember hunting season is in February/March in Japan.

Markos