Job Discussion Forums

[jodemas2]

I have taught English in Mexico for a few years and now I am looking to experience another part of the world. I have an advanced degree and have taught all levels from children to middle and high schoolers to university students and adults.

I'd like to go somewhere where they'll pay for my flight and pay me well. What countries, and situations within those countries, are best for saving up $ for a year, considering salary, living costs, taxes, etc.? If possible, please compare Korea, Japan, Thailand, Russia and Ukraine.

Thanks a lot.

[spiral78]

It's like one of those exercises where you have to spot the odd one out. Ukraine can't be considered in the same group as the asian countries you mentioned. You should check the Russia & etc. forum below for specific current info on job conditions in Ukraine.

[spiral78]

Rules out Russia and Ukraine, too.

[Glenski]

In 99 cases out of 100, you won't get airfare paid for by a Japanese employer.

For the remaining 1%, you'll be talking about entry level jobs in the JET Program (deadline for 2007 jobs has passed) or the like. With JET you would be an ALT, not something I think you might be interested in after a lot of experience teaching elsewhere. Another is Westgate Corporation, a dispatch agency that offers full visa sponsorship, but only a 3-month contract (non-consecutive renewals). WC pays your airfare as a reimbursement in the first two paychecks, so you have to cough up the initial payment.

[spiral78]

Strange, some post disappeared - Kent's, I think. In it, he 'ruled out' one of the Asian countries mentioned by the OP. I responded to say that neither Russia nor Ukraine would pay for airfare, and salaries are relatively low in both countries.

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

^ Yep, I did that.


After the story about the quake,

I felt like I was piling on bad news.

Thailand is out for two main reasons:


A. top salaries from $1,200 ~ $1,500

and ...

B. employers don't pay airfare


In fact, from the OP's list,

Korea is the only option.

[Stephen Jones]

International schools tend ot offer the same salaries worldwide, so Thailand is obviously a bargain ( though the competition will be ferocious).

In general, the rule is the better the country the worse the salary, or the more the competition.

[Henry_Cowell]

The OP hasn't told us which specific "advanced degree" she/he has. That might make a difference in some situations.

[Glenski]

[tedkarma]

Korea is the place.

The better university positions don't usually pay airfare - but don't pass up a superior job on that one criteria. Wages, benefits, extra time off, etc - will easily compensate you for that one issue.

With experience and almost any graduate degree - you should be checking university jobs. Typical is 3-5 months paid vacation, four day work week, 12-16 class hours per week.

[jodemas2]

[jodemas2]

[Gordon]

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Hi


Sorry about the post problems. I've been losing my connection &

we're experiencing www blackouts here due to the quake in Taiwan.


Thailand is cheaper, but Korea will be easier when it comes to landing a job.

i.e., I don't think your qualifications will cut it for the international schools

unless you're sitting secretly on a teaching credential of some kind.


tedkarma's advice is good; consider applying to a university in Korea.


I saved between $800 ~ $1,000 per month when I was in Korea,

which is about equal to my monthly salary here in Thailand.


Many people teach in Korea, save $$$ and then travel to

more desirable locations (like Thailand) on holiday;

a good way to have your cake and eat it too.

[fiveeagles]

Korea is the best option when it comes to salary, free flight and other benefits.