Job Discussion Forums

[howell83]

First, let me address all parties that I remain neutral in this debate. The only reason I placed Japan before Korea in the subject heading was due to alphabetical location.

That being said, I want to say how much I admire the people on this board. Also, how grateful I am for their online community. Your teachings here alone help make a difference.

I have an issue I would like to raise. And of course, it deals with teaching English in both these two countries. What country should I choose?

It seems that only these two countries for teaching English abroad, will offer such benefits as paid for accommodations and travel coverage.

These two benefits alone cemented my decision as to where I should go. However, the cement is sitting, and still not dry. It is either Japan, or Korea.

Which to choose?

I basically know a little more than the average person, of the western culture, however, it still equates to nothing.

Can any experienced individuals provide some light? The benefits of going to either country, in comparison to the other? Or even, joyful tidbits of information that make working in one country great.

But please, let me remind you, I want this to be a balanced debate. I would also like the experienced individuals to provide details on the evils that live within the lands, evils uncommon to the Western culture.



So please, without further adieu, commence!

[tedkarma]

To me, Japan is a far more fascinating country. But, when I wanted to sock away money - I spent a total of six years in Korea (two different visits).

Housing is NOT typically on offer in Japan, and it is an expensive proposition. It is typically provided in Korea - thus the big difference in the abilities to save larger amounts of money there.

You choice depends a lot on YOUR goals. What are they? Net savings? Korea. Cultural experience? Japan. Understanding of world economics? Either country.

[howell83]

Hey Ted Karma, you pretty much summed it up for me. And, I now understand the decisions I need to make.

It all depends on my goals.



In all honestly, on the scale of importance, savings outweighs experience. Regardless of where I go, I will have that 'out of western' experience. My curiosity stems to all countries outside this western , not just the more glamorous and technically advanced.


What if I threw Vietnam into this scenario? A three way versus if you will...

Do you know how this country fits into the mix?

[tedkarma]

I'm not really familiar with Vietnam as a TEFL destination.

I hear, but don't really know, that you can save a bit in Vietnam, but no where on the scale that you could in Korea or Japan (or Taiwan).

Everywhere is different. I've worked in five countries for at least a couple years each. Even if you aren't the biggest fan of the culture, there is still a lot to be learned.

[howell83]

Hey Ted, there was this chart that I came across during some research, of all the worldly places to teach, their offering wages, and what nots...have you ever come across any such chart that compares places?

[tedkarma]

I saw such a chart a few years ago, but the one I saw was full of inaccuracies and often was comparing apples with oranges.

It really is more difficult than it might seem to compare a couple places.

For example, two universities I worked at: One had about half the wages, but a four day work week, 20 weeks paid vacation, twelve contact hours a week, minimal office hours. Once you worked some overtime - the lower paying job turned out to save almost as much per month with far more time off - and a far better quality of life. Yet, you could have just looked at the gross wages and drawn a quite different assumption.

Things you have to consider: time off, contact hours, hours required at school, hours stuck in meetings, "extra" things you might have to do that you are not compensated for, culture of the country, weather (important to me), easy access to places you might want to travel to, quality of students, variation in what you teach (so you don't get bored), variety of other assignments (will you learn more), do you have to work nights and weekends, housing (free? furnished? nice? location? [an on-campus dorm?!]), visa and work permit issues (easy to do? done for you? who pays?), interesting possibilities for other income, opportunities to publish/research/study/improve yourself, - and about 100 other issues. And your job and the country in which is located will determine a very large percentage of all that.

But - yes a simple chart would be a good starting place.

[howell83]

Wow, very detailed aspects as to what I should be inquiring about, that last post will be saved and used as a resource for future negotiations in my work. Thanks for your insight and help, you are a great individual!

[Bayden]