Job Discussion Forums

[iteachenglish]

I noticed 90% of the teaching jobs offer a salary of 60 000 with a few going to 65000 and even fewer going to 70 000. Converting the currency to your countries currency can be tricky because the cost of living varies between countries so much. However, I would say that the avrage salary of 60 000-65000 NT/per month is similar to the average korean salary of 2.2 million won/ month and also similar to the 250 000 yen per month salary in japan. The salaries for China and Thailand are far less not only in dollar value when converted to the Us dollar or aussie dollar or pounds but considerably less regarding cost of living etc.

It's interesting that ive heard alot of caucasian teachers say these are decent salaries and it's also interesting that when i spoke to middle class asians (not rich!!) about these salaries their comments have been consistent - 'It will be very tough if you're in a big city but ok if you are in the countryside'

anyone with comments about this? A choice to teach in asian country shouldn't be based on money unless the salary deprives you of the opportunity to explore the country on your days off.

[matchstick_man]

Really, it depends on you. I lived in the countryside and lived very well and saved but Taiwan countyside towns are very boring. I moved into the city, lived well and saved. You'll save if you rarely drink in the bars and eat local food. As far as Chinese food goes there hasn't been much in the way of price inflation in the past five years.

I'd guess that by a big city they mean Taipei. I found living in Taichung relatively cheap.

I can't see any job in Taiwan depriving you of the chance of exploring the country. Lifestyle choices might restict some people because like anywhere there are people who hardly ever get out out of the town or city they're based in.

[demaratus]

2.2 mil Korean won is 2,357.177 usd according to Xe.com

65000 Nt is 1,971.79 USD at the same site.

Korean jobs offer free accomodation (Mine cost 7500 nt in Kaohsiung with roomates) so minus 230 us from the above and mandatory severance too. Money wise, Korea is a far better deal it seems. Saving potential seems to favor Korea hands down.

Over a year it projects like this:

Korea: $30643.34 usd in a year including severance.

Taiwan: $20901.60 usd in a year minus $230 usd for rent.

Thats a huge difference, almost $10,000 usd over a year! There are many things Taiwan has like climate and such though that you probably can't compare to Korea, and of course every situation is different. My salary was a touch better than 65000 nt a month, and I was able to live and travel like a king living in a big city in Taiwan. I would be interested in knowing what the differences in cost of living are between Taiwan and Korea, we all know Japan is really expensive, I found most things (aka local food, some booze, and such to be cheap in Taiwan), but I can't really attest for Korea. Anyone?

[Aristotle]

[SanChong]

Yes, clearly if money is your top, overiding priority, Korea is the best option.

However, some of us have different priorities.

On average, teachers are happier LIVING in Taiwan. Not everything in life is about money.

[demaratus]

San I agree with you that Taiwan can be a nice place to live, and despite the economic advantages of other places there are reasons to be there. I would say mainly for weather, a girl/guy, a business or if you were improving your Mandarin. I enjoyed my time in Taiwan a lot and regret somewhat not staying longer. But don't forget that Taiwan like Korea also has its downsides: Heavy industrial pollution on the entire west coast (particularily bad where I was), no decent beaches to enjoy with that weather, typhoons, earthquakes, no public transpot outside of Taipei, no decent concerts or shows, ect, ect, ect.

And to Aristotle, if you were offered a job i Korea at twice what I posted, you should jump on it and hold on for dear life. I have never heard of any job that pays that much outside of the gulf or that didnt include serious illegal work on the side.

While pay conditions in Taiwan have stagnated or regressed for many this isnt the fault of the government or the business owners. The Canadian dollar was exceptionally strong while I was there, and this hurt my take home wage. Also since many more schools have opened, and many more new teachers keep coming there is not only more competition for the schools but also no need for schools to pay more than they are now (most cant afford to anyways and still make good money).

[Miyazaki]

Korea appears to offer higher earnings / savings potential than Taiwan.

I know a few friends in Seoul making 3 million Won per-month. Some make closer to 4 million won each month. That's over NT $100,000 per-month, with free housing included in their contracts.

A lot of TEFL'ers in Korea are banking some serious cash.