Job Discussion Forums

[DaveW125]

This coming September i'm heading to China to do a 4 week intensive TEFL course. From then onward im slightly at a loss as to where to head. unfortunately ive amounted debts whilst obtaining my MA and come october those pesky banks are going to be wanting their money back. This slightly restricts my options. I've narrowed it down to either Taiwan or South Korea (unless someone has another option) but which one? I know they both have plus points as well as negatives. Taiwan offers the chance to learn Mandarin and the Tropical climate, although i do have the image in my mind of factories, heavy industry and even heavier air pollution, though im sure thats not the case on the whole island.
Friends have told me good things about South Korea and the amount of money that can be saved as well as the life they had there but alas i wont be able to where my flip flops everyday. However, I have heard and read on the forums negative things on both countries with regards to working conditions, hours, and ESL teachers being exploited (mostly regarding Taiwan). So in short, a rather ambiguous question. Of the two countries which is the best and offers the best oportunities for newly qualified teachers to save money (I need to be saving roughly �150-200 a month approx US$300-400).

A separate question. Is it best to apply for a job whilst still in the UK or wait until i'm in China or even wait until i arrive at my country of choice?

any info and insight would be much appreciated.

[matchstick_man]

You have the right idea about Taiwan. The East coast is scenic and relatively unpolluted however as the population is sparse, there are not a lot of jobs there. I spent a year living on the East Coast and loved it (great view from apartment, outdoor lifestyle, great friends at the time) but moved back to the West coast chasing money via guaranteed hours.

You probably won't be able to wear flip flops every day in Taiwan(especially at work). I'm surprised you've read more negative experiences about EFL teachers being exploited in Taiwan than Korea. Not that it doesn't happen. I spent two months in Korea. I spent six years on and off in Taiwan so I'm biased.

You'll save more money in Korea due to accomodation, airfare cost often being cut but living and teaching there can be much more stressful

I was under the impression it was difficult to get a visa for Korea without a job lined up and if you did so it would likely mean a trip to Japan which could eat finances.

[plutodog18]

You can save tons of money in Korea. People consistently report saving $12,000 to $18,000/year depending on your lifestyle (i.e. you drink to excess several times a week).

Salaries are much better in Korea. With a TOEFL and an MA you should not settle for less than 2.5 million won/month (about $2650).

Seoul can be great place but crowded. But Busan is a beach town and good salaries can be had.

Please go to Dave's Korean Job Forum as there is a ton of great info there.

I would start applying as soon as I got to China as paperwork takes some time to complete. Your school should do all of the necessary paperwork to get you a working visa by the time you get there. A visa run visa is not necessarily required.

However, if you can afford it, being present in Korea to find a job has its advantages. You can view the school and get a feel for the Director. You should be able to see the housing they will give you. You can see the area where you will be living/working. BUT, if you need a paycheck quickly you will still have to wait for immigration to complete your paperwork before you can start (though some schools will have you start right away, even though this is technically illegal). This can take up 6 weeks unless your school has the ability to pull strings/grease palms and wants to.

Also many report having the opportunity to earn tons of extra money (50,000/hour) teaching privates. On a E-2 visa this is technically illegal and has some consequences. But it is not rare for this to be going on.

Good luck.

[red dog]

Bump.

I'd also like to hear more from people who've worked in both countries. I had pretty good luck in Korea, but now I'm thinking of trying Taiwan and really don't know what to expect. How easy is it to live there as a non-driver? Are taxis affordable and easy to get? How cold does it get in the winter? And with just a BA and a bit of experience on and off, what sort of job can I expect? I'd rather teach older students, not kindies.

Thanks, everyone.

[mlomker]

[red dog]

Thanks. I'll have to give that some more thought. Even older elementary school students would be OK, but not kindy kids.