Job Discussion Forums

ForbiddenDonut · Joined: 16 Sep 2007 Posts: 11

I've read about some countries as having very interesting/fun/intriguing cultures yet paying dirt ESL wages, and I've read about other countries who are the exact opposite story.

Which 5 countries have the best balance between good wages and good culture for ESL teachers (please define what 'interesting' culture is for you)?

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 12:18 am Post subject:

I'm a big Asia fan - as Asian culture is often significantly different from my own. I tend to find Latin culture a little too close to mine (I grew up in a largely Hispanic area very close to Mexico).

So - Asia is my bias here.

Korea and Taiwan - both have a good mix. I preferred living and working in Taiwan as Chinese culture and language are fascinating to me.

Korea - not everyone's cup of tea, but is IS significantly different enough to give you a good kick in the pants and yet still be able to find a Starbucks here and there.

You can save good money both places - though probably 30-50% more in Korea than in Taiwan. At least that was my experience.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I vote for Japan. The culture is in some ways very different and in others quite similar (in my opinion), but there is always something new to see, try, etc., and the culture is accessible! (Meaning foreigners can go out and see and do cultural things, learn Japanese hobbies, etc.--not so where I am now!)

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naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I vote for Korea, good lifestyle, easy work, relatively, if you like kids. I teach 4 different classes a week, compared to about 25 in Peru. Lots of foreigners here, so there-s a mix, don-t mix much with the Koreans- I-m only here for four months before heading home to Lima. I live off of 600 USD a month, but I-m a boring person, don-t go out much, just church and coffe, trying to write my thesis, all I-ve got so far is a headache from all the info.

I think that Asia-s good. Possibly some places in Europe, but it-s expensive there. Czech Rep might be good, but I think for money, Asia and the ME win hands down.

travelingirl68 · Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:43 am Post subject:

Working in India certainly has perks - if you don't mind not teaching in a traditional manner. Since apartments are often a part of the package, as well as transport to and from work, meals on-site as well as a gym, you can live quite a nice life on $500 a month and bank the rest.

Travelling in India can be as cheap or expensive as you want to make it, and the culture, history, language and geographical diversity as well as all kinds of things to see and do in both the Western and Eastern senses (no Starbucks, but we do have Barista) makes this a pretty nice place to live and work.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

I too would vote for Taiwan. You can make plenty of money. There is a good international sence in terms of food, and other foreigners. The country side is also very pretty. However, I am partial to Chinese language and culture.

comenius · Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 5:23 pm Post subject:

Of the three big countries in Asia, I've only worked in Taiwan, but found it to be a great spot to live and work.

I was especially impressed with the contrast between cost of living and income. It seems that while there are lots of spots in the world where you can earn a decent amount, the majority are so expensive from a daily living perspective it's almost impossible to save anything.

In Taiwan I was able to live quite well but inexpensively (not going to fancy hotel restaurants or drinking at the bar every night) and save a couple thousand US$ a month. I also found that whenever I needed a Western fix of food or music or whatever, it was always easily available, at least in Taipei where I was working.

baasbabelaas · Joined: 23 Jul 2006 Posts: 142

Taiwan was good to me, and my pocket. A bit boring at times, but I saved a lump of cash.

China, where I am now - cheapish cost of living, but hard to save. In fact I'm running at a loss here. Counter in the fact that it's a one-party state. Nah - go with Taiwan or Korea or Japan.

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

I would vote for Japan too

great culture centuries old and some of the best food in thew world! and with all the modern high tech stuff and everyone wants to learn English
on top of that it must be the safest country in the world
it has mountains, beaches and big extremes of climate making for an interesting experience.
One small snag, their economy has been sluggish for a while
.... but I can still earn more than I would back home

Julieanne · Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Posts: 120

Taiwan and Dubai are both great places.

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

Could anyone tell me where the money is in Taiwan? I can't find any jobs there that would enable to save more then I could in China.