Job Discussion Forums

rmh · Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 2

I'm looking to begin my first year long teaching experience overseas this fall and was hoping someone might be able to help me figure out what to expect. I've read many horror stories on these forms about newbies being exploited. Based on my minimal education and qualifications what would be considered an average salary in these countries? How many hours should I expected to work? Do most schools provide you with accomodation of some sort? Is there anything else I should be aware of?

In terms of my qualifications, I have a great deal of experience teaching English in overseas summer camps and as a volunteer in Thailand after the tsunami- but never in a paid position at school or language institute. I am a qualified TESOL instructor but I do not have a bachelor's degree. I've finished up one of four years studying to get my B.Ed.

Anything you can tell me would help - thanks!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

No degree makes it very tough in Japan. (I suggest you post your question in the Japan and China forums, BTW.)

You need a degree to get a work visa in Japan. Barring that, you could get a visa if all you had was 3 years of cumulative teaching experience. Not sure that immigration would bat an eye at volunteer work as part of that cumulative.

What is your nationality? Is there a chance you could get a working holiday visa?
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/index.html

Other ways to get work here without a degree would entail very specific situations:

student visa: enroll FT in a school, work PT
cultural visa: study a craft under a master, work PT
dependent visa: be married to a foreigner with work status here, work PT
spouse visa: be married to a Japanese, no limit on work here
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

Entry level work itself amounts to conversation schools (eikaiwa) or ALT (whether through JET programme or dispatch agencies). Read the FAQs in the Japan forum for more info.

pdsqzy · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Philippines

I'm not exactly a long term veteran but I can give you my impressions of China. I taught at a university in Zhengzhou last year (2007) and must say it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The school was great (although some of the administrators were...as---les...or shall we say a bit underqualified. But both students and the foreign affairs folks were great. I've also read horror stories but for a first time experience, I'd highly recommend a large university, rather than a training center or primary/secondary school. My salary was RMB 4800/month and that's probably typical. Larger cities (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, etc) will pay more. My workload was 18-22 classroom hours/week and there were quite a few extra benefits (free apartment, electricity, computer, internet (DSL), bus into town on the weekend, etc.) So I was able to save the equivalent of about $450/month. I loved it and plan to go again.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

pdsqzy · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Philippines

If you have anything (other than opinion) to prove you're a qualified TESL instructor, that would probably be enough for many Chinese schools. Sure a degree is preferred but the prime requisite is a warm body that speaks English (without an accent).

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Are the Chinese employers that naive/gullible to think that a certificate in TEFL makes for a qualified instructor? I thought the qualifications in Japan were bad!

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

The educational guidelines say that to teach in CHina you should have a BS/BA and two years of teaching experience.

This guideline is followed about as often as alll the other guidelines, on the whim. The pay is lower here, and the standards are even lower. Most colleges will look for a four year degree. If they have plenty of candidates, they may even look for the degree plus experience. There are also many language schools and a very few colleges more then willing to hire a white person who is breathing. No other qualification necessary!
Qualified, no. Many language schools, being white and breathing is sufficient. Most colleges really wouldn't have an idea what makes someone qualified, and couldn't care. If you have a masters in TESOL and five years teaching experience, you might make as much as $50 U.S. more a month. Throw in a Phd and a bundle of publications, and they might add on another $10 per month