Job Discussion Forums

EES · Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Los Angeles

Hello,
This is my very first post. I am credentialed history teacher in Los Angeles California. I have been considering teaching abroad. I have been browsing the different forums the past few weeks.
A couple general questions: What is the job market like to teach at international schools in my subject area. Do I need a Masters Degree if I have B.A., certification and several years experience.
Do they pay more than teaching English.

And also I'm curious to hear from people that have taught in both Asia and Latin America, if they have a preferance between the two areas.
I think Asia pays alot more but what other factors?
Please reply with your experiences,
Eric

John Hall · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject:

I've taught in both Japan and Costa Rica.

Teaching in Japan: higher salaries, stronger culture shock, earthquakes, little social freedom, high-speed trains, no crime, everyone always on time (including the teacher).

Teaching in Costa Rica: salary about one-tenth what it was in Japan, mild culture shock, earthquakes, a lot of social freedom, one slow commuter train in the entire country, lots of crime, no one usually on time.

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

For information on international schools in Japan, look at their web pages from this link.
http://www.tokyowithkids.com/fyi/international_schools.html

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

For international schools, it's pretty good, especially if you get hired abroad, you'll get the expat package, airfare, higher salary, etc. YOumight have to sign a two year contract though.

Licenses are the main concern rather than MAs. But what do you want to teach? English? primary, secondary, other subjects? Competition for plain Engilsh teachers is more than those who teach Chemistry for example.

International schools usually pay more. For example, in Peru, average sarly at an institute is 500, international school about 2000

In Asia, besides international schools, Korea, Taiwan and HK seem to pay pretty well.

You could look into teacher training positions or management positions as well.

I've been in Peru for a while and am looking to take a break pretty soon, Asia's on myy list, but my husban'ds rooting for Europe, Finland in particular.

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

I taught in Japan, Chile, and Peru.

Peru was much livelier and in-your-face (sometimes way too much so!), but I wasn't bored in Japan. There is still plenty to do, plenty to see, hobbies to cultivate, etc.

Japan was much, much, much safer. I didn't have to worry about walking around with gobs of cash, didn't have to watch my back as I came out of a bank, didn't have to avoid certain streets, etc. And I made a lot more money than in Peru. (I thought that international schools paid more, though...)

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