|
Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
|
 Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 4:32 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
| Quote: |
| If you're concerned that potential savings "max out at around $1000- $1500/month" in Korea, you should know that, compared to most countries, this is extremely high. For a newbie, I doubt very much that you'll beat it anywhere. |
This is funny. The OP is worried about maxing out a $1000 a month savings. How many people in the U.S., Australia, England or Canada save that a month? That is quite substantial savings for most ordinary people. Unless you own your own business or live with your parents. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Finally, suppose I wanted to work in Saudi (because I want the really big money) - what would be the best, quickest and most cost-effective way to get the qualifications necessary? (and does it have to be Saudi? Couldn't I make similar money in another oil sheikhdom - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait.... Brunei even?) Is there a certificate or masters program in one of these countries where I could get acclimated and make some useful contacts while earning the qualifications? Is this the best way, or would a degree from a school in the US or UK be more prestigious?
These jobs generally require a related MA plus experience. That's true across the board. Highly unlikely that any school or business in any of the countries you have named would make a visa application for you without significant qualifications. Because they pay well, they can command the upper-crust of the teachers in the field.
Also, would I need a regular job, or is there some way to just find a bunch of private students in one of these countries? Wouldn't that also pay more?
I don't believe this is a possibility, because you can't just get a freelance visa (particularly not as a US citizen) in any of these countries. You need to be sponsored (see above). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:09 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| I don't believe this is a possibility, because you can't just get a freelance visa (particularly not as a US citizen) in any of these countries. You need to be sponsored (see above). |
If such a country existed don't you think some people on this board would already be there. Hence it would soon cease to be such an easy place to pick up private students because so many teachers would flock there. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mike_2007
Joined: 24 Apr 2007
Posts: 349
Location: Bucharest, Romania
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| If such a country existed don't you think some people on this board would already be there. Hence it would soon cease to be such an easy place to pick up private students because so many teachers would flock there. |
Maybe there is such a place, but those teachers who find it keep their mouths shut for exactly the reason you state  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
parrothead
Joined: 02 Nov 2003
Posts: 342
Location: Japan
|
| Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:03 am Post subject: |
|
|
| An MA would certainly help you find more lucrative jobs, but I don't see how that addresses your original post of wanting to earn and save as much money as possible and do it QUICKLY. You seemed rather urgent in your original post, and an MA will take some extra time and further indebt you. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
FuzzX
Joined: 14 Oct 2004
Posts: 122
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Become an astronaut |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
desultude
Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 614
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 12:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
| spiral78 wrote: |
Finally, suppose I wanted to work in Saudi (because I want the really big money) - what would be the best, quickest and most cost-effective way to get the qualifications necessary? (and does it have to be Saudi? Couldn't I make similar money in another oil sheikhdom - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait.... Brunei even?) Is there a certificate or masters program in one of these countries where I could get acclimated and make some useful contacts while earning the qualifications? Is this the best way, or would a degree from a school in the US or UK be more prestigious?
These jobs generally require a related MA plus experience. That's true across the board. Highly unlikely that any school or business in any of the countries you have named would make a visa application for you without significant qualifications. Because they pay well, they can command the upper-crust of the teachers in the field.
Also, would I need a regular job, or is there some way to just find a bunch of private students in one of these countries? Wouldn't that also pay more?
I don't believe this is a possibility, because you can't just get a freelance visa (particularly not as a US citizen) in any of these countries. You need to be sponsored (see above). |
In the Middle East right now there are a lot of jobs- your American petrol dollars at work. Universities and institutes are sprouting all over the Gulf region. There is a lot of demand, and you can tell this when you see some of the, to put it mildly, nutters working over there. Look at the job listings and you will find a number of ME universities still advertising for September. As the beginning of the semester comes around, the demand for qualifications become, well, more flexible.
You need at least a 4 week non-internet certificate for teaching English. That being said, it is amazing what the Saudis think of certificates- if you have BA and a cert, you could be taken more seriously than having an MA and no cert! 
It helps a lot to have an MA, but it is not required. A certificate seems to be required.
You need to have thick skin and a lot of patience to work in Saudi Arabia- check out the differences between the ME countries and make an informed decision. Saudia- no alcohol, no dating local woman, a fair amount of anti-Americanism beneath a gracious surface, racism, need I even say, sexism, no cinema, and some restrictions on movement even for men. If you are married, you wife, if she has no job, will go crazy, and if she has a job she may go crazy faster.
Not all jobs in Saudia are the same. Some compounds are funkier than others. The work hours can be long (in universities, they are much longer than in Korea). Some jobs own your passport and give you a single entry visa, so you can only get out of country when they "let" you. Some jobs don't let you. Your residency papers, and you presence in country, depend on your employer. The employer really owns you. Check out any prospective employer very very carefully.
On the other hand, the cost of living is low ($.45 a gallon gas, dirt cheap utilities and food, etc.). Food is good- very good. Libations can be found after you sort out the local situation (Saudia turns grandmothers into moonshiners!).
If saving is your most important consideration, and you have discipline, you can save a lot. I know men who belong to the 500 Riyal club (about $120 a month) and save the remaining $2500+ (a month). I travel a lot, live relatively large, and travel to Bahrain a couple of times a month, and save at least $1000 a month from my uni position.
I turned down a job in Korea to go to Saudia. My first year there (I am on summer holiday now) was one of the hardest and certainly the strangest in my life. I am still glad that I decided to go there, and I have another year on my contract. Re-signing will be a serious consideration only if this next year is easier.
But I have learned so much and it has been fascinating when it hasn't been soul draining.
My best advice is to do your homework and know yourself well. If you are seriously challenged by cultural differences, you may wish to find a friendlier place than the ME to start your career abroad. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
celtica
Joined: 29 Jun 2008
Posts: 137
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 3:38 am Post subject: |
|
|
.
| Quote: |
If such a country existed don't you think some people on this board would already be there. Hence it would soon cease to be such an easy place to pick up private students because so many teachers would flock there.
Maybe there is such a place, but those teachers who find it keep their mouths shut for exactly the reason you state Razz |
The place is ******* (to back up Razz's thoughts....)...you work in the local government schools , not language schools.
but you have to be a teacher or TEFL cert or both. Also, apparently, the MOE doesn't want Americans... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
FuzzX
Joined: 14 Oct 2004
Posts: 122
|
| Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 8:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Iraq, Israel, North Korea, Iran, Dubai |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jetgirly
Joined: 17 Jul 2004
Posts: 741
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 9:25 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I have a friend who paid off $55,000 (Canadian) in student loans by working in Korea for two years. I suspect she was probably a super-saver, but that's a lot of money! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
moneyoriented
Joined: 11 May 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Jetgirly wrote: |
| I have a friend who paid off $55,000 (Canadian) in student loans by working in Korea for two years. I suspect she was probably a super-saver, but that's a lot of money! |
Wow - what were your friend's qualifications? Where did she work, and what sort of teaching did she do? Did she also have private students besides her regular job?
*Can you put me in touch with her?* |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
moneyoriented
Joined: 11 May 2008
Posts: 76
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:22 am Post subject: |
|
|
| FuzzX wrote: |
| Iraq, Israel, North Korea, Iran, Dubai |
Israel? Really? I've never heard of anyone teaching English in Israel - how much is the pay? Forget Iraq - waaaay too dangerous. Maaaybe Iran or North Korea - do you have any details?
Or were you just kidding? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 2:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
| moneyoriented wrote: |
| Jetgirly wrote: |
| I have a friend who paid off $55,000 (Canadian) in student loans by working in Korea for two years. I suspect she was probably a super-saver, but that's a lot of money! |
Wow - what were your friend's qualifications? Where did she work, and what sort of teaching did she do? Did she also have private students besides her regular job?
*Can you put me in touch with her?* |
It's not that difficult to save that much there, if you're qualifed or work lots of hours, over time and don't go out too much
| moneyoriented wrote: |
| FuzzX wrote: |
| Iraq, Israel, North Korea, Iran, Dubai |
Israel? Really? I've never heard of anyone teaching English in Israel - how much is the pay? Forget Iraq - waaaay too dangerous. Maaaybe Iran or North Korea - do you have any details?
Or were you just kidding? |
I've never heard of English teaching in ANY of those places except North Korea and that was on tefl.com , but there are probably international schools in all of the above places. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Marcoregano
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 872
Location: Hong Kong
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 4:59 am Post subject: |
|
|
| naturegirl321 wrote: |
| It's not that difficult to save that much there, if you're qualifed or work lots of hours, over time and don't go out too much |
Unless you got a very well paid job, you would have to live like a hermit to save 55,000 Canadian in two years in Korea. An above average job would pay 2,500,000KW a month, which is about 30,000 Canadian a year. Minus money for housing, food, enjoyment, etc. even with extra work on the side, you'd have a hard time... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Unless you got a very well paid job, you would have to live like a hermit to save 55,000 Canadian in two years in Korea. An above average job would pay 2,500,000KW a month, which is about 30,000 Canadian a year. Minus money for housing, food, enjoyment, etc. even with extra work on the side, you'd have a hard time... |
I would say that you can save $50,000 Canadian or US in two years. Of course you cannot do that and drink too much, I don't think you would have to live like a hermit.
The biggest thing would be not to drink too much. 2,500,000Won a month. That would give you 500,000 a month to live on and 2,000,000 in savings. That would be 24,000US a year + your 2,500,000 severance pay and another 2,500,000 from your pension refund. Actually you could save 29,000US a year and even take a two week vacation and spend 4,000US. I would say that you could take a vacation and save $50,000US in two years.
But anyone that hits the bars could never do it.
On top of that you could even eat every meal out on 500,000Won a month. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
