Job Discussion Forums

parrothead · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Japan

I've seen quite a few job adverts for positions in Afghanistan. You can get rich quick, but there is a chance you would die quick too.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Yes, Aghanistan - a roll of the dice - kind of like Las Vegas ...!

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

I have done some research into this question, get rich quick, does not apply to being a TEFLer. But, from what I can tell the best place in asia right now for earning a decent wage for the average tefler, all things considered, is Vietnam. Better yet start your own school there if you have capital or can find a partner who does. In times of recession in asia a lot of people invest in their "English Language" education.

It's great you will be getting your Masters, even though it is in a non-native speaking country, perhaps you could try International schools in Indonesia.

Best wishes

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

Hahahaha,

Very true, Parrothead.
Also if you can get security clearance, Iraq pays very well, indeed.

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

Ok, get rich quick is hard, but there must be places where you can save decent amounts nowadays.

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

For the Middle East the easiest place to enter without a lot of visa hassle is Kuwait, it has its drawbacks but pays around $3000usd per month tax free plus accommodations plus roundtrip flight. The people on the Kuwait forum at Daves are very nice, perhaps have a chat with them.

For the Far East the best place right now, all things considered is, Vietnam, taxes are high 20 to 30 %, no round trip ticket, no free room, pay is about $1,500 to $1,800 for starters. Cost of living is reasonable but is going up same as everywhere else. If a person were frugal they could save around $800 a month, not a lot of hassles entering the country, most teachers never go through all the required forms, teacher turnover is high, and there are tons of schools, so getting a job is easy, plus Vietnam is an Amazing country.

Taiwan pays about $2,000 starting out but things are more expensive if you live in Taipei(where most of the jobs are) and most of the jobs are teacing kids(jobs teaching strictly adults pay less and are harder to come by)If you want to know the downside of teacing in Taiwan just go that forum, lots of negative stuff, check out, "A cautionary Tale".

take care

teflcapie · Joined: 16 Feb 2008 Posts: 17

What is the situation like in Thailand nowadays? I checked for apartments to rent and the prices don't seem to have gone up much in the past few years. Any chance of saving money on a TEFL salary there?

teflcapie · Joined: 16 Feb 2008 Posts: 17

A friend of mine earns about $850 per month in South Africa right now. He only pays $250 for a nice one bedroom apartment though. So I guess he could save some money.

The bad part is he has to teach 35 contact hours per week, plus a lot of preparation.

Nabby Adams · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 215

South Africa!!!!!!!!!!!!$850!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!35 hours a week!!!!!!!!!

In what way is a $6 an hour job a "get rich quick" country? Very Happy

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

And, following on from GambateBBB, keep an eye on the taxes.

If you want to go the legal route, make sure you don't earn above penalising tax bands. For example, in Italy you can earn up to 30,000 euro a year as a freelancer, paying 20% tax and around 20% NI. If you earn above this, you get stung for the full tax rate - up to another 10% on top. So unless you're prepared to also work on the black, make sure you are familiar with your chosen country's fiscal policies before you go.

Oh, and don't leave a paper trail if you work on the black!

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

As TiR knows, most EFL teachers in Italy would laugh at the thought of getting anywhere near 30,000 euro earnings. Why, I think that's more than Berlusconi declares...

For those of you tempted by some of the rates on offer at London language schools, you could always become a Santa: no prep time and decent hours.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/nov/27/christmas-santa-claus-selfridges

PattyFlipper · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 572

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Newbies can't save a great deal in Mexico, but for the qualified, you can do quite well here. My significant other and I have managed to save about 15,000 dollars over the last 6 months, with effort though as we're buying a house in the new year.