Job Discussion Forums

[MisterB]

Hi All,

Let's say you are 26 years old, TEFL qualified, a few months experience, and soon to embark on the long awaited TEFL career, something you've thought about for far too long.

But you can't decide on the location!

The two countries in questions...Spain/Japan

In the long term, I want to live and teach in Spain for so many reasons - but I am increasingly anxious about the prospects of this. I was in Barcelona last weekend and the place was shockingly expensive - although I assume other areas aside from the big cities are quite cheap - I wonder if a tefl salary will be enough to live comfortable.

I'm also fascinated by Japan, and there is the added bonus of strangeness, a good salary and a comfortable life. Yes I know Japan is expensive but teachers are well paid.

So here is what I am thinking.....

Quit my current finance job in Dublin, arrange a job in Japan March 1st, work for 1+ year to get more experience and then set up sticks in Spain, possibly Valencia. But by this time I will be a year older and greyer, and maybe I will have lost my willingness to move to another country, maybe Spain will become saturated with teachers or something else might happen that will prevent me from doing so.

So what would you do?

Head for the sun of Spain with 10k in your pocked and live the dream, knowing that you will do something you love in a country you love?

Or take the longer route? Knowing that your you might not have the opporunity or urge to do it again. I'm sure I will love Japan, maybe I'll fall in love and never come home - but I get the impression you can never fully integrate into Japanese society no matter how hard you try - any comments?

I speak some Spanish, in 2/3 months I would be decent - I speak no Japanese. Spain is full of warmth, however it's not without it's problems too.

For some reason, I think I should get more experience and more money before moving to Spain. I think it is the sensible thing to do but I need advice.

I won't be ready to be hired in Spain in January, so September is the next realistic time. Japan hires pretty much all year round.

Any comments/abuse on this indecisive mail welcome!!

Thanks

[gracias]

It all depends on how good you are.

If you can deal with people of all levels, can provide sound practical advice and can make a class out of a cuenta then come to Spain and build a private clientele. You will do very well if you have the determination and EU5000 to tide you over the initial lean times.

If you cannot lead people, but take the lead from them, go to Japan. You'll also do very well, but you cannot compare the two as the situations are bipolar.

[MisterB]

How long have you been in Spain gracias? I'm thinking Valencia next Sept/Oct - but perhaps there are better opportunities in Madrid/Barca? Particularly if in for the long haul and aiming to build a private clientele.

Do you think the Spanish recession will greatly adversely affect the demand for teachers of English? Thanks

[Marcoregano]

MisterB, at your (young!) age the world is your oyster, as they say. Plenty of time for cock-ups, adventure and earning money. If Japan takes your fancy, go and check it out. Spain will still be there!

[PBG_Mundial]

Japan is definitely worth experiencing. The money is decent, probably one of the better countries for paying EFL teachers. The price of living isn't as expensive as you'd imagine, and the women are fine young things.

You might find if you go to Japan that it's difficult to go to Spain, especially when you consider the difference in pay. That said, there's no substitute for good food, weather and nice people. Horses for courses...

[manamaorigirl]

I have yet to make it to Spain but would love to go teach there
I would 100% recommend Japan - especially if you are the type of person who loves culture shock!! I taught there with the JET program and they look after you with regards to decent housing , medical, salary
I have also taught with AEON - not public school like JET but mainly adult conversation classes
Japan has so much to offer geographically - from skifields in the north to the tropical Okinawan islands in the south.
Everything from the culture, to language is so interesting
If you were focussed more on the money side of things - Sth Korea has opportunities for earning more. Korean people are bending over backwards to learn English and are willing to pay for private tuition
My time in Seoul was spent teaching mainly privates and I made alot of money that way.
I personally preferred living in Japan but of course I loved the earning potential in Sth Korea

[outofseoul]

Having taught in both countries plus Korea, I would recommend getting some experience in Asia and then coming to Spain.

There are way more opportunities for professional development there and if you take advantage of them, you�ll be ahead of the game when you get here.

Plus with all the extra cash you will earn, you can cheaply travel to some other countries in the area. To do the same in Spain, you will probably have to dive into your savings.

Why not see more of the world? By the time you get here, maybe the economy won�t be so bad.

And by the way, Japan is an incredible place to visit. I don�t think you would regret it. If you are thinking purely finances, then go to Korea. I can make recommendations if you want.

[MisterB]

Hey guys! I almost forgot about this.

Well to update with the FANTASTIC news, I've just been accepted for JET, so will spend the full year in Japan and then Spain in 2010 - more money.experience - just like you mentioned. Opportunities seemed a bit scarce in Spain at the moment and Japan will be an excellent experience - it has all worked out perfect!

Thanks for the advice, very appreciated.
And best of luck in the future.