Job Discussion Forums

Scobie · Joined: 14 Jul 2010 Posts: 7

Question:

Is it better to start TEFL in a place with perks, easy transition (South Korea), or in a place that holds more personal appeal, but could be more difficult (South America)?

To flesh this out, I am 23, UK citizen, soon to take a CELTA. My original motivations were to teach somewhere Spanish-speaking in South America, as the language, cultures, locations etc appeal to me.

I've recently started looking into starting in SK instead: ease of transition through paid flights & accommodation, chance to (hopefully) save. However, as I have no particular interest in the location, other than as a means of gaining teaching experience and money, I'm not sure this would be a worthwhile thing to do.

What do you all think? Did you start in Korea and move on somewhere else? Did the experience help you?

Alternatively, who chose their first position by location over perks (heart over mind!)?

I know distinctions and answers aren't as simplistic as I've made them out. But any opinions would be great.

Cheers!

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 8:21 pm Post subject:

Questions regarding living and teaching in South Korea must take place on the Korean Job Discussion Forums. Separate registration is required and username and password do not automatically transfer between this, the International Board, and the Korean Board.

Threads here must focus on living and teaching in nations other than South Korea.

markcmc · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 262 Location: Taiwan

South America - unless you are broke.

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

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 9:01 am Post subject:

How hard or easy the transition is to Latin America depends on you. There are a lot more changes in lifestyle/standard of living/conveniences/ etc than there would be in Seoul. (Where I am now)

The transition to Latin America is challenging financially, though- your set up costs are your own, and you want to have a financial cushion to get through things. YOu pay for flights, for apartment deposits, for living until you settle in...I imagine it's in regards to these things that you refer to the other transition as easier. (It requires less money to go somewhere where these things are paid by your employer.)

I've spent a lot of time in Latin America, and have recently left it to move to Korea. Come on over to the Korea forums, and I'll tell about how THAT transition was. (or feel free to PM me...)

Best,
Justin

Montanaland · Joined: 20 Dec 2009 Posts: 60 Location: Bakken Oil Field

Hi Justin-

If I may can I ask if the pay was a big reason you are in Korea w/your wife??

I'm also looking at entering the tefl world...but have been skeptical of S. America because of the pay.

Thanks!

P.S. Vietnam,Korea, and very bottom tier ME jobs are all I'm finding for $$ countries??

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 12:00 am Post subject:

A lot of people cite pay as a reason for leaving Latin America- I guess it depends on a lot of factors.

I was fortunate to be rather well paid in Ecuador. Also to have a sort of high profile position that resulted in frequent 70 hour work weeks, and infrequent vacations. (Reasons for leaving are, in a large measure, self evident here.)

You have to understand about pay, though. Economies are relative. You can make a terrific living in Latin America, but it's in the local system. In Ecuador, I had a largeish 2 bedroom apartment in a quiet neighborhood with a BIG YARD that had space for my cat to roam. It cost 15% of my monthly income.

Housing is now a higher percentage of earnings, but I couldn't afford a big yard, no matter what I was willing to spend. (In Korea.)

So it depends on a lot of stuff....

Best,
Justin

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

Like Justin, I also left Latin America. AS a woman, it was too hard for me. Keep in mind that in Asia, you're often given flights, housing, and visas. In Latin America, apart from Mexico, you're often left on your own to do all that, including the visa.

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

Montanaland · Joined: 20 Dec 2009 Posts: 60 Location: Bakken Oil Field

Yep,

Vietnam is the highest paid SE asian country to tefl with reports of hourly rates at and around $18-22hr.

I make $15@ 32.5 hrs a week as a para-professional at a U.S. high school..so it "erks" me that I can actually teach in asia and make way more....

I appreciate hearing about L.America as I would love to visit someday.. but I guess teaching is out of the question? Very Happy

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

It's been known in Canada for a long time that you can teach EFL in Vietnam for the same wage as you get in Canada teaching ESL. Except, of course, the cost of living in Vietnam is much lower.

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

Peter258 · Joined: 21 Jul 2010 Posts: 2

If Vietnam pays that well, how come no one ever mentions it?

Couldt you save as much in Vietnam as Korea?

tttompatz · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 9:21 am Post subject: