Job Discussion Forums

mdickun83 · Joined: 07 Sep 2010 Posts: 41

I have some ESL tutoring experience but no training. I have a college degree in communications and I'm a native English speaker from the US. I'm wondering which countries I'd be able to teach in and save the most money with my qualifications. I'm thinking of getting certified from Oxford Seminars too but I'm not sure yet.

As a little background, I pay about 450-500/ month in school loans and I'm 2000 in consumer dept (payment is about 50/ month there). My car is 200/ month but I'd like to sell that before I leave.

I've heard Taiwan and Korea is best for people in my situation but I'd like to hear it from some people who've actually done this stuff before.

Any help is extremely appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt

tttompatz

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

FoundWaldo · Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Posts: 47

In your situation I think Korea would be better. Your airfare is provided, your housing is provided, and you're still given a pretty decent wage. The cost of living is otherwise a little more expensive that Taiwan, but if you are frugal and determined to save money (and pay off your debt), a teaching job in Korea will do the trick.

Good luck!

mdickun83 · Joined: 07 Sep 2010 Posts: 41

What is a recognized TESOL certification?

Also, one of the reasons I'm doing this is to get out of dept, ASAP. As far as selling my car though, I still need it to get to and from work.

tttompatz

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

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

Korea

Old Surrender

mimi_intheworld · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 167 Location: UAE

Wide eyed wanderer · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Canada

Korea is a better option than Japan when it comes to saving money.

There as you are payed well in Japan the living expenses are quite high, it is also a little more difficult to get a job in Japan.

In Korea they pay well and living expenses are quite low especially if you live outside of Seoul. Plus in Korea most contracts pay for your plane ticket and a place to stay, Japan doesn't always provide this. You will need a little money set a side for traveling expenses to the Korean embassy, visa and sending documents, but it really isn't to much. I can't remember how much it cost me.

Good luck! Razz

mdickun83 · Joined: 07 Sep 2010 Posts: 41

I drive 30 miles to work and I live in San Diego. There's no good public transportation. Also, why would I need to sell my car now if I'm not planning on leaving for a few months (I need to try to save money).

Thanks for the help everyone and keep it coming if you can. The general consensus seems to be Korea, so I'm going to head over to that board to ask some questions too.

In general though, is Korea a lot better for saving money/ cheaper/ lower start-up costs for a first timer with no real experience than Taiwan?

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

mdickun83 · Joined: 07 Sep 2010 Posts: 41

Back when I lived in Pittsburgh I would take the bus different places but I can't do it here. Southern California is really spread out. Weather's great though so people put up with it.

jnanagirl · Joined: 01 Dec 2010 Posts: 15 Location: Hawaii

I also suggest you look into the Japan's JET Program if you are still stateside. If accepted, request a post in a rural area, where your apartment costs will be less expensive. As a successful candidate, your flight and setup costs will be covered by the program. I was able to save $1600 per month as a JET participant in rural Japan by living modestly, not partying, cooking rather than eating out, and traveling only within Japan during that time. Granted, that was in 1988 - 1990, but the exchange rate for the yen against the dollar has gotten much better since that time. One of my friends completely paid off her student loans during one year of JET teaching.

Good Luck!

http://www.jetprogramme.org/