Job Discussion Forums

[rgraham1014]

Hi there TESOLers!

I'm a 27 year old US citizen looking to move to Asia to continue teaching English. I have a B.A. (non-teaching related), and a CELTA (which I recieved in Mexico). I have six months pre-CELTA experience in the US and six months post-CELTA experience in Mexico. I am a native English speaker and a fluent Spanish speaker (although I am not trained to teach Spanish)

I really need to save some money, so I'm interested in finding out how much I can likely save in each country.

I am also interested in finding out the general level of friendliness (specifically towards single foreign women) Remember, I'm coming from Latin America, so I'm used to a very relaxed and friendly population, and that is what worries me most about moving to Asia.

I understand my ability to save depends on my standard of living, but I can live pretty basically. I can live fine without hot water, a washing machine, satillite TV or a car. I don't need western food or discoteques, but I would like to live somewhere where there are things to do.

I've kind of written-off the K word because it doesn't sound like a culture that I would mesh too well with, and Japan, which seems to be too hard to get work and save money. From what I've read so far, my top 3 right now are Vietnam, Thialand and China, based on ability to save money. I'd love some advice on the relative merits of working in these countries, as well as any others. I'd absolutely love to teach in Brunei, Nepal, Laos, Turkey, Indonesia and a million other countries, but $savings$ is an issue

There are, of course, similar threads on this subject out there, but they seem to devolve into a few people debating the merits of one country or one persons opinion, so I'll try it again, and hope that doesn't happen...

[Glenski]

People can save money in any of those countries. The difference, of course, is how much, and a lot depends on your lifestyle and on the situation you end up in.

Just how much do you want to save per month? We will assume that you don't have any student loans or other debts to pay off unless you tell us.

[rgraham1014]

I do have some debt - not too much but I'd like to be able to pay between 100 - 200 US a month towards debt and save some. Ideally I'd like to save between $800 and $1200 a month, but I know that might be too high for my bills and qualifications.

Like I said, my neccesities as far as standard of living is concerned are minimal. I'd probably rather share a house, I don't eat out or go out drinking too much. I also don't need a fancy house or TV or car or anything like that.

I understand it is possible to save money in any of those countries, I'm wondering where I can save the most and enjoy the country.

Thanks for your help!

[tttompatz]

If your bottom line is money then Korea is the only option.

You can save as much per month in Korea as you will earn (as a fresh -off-the-plane newbie) in places like Thailand.

As to earnings and savings (US $ per month):
Korea 2000, 1000
China 1000, 500
Thailand, 1000, 0 (in BKK), 300 (in the provinces)
Taiwan, 1700, 500

In Korea and China, due to included housing you need far less in terms of setup costs. Most jobs in Korea also include airfare meaning you can get started with as little as $1000 in your pocket (after you have your required documents in hand).

For places like China, with prearranged employment you will need airfare, visa costs and about $1000.

For places like Thailand and Taiwan you will need airfare, visa costs and about $3000 for your setup/settlement/living expenses till you find a job and get paid.

.

[Glenski]

In Japan, you'll certainly be able to pay off US$100-200 per month with no problem at all.

Saving $800-1000 on top of that may be possible, but you will have to be frugal to a degree. At the upper end of that savings, I would have to say that you won't be spending money on much beyond basic necessities, but it could vary a lot with the living circumstances.

For example, if you live in a smaller city/town and have a bicycle that allows you to get around well enough, you can save on local transportation.

[choudoufu]

china.

even at the low end of the university scale, you should be able
to save around $500/month.

and since you'll only be teaching 16 hours per week, you have
the opportunity to make many money teaching privates.

[charlie don't surf]

You may also want to give some thought to Vietnam. It's certainly possible to live there comfortably and sock away at least $400 a month.

However, in terms of outright savings potential, Korea is going to be tough to beat. Even as a new public school teaching assistant, you should have no problem saving a minimum of $800 per month.

Stay clear of Thailand if saving money is a priority. You can always go there for a vacation.

Give China a wide berth, too. Entry level jobs there do not generally pay well. Those that do, tend to be in places like Shanghai whose cost of living can quickly rough-up your pay cheque.

As a single woman, your ability to safely walk around late at night will vary from country to country and city to city. In the most general terms, I would say that from a personal safety standpoint, Japan and Korea are the safest. In Vietnam, you would need to be more guarded and aware of your surroundings if walking alone late at night.

Don't write-off Korea. While they are not as outwardly friendly as Thais or Vietnamese, Koreans are very friendly once you get to know them. In public, they tend to have a herd mentality and behave accordingly. But when you get to know them as individuals, that is when they really shine.

[rgraham1014]

Hey I just wanted to say thanks for all the replies. They really helped give me a good picture of what to expect from different countries in Asia. For what it's worth, I've decided to look for work in Vietnam to start out with, and I'm really excited! So thanks again!

Rachel