Job Discussion Forums

coffeeguy · Joined: 15 Oct 2011 Posts: 8

Hello,

New to Dave's so any advice would be much appreciated.

My girlfriend and I both want to teach English in either China, Hong Kong, Thailand, or Korea. We've been researching the pros and cons of each, and I have some questions that I'd really appreciate some advice on. I'll list them in parts below, and feel free to respond to any you'd like to. Thanks in advance!

A) We are both 2009 college grads. Both Caucasian and 24 years old. Both have our B.A.'s . She has 2 years of experience in tutoring children with ADD, instructing infants with autism, and working in a high school special ed department as a teaching assistant. I have 2 plus years of experience in professional writing, business, sales, and other fields, but none in teaching or education.

Neither of us have TEFL or any other certifications, and probably wont before we head overseas. With these qualifications, would it be reasonable to think we could both get similar positions in the same school? If not, are there positions she would be able to get that pay higher than what I could? Are there many schools that accept couples?

B) We are planning on arriving in early March. Will this be a problem in finding good positions with a state run school or university? Private schools?

C) are there any decent positions that have contracts less than 6 months? How about 6 months?

D) Is it reasonable to think we could find work moonlighting, freelancing, or private tutoring on the side, or as a primary income? Is there a market for private tutors/counselors for children with special needs?

E) General thoughts on first time teachers in Hong Kong vs. China (country side or city) vs. Thailand vs. Korea?

F) We would like to travel a bit too. Although pay is obviously important, we are not looking to teach overseas just to work and save all of our money. So 40 hour work weeks are probably not desirable. Of our choices, are any countries better for this than others? (25-30 hour work weeks with time off)

tttompatz

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

[these responses assume china...]

A) you may consider an online TEFL course. maybe not necessary, but
you'll have the paper and can check the box. some schools ask for a
certificate, others do not. depends.

B) start contacting schools now. fall semester ends the first week of
january. this is followed by the six-week spring festival. it can be
difficult - or impossible - to contact the fao's at that time.

C) typical uni contract is for 10 months (to avoid paying salary over
the summer). you can sometimes find one-semester contacts, such
as replacement for a runaway. don't expect to find two half-year
contracts at one school. you may get lucky, half year contract starting
in march, then both can work the following fall.

angelina's is a good source. i've seen some ads for couples, and quite
a few with many positions at one school.

D) private work is possible. your contract should state whether you
are permitted.

if both of you are working, you won't need side work. the uni will provide
your housing. expenses are minimal. if no kids, spend one paycheck and
party, bank the other.

E) china is fun.

F) typical uni contract calls for 16 hours per week. you will likely teach
fewer hours. as you will be repeating many classes each week, your
preparation time may be quickly quickly.

ex. last year i taught 10 hours per week. 5x 2-hour classes. the same
class. only one lesson plan per week. this year i have 12 hours, 5
different classes. 5 lesson plans, although some overlap, so i can do
some recycling of material. those 12 hours are tue-thu, giving me
4-day weekends. no office hours, no english corner. i am not required
to be on campus those four days.

coffeeguy · Joined: 15 Oct 2011 Posts: 8

Thanks a lot. Both of your replies were very helpful and informative.

I guess at this point, the biggest issue we're looking at is finding a position that we can do for 6 -7 months. We both will "potentially" start grad school back in the US in October 2012, so anything over 7 months will not work.

It's not necessary that we get positions at the same school, but would be extremely convenient for obvious reasons. Also, we could share an apartment and save more money that way or negotiate a higher pay from the school since they'd have to only pay for one apartment vs. two.

China and Thailand are definitely the front runners at this point because of the work available for non-experienced teachers. Plus, I'll be going to grad school for a program that focuses on China, so I have extra incentive to check it out.

Having said all of that, does China really pay substantially more than Thailand? Like $1,200 in China vs $1000 in Thailand, right?

Do you think we could find 6 -7 month jobs in either China or Thailand at all?

Thanks!

KayuJati · Joined: 21 Feb 2010 Posts: 313

gloomyGumi · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 353

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

coffeeguy · Joined: 15 Oct 2011 Posts: 8

coffeeguy · Joined: 15 Oct 2011 Posts: 8

coffeeguy · Joined: 15 Oct 2011 Posts: 8

KayuJati · Joined: 21 Feb 2010 Posts: 313

coffeeguy · Joined: 15 Oct 2011 Posts: 8

tttompatz

gloomyGumi · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 353

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

coffeeguy -

Although these forums can help with a lot of info about living costs, lifestyles, culture shock, travel and attractions, etc, if you want to know about things like work conditions, contracts and whatnot you'd be better off perusing the job boards:

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/

and contacting schools/recruiters directly to find out what kinds of jobs are available and who offers what.

Also, have you considered Viet Nam?

Many schools there have short contracts and it is a major producer of coffee in the world. I am assuming by your username that you enjoy good coffee.