Job Discussion Forums

[creeper1]

China aint the highest paying country in the world for TEFL.

Hell China isn't ever the highest paying county in Asia for TEFL.

I just took a look at the jobs section. I am both surprised and saddened to see the low salaries on offer are.

Yes there is some movement upward compared to say 3 years ago but still nothing to write home about.

[DirtGuy]

Net vs. gross. Factor in the lifestyle.

DG

[JustinC]

I've worked in both countries (and several others) but haven't researched so this is just IMHO.

Outside of the ME, China and Korea are better than most countries for savings potential if you're looking at the OP's figures of 2m won and 10k RMB. I would put them on a par, give or take a few percent (obviously Shanghai's going to be more expensive than Boondok-ri in the ROK).

China, outside of the biggest cities, is very cheap, compared to Korea, for food. Korea will pay more but it's pricier to travel, eat, drink etc there. Electronic goods in Korea are more expensive than back home (even Samsung stuff, for some reason) and in China you pay less but will get less.

Then there's the other things to consider, if savings are about equal:
I'd say China wins on food, culture, dating, a slightly more relaxed teaching environment, travel (more potential for).
Korea is ahead on pollution, cleanliness, technology, more support in the (public school) classroom, travel (everything's closer).

If you're still not swayed you need to drill down to the actual schools that offer you positions - can you speak to a previous teacher, how good is their interviewer, any red flags?

[amemorylost]

Having lived in China and South Korea, I'd take China for earning potential. If you do a straight comparison between the jobs on the South Korea board and the China board, I have no doubt that South Korea's average salary would come out ahead. However I'd also think that the number of advertisements on the China board that low-ball prospective employees is significantly higher than in Korea, which contributes to the impression of Korea being more profitable.

I also think that the poor regulation of the ESL market in China is a bonus for prospective teachers, and not just those that can come here without a degree or a relevant certificate. Regulation is tighter in South Korea and so the value of those with the standard qualifications to work there as an English teacher is lower than the value placed in China. I'd suggest this is also the result of more foreign students coming to China to learn Chinese and teaching English on the side to fund their living expenses, whereas I don't imagine South Korea has such an influx of non-graduate foreign residents.

I'd argue that for someone with an average degree and limited experience, China can be more profitable than the more regulated countries like South Korea and Japan, and perhaps has more wealth to spend on English teaching than places like Vietnam and Thailand.

[Mikeylikesit114]