Job Discussion Forums

[rsmitty]

Hi Guys,

Just was wondering if anyone out there has any experience teaching ESL abroad with a family. I have taught before in Japan and am looking for a way to possibly work abroad while showing my young son and wife another country. We wouldn't be on any type of strict time frame and wouldn't be really concerned with saving money but just enough to "stay even" and have a little money to explore wherever we are living.

Not really particular on the country to work in at this point. Primarily curious on how it worked out for you, how your visas and housing were handled and if this was even a possibility for us.

Thanks in advance for your input!

RS

[nomad soul]

It would help if you provided at least one or two target regions (e.g., Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East...). Also, you didn't indicate your qualifications. But generally, the stronger your quals (e.g., academic degree/major, TEFL certificate, and teaching experience), the better the salary and employer-provided benefits, which is key for those with a non-working spouse and young dependents to support.

[rsmitty]

@nomadsoul - Thanks for the response.

We would prefer Eastern Europe or Latin America. I have a TEFL certification and an undergrad degree degree from San Diego State University. I also have two years experience working with everything from young kids to adults during my time in Japan.

[tttompatz]

There are lots of us living and working abroad with a wife and child in tow.

At this point in time I can't speak to visa issues in Latin America (they or rather the lack of a visa were often an issue when I was there last).

In East Asia, including SE Asia, your qualifications are entry level at best but there is work to be had and a livable wage to be earned (but you won't be paying off any bills at home during your first year if you are bringing a family with you). Your setup costs will be substantial (airfare, housing/furniture, visas - up to $10k for a family)

Visas (in Asia) for a dependent family (wife and child) are usually easy to obtain once you have the proper paperwork in hand for your country of choice (your own work visa/work permits, residence permits, proof of marriage or family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates for ALL family members) and your passports).

Housing and living expenses are usually cheap outside of Japan and Korea.
(I have a 3 bedroom townhouse, centrally located in our city, with all the mod-cons (including A/C in all rooms) and pay about $100/month for rent and $100 more for utilities.(water/electric)

A full time nanny runs about another $100/month (if you want one) and I pay $400/year for tuition for our daughter to attend bilingual kindergarten/elementary school (including lunch).
(***proper, internationally accredited schools on the other hand usually tend to cost closer to $20k/year). Home schooling is always an option.

.

[JustGolda]

I am a single mother with a 4 year old child and we live in China this year. I know several families there that are supporting 2 or more children and a wife and they are doing very well, they even get to travel. Many of the schools in China cater to foreign children whose parents work at Intel or other international companies. Those schools seem to have the best wages for teachers.

[spiral78]

It won't happen in Eastern Europe. Wages are essentially subsistence level for a teacher, and at your level of qualification, I can't think of any job that would support a family.

[scot47]

Some jobs in the Middle East can be done with family. You will not save much unless both parents are working.

[nomad soul]