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kirby42
Joined: 14 Nov 2014
Posts: 55
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 Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 10:54 am Post subject: Making money so I can live my dream |
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I really like teaching. The buzz you get during a good lesson is a great feeling. But I've been thinking a lot lately about the future. I'd like to be able to buy an apartment for myself in Eastern Europe, where I currently teach, but earning that kinda money in this region is almost impossible for a teacher.
Therefore, I think I need to do some time in the Middle East or Asia. Ideally, I'd like to teach there for a few years, save up $100K, and come back to my chosen country, buy a sweet flat and settle down. I love living here.
I've been teaching here for 2 years and have experience with everyone from corporate directors to kids. I've got a CELTA and a MA. I'm a young guy and feel that I'm decent at this job.
So this is a question to the more experienced teachers and travellers. What do I have to do and where do I have to go to earn that kinda money within the time frame of a couple of years?
Happy New Year to you all. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 12:22 pm Post subject: |
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| kirby42 wrote: |
I think I need to do some time in the Middle East or Asia. Ideally, I'd like to teach there for a few years, save up $100K, and come back to my chosen country, buy a sweet flat and settle down.
....
So this is a question to the more experienced teachers and travellers. What do I have to do and where do I have to go to earn that kinda money within the time frame of a couple of years? |
Your financial goal of $100K after two to three years of teaching anywhere isn't realistic. Make that 8-10 years and very strict saving on your part.
Due to the slump in the oil industry, most TEFL salaries in the Mid East have sharply declined with thinner benefits being offered. Plus, the streets of Asia definitely aren't paved with gold. |
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kirby42
Joined: 14 Nov 2014
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 1:24 pm Post subject: |
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| Well that certainly puts spanners in my plan. I was under the impression that salaries in the Middle East could be around £40k tax free with accommodation provided in many cases. Have I been mislead? |
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Dr X
Joined: 04 Jul 2016
Posts: 84
Location: Everywhere
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| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 3:28 pm Post subject: |
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The golden times of the Middle East are over.
Even a member of the 500 Club cannot save that amount in two years in the Magic Kingdom.  |
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kirby42
Joined: 14 Nov 2014
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 6:39 pm Post subject: |
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That's a pity. I'd still be interested in going though, the money is better there than anywhere else and I don't have anything tying me down to anywhere.
I have a CELTA, MA and two years experience. What sort of salary could I hope to earn? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 7:58 pm Post subject: |
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| kirby42 wrote: |
| I have a CELTA, MA and two years experience. What sort of salary could I hope to earn? |
An MA in __? Plus, be aware the majority of GCC countries do not accept degrees/qualifications that entailed any online credits.
I suggest you head to the Saudi forum to check out the situation/trends and also to ask your questions there. You need to be specific about your qualifications and experience. Unlike Russia, TEFL positions in the Gulf mainly involve teaching university English foundation students (in your case, males) and not business professionals and children. Also look at actual job ads to see what you'd qualify for --- if your credentials and post-CELTA experience are a match.
You'll have to determine if you can handle life in an ultra-conservative/restrictive country; it's not everyone's cup of tea. You'll also likely have to return to your home country to go through the work visa process, which includes a medical exam and tests for various diseases, a criminal background report, and degree and CELTA authentication/attestation. You'd be responsible for all visa-related costs up front. |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2017 8:16 pm Post subject: |
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Saving US$100,000 in two years ? Not now. Not sure that many ever did this, though great savings were possible in the past. Many teachers of my acquaintance earned high salaries in the past but spent it.
Not many winners come out of the region.
Last edited by scot47 on Tue Jan 03, 2017 9:40 am; edited 1 time in total |
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cmp45
Joined: 17 Aug 2004
Posts: 1475
Location: KSA
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 6:37 am Post subject: |
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You would have to be earning at least 60 to 70 thousand $ a year to save up to 100 grand in 2 years. That would still require making some sacrifices along the way...no trips abroad during midterm breaks and being mindful of spending during the long summer breaks.
As a newbie to the Gulf region earning top dollars is not likely to happen.
If you are gung-ho and in the profession for the long haul you may work your way up to a better salary, but KSA is a hard gig for most expatriates. Maybe after 10 years, you might get close to the 100 grand mark...  |
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kirby42
Joined: 14 Nov 2014
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 10:11 am Post subject: |
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| So 100K is impossible. I'll settle for 50k for 2/3 years if that's more reasonable. I can always take a mortgage I suppose. |
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bograt
Joined: 12 Nov 2014
Posts: 331
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 4:31 pm Post subject: |
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| What's the big hurry? Why not go somewhere you might actually have a good time and come back when you've saved enough. |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 7:38 pm Post subject: |
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| US$2,000 a month in savings ? Comments ? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 8:17 pm Post subject: |
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| scot47 wrote: |
| US$2,000 a month in savings ? Comments ? |
The OP never mentioned any financial obligations such as student loans, but that's easily doable if his monthly salary is more than 10000 SAR ($2700), and he refrains from taking trips out of KSA during short semester breaks.
Some teachers secretly tutor on the side for extra money. However, they risk immediate deportation from KSA if caught. Some food for thought if the OP is considering tutoring. |
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Dr X
Joined: 04 Jul 2016
Posts: 84
Location: Everywhere
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 8:56 pm Post subject: |
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| Dr X wrote: |
One poster in the Magic Kingdom saved over $55k a year with KAU.
| Icanupp1964 wrote: |
| I saved over 55k USD a year during my time at KAU; that's the only point that matters. |
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For perspective, Icanupp1964 was at KAU for more than 5 years; salaries in the kingdom generally were stronger back then. I taught in KSA from 2012 - 2013 and regularly wired $3500/mo to my bank account in the US. I doubt I'd be offered much above my previous salary if applying to current KSA university openings despite my added EAP teacher trainer experience.
The TEFL market continues to change. |
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cmp45
Joined: 17 Aug 2004
Posts: 1475
Location: KSA
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| Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 4:38 am Post subject: |
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| kirby42 wrote: |
| So 100K is impossible. I'll settle for 50k for 2/3 years if that's more reasonable. I can always take a mortgage I suppose. |
First you must find a suitable job. There's nothing wrong in setting your goal at 100 grand, it may take you longer is all. You may assess your situation after a set number of years. What ever you manage to save will still better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick! |
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