Job Discussion Forums

Scheiba · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 1:17 am Post subject: Small family in EFL

I have a wife and nine year old son. I have a Bachelor of Teaching degree and am currently doing a TEFL course. I hope to spend some time in Europe (I was born in Holland) but realise I may need to go to Asia first to get some TEFL experience. How will I fare with a small family. Any advice most welcome.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

In Japan, not well. Salaries at conversation schools run 250,000-280,000 yen/month.

A single person living on that wage will usually have about 70,000 to 90,000 yen left over each month if he has a very conservative nightlife and spends money on NOTHING else but the basic necessities. For more people, obviously, you will have less.

If your wife works, that'll bring in more money, but it depends on what she is qualified for. Two people on an eikaiwa salary is ok financially, but you won't be home with your child from noon to 10pm. Moreover, what did you plan to do with your son? International schools are very expensive here.