Job Discussion Forums

[ElleB]

Hi! Soon I'll finish my second year of English teaching in Japan, and it's about time for me to start thinking about what I want to do next. I'm thinking of staying in Asia one more year to save as much money as possible. I live frugally and consistently send home $800-1000 US each month living near Tokyo. The question is, if I go to Taiwan or South Korea, will I be able to save more than this? For teachers in these countries, how much do you manage to put away each month? What is a typical salary in these countries? What benefits (airfare, housing, food) are usually provided? Is there another country I'm overlooking?

My qualifications are two years experience teaching in Japan, a TESOL certificate, and a B.F.A.

[Gordon]

You could probably save more in Korea, but would probably give up some quality of life you now have in Tokyo. Korean schools provide return airfare, free rent, half medical payments and then a salary on par with Japanese schools. Cost of living is much less than Tokyo as well. Teaching private students is illegal, but many/most do it anyways.

[Glenski]

Another problem in Korea is the visa. It's not as secure as your visa in Japan. In Japan, if you lose your job, the visa is still yours until it expires. In Korea, your job is tied to the visa, so you have to get a new one every time you change or lose your job.

[ElleB]

Or how about Hong Kong?

[sidjameson]

If you are only focused on money I would stay where you are. You would be able to save more in Korea, but the costs of moving and settling in would go well on the way to negating this. I would say it is better to spend that effort in finding extra work where you are and maximizing your saving that way.

If though you also want to see another country then Korea would be the best choice with your quals and experience.

Btw, what is a B.F.A. ?

Bachellors in F@ck All? Sounds like you went to the same university as I did.

[Gordon]

Fine Arts.... you know dancing and finger painting

[ElleB]

Oil painting actually!

I know I could probably earn more money in Japan, but I want to experience living in other countries. Money is only one priority, and it will be important as long as I have student loans to pay off.

Based on my own research, I am going to say that it is possible to save at least $1000 U.S. per month in Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and possibly Singapore; and that in China, Thailand and Vietnam I could expect to save $500 U.S. or less. The chances of me saving the most are highest in South Korea, but South Korea is the most difficult of the aforementioned countries in which to work. If anyone out there can contradict me, please do so.

[sidjameson]

So I was right then.

Go to Korea, see a new country and save your $1000 a month. Should be more than a $1000 if you make an effort to get better work and do privates.

One thing I would say is to head for a big city. In my experience the angle of lower cost of living in smaller cities is all well and good, but there are far more opportunities to make money where the money is sloshing about. And that is in the bigger city. You can get lucky in a smaller place, but as time is not on your side you are better off heading to Seol etc.

[plutodog18]

You can save tons of money in Korea. People consistently report saving $12,000 to $18,000/year depending on your lifestyle (i.e. you drink to excess several times a week).

Salaries are much better