Job Discussion Forums

kiddirts · Joined: 11 Nov 2003 Posts: 1

Well, I've been in Korea for over a year now and I've existed primarily as a free-lancer, doing private teaching and part-time gigs. My monthly take-in has been anywhere from $2500USD/month, just starting out, to $6000USD/month. The beautiful thing about Korea, and I mean this, is that with money down on my apartment and with travel being so cheap, I was literally able to save $15,000USD over a 3 month period last spring. I usually average around $4000 saved, however. But, I'm getting sick of Korea, the people, the culture...and I've heard that Japan is much better. If I work as hard as I do in Japan as I have in Korea, is it possible to save what I've saved?

lajzar · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 647 Location: Saitama-ken, Japan

What's a dollar worth and I might be able to tell you.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I highly doubt it. People don't throw money at you for private teaching in Japan like they do in Korea. Private classes take longer to establish here. People don't move into high paying private teaching right away very often here. The most money I ever made teaching was in Korea and I didn't have any experience or qualifications back then.

If money is your prime motivator, stay in Korea. If you are prepared for a significant drop in salary and more stability and a change, then come to Japan.

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

I agree with Gordon. Besides, you need a visa to stay here and work. I don't know your situation in Korea, but here the visa is mandatory, even for PT and privates, and you rarely get anyone to sponsor a visa for PT work.

spidey · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 12:21 am Post subject:

I agree with Gordon and Glenski...time to check your priorities.

I do have a question for you however...

Why are you having such a hard time?

I also lived in Korea for about 2 years and the people, culture and especially the food were definitely the highlights of my stay.

I fear that there is something more to your statement than you are telling us.

S

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

A truly astonishing number of people in this country expect you to teach them privately for free. And also edit everything they ever write in English(regardless of length)...for free.

ZoeinOz · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 2

According to this recent post, you can make about 600,000 yen a month after a year or so in Tokyo. That is about what you are making in Korea now.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=14817&highlight=money

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

ZoeinOz · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 2

$6,000 US a month in Korea seems like a dream schedule too. How did he start out at $2,500 US in the first month of working free-lance? He must of had work set-up when he got there.

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

I disagree with Gordon.

The most money I made was teaching EFL in Tokyo.

The most money you can make in the world teaching EFL, next to the M.E., is Tokyo.

I made twice as much, often more, than I made in Korea.

I made 2 million won in Korea but regularly made between Y450,000 - 620,000 in Tokyo.

Even with higher cost of living - 5 years in Tokyo put me ahead financially moreso than my friends in Korea.

Tokyo is the most lucrative location in Asia to teach EFL.