Job Discussion Forums

juliet70 · Joined: 10 Feb 2005 Posts: 1

hello

I am coming to the end of 3 years on the JET program and find i still do not have enough money for grad school (don`t be canadian if you don`t want massive student loan debt). As the grad program i want is outside canada - I`ve got to come up with all the money myself. I`m curious to know what the latest opinions are regarding where to make the most money doing esl. By make the most money, I mean where can a person save the most money. Based on my research so far, it`s looking like korea - but I will happily go anywhere in the world. I`d prefer to get out of asia if I can. I`d heard germany was a safe bet - 2000 euros a month - but digging a little deeper that appears not to be the case. So what is the hot esl country of the moment? I`d be really grateful for any and all feedback. Oh and I plan on doing the CELTA course before starting another job search.

many thanks,
juliet

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

If you are truly intent on saving money, I'd suggest China.

Ignore all the ads on the net that say "5000 RMB a month". The fact of the matter is, if you go to any small city in China and make a deal with a school, you'll get over 2000 Canadian a month and save easily 75% of that because it's so cheap.

I earn the same money here in China as I did after 3 years in Korea. And I save a heck of a lot more.

Keep in mind that in places like Germany, you pay for your rent. In China and Korea, rent is paid for. So is your air ticket.

I'd go to the Korean board and read up and also ask people in China on the China board.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

That was blatantly nonsensical, patently unsound advice, and quite unprofessional to boot.

No one in their right mind comes to China with the expectation to strike it rich - unless they are highly qualified and prepared to pitch in harder than those destitute backpackers that don't last a full stint anywhere.

You can't afford the upsets and unpredictable engagements you are offered in this country unless you have very low overheads.

Small-town China is poor, and those places that are wealthy have reputable local schools that may or may not allow you to earn above the normal salaries. It is a wise person who goes back to their home country and get a job there before they come to get to know China AND MAKE SOME MONEY HERE.