Job Discussion Forums

cndgirl · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 8

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone out there can help me with some basic questions as I get started on my TESL job search. Hopefully I'm not being too repetitive with some of these questions...

I am graduating from university in June with a bachelor's degree in policy management, international studies specialization. Work offers are plenty and I plan on going back to law school - but I'm not ready for that yet. I don't plan on getting a TESOL certificate or anything at this time, but I would like to pursue some teaching opportunities overseas, mainly as a way to travel and be able to make some minimum payments on my student debt.

So in a nutshell, I'm a bright young (24) professional female looking for opportunities to travel and teach. I'm currently thinking about Korea, possibly Taiwan or Thailand, but I am open to other places. I've had friends in Korea and they've loved it, so I'm leaning towards that right now. Any comments about these countries in terms of money, job prospects for someone with my qualifications, safety (young blonde female) or other recommendations would be appreciated.

At the moment, my number one concern is not getting screwed around. There seem to be so many postings promising you the world - how do you ensure that you are not going to get taken for a ride? I know it can't be 100% but any tips? Are there some suggestions for who to deal? Is the best way to get started by answering some of ads in the job postings area?

Ideally, I would like to have airfare covered, and at least partial assistance with accomodations as well as a reasonable salary. Is this reasonable - where would this be most likely? I am also thinking of going sometime from July to September of this year. Are positions available any time or are there more ideal months to depart?

Sorry about the long post but I appreciate any and all help with these preliminary questions. I'm sure I'll have more...

Cheers!

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

You want to travel and save money? Not very likely.
You want to travel and save money only from July to September? Even more unlikely.
You want to save money by working in Thailand? Absolutely unlikely.

cndgirl · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 8

I would like to depart sometime from between July this year and September of this year for a one year contract. My leaving date is flexible.

Saving money is not a big deal. I want to be able to meet minimum payments on my outstanding student loans, which should be about $200CDN per month. Is this unreasonable? Does everyone who pursues this path of TEFL have zero financial obligations at home? If they do, perhaps this is something that I will have to factor in as well. Thanks for the suggestion.

And I do realize that pursuing opportunities in Thailand would result in a significant pay cut. I am an avid researcher and have come across that point many of times. But if it is to the point that I will be able to make a min loan payment, perhaps I should scrap that idea.

Thanks. Any other helpful suggestions more than welcome.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Do you have a grace period on your loans? If not, and you have to start remitting payments right away, it'll be tough, since you'll need a bit of cash on hand to get settled in.

You're certainly not the only one paying off debts! I made sure to get a job lined up in advance.

d

cndgirl · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 8

Thanks for the great advice so far guys!

Although a "backpackers paradise" sounds perfect to me, it doesn't sound like it would be financially feasbile right now...oh well. I want to travel and have adventures but I need enough to get by - but by no means get rich. On to other options! I'll definitely look more into Taiwan.

Unfortunately I've exhausted my grace period already; it is up in June of this year. I'm PT right now finishing a research paper. They won't extend it any further unless you are living in Canada, so that option appears to be out. $200 a month doesn't seem like much to me here, but I guess on a teacher's salary it may be different. Saving as much as I can before I go seems to be solid advice that I oddly didn't consider before - thanks!

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

cndgirl · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 8

"PS you wont get rich teaching ESL"

Good, 'cause as I mentioned I don't intend on it! That boring stuff can come later if I feel like it. Now is the time for adventure (while sustaining my existence of course.)

Multilingualism is something that appeals to me greatly. I would be more than willing to engage myself as fully as possible in learning the local language.

As for the "pet" issue, I've heard the same thing from female friends who have been in Korea (Daejon) and Japan even..or at least the stares and constant (unwanted) attention.

The visa issue is interesting though, one more consideration to keep in mind...

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

Taiwan is a good place to have a good time and make those min. payment. Most employers reimburse the airfare after the contract is completed. They don't OWN your visa in Taiwan. It is very possible to negotiate out of a contract you don't like. For a job that will provide you with what you are needing look for these minimums:

Airfare reimbursement upon completion or completion bonnus. (at least 20000NT)
Housing provided or subsidy. (Hopefully at least 5000NT)
50,000nt/month ($1900CAD)
20-25 contact hour/wk

It is very safe in Taiwan. You will be stared at a lot, but no one will physically bother you. Most teachers, blonde or otherwise, are treated a little like a pet. You are mostly just a white face. Don't let that deter you. You are here to have an adventure. Do your job the way they tell you to, never show anger or stubborn disagreement and you will have fun. Also don't let the language barrier scare you. You can learn a little chinese and get along just fine. Besides, more and more people everyday speak just enough english to help you out. I have been here just under three years. I actually love living here.

There is a tax issue in Taiwan. You only pay 6% if you are here 183 days, which means you must have a job by the first of July. The end of June is also one of the peak hiring time and probably one of the best times to find the kind of job you are wanting.

Good luck

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Some links on teaching in Korea

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/index.php

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

nellychess · Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 187 Location: USA

I was involved with student loans for a while, and wanted to make sure you knew a couple of things.

If you haven't consolidated your loans, do it immediately!
Consolidation is a misleading term. You can consolidate 1 loan. It simply means you are locking in the interest rate which is on your loan. No matter what the rates are, when you are in your grace period, the rate is .6 percent lower.
This is the best time in the history of student loans 40+ years to consolidate, as the rates are rock bottom. In June your rates will go up .6 percent. It takes about 30 days for processing, so you need to do it now!

Private groups or the Department of Education have the same rates. The only differences are incentives that are offered, and likelyhood that yuou'll receive those incentives. Less than 10 percent of incentives are received, so don't put too much weight into that.

As long as you stay in the federal program, you don't have to worry about anyone "screwing" you, even if their incentives asre misleading.

THE ONLY REASON ANYONE DOESN'T CONSOLIDATE IS BECAUSE THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND THE PROGRAM. IT IS LIKELY IN JULY THAT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO WITH YOUR LOANS WHAT YOU CAN NOW. JULY IS WHEN NEW CHANGES TAKE PLACE EACH YEAR, AND RATES CHANGE.

The DOE is good because they have no minimum balance req.(most private are 15k), and they can help you in ways others can't. Alot of rules don't apply to them. STAY AWAY FROM SALLIE MAE IF POSSIBLE> Many rules don't apply to them either, but they use that to hold your loan hostage. The DOE has many extended grace, and deferment options as well.

I would reccomment setting up a year deferment now, whilst you are unemployed, and even if you start working the next day, you still have that time.

Deferment- No interest accrues on Subsidised loans
Forebearance-Interest accrues on everything.
Unsubsidised interest accrues always.
It's good to know how much of each you have.
Please feel free to email me w/ any questions about student loans.

nellychess · Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 187 Location: USA

Me being the self centered American that I am, I assumed you were talikng about USA loans. Obviously if you live somewhere else, none of that applies to you.

tedkarma · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 6:07 am Post subject:

Cndgirl said, " . . . my number one concern is not getting screwed around"

Then you might not want to give serious consideration to Korea - read the Korea jobs board and you will see that jacking around teachers is a hobby for many hogwans in Korea.

Taiwan, on the other hand, is usually a bit more straight forward. I've taught in both countries and prefer Taiwan. With Korea you can save about 50% more money - so you could easily save much more than your student loan payments.

And, having ready-made friends around to help you over the humps of your first overseas job - is a great advantage too. So, Korea can have its attractions, but be aware of the potential problems.

I wish you the best of luck - whever you end up going.

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