Job Discussion Forums

[GabeKessel]

Dear Friends,

I have a US citizen friend in his late 30ies who has a bachelor's in Spanish translation is a diabetic and has no teaching experience. He is contemplating teaching overseas. He has asked me these questions, but since I have not been teaching in Asia for almost two decades now, maybe you could answer those since you are already there. Here are his questions:

1) What are the medical costs in these countries, particularly Japan, Korea, and Taiwan? What about for people who have chronic conditions? Do they offer insurance or how much does it cost for you diabetics out there?

2) Are jobs harder to get with a BA than with an MA? What were the wages in the other countries? Has anyone done an MA online?

He also wanted to know if it would be possible to do an MA online, and if so, which MA and from what school would be good ( what are costs, time involved, etc.)?

3)What do you do for recreation and exercise in these countries? Did you find ample places to go swimming, for example? Do they restrict foreigners?

4) What are the vacations they give in these countries? Are they paid?

5) Do any of these countries give some kind of retirement plan if you want it - that is, if you show a serious interest in teaching as a career?

6)And he is also wondering about what TEFL/TESL/TESOL certificate would be the best for him to study for if needed. And would it be possible for him to go to Asia 'now' with just a BA, and if so, where?

7) In which country have people been able to save most money? And what would be the realistic savings possibilities for Japan, Korea, Taiwan, etc.?

Your help and any other advice for a person like himself would be most appreciated.

Sincerely,

Gabe