Job Discussion Forums

[iam007]

I intend to teach in Japan for a year but since my job prospects are quite low in novemember and december I was thinking of teaching in Korea or Taiwan for 3 or 4 months before heading off to Japan.
By doing this I'm hoping to increase my savings (since Japan is so expensive) and gain some experience teaching english (something to put on my cv).

I would like to leave in early to mid november. By then I should have a CELTA and I already have a university degree. I'm 23 and my native country is Ireland, if that makes any difference.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

[killian]

be sure to read up with the korean forum elsewhere here. things are pretty robust on that side of the site. things over here are pretty slow. i can't add much regarding korea as i've never taught there. however, i wouldn't recommend coming to taiwan for only three or four months. as with any venture, there are start-up costs. these are only recovered over time. most everyone comes over here and lives in the red for the first 3 or 4 months. unplanned visa runs, a less than full schedule and the various expenses of setting up house all take their bites at the same time. i sincerely don't think you'll be able to save much in the time span you have in mind.

there is another site called ohayosensei.com that covers all things about teaching in japan and is full of ads.

best wishes.

[7969]

after buying a scooter and setting up your flat, you'll need 2-4 months to get sorted out. unlike korea where you start earning plenty right away with few set up costs.

[baters]

I've taught in both Korea and Taiwan and what's being said on this board is true, it takes longer to get set-up in Taiwan and the start up costs are greater. If you are only planning on staying 3-4 months then it's not worth it after you factor in the costs.

As for Korea, most hagwons (bushibans) will pay for your flight to Korea and set you up with an apartment (shared or single depending on what you can negotiate). You'll also be making a monthly salary right away. The only catch is most of these schools will only hire people if they sign a year contract, 6 months is possible but less common. You could sign a year contract and then leave after 4 months, but keep in mind that most hagwons won't be down with that and may try to keep some money. Most people pull a "midnight run" from their schools if they want to get out of their contracts or things go bad; there's always the option to leave in the middle of the night.

Hope this helped.

[Wonder]

If you want to teach in Korea for only three or four months, you may have a rough ride but I taught there for two years and here's what I would do:

Teach privately, meaning part time. You can average about 35,000Won per hour. The only hitch is, it's illegal. However, hundreds of people do it and they say it's fine. I also taught privately for a year, but I knew the lay of the land.

In order to get private teaching jobs (or part time with no visa), go to a web-site called www.englishspectrum.com, there you will find dozens of up to date postings for hourly and part time gigs.

Do n ot tell the person that you are "coming to Korea". They will dismiss your application on that basis. Instead, tell them through e-mail what you want and just keep them hanging until you get to Seoul. That's another thing: do not accept privates if they are not in Seoul!

Hope this helps!