Job Discussion Forums

Jessalinguist · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Washington, DC

I am an ESL teacher in a small Univeristy in Virginia. I have an MA in English Linguistics and my TESL certification. I have been a volunteer ESL tutor for 3 years, have been a paid teacher for over a year, and have taught ESL (volunteer) short-term in Guatemala and China. My question is, with these qualifications, what can I expect to earn? I know its hard to say across the board, but does anyone have a general idea for any specific country? My husband and I are looking to move overseas and I'm not sure where to set the bar for minimum pay. (i'm not greedy, i know its all about the experice, but I don't want to be taken advantage of either). Alot of postings I see have the requirement of a 4 year degree, or none at all, and so i'm just wondering if there is some information out there that i'm missing that talks about overseas ESL jobs that require an MA. Any advice? Thanks so much for any info!!! Very Happy

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

As you can imagine, such a wide-open question is very difficult to answer. It would help if you could narrow your questions down to a country - or at least a continental!

In TEFL, one generally can earn enough to live in modest comfort by local standards. The better jobs can allow one to save a small amount (ie, perhaps a few to several thosuand dollars a year).

Beekeeper · Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:50 am Post subject:

Stay within the university/college circuit. There are many well paying jobs either as an adjunct, lecturer, or assistant professor at the university level for someone with your qualifications.

Overseas, it's the same provided you stick with the quality institutions that also hire the PhDs, offer tenure, and real degrees. There is good money and a regular career out there in ESL/EFL at that level.

You just have to play the academia/politic game. Find a mentor, get published, and do the conference circuit. Apply for fellowships. It takes career planning but can be accomplished.

Good luck!

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

Besides picking a country, it would help to know what sort of teaching you are interested in. University? International school? Public or private HS? Elementary school?

And what is your husband planning to do while he is with you? What are his qualifications?

Jessalinguist · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Washington, DC

well, lets say china, japan and Mongolia. and Turkey. and India. Those are the places I would be interested in teaching. I have experience teaching at all levels, so I suppose I would like to also know which pays best -- kinergarten, university, etc.? (I assume University, am i wrong?) I am also looking to find out what sort of package is standard. Should I expect for them to pay for housing? what about airfare? thanks for the info so far.

Manny2 · Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 143

Hi
Although you do not mention the Middle East in the United Arab Emirates with your qualifications and experience you would probably be able to land a university job easily enough and right now places like the Higher Colleges of Technology are very short of staff and will be hiring for immediate and Jan 2007 starts. Shortages are due to a sudden increase in student enrollments.

The package is considered one of the best. Check out their recent ad on Daves job posting.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 2:16 pm Post subject:

In China you won't earn much. Taiwan would probably be a better bet, as they seem to value Post-graduate degrees more than the mainland.

In China you'd probably bring home anywhere from $500-$800/month in the "smaller" cities, and possibly $1,000+ / month in a place like Shanghai (where the cost of living is equally higher). That would allow for a semi-comfortable life, but wouldn't leave much room for saving or travelling.

Jessalinguist · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Washington, DC

My husband has an MS degree in International Conflict Analysis and Resolution. He would like to work for a Non-Profit or NGO, but also has his BA in English, and is willing to Teach for a year just for the experience and the chance to get his "foot in the door" overseas. So, he'd probably teach too. we've had no success so far finding him a job in his field.

i checked out the turkish university, looks great so far. thanks for the info everyone!

DainaJ · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 62

Just a wild possibility for your husband - could he get into the UN organization somehow? I know someone whose husband is and they've lived in the Caribbean, Turkey, Switzerland, etc. Might be hard to coordinate your two jobs then, though.