Job Discussion Forums

[Blingcosa]

There are a few more things to consider in choosing a country to teach. What kind of housing can I expect in different countries on an English teacher's teacher's salary? I would expect to pay about 30-40% of my paycheck on rent. Ideally I would perfer a single apartment, but I would consider sharing if necessary.

[naturegirl321]

Depends where you go, in Asia, some places will get you your own housing. Other than that, then yes, about 30 percent should go towards housing.

In Peru, it would get you a smallish room.

[spiral78]

In most of Europe that percentage of an English teacher's wage would get you a bedroom in a shared flat.

[johnslat]

In the Middle East, your housing is generally free. But you need to have a Masters and experience in order to qualify for a decent job there.

[sheikh radlinrol]

[Glenski]

Apartments are small in Japan, and the ceilings and doorways are low. Most conversation schools provide them furnished with secondhand goods. What you pay depends entirely on location, from 30,000 yen/month to 100,000. Figure the average is about 70,000. Utilities will run 10,000-20,000 yen/month depending on location, season, and lifestyle.

Entry level salaries are roughly 250,000 yen/month.

[Nabby Adams]

In Thailand if you are prepared to live outside Bangkok then you'd get a pretty nice house to yourself by spending a third of your salary.

In the capital that would be a decent apartment near the skytrain.

[Guy Courchesne]

In Mexico, 30-40 percent of a paycheck could get you anything from a furnished room or homestay up to a furnished apartment. Depends greatly on where in Mexico as the beach is pricey/low wages, large cities are moderate on prices/high wages, and small inland cities are cheap/low wages.

Some schools will pay for housing, though only the top international schools.

[Gusss]

[naturegirl321]

[Mike_2007]

Working at an international high school, maybe at the BC or doing in-company freelance work, a third of your salary would probably get you a one-bedroomed flat, semi-central, in a Commie block. Something nicer either in a smaller block or a more central location will probably require two thirds.

Working for a language school, a third of your salary will get you a studio flat in the worst part of town...at best.

[BOBBYSUE]

In Brunei we all get 3-4 bedroom houses, even those of us who are single....and it's free. Some of us even opt for smaller houses and are allowed to keep the difference on our housing allowances. The only drag is that you need to be a state qualified teacher with ESL skills rather than a teacher with just ESL quals...and the Ministry won't accept Americans (Canadians are OK.) It's a shame as CfBT would be happy to recruit talented people from the US.

[naturegirl321]

I-ve heard good things about CfBT, I don-t qualified as I-m only an eligible teacher, not a licensed one, still haven-t taught int he US in order to get a license

[Tom Le Seelleur]

In the UAE housing is provided and you do not need an MA to get a decent contract (most universities prefer it)

In Libya housing is free but basic

In KSA housing generally on compounds and excellent mostly

In Spain one third if you want to live in the city - live out and it is cheaper

In Lebanon it can be expensive or the school might provide shared accommodation

Brunei is provided or subsidized and is generally good

If you want more salary and spend less % on accommodation get part time/private work
Tom

[Brooks]

in Korea you can get a free apartment.
Whether it is good or not depends on the employer.