Job Discussion Forums

[carl_00]

my year in korea is quickly coming to an end and i need to start making a decision about where to go next. I'm leaning more towards spending some time in europe so i have a few questions.

The two plus points about Korea was the free apartment and the money I've managed to save, which without effort has been 60-70% each month.

Which other countries out there offer a free apartment?

Which countries afford one to save a fair chunk of their monthly wage?

Regarding the second question, i can generally get by on living simply, minimal food, few books etc.

I'm interested not just in europe but wherever but bear in mind i'm a beginner, so there'll be no middle eastern action just yet. i have one year experience and i'll more than likely get a celta on my return home.

thanks

[spiral78]

The general answer to your question regarding Europe is that free accomodation and enough money to save is extremely rare.

Also, if you haven't yet got a certification, you would be at the bottom of the hiring barrel - most newbies on the job market here have CELTA or equivalent. You'll definitely need a cert before you come.

Another difference is that it's not the norm for schools to hire from abroad - you really have to invest in the start-up costs to get here, do interviews and demo lessons in person, and arrange for your own housing.

Further, if you're not from the EU, your legal options are limited to Central/Eastern Europe - Western Europe limits work permits for English teachers to EU citizens, there being theoretically plenty of well-qualified British teachers to fill the positions.

The difference is that Europe's simply a far more desirable location, and market forces are heavily in favor of schools, not teachers. The uni where I work is currently advertising for occasional freelance staff, and we've got over 50 CVs/resumes to choose from - we only need 2-3 part-timers. It's not THIS tight all over, but it' s relatively a much tighter market than Asia, and that significantly affects what's available for teachers.

I suggest you read through some posts in the European section of this board, and then you can ask more specific questions regarding countries you're interested in - I've given very general info here.

[naturegirl321]

China often has housing and flights, but the salary is pretty low. Why not stay where you are?

[carl_00]

[carl_00]

[spanglish]

You'd be lucky to break even in South America. I think Korea's a pretty unique place in terms of earning potential for new teachers.

[Chancellor]

I wonder if maybe some of the original poster's questions are more specific to individual employers than various countries. For example, it really isn't the government of China (or other country) that is offering someone an apartment as a benefit of employment, it's such-and-such school that is offering it.

[spiral78]

True, but the market norms tend to be regional.

In Europe, there are a very few, usually very rural, schools that offer free accomodation. This is simply the market norm for the region - it's not common here. Schools don't need to offer accomodation when their competitors do not.

Asia is likely a different story - offering accomodation is the market norm, I believe (though i don't purport to know much about Asia).

[naturegirl321]

South America is doable, just don't expect
flights
housing
visas

[lostintranslation100]

Carl - I'm in the same position. It's too bad that South Korea is "unique" for it's financial stability. I'll be done with my first contract as well and figuring out what to do. Like you, I certainly don't want to stay here another year. Europe would be great, but it's not probably doable (owe lots of school debt).

I was thinking about checking out other employment options besides ESL teaching in Europe. I don't know what you got your undergrad degree in, but I've heard of many translating jobs and that sort of work in places like Europe. Take a look on Craigs list.

Speaking of, does anyone else know a good place to search for international jobs for English speakers besides Craigs List?

[Sef]

In Eastern Europe it's normal to be offered accommodation, albeit small and shared. The salaries for newbies are pitiful though and you'll need a certificate.

[Tina23]

My experience so far:

Latvia: worked for IH Riga, they gave you free (shared) accomodation, but you still had to pay the bills. The salary was on the lower end of a good local salary, but Riga is very expensive. I never managed to save any money from my salary, even though I didn't have uni debts back home. The countryside is cheap, but the capital very expensive, comparable to London almost. I'd say, it's going the same way as Prague?Lots of foreigners wanting to buy property there and on the coast, hence the increase in cost of living.
The school also arranged all your work permits and stuff.

Germany: Worked for Linguarama Dusseldorf, the school put you up in a host family or a hotel for max. 2 weeks and helped you search for flats (ie they pointed you in the right direction ) For me,as a German speaker that wasn't a problem. They also assisted with the paperwork. You got an adequate salary and your public transport paid for, as the work is in company and you're forever hopping on and off busses and trains. They also have a bonus system for overtime. Apart from that, no expenses paid.

Both jobs required at least a CertTESOl/CELTA or equivalent. And both schools had regular staff training.
So it really depends on the school.
Good luck!