Job Discussion Forums

evolving81 · Joined: 04 May 2009 Posts: 135 Location: Tampa

I know this topic has been brought up plenty of times before but I am not looking for one specific area so I am posting in this section.

Basically, here's my situation:

1. 29 year old male, native speaker of English, U.S. citizen.
2. Completing an M.A. in Applied Linguistics in August, minimal teaching experience (taught for a semester through a paid internship; part of my M.A. program).
3. Have student loans to pay (from undergraduate & graduate degrees).
4. Would prefer teaching adults in a university setting (but willing to consider teaching high school/middle school for the right price...I feel greedy writing that!).

So my question is this: Were you able to save/make loan payments while working abroad? I know it's possible, just depends on the job location/country/school. If so, where would you recommend?

I've considered China since they have so many university positions that I qualify for but the pay is lower. South Korea has lots of private schools, pay is higher but they are mostly teaching kids. Middle East has lots of money but they want very experienced teachers. Oh, and I was already rejected from Westgate, but I thought that would be a pretty good gig.

Thanks in advance for your opinions... Smile

Marconi · Joined: 12 Jun 2010 Posts: 6

Yeah, I had a very similar question, except my circumstances are a little different:

1. 39 year old male (look to be somewhere between 27 and 32), native speaker of English, U.S. citizen

2. Bachelors degree, elementary teaching credential (don't have a full master's degree), have worked as a teacher's aid and a substitute teacher for a bunch of years, but not doing esl

3. Pretty much willing to teach any level, but was looking for something reliable where I'm unlikely to be let go unexpectedly

4. I don't want to travel to another country without something lined up first - I don't like the idea of just showing up in a foreign country and looking for work without knowing for sure what will happen

5. Want to try and save some money

It looks like Japan is out because the competition is too stiff. Taiwan and Korea might also be too competitive, I'm not sure. Like the other poster said, it looks like the Middle East is great for saving some money, but you need to have prior experience and a masters degree in ESL. Any suggestions you've got would be great.

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

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

evolving81 · Joined: 04 May 2009 Posts: 135 Location: Tampa

Well, the pay with Westgate seemed decent although I know there was a lot of debate about the apartment situation. I just rather liked that it was for a semester... Either way, I'm not doing Westgate so it's kind of irrelevant now.

And it does seem, at least in the ads I've seen for China, that primary school pays better than universities.

I'm still looking though. I may have to "suck it up" and teach hagwon kids just for the experience I suppose.

Marconi · Joined: 12 Jun 2010 Posts: 6

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Marconi · Joined: 12 Jun 2010 Posts: 6

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Have a budget, stick to it, and you can save money.

dave3br · Joined: 02 May 2010 Posts: 6

@Marconi

Hey don't be too quick to judge the competition. Let the employers decide if you qualify. Apply and see what happens. All you need is for one to say yes.