Job Discussion Forums

Mrs Smith · Joined: 24 Apr 2011 Posts: 13 Location: UK

Okay, so I know that 'clearing debts' and 'TEFL' should be followed by a punchline. Nevertheless, I would really appreciate any advice and so am turning to all of you knowledgeable bunch.

Basically, I did a postgrad course over the last year which has left me with a fair wack of debt which the repayments will commence on from January 2012. So I'm trying to work out if there is any country I could go and work in that would give me a high enough salary that I would be able to have about �250 clear a month (i.e. after all living costs, accommodation etc). Obviously I'll need to save a bit, before sending it back to take account of transfer fees (or can I escape these by using Paypal??).

I know that the British Council jobs in Malaysia and jobs in the middle east pay well but I'm wondering whether the high salaries would be eaten up by high cost of living/taxes in those places.

The place I really, really want to go is Russia but salaries only seem to be $1000 per month out there which doesn't seem feasible for my situation.

In terms of what I am cut out for I have degree, TESOL, 3 years experience with adults and children, a very small smattering of business teaching, and I can't go to Saudi Arabia as they won't let me in.

Thank you in advance.

Yours lovingly and stressingly!

Mrs Smith · Joined: 24 Apr 2011 Posts: 13 Location: UK

Almost forgot, I also have about 9 months DoS/ADoS experience but don't have the DELTA.

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Mrs Smith · Joined: 24 Apr 2011 Posts: 13 Location: UK

Thanks Perilla. I didn't know Korea could be so lucrative. Any recommendations for a company?

The postgrad is in Law - not as useful as I thought it would be!

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

250 British pounds is about 31,000 Japanese yen. Not a problem at all in paying that off and having plenty more left over, perhaps 3 times that much if you also deduct basic necessities.

Using GoLloyds to transfer money requires a small fee (2000 yen), BTW.
http://www.golloyds.com/index/en

tttompatz

JimJam · Joined: 06 Mar 2010 Posts: 69 Location: UK

Moscow!

You can get probably �1000 per month for 80 contract hours (700+ rubles per academic hour) and then around �50 - �80 per private lesson.

You could easily repatriate more than �1000 per month.

Other teachers will be along shortly to dispute my figures Very Happy

Oh, just remember the winters are miserable!

smithrn1983 · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

On the issue of private students, I think it's normally true that it

1. takes some time to build up a reliable contingent of them
2. even those aren't entirely reliable

I'd say that it's risky to calculate private students as definite income - it's more like the icing on the cake.

smithrn1983 · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow

I ignored private students in my calculations for exactly those reasons. The numbers given assume you get all your hours from a school. With three years of experience, you have a chance at bypassing the McSchools in Moscow, and getting set up with an hourly contract at a school. Expect in the neighborhood of 800r/acad. hour. Keep in mind that your start-up costs will be significant. In addition to plane tickets and visa fees, you will probably also need to pay for your own apartment, which will take 2000-3000USD. EDIT 2000-3000USD is the price to move in to an apartment. You'll owe the first month's rent + security deposit + agent's fee.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

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

smithrn1983 · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow

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

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 5:18 am Post subject:

Dear Mrs smith

Russia can be quite lucrative. Debts can be paid. In Moscow at least. However, bear in mind that one of the major hurdles here is actually getting into the country. Like most people, you'll probably have to enter the country with a McSchool, such as BKC. They get you the visa. Salaries are pretty low, though consider also they throw in a flat into the deal. Poor standard, but it is there ready for you. A very big thing in Moscow. If you can take the long view, you'll make quite a bit of money in Moscow if you go freelance in the your second year. Smaller schools pay more per hour. Even BKC freelancers get 1000 rubs an hour, I hear tell. But of course, you'll need a place of your own. Then there are the privates. Higher fees because of the higher risks.

Most established freelancers in Moscow say they can earn well over 3000 to 4000 quid a month. (Figures vary due to the season and the amount of beer consumed when imparting this info.) The costs are high too. A crappy bed-sit flat will set you back about 600 -700 quid a month. But your target of 250 pounds a month could easily be met. Though probably not in your first year.

In any case, good luck to you.