Job Discussion Forums

[Crayola]

Hi Everyone,

My spouse and I are thinking about teaching English abroad. We have a one year old daughter and would like some advice on where to go and how to arrange childcare. School won't be a problem for at least a couple of years. We would have two incomes. So, here are some questions I would like you to answer:

1) What do you think would be the best place to go with a child? We have been considering Korea, Thailand, or Germany (we're also open to other possibilities, although UAE is out due to very little teaching experience).

2) How would you go about arranging childcare? How about living arrangements? I know some places (like Korea) will pay for your rent...but what happens if you need some extra space?

3) Is it difficult to get a visa for a child?

4) Can you afford to live comfortably and pay for rent, childcare, medical etc.?

I would appreciate any info you can give me

[spiral78]

I can only speak for Germany, but can't even do that to any very useful degree unless I know something about your qualifications and where you are from.

In Germany, if you are from an EU member country, you have an automatic right to work which will make it easier for you to get contracts, given that you have the minimum credentials (BA in anything and a CELTA or equivalent certification).

If you are from outside the EU, you are looking at patching together freelance contracts; this makes things far more problematic. There is quite a lot of info regarding the processes to obtain freelance permits on the Germany board below.

This is not a region (Europe in general) where jobs are found from abroad, and employers generally do not pay or reimburse airfare, provide housing, medical insurance, or childcare. Living comfortably is possible on two salaries, but if you have to work freelance and also have a child, I think things would likely be very tight.

[MotherF]

Like Spiral, I could tell you more if you told us (both of) your qualifications.

1) What do you think would be the best place to go with a child? We have been considering Korea, Thailand, or Germany (we're also open to other possibilities, although UAE is out due to very little teaching experience).

I live in Mexico with my family--they are Mexican, and that does make a big difference. In many ways, childhood in Mexico is like it was 30 years ago in the US. Which is both good and bad. I live in a small city and I'm glad my kids are growing up here. It is a mixed bag, but the positives outweigh the negatives for me.

2) How would you go about arranging childcare? How about living arrangements? I know some places (like Korea) will pay for your rent...but what happens if you need some extra space?
In Mexico working mothers get free daycare up until the age of 4. (You'd want to make suer you got a full time contract job and not a free-lance type job that doesn't offer benefits. Many langauge schools employ their teachers as freelancers to get out of paying benefits. You get your own place here and it's actually easier to find 2 bedroom places than 1 bedroom or studio appartments.

3) Is it difficult to get a visa for a child?
No, but it costs the same as what it costs for parents and it will be on you to pay it.

4) Can you afford to live comfortably and pay for rent, childcare, medical etc.?
Depending on your qualifications and your luck, very much so. I have 3 kids and my husband was up until last week--a full time student.

[nomad soul]

Crayola, what academic qualifications and/or teaching experience do you and your spouse have?

[Crayola]

Thanks so much for the advise. Seems doable, so far

As for qualifications, I have a four year university degree in music. I've been teaching piano for the past few years. My spouse has a Master's in history. We're also both thinking about completing a CELTA course before applying for work abroad. Do you think this would be a good idea, or would a less extensive (and less expensive) course suffice? I think it would be beneficial for us both to get some training in planning lessons as well as gaining a better understanding of what is expected from an ESL teacher.

[Crayola]

I forgot to mention that we are Canadians with no previous experience teaching ESL.

[spiral78]

For Germany you absolutely need a CELTA or equivalent, simply because all the new teachers on the market have one and anything less puts you at even more of a disadvantage than your non-EU passport already does. And as Canadians, you are unlikely to actually find contracted positions.

[nomad soul]

[MotherF]

In Latin America start up costs are pretty high in comparison to salaries. If you go to Asia for a couple of years and still want to do this. Once you are experienced--and have relevant training, you can support your family in Latin America. A new unexperienced teacher in Latin America generally has a hard couple of first years.

[Crayola]

Thanks for your comments! I guess we're now thinking about going to Korea or China for a year or two first. Hopefully we can save enough money there to then go to Europe to try and get a teaching position. I have a EU passport.
Has anyone here taken a family along to Korea?

[nomad soul]

[scholar]

I've been doing extensive research on China. It is a good place. You and your family could do well there, I believe. You have to be willing to go with the flow on Chinese customs and living patterns. It's a country with a unique set of traits. It's not for everyone. Definitely you should follow the laws. Be hard-working and law-abiding, and you will have a nice time.

[Isla Guapa]

[scholar]

As I stated, I am in the research phase. I attended a top-notch university and now plan to volunteer in China for a bit before heading back to the U.S. to obtain a position in a prestigious organization such as UNESCO or the World Bank. I intend to do a deep dive on China's social, economic, and historical narrative and leveraging that core competency in a role where cross-cultural team-building is rewarded. I do think that my advice is relevant in a broad cross-section of countries and situations. Work hard and obey local law and regulations, and you can have a good experience. How could that steer you wrong?

[MotherF]