|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Chaparrastique
Joined: 01 Jan 2014
|
 Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 2:14 am Post subject: ESL Teacher Salaries: 9 Countries Where You'll Make Bank |
 |
|
| Quote: |
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE) The highest paid ESL jobs in the world are found here and Salary packages can range between $2,400 and $4,000 a month, depending on experience. However, like most Middle Eastern countries, the requirements are stringent and most jobs require teachers to be certified to teach in their home countries or at least have several years of teaching experience.
Two of the most popular destinations in the UAE are Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These world-class cities are often compared to Disney World for adults, with plenty of activities and cultural experiences available. What's more, the UAE ranks in our top 5 countries for teaching in the Middle East.
2. Saudi Arabia If camels, desert, and a little bit of culture shock sound like a fair trade off for a high ESL teaching salary, Saudi Arabia might be a destination for you to consider. Saudi Arabia has an edge on some of the other countries in the Middle East, because many job openings do not require teacher certification. Experience is always beneficial, and TEFL certificates are usually necessary, but salaries float around $3,000 per month.
3. Kuwait Due to a high number of International schools, the job opportunities are plentiful for English teachers. Kuwait City may be surrounded by desert, but the city itself is buzzing. It's clean and modern, with skyscrapers, green parks, clubs, shopping, and a vibrant expat community. ESL teacher salaries average about $2,600 per month, tax-free, but most employers require teacher certification and experience.
4. Japan The food, snow-capped mountains, springtime cherry blossoms, steaming bowls of noodles, and polite, welcoming people have given teaching in Japan a wide appeal. And it doesn't hurt either that the pay can be as high as $3,000 a month with added benefits like free housing and flight reimbursement. Previous teaching experience is not necessary, though it can be tough to find a position without it since the job market in Japan is extremely competitive. Most less experienced teachers opt to participate in the JET Programme, but be sure to consider the alternatives.
5. South Korea Japan's neighbor to the west, South Korea, has a similar salary and benefit package to Japan, but is somewhat less discovered as a tourist destination. However, that is changing. English teachers are flocking to Korea, where the salary for ESL teachers is around $2,000 a month.
Factor in overtime and bonus opportunities, and a lower cost of living, South Korea is one of the best destinations for teaching abroad. A minimum of a TEFL certificate and bachelor's degree is usually required to teach English in Korea, especially for the EPIK, GEPIK, or SMOE programs.
6. Vietnam For teachers who don't have previous experience and hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and TEFL certificate, Vietnam is a good option. The country has beautiful beaches, mountains, rice terraces, and world heritage sites like Ha Long Bay for travel enthusiasts. However, at $1000-$2000 per month, the salary is not as high as the other countries on this list, but the jobs are more accessible and cost of living is cheap -- that goes for everything from food to transport to accommodation.
7. Taiwan Like Korea, the salaries in Taiwan hover around $2,000 a month, with an even lower cost of living, milder winters, and near tropical summers. Saving money can be very easy, and ESL teaching jobs are available across the board, from kindergarten to university, public and private. It's best to reflect on your options. Most jobs in Taiwan do not require a TEFL certificate, just a university degree, though this may change as the job market becomes more competitive. All in all, Taiwan is a small island with a lot to offer.
8. China As the most highly populated country in the world, China offers immense opportunities to teachers. In areas throughout the country you'll find English language programs for students of all ages. Salaries to teach in China can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per month. If you decide to teach in China, you can either work through a private company or find a position at a public school. English skills are a requirement for many students hoping to pursue higher education in China, so your contributions will really make a difference in the lives of your students.
9. Oman Oman is one of the most developed countries in the Arab world, and it has seen rapid advancements in its education system in recent years. Although opportunities to teach English in the country are rather limited right now, it is a great opportunity to act as a pioneer in a burgeoning field. If you do choose to teach in Oman, you'll be rewarded well. Current salaries can range from $1,000 to $3,500 per month, and with a very low cost of living (around $700 per month) you'll have plenty of opportunity to expand your savings.
http://www.gooverseas.com/blog/esl-teacher-salaries-9-countries-where-youll-make-bank |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Troglodyte
Joined: 06 Dec 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 3:02 am Post subject: Re: ESL Teacher Salaries: 9 Countries Where You'll Make Bank |
|
|
| Chaparrastique wrote: |
| Quote: |
4. Japan The food, snow-capped mountains, springtime cherry blossoms, steaming bowls of noodles, and polite, welcoming people have given teaching in Japan a wide appeal. And it doesn't hurt either that the pay can be as high as $3,000 a month with added benefits like free housing and flight reimbursement. Previous teaching experience is not necessary, though it can be tough to find a position without it since the job market in Japan is extremely competitive. Most less experienced teachers opt to participate in the JET Programme, but be sure to consider the alternatives.
5. South Korea Japan's neighbor to the west, South Korea, has a similar salary and benefit package to Japan, but is somewhat less discovered as a tourist destination. However, that is changing. English teachers are flocking to Korea, where the salary for ESL teachers is around $2,000 a month.
Factor in overtime and bonus opportunities, and a lower cost of living, South Korea is one of the best destinations for teaching abroad. A minimum of a TEFL certificate and bachelor's degree is usually required to teach English in Korea, especially for the EPIK, GEPIK, or SMOE programs.
6. Vietnam For teachers who don't have previous experience and hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and TEFL certificate, Vietnam is a good option. The country has beautiful beaches, mountains, rice terraces, and world heritage sites like Ha Long Bay for travel enthusiasts. However, at $1000-$2000 per month, the salary is not as high as the other countries on this list, but the jobs are more accessible and cost of living is cheap -- that goes for everything from food to transport to accommodation.
8. China As the most highly populated country in the world, China offers immense opportunities to teachers. In areas throughout the country you'll find English language programs for students of all ages. Salaries to teach in China can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per month. If you decide to teach in China, you can either work through a private company or find a position at a public school. English skills are a requirement for many students hoping to pursue higher education in China, so your contributions will really make a difference in the lives of your students.
http://www.gooverseas.com/blog/esl-teacher-salaries-9-countries-where-youll-make-bank |
|
Those salaries a bit misleading.
In Japan you CAN make $3000/month but you'd be working your butt of to get it. They should note that it's a lot closer to $2000.
House is rarely free. If it was then most first timers would be heading there instead of Korea.
Korea. Here's where you get free housing as a standard job benefit. Overtime and "bonus opportunities" usually don't benefit first timers much (unless they're willing to work in the black).
Vietnam. Not a bad description. It's a good place for those who want to do minimal work while they travel. A big draw is that you don't need any qualifications if you look the part and don't care about pesky visa and work permits. (Same goes for Thailand.)
The range for China starts at a lot lower than $1000/month. They have low standards for hiring though (they'll hire people who aren't even fluent in English). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
outkast_3000
Joined: 20 Nov 2009
|
| Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 11:45 pm Post subject: Hmmm.... |
|
|
Seems like there's one glaring omission: Hong Kong.
I should know. I work here now.
As part of the government NET Scheme, my monthly intake is 56,000 HKD...which as of today, works out to 7, 800,000 KRW.
My job is more challenging than my GEPIK gigs of days past, but the working culture, at least for me at my current school, is rather cozy. No camps and no deskwarming! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 6:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
Seems like there's one glaring omission: Hong Kong.
I should know. I work here now.
As part of the government NET Scheme, my monthly intake is 56,000 HKD...which as of today, works out to 7, 800,000 KRW.
My job is more challenging than my GEPIK gigs of days past, but the working culture, at least for me at my current school, is rather cozy. No camps and no deskwarming! |
Yeah on about the same but what with rent and everything, I'm saving less here compared to Korea. Despite being on a lot more. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
outkast_3000
Joined: 20 Nov 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 7:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
| edwardcatflap wrote: |
| Quote: |
Seems like there's one glaring omission: Hong Kong.
I should know. I work here now.
As part of the government NET Scheme, my monthly intake is 56,000 HKD...which as of today, works out to 7, 800,000 KRW.
My job is more challenging than my GEPIK gigs of days past, but the working culture, at least for me at my current school, is rather cozy. No camps and no deskwarming! |
Yeah on about the same but what with rent and everything, I'm saving less here compared to Korea. Despite being on a lot more. |
Edwardcatflap,
Darn, you must've been making quite the coin out in Korea! I've always said that if I could net even 70% in Korea what I get here I'd prob go back. What're your reasons for staying in HK and not heading back to Korea? I spent my 16 day Easter Break there and missed it terribly. Would really love to go back...HK has gotten kind if old but I'm sure there's a "grass is greener on the other side" element to it!
Even with my atrocious rent and taxes deducted i'm left with plenty...I do eat local though and perhaps that offsets some of the costs? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 11:39 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
Edwardcatflap,
Darn, you must've been making quite the coin out in Korea! I've always said that if I could net even 70% in Korea what I get here I'd prob go back. What're your reasons for staying in HK and not heading back to Korea? I spent my 16 day Easter Break there and missed it terribly. Would really love to go back...HK has gotten kind if old but I'm sure there's a "grass is greener on the other side" element to it!
Even with my atrocious rent and taxes deducted i'm left with plenty...I do eat local though and perhaps that offsets some of the costs? |
I much prefer it here actually and don't miss Korea at all. Can't really understand anyone who would, unless they had ties there. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
outkast_3000
Joined: 20 Nov 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 3:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| edwardcatflap wrote: |
| Quote: |
Edwardcatflap,
Darn, you must've been making quite the coin out in Korea! I've always said that if I could net even 70% in Korea what I get here I'd prob go back. What're your reasons for staying in HK and not heading back to Korea? I spent my 16 day Easter Break there and missed it terribly. Would really love to go back...HK has gotten kind if old but I'm sure there's a "grass is greener on the other side" element to it!
Even with my atrocious rent and taxes deducted i'm left with plenty...I do eat local though and perhaps that offsets some of the costs? |
I much prefer it here actually and don't miss Korea at all. Can't really understand anyone who would, unless they had ties there. |
Edwardcatflap,
To each his own, then! 
To be fair, I was glad to be out of Korea my first few years in HK. And career-wise there's more for growth here and that's tough to give up, as is what passes for "winter" here! I love HK, but money being equal or close to it, I very well might stay, but it'd be a headace for me deciding! I concede this might be nostalgia speaking though. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 4:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Hi Outkast
I'm not a SNET, no and am anyway thinking of moving back to Korea soon (without much enthusiasm, if truth be told) I'd be interested to know why you prefer it there. For me better things in HK are
Supermarkets
Scenery
Foreign restaurant quality and variety
Multiculturalism - less staring, people not being able to deal with foreigners etc...
Students - less blind nationalism
location - much nearer holiday places like Thailand, Philipines etc.. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
outkast_3000
Joined: 20 Nov 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 6:40 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| edwardcatflap wrote: |
Hi Outkast
I'm not a SNET, no and am anyway thinking of moving back to Korea soon (without much enthusiasm, if truth be told) I'd be interested to know why you prefer it there. For me better things in HK are
Supermarkets
Scenery
Foreign restaurant quality and variety
Multiculturalism - less staring, people not being able to deal with foreigners etc...
Students - less blind nationalism
location - much nearer holiday places like Thailand, Philipines etc.. |
Edward,
Sorry to hear that you are considering moving back to Korea and not particularly happy about it.
Once again, I love Hong Kong. I wouldn't put up too much of a fuss with your list as I for the most part would agree with those things in one way or another. I enjoy both places a lot I guess!
Things I like more about Korea, or more specifically, Seoul:
1. Solace from the bustle - Despite Seoul being a busy and fast-paced city, there are places - within the craziness - where you can zone out and get away without, for example, taking a boat to Discovery Bay or taking a country park hike. I'm a coffee shop loiterer and Seoul is amazing for that. I envy the amount of cozy cafes with different niche themes that you can go to for some solitude. In Hong Kong there are few places to call your own. I have my spots, and while nice, are often small and cramped spaces (that's HK for ya!). Whether it's sitting on the rooftop terrace on a nice day at Cafe Breezin in Samcheong-dong, or taking in the atmosphere at 5 Extracts in Hongdae, there's something nice, charming, and unique about the kinds of cafes (and bars) on offer. Hong Kong has some nice ones too, but without the same breath of fresh air - The Rabbit Hole in Wan Chai comes to mind, or Zai Fe in Central.
2. Nightlife/Watering Holes - This was probably the most disappointing part of Hong Kong for me. HK has NICE bars, but they're almost a little too refined. Those that are a bit rough around the edges just don't bring the same sort of fun as those found in Seoul. This is just a personal opinion, of course. I love Cafe Grey at the Upper House, or the Roundhouse Tavern in Soho, or Blckbrd on Lydnhurst Terrace, etc. There's a degree of posh and swank or "hipster" that speaks for itself in these places - and that's fine. You pay a pretty penny for it too. Seoul is full of new and interesting bars, some may call them wannabe bars, but they're still nice at a fraction of the cost. For example, you can get a glass of Ardbeg at Shenanigans for 9,000 won, that's insane. As with the cafe's, there are more niche bars that're interesting to explore compared to HK. Also, I find once everyone gets sauced, Koreans are more likely to mingle than HKers and more likely to let loose. HKers keep to themselves at bars for the most part. Maybe I'm just an obnoxious drunk?
3. Space. In all aspects of your life. Parking space is far easier to find in Seoul and won't cost you a lung; living space isn't cheap in Seoul but comes out favorably compared to HK when you starting thinking price per square foot; sidewalk space when you're walking; space in shops, restaurants, bars, etc. This isn't HK's fault...it's a small place, and unfortunately, that kinda sucks.
I haven't the time to continue this list at the moment, but I'll say that I'm well aware these things don't make Seoul "better" than HK. I think there are a myriad of personal preferences one way or another that can't be objectively sussed out - you like what you like. Furthermore, life circumstances and where you are in life makes a difference. If I had to send a kid off to school in either Seoul or HK, without much research having been done, my gut tells me to go with HK. If I were absolutely single, and money being equal, Seoul would be more attractive to me.
With all that being said...HK is awesome! =) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Brooks
Joined: 08 Apr 2003
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2015 3:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
I am in Japan and I do work my ass off.
In fact I had to work 6 days last week.
I make $3,000 a month but I earn it.
I teach at a mediocre high school where most students play sports and if they don't study, they get away with it.
50 people applied for the job, but I got it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Chaparrastique
Joined: 01 Jan 2014
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| outkast_3000 wrote: |
| I'm well aware these things don't make Seoul "better" than HK. |
You're wasting your breath outkast, I don't think he gets it.
no need to try and justify yourself, its ok that people are different. One is not "better" than the other (as so many self-backslapping mediocre eslers are desperate to try and prove). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2015 12:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
outkast_3000 wrote:
I'm well aware these things don't make Seoul "better" than HK.
You're wasting your breath outkast, I don't think he gets it.
no need to try and justify yourself, its ok that people are different. One is not "better" than the other (as so many self-backslapping mediocre eslers are desperate to try and prove). |
Oh yeah, you were the guy who was trying to claim there weren't any promotions in TESL weren't you. So, just as it winds you up when someone says one job is better than another, we're now not allowed to say a supermarket, a restaurant or a view is either? Everything has to be at the same level of crappiness you obviously inhabit at the moment. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MEDALLOKUYA
Joined: 07 Feb 2015
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2015 6:40 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| not sure why the author mentions international schools as a reason to why job opportunities are plentiful for ESL teachers. International Schools hire Westerners to teach real subjects who normally hold an actual teaching license in their field. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
