Teaching English Abroad

Lexe

Hi everyone,

I have been teaching English in South Korea for 3 years and I'm thinking about a change. I'd still like to teach English but I don't know where to go next.

Does anyone have any good experiences anywhere that they'd like to share?

I've ruled out South America and South East Asia as I don't want to have to just scrap by on my salary. So I'm trying to research some of the more unusual places to teach. A good wage is one of the most important things for me. I'd be happy to move somewhere that was completely culturally different and I'm not too concerned with nightlife.

another native

Perhaps, you already know that an agency called Bonne International held interviews in Dublin on Wednesday October 24th. The news made a few headlines!

Teachers of English (with degree) were needed for "wealthy" families/private school in Moscow. Salaries (including accommodation) quoted in various newspapers were €1,900 - €4,000 monthly. Higher salaries were quoted for nannies. Don't know though if they're still looking for more applicants!

Ponster

You'll find lots of info in the Teaching forum.

Not really.. It's almost all about Korea with some stuff about Dubai which hasn't popped up in ages. I tried to get a Tefl in Vietnam thread going but it didn't take.. Instead, I get PMs every day about it. I tried to get a specific Tefl forum started and it wasn't considered even with good support.

How much savings per month are you used to in Korea? Vietnam is in SEA but the money is crazy good with some experience.

Lexe

Thanks@another native. That sounds like an interesting opportunity and certainly a good salary.

As regards SK, the money is good too. I save 700-800EUR a month. There's potential to save more for sure if that was your sole objective. However it has been rumored that the budget for Native English Teachers is going to be cut after the presidential election in December. And anyway there has been rumors for a few years that the government is going to phase out NET's by 2014, that they feel like the money spent on us (mostly non qualified teachers) could be better spent on their own Korean teachers.

How about Vietnam? How crazy good is the salary.. i'm curious now. And how about the working conditions and lifestyle? Are there any good forums on Vietnam that I can check out?

Yeah great forum for Hanoi.. http://tnhvietnam.xemzi.com Jobs, Houses, Classifieds, Forum, Reviews.

Eh I got pretty lucky jumping around after a year's experience but my base salary lets me save about $1800 a month (22 hours/week).. Then privates are another $400. Used to be on $3000 savings but lost a bit of overtime and got lazy and quit my evening privates. That's with a sweet house, supporting girlfriend and eating/drinking what I want.

If you put the work in and jump jobs a bit, you can get really good money. I know a few people on more but most people on a lot less because it's an easy place to work 15 hours a week and live a really easy life.. I did it for a right while but lost my savings from a broken collar bone, extended breaks between jobs and then holidays so have decided to take it seriously now.

Lexe

Cool thanks for the info. Sounds like you've got a good gig.

I loved Vietnam when I was there 4 years ago, I was really sad to leave actually But... you can't help but notice what a patriarchal society it is, in the sense that the men seemed pretty lazy. I'm basing this on just what I used to see, like old old women bent over on building sites carrying wheelbarrows of bricks and the restaurant across filled with men sitting around. Anyways I know there's no such thing as a perfect society but I remember thinking back then I don't know if I could cope seeing that everyday.. depends on your sensitivity I suppose. Is that something that expats complain about a lot?

Are there any other things to watch out for?