Want to live and work overseas but not too keen on pulling beers in a pub or working at a ski resort? What about teaching English?
As of December 2015, approximately 1.7 billion individuals across the world are recorded to be using and learning English.
With the advent of broader internet coverage, smartphones and applications, instant global communication is possible. Friends and absolute strangers alike are able to connect and communicate from opposite sides of the world in real time.
The rise of international business and globalization is one of many contributing factors to the rise in demand for English teachers in non-native speaking countries.
International borders that were once barriers to both business and even travel are not as restrictive as they once were. This combined with a more intrepid generation of workers, who willing to move and relocate for employment opportunities, and a greater demand for English skills in once remote and travel destinations has resulted in a surge in demand for English teachers and tutors.
So where to head to flex those English teaching skills?
Korea
Korea is quickly becoming one of the world’s most financially flourishing countries, positioning itself as an economic powerhouse and as the technologic destination.
With such positioning, the demand for English teachers have grown dramatically over the past five years.
There is one main decision to make when teaching English in Korea; public or private schools. Public schools are run by the Korean Ministry of Education, whereas Private schools (or Hagwons) are, in essence a private entity and run like a business, which means longer working hours, smaller class sizes and evening/weekend shifts.
Level of education/certification required: TEFL Certificate
Average salary (approx.):
Public (First year teachers) – $1,500USD >$1,700USD a month
Public (Experienced) – $1,700USD > $2,300USD a month
Private (First year) – $1,700USD>$1,800USD a month
Private (Experienced) – $1,800USD>$2,600USD a month
Cost of living (compared to USD):
Accommodation/Rent (Furnished single occupancy apartment) is generally included.
Groceries: 18.08% higher
Internet: 54.70 % lower
Transport: 51.76 % lower (one way ticket)
Description of teaching experience:
Locations: Both major cities and rural area placement
Teaching hours:
> Public 22-24 hours a week (generally 08:30 – 16:30, Mon-Fri)
> Private 30 hours a week (09:00 – 18:00 / 15:00 – 22:00)
Vacation Days:
> Public 18 days & 13-15 national holidays
> Private 7-10 days & 13-15 national holidays
Class Sizes:
> Public 25-30 students per class
> Private 10-15 students per class
Japan
Japan has long been the destination of choice for intrepid English teachers. A country at the forefront of global economics and technology, steeped deeply in culture and tradition. This dichotomy combined with a welcoming and inquisitive society has long fascinated outsiders.
Similar to Korea, there are Public and Private teaching positions available. All applicants for public school teaching positions are required to sit an interview after passing initial screenings phases (resume and telephone interview).
Level of education/certification required: TEFL Certificate. Additional training is generally provided.
Average salary (approx.):
Public – $3,000USD a month
Private – $3,000USD a month (full-time), $1,500USD a month (part-time)
Cost of living (compared to USD):
Accommodation/Rent: 27.45% lower than US
Groceries: 23.32% higher
Internet: 32.92% lower
Transport: 17.74% lower (one way ticket)
Description of teaching experience:
Locations: Both major cities and rural area placement
Teaching hours:
> Public 29.5 hours a week
> Private 26.6 hours a week (full time), 13.3 hours a week (part-time)
Vacation Days:
> Public 3-4 weeks in August, 2 weeks Dec/Jan & All National Holidays
> Private 10 working days & All National Holidays
Class Sizes:
> Public 25-30 students per class
> Private 1-15 students per class
Thailand
With travel and hospitality industries booming across Southeast Asia, there has never been a better time, or higher demand for English teachers in Thailand. And what better a place for some cultural immersion and remote living than the villages and small towns of Thailand.
ESL teachers will lead classes for a diverse range of students, from children and pre-schools to adults and working professionals. Plus, it’s Thailand, have you seen the photos of Phi Phi Islands?
Level of education/certification required: A bachelor’s degree and TEFL or CELTA Certificate is advised. International schools require teaching qualifications from home country & minimum of 2 years experience.
Average salary (approx):
$500-$1200USD a month
Cost of living (compared to USD):
Accommodation/Rent:151.14% lower than US
Groceries: 59.75% lower
Internet: 191.83% lower
Transport: 296.10% lower (one way ticket)
Description of teaching experience:
Locations: Mainly Bangkok, Phuket and Chang Mai
Teaching hours:
35-40 hours a week
Vacation Days:
Varies from school to school
Class Sizes:
Varies from school to school
Argentina
The majority of teaching jobs in Argentina are located in Buenos Aires, but that’s not to say you can’t venture even further out to smaller cities or rural villages. And just think of some of the travelling you can do locally; sampling the sights, sounds & tastes of Buenos Aires, exploring the Andes and it’s a jumping off point for the rest of South America.
One thing to keep in mind is that teachers are required to have a visa to work in Argentina. Most placement agencies will direct you on how to go about applying for your visa before you arrive in Argentina.
Level of education/certification required: TEFL or TESOL Certificate.
Average salary (approx.):
$400-600USD a month
Cost of living (compared to USD):
Accommodation/Rent: 160.42% lower than US
Groceries: 61.46% lower
Internet: 36.98% lower
Transport: 406.75% lower (one way ticket)
Description of teaching experience:
Locations: Both major cities and rural area placement
Teaching hours:
25 – 35 hours a week
Vacation Days:
Dependant on location and school
Class Sizes:
Dependant on location and school
Costa Rica
Recently, there has been an increase in native Costa Ricans looking at further developing their careers in international markets. Accompanying this spiked interest in employment abroad, is a greater demand in English teachers and tutors for private language institutions. Costa Rica is in fact one of the most popular countries for English teachers due to the diverse range
Similar to Argentina, visa’s are required for those wanting to teach in Costa Rica. If you are relying on the position to sponsor your permit, be prepared to go through an extensive interview process, as these permits are expensive for employers.
Level of education/certification required: TEFL or CELTA Certificate is not required but advised.
Average salary (approx.):
$600-$1,000USD a month
Cost of living (compared to USD):
Accommodation/Rent: 56.02% lower than US
Groceries: 26.98 lower
Internet: 7.29% lower
Transport (one way ticket): 66.98% lower
Description of teaching experience:
Locations: Both major cities and rural area placement
Teaching hours:
Dependant on school & location
Vacation Days:
Dependant on school & location
Class Sizes:
Dependant on school & location
Like any new employment endeavour, there are some things you should keep in mind when selecting where to go and also, what your contract will entail:
- Health insurance and sick days
- Transportation to and from accommodation
- Holidays
- Overtime
- Dress Code
- Career Options and Professional Development
- Preparation Time
- Performance Expectations
- Cultural trends and customs
So, you’ve got the teaching abroad bug, what next? Well, this is where we hand you over to the professionals. To find more information, we suggest you head to:
