Six o’clock on a winter morning. The temperature bottoming out at around -20 C. A tall, not altogether awake Englishman makes his way to work through the dawn streets of Seoul; just another chancer wanting to teach English and taste a bit more of what the world’s got to offer. The tall [...]]]> by David Cox

Six o’clock on a winter morning. The temperature bottoming out at around -20 C. A tall, not altogether awake Englishman makes his way to work through the dawn streets of Seoul; just another chancer wanting to teach English and taste a bit more of what the world’s got to offer. The tall Englishman trudges on. He walks past a pile of vomit. A little further on, there’s a drunken man peeing in the street. A wolf howls in the distance. Okay, forget the last part; I made that up. To be honest, teaching English in Korea isn’t that bad. There will be trials, though, of patience and endurance. So be warned. And be prepared. And you might just be pleased you came.

Subscribe to The ELT Times by Email

You will chose between teaching kids or adults. I chose adults. Either way, most of the work is with private institutes called hogwans. They don’t enjoy a great reputation. Most of the hogwans offer similar deals. I chose to work for ELS who, together with Pagoda, rank as the largest and longest established institute chains in Korea. The pay and conditions aren’t any better than those offered by smaller hogwans, but they do have a track record of keeping their promises.

A lot of fresh young graduates come to Seoul with no previous job experience in their own countries, let alone abroad, and certainly not much idea of how to teach. My advice is do yourself a big favour by taking a TESOL certificate course. There are so many things to get used to when you come to Korea. Having taken a teaching course, at least the classroom won’t seem such an unfamiliar place.

As a rule, Korean adult students are respectful and quite responsive. Having worked with teenagers in Europe, I’m certainly not complaining. Some teachers have a problem with their students’ opinions, and class dynamics (especially male / female relationships) that seem dictated by Korea’s own idiosyncratic version of Confucianism – but these are merely elements of the culture you’ve come to explore in the first place. An open mind and the willingness to accept other viewpoints will not only help you survive, they’ll enable you to get the most out of your experience.

Your salary will be about 2 million won (£1000) a month. Some kind of help – depending on the type of contract – is usually given in finding and subsidising accommodation. Most teachers need to borrow key money (a large refundable deposit) from their employers. Flats in Korea are typically a lot smaller than most Westerners are used to. As a single person, you should be able to find a place for about 600,000 won a month (excluding key money). You ought to be able to live reasonably well and still save money.

A meal in a cheap Korean restaurant will cost around 4000 won. There’s also plenty of Western food available, but you’ll pay more for it: for example, 17,000 won for a large pizza, or around 30,000 won for a two course meal in a TGI Fridays style restaurant. Working in Seoul, you’ll find plenty of bars and clubs, catering to all tastes and pockets. Expect to pay upwards of 2000 won for a glass of beer. Public transport – trains and buses – are cheap and efficient. Don’t bother buying a car; there’s no point.

The cities themselves, by Western standards, don’t have much to offer in terms of aesthetic beauty or personal space. If it’s fresh air, and room to swing a cat, you’re after, you’ll have to get out into the countryside which, as far as Korea is concerned, means hiking up a mountain. Korea is brimful of mountains. Most areas are accessible by public transport. One problem you might encounter, even in the countryside, is heavy traffic. On certain weekends and public holidays, it seems as if the whole nation has the same collective idea of getting away from it all.

If you’re after an easy life, don’t bother coming to Korea. You’ll hate it.

You’ll soon discover, in your role of teacher, there’s little point bringing up the question: What do you do in your free time? Sleeping is the most common reply; time being the rarest of all commodities in Korea. You’ll quickly learn to empathise with the locals, especially when required to work early mornings or late evenings, or both. If your employer gives you more than 10 days holiday a year, think yourself lucky. If he (bosses are invariably men) gives you more than three days in a row, you might even want to consider saying thank you. It’s a good idea to choose a contract with the option of a month’s unpaid leave.

If you’re after an easy life, don’t bother coming to Korea. You’ll hate it. And it will end up hating you. What you’ll discover, if you arrive with that open mind I mentioned earlier, is something more difficult to pin down. You’ll live through something you’ve never experienced before. You’ll make the kind of friends, have the kind of conversations, stumble upon the kind of ideas, eat the kind of food, drink the kind of drinks, even get pissed off for the kind of reasons. you’ve never come across before. Character building is how my dad would describe it.

Six o’clock on a summer evening. The temperature slipping from its afternoon peak of 35 C. The tall, weary Englishman heaves his bags onto the conveyor, picks up his boarding card, and walks away towards passport control; just another chancer heading home, having tasted a bit more of what the world’s got to offer. The tall Englishman sits down in the air-conditioned departure lounge, suddenly cool, comfortable and with time on his hands. He thinks of the past year, of what he’s done, of all the people he’s promised to keep in touch with. Let’s just say that he neither planned nor imagined beforehand most of what actually happened during his stay in Seoul. But he wouldn’t change it now. Not for the world.

About the Author

David Cox has worked as a teacher and Academic director for around three years for ELS and is currently employed as a teacher by the British Council in Seoul.

First some context about the TEFL/ESL/TESOL labour market to think about. The market for English language learning in the world is booming. Compare the world now with that of twenty years ago. Communism in Russia and Eastern Europe is in its death throes, China is beginning the transition to capitalism, South America [...]]]> By Will Pearson

First some context about the TEFL/ESL/TESOL labour market to think about. The market for English language learning in the world is booming. Compare the world now with that of twenty years ago. Communism in Russia and Eastern Europe is in its death throes, China is beginning the transition to capitalism, South America is emerging from a decade of turmoil and dictatorship, the EEC is deciding to become the European Union, the Internet and email is in its infancy, but expanding rapidly. All these global changes since then have unleashed the force of English as a global language and it is vital to understand that there are billions of dollars spent on learning it every year. It’s time to bring some of those dollars your way.

Yet why when there are billions of dollars spent on English learning every year, do jobs still advertise only a thousand US dollar salaries a month? Well, unfortunately the labour market for TEFL/ESL/TESOL attracts people from Western countries who, because of their desire to live abroad, are happy to live on nothing. The economic reality is that wages in TEFL/ESL/TESOL are dragged down as a result. The secret to high TEFL/ESL salaries are knowing the local English learning labour market. Just follow these eight techniques to land yourself a lucrative, highly paid job teaching English.

1. Get Qualified

In the supply of and demand for English teachers, teaching qualifications are becoming the rule, not the exception. To stand a chance of getting a job, let alone a high salary, you have to invest the time and money into getting qualified. Entry level TEFL/ESL qualifications comprise essentially of the Cambridge CELTA/CertTESOL. These are month-long training courses that cost around $1500-2000. By 2009, it is clear that the CELTA is becoming the industry norm. This course is worthy of investing in, not only because it will teach you how to teach, but employers now expect it.

To get a salary raise from CELTA/CertTESOL aim to achieve the top grade the course can offer. In CELTA this is a pass B, followed by a pass A, while the CertTESOL does not officially award grades. Achieving above a simple pass shows you’re a competent teacher and you are dedicated to the profession. This may be reflected in a company’s pay scales or can be used by you to negotiate a higher salary. Therefore it is vital to take these training courses seriously and prepare comprehensively for them.

Do not even consider doing an online or distance teaching course. These are a poor investment of your money and are run by unscrupulous organisations keen to manipulate people’s fears of investing a lot of money in an expensive course like CELTA/CertTESOL. But why throw $500-1000 at a course that no school will recognise, let a lone give you pay-related credit for? For CELTA/CertTESOL qualified teachers consider raising your salary through further qualifications. Once you have gained two years experience consider investing in the next level diplomas – these are the Cambridge DELTA/DipTESOL respectively. While both courses require an even larger investment in terms of course costs, you will be rewarded by being eligible for promotion to a role such as DOS/ADOS, with comprehensive pay benefits.

2. Choose Your Country Wisely

Study the market for English learning very carefully. While the sound of a brilliant-white sandy beach close to a school in Thailand does sound tempting, be aware that it is also tempting for thousands of other people and this will be reflected in a low salary. Consider the pros and cons of the following TEFL/ESL/TESOL countries;

Western Europe – offer high salaries with (usually) high costs of living. Some of the best TEFL salaries can be found in France, Germany, the UK (summer schools), offering €2000+ a month, while further south, salaries are drastically lower (only €1000+ a month).

Eastern Europe and Russia – currently experiencing a TEFL boom with supply of teachers significantly lower than demand. Salaries on par with southern Europe already, with people having a much more dedicated work ethic. The market for private students in Russia is particularly lucrative.

The Middle East - salaries are still riding high on the back of oil, with some of the best high salary/low tax deals. Cost of living is also very low, with many superb amenities provided in Saudi, UAE and Oman. Teacher freedom and happiness is a major issue, however.

Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore – high salaries combined with a reasonable standard of living. Long hours are the norm, but saving thousands of dollars a year is a realistic goal.

South East Asia and China – experiencing a TEFL/ESL boom finally, but this has not been matched with corresponding high salaries. The cities offer the best opportunities. Expect big increases in the future as markets mature.

South America – not a place to go if you want a high TEFL salary. Currency instabilities combined with market immaturities mean that this is a risky place to set yourself up. Brazil offers the best opportunities for serious money making.

3. The Job Search

Do not apply for jobs online through sites such as TEFL.com / Dave’s ESL Café if you are serious about making money. The best job deals are seldom online – it is far better to be proactive and travel to your preferred destination and conduct the job search on the ground. This is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, you can apply to a range of employers and cherry pick the best deal. Secondly, you can negotiate yourself better terms and conditions by being instantly available. Thirdly, you can suss out the place and language schools to get an idea of whether you’ll really like it there. Forthly, you can scan the market for private students to see how lucrative it is. If you are afraid of travelling far because of the risk, consider this; most money making requires risk (stocks, shares, property etc). This is no different.

4. Choose a Language School Very Carefully

Do not be desperate and go running to large corporate language chains such as English First, International House, Language Link etc. Such schools offer meagre salaries relative to other local professions. How many times do you see big TEFL/ESL schools advertise salaries online? They don’t because they are so low. They have a high turnover of staff, and prefer teachers with no/little experience so salaries are kept at a minimum. Rather than surviving through academic quality, they choose to cash in on their logo/brand perceptions. Instead, scan the local TEFL/ESL market very carefully so you understand how it works and how you can make it work in your favour. While the big chains seem dominant, there are usually a myriad of smaller, better-run, more professional outfits that are looking for teachers. Often, they recruit locally from the expat community, hence their lack of presence online.

5. Get your own clique of private students

Once you have established yourself in a private language school in your country of choice, make an effort to get a few private students every week. Depending on the local supply and demand of teachers, you can charge what you want. Private student rates are nearly always significantly higher than school rates. If you are quality, word of mouth often spreads very quickly, and you may have more privates on your hands than you can handle. Keep the most profitable ones and expend with unreliable, poorly paying ones. You don’t always have to be well-established in a local school. If you have just arrived somewhere, simply get out there and advertise.

To make the most out of private students, consider running them as micro-classes with two to three students present. Not only will this be more interesting for you as the teacher, you can grade the prices so each student pays less individually, but as a whole contribute more than a single student. Also, consider teaching private in-company classes as they can be much better paying. Approach companies with your credentials and offer to teach them in their lunch break for several weeks. Make (achievable) promises to whoever is organising in-company English classes, so they can see how effective you are as a teacher.

6. Be Entrepreneurial

Do not think of your job being your sole source of revenue. Branch out so you have other means of bringing home money through TEFL/ESL. You have probably already made quite a few classroom handouts. Make them look professional and approach the big three publishers; Pearson Longman, Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press. Even if they decline your ideas they may want you to do other lucrative work for them. Alternatively, if publishers are not your thing, consider selling your handouts online. Everywhere teachers need resources and the online market for TEFL/ESL supplementary handouts is in its infancy.

7. Get Promoted

Teachers of English are often astonished to hear the considerable pay gaps between themselves and their superiors, ADOSs and DOSs. If you are in TEFL/ESL for the long haul, gain more experience and qualifications to rise up the career ladder. The perks are often great; more money obviously, better working hours and conditions, a company car even. If you find yourself in a company with no apparent system for promotions; get out. Do not invest your precious time and energy in a company that isn’t going to reward you.

8. Expand your teaching experience through exam courses such as CAE, FCE, TOEFL, and IELTS

To many people, learning English is purely a matter of passing an exam so the next stage in their lives can be unlocked. The Cambridge exams, along with IELTS and TOEFL offer people a standardised level which they must achieve in order to work and study abroad. Gain experience teaching these areas primarily because students are highly motivated to pass such exams. This is reflected in how you will be remunerated. If you have sufficient experience apply to become an examiner for one of these exams. You will be remunerated well and be given an insight into the examinations process, which students will be willing to pay over the odds for.

In conclusion, a high salary teaching English is an economic reality and simply depends on your knowledge of the local TEFL/ESL labour market and how you can turn that knowledge in your favour. Follow the above advice, marketing yourself as an experienced teaching professional in it for the long haul. Strive to be the best you can be; both with your students and your company and you will be rewarded with a salary that makes teaching abroad a very profitable endeavour indeed.

About the Author

Having been an English teacher for three years in various destinations such as Russia, the UK and Singapore, Will has developed a keen interest in TEFL/ESL/TESOL resource development and management. He has established his own TEFL/ESL/TESOL supplementary handouts website handouthub.com, an Internet subscription database of over 1000 downloadable supplementary handouts.

If you’re like most people, thinking about money gives you a headache. However, if you make a budget and stick to do, you’ll have less to worry about. Before you start to figure out how much [...]]]> In this article Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa, the creator and writer for TEFL Tips discusses creating a budget.

If you’re like most people, thinking about money gives you a headache. However, if you make a budget and stick to do, you’ll have less to worry about. Before you start to figure out how much you need for everything, you’ll have to think of your expenses. What do you spend money on? Everyone has rent and food, but think about everything else, even the little things like medicines or cell phone bills.

Once you have your list of what you spend money on, start allocating how much money you need for each item. You should also have a savings section on your budget. Cut down on those unnecessary items, such as coffee at the coffee shop or clothes. I suggest creating an “extra” item on your budget. All the extra things, like shopping or nights out on the town fall into this section. Don’t allocate a lot of money to this section, put in what you need for the month, but don’t over do it, remember, these things are extras.

Subscribe to The ELT Times by Email

Look over your budget and see where you can cut back. Rather than buying lunch every day, why not try to bring your lunch three times a week? You can save this month in your savings account, or put it towards paying off your credit cards, or paying for a large purchase, like a car. Every little bit helps. If you can save 15 dollars a week, that’s 780 a year.

Creating a budget is the easy part, but actually sticking to it is the hard part. When you go out, whether it’s to work or out shopping, only take the money that you need. If you’re just going to work, you probably don’t need money, unless you take public transport or are buying your lunch. Just bring exactly how much you need. And leave your credit cards and check book at home. If you don’t have any extra money with you, then you can’t spend it.

One thing that’s helpful is separating your money once you get paid. WE use envelopes, one for rent, another for bills, such as water, phone, etc. Paying with cash is probably the best thing to do, that why you see your hard earned money going to someone else. However, if you can’t pay everything with cash, pay as much as you can with cash. Create an envelope for groceries, lunch, extra, etc. When you see how much you have to spend for the month, you’ll be more careful with your money.

Although it’s hard at first, it eventually gets easier and you’ll find you have money left over at the end of the money. You can save it for a rainy day or treat yourself to something nice, after all you deserve it.

About the author

Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa is the creator and writer for TEFL Tips, The LA Job List, and The Ultimate Peru List. She enjoys answering people’s questions about TEFLing and Peru.

The short and easy answer is “YES”.

In fact anyone who has graduated from high school and has a good grasp of their own language can make a comfortable living as a freelance trainer in Germany.

However, a little prep work is required in order to avert disaster.

Over the years I’ve [...]]]> By Nigel Nix

The short and easy answer is “YES”.

In fact anyone who has graduated from high school and has a good grasp of their own language can make a comfortable living as a freelance trainer in Germany.

However, a little prep work is required in order to avert disaster.

Over the years I’ve seen so many people come full of enthusiasm only to leave in tears a few short months later. I can’t guarantee you success but if you follow the 5 guidelines below then your adjustment will be a lot easier.

1. Learn some basic German.

You don’t have to be a fluent speaker but a few months before your trip you should buy a basic phrase book. “Where is the train station?” “How much is this?” etc.

Make sure it has a phonetic pronunciation guide.

It doesn’t matter if your German is terrible at the start, as long as you make the effort to speak the language then most of the natives will try their best to help you.

DO NOT blurt out “Hey dude, where can a guy get himself a mickey dees and a cold bottle of suds in this town?” Although a lot West Germans had a little English in school most of them have forgotten it. How much high school French or Spanish can you remember!?!

Subscribe to The ELT Times by Email

2. Brush up your grammar.

Native speakers use complex grammar structures without thinking what they are called.

Now you need to learn the names and when they are used. DON’T PANIC!

Essential Grammar In Use ISBN 3-12-533460-8

This book is the bible for English trainers and it’s written simply and clearly.

GET IT NOW! Read it from cover to cover and do all the exercises.

Remember you are not learning the language, just brushing up.

I remember thinking “wow, so that’s what it’s called when I say that.”

Basically your learning the lingo.

A TOEFL certificate would be a big advantage and you can do the course in the evenings or at weekends. It’s worth the relatively small price you pay.

3. Observe the culture.

Search the net, read German authors and watch German movies.

Learn a little about the German culture.

Germans are a lot more reserved than British or Americans and need a little more time to warm up. Don’t mistake this for unfriendliness. Once you gain their trust you won’t find more loyal friends. Eating on the street can be frowned upon but drinking a bottle of beer on your way home from work isn’t really out of place.

4. Have your papers ready.

The people here are highly organized and for us maybe a little too bureaucratic.

Make sure you have all your relevant education papers, tax info. , social security etc.

You also have to register for a work permit but most schools will help you with this process. Although the authorities are more tolerant with non-German speakers they still expect everything to be done exactly right. If you have to organize your work permit by yourself then try to have a bi-lingual speaker with you.

5. Have a “Plan B”.

Even with the greatest preparation things can sometimes go wrong.

Make sure that you have an open return plane ticket, travel insurance and enough emergency money with you in case things don’t go as planned.

It could be that you get here and the culture shock is too great, maybe you have a skiing mishap on your day off or being an English trainer isn’t all you thought it would be.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Hopefully I haven’t painted too dark a picture. After all I’m married to a German woman and have happily adjusted to life here. Living and working in Germany can be a fantastic experience and totally change your life in a positive way as long as you do a little planning before your trip.

About the author

Nigel Nix has been teaching Business English in Germany for the last 7 years and now has his own training business. You can visit his website.

Many people get into TEFL as a gap year activity before going back to the “real” world and getting a “real” job. However, there are some of us who stay in the game for a while. Although time is a great [...]]]> Another article from Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa, author of the TEFL Tips blog.

Many people get into TEFL as a gap year activity before going back to the “real” world and getting a “real” job. However, there are some of us who stay in the game for a while. Although time is a great way to move up in the TEFL world, you’ll have to do more than that if you want to snag the good jobs. There are two tried and true ways to move up and get better jobs in the TEFL world. First is experience and the other is qualifications.

Experience is pretty easy, you’ll want to work at good places, not only institutes, but schools as well. You’ll want to work with a variety of age levels and English levels in order to get as much experience as possible. If you teach the same age and level for a while, you’ll be likely to get into a rut. Changing classes will allow you to work with different books and try out different activities. If you spend a lot of time at one place, you’ll probably get the chance to work with different classes. Another reason to stay at one place is that you’ll also be more likely to be chosen for promotion.

Subscribe to The ELT Times by Email

Qualifications is the other. Employers place high value on attending workshops, congresses, and conferences, and belonging to professional associations. The place where you work might be willing to subsidise part of the cost of belonging to a professional organisation or attending a training event. Some places may stress training sessions so your school may offer these free to their employees. If not, try to attend a conference, as it allows you to do some networking. Create a section on your CV that lists a few of the recent conferences that you have attended.

Longer-term options include certificate, diploma, master, and even doctorate courses. While some places may offer to pay for part of your education, even if they don’t, you should consider investing in yourself.

In addition to paper qualifications, becoming a member of a professional association has benefits. Not only will you find out about the latest training courses, but they often offer discounts on courses or material. Also, by joining a professional association, you’ll be put in contact with others in your field, and many of them can be prospective employers.

So if you want to make TEFL your career option, remember to get experience and qualifications and you’ll be a shoo-in for a promotion.

About the author
Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa is the creator and writer for TEFL Tips, The LA Job List, and The Ultimate Peru List. She enjoys answering people’s questions about TEFLing and Peru.

If you are looking for a career that takes you to places all over the world, you might want to start with the skills you already have – your language. Teaching English As A Second Language or ESL can help you visit the [...]]]> What can you gain from traveling abroad teaching English? Evelyn Saunders explains

If you are looking for a career that takes you to places all over the world, you might want to start with the skills you already have – your language. Teaching English As A Second Language or ESL can help you visit the countries you always wish you could see.

Subscribe to The ELT Times by Email

What does it take? First of all, read up on the profession. Understand what kinds of opportunities are available. Make sure you know the qualifications for specific jobs. There are classes you can take to become better qualified. And if you are worried about paying for those classes, don’t worry about that as there are student loans and grants out there to help you out.

Second, become an active member of TESOL (Teaches of English to Speakers of Other Languages) and your local affiliate. Volunteer. Attend a conference. Give a presentation on any teaching idea you have.

Third, find out what jobs are available where you want to go. Talk to people. Ask questions. Consider all possibilities. A number of web sites carry information about jobs overseas, but try to talk personally with people who have spent time in the field. Remember that each person’s experience will be colored by their own expectations, perceptions of the world, and their working situations.

Fourth, ask yourself if you are you mentally prepared for teaching overseas? Too often, teachers who go to another country soon return home disenchanted because things did not turn out the way they expected. While the employer bears some of the responsibility for preparing the new recruit, this does not exempt the employee from gathering as much information as possible about the host country and the place where they will work. Study up and consider the following:

Fifth, go with a purpose in mind. Teachers who have clear professional goals and can sustain themselves by nurturing their professionalism through outside activities and (and don’t blame the foreign culture for personal misfortunes) have the best chance of a successful teaching experience.

Sixth, study the language and culture of the host country. Although many training programs focus on the linguistic elements of the profession, an equally compelling reason should lead us to focus attention on diversity training to help teachers in the acculturation process they will need to undergo in a foreign land. Teachers themselves should make an earnest attempt to learn something about cultural adjustment and training that will lead to successful experiences abroad. Learning the language is a key step to adjustment, so you are able to become an active participant in everyday life. Tapping into what is “hot” and “what’s not” with our students shows them we are not removed spectators.

In addition to looking at the country you want to move to, look also at the school you will be working for. Ask for the email addresses and phone numbers of three of their current teachers? (The more the better, as it gives you a more honest picture of the school.) You can also check up on a school by checking blacklists and grey lists. There are web boards that list disreputable schools in various countries. Korea, in particular, has a large number of dedicated blacklists. So many, in fact, that the best advice may be to avoid working in Korea completely. Search the lists for schools you are considering. Post a question to the board… ask if anyone has had problems with the school you are considering. While this may yield results, blacklists are notoriously unreliable. Just because a school is not on the list does not mean it is a good one. Most bad schools, in fact, will not be found on any of the blacklists.

Last, enjoy the process and see where your new career can take you.

About the author

Evelyn Saunders, a retired teacher, is the editor for student-loans.net, a provider of private student loans and information on student loans and consolidation. For more information, please visit www.student-loans.net

Teaching abroad is a fantastic opportunity to explore the world, teach well-behaved students and earn a generous and often tax-free salary. But it is not all a bed of roses, there are some drawbacks. One major drawback is being so far away from family if something goes wrong. However, this concern should [...]]]> By Kelly Blackwell

Teaching abroad is a fantastic opportunity to explore the world, teach well-behaved students and earn a generous and often tax-free salary. But it is not all a bed of roses, there are some drawbacks. One major drawback is being so far away from family if something goes wrong. However, this concern should not stop you from moving your teaching career abroad. There are some steps you can take to manage the distance.

Subscribe to The ELT Times by Email

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, you can manage the distance by choosing where to work. By this, I mean you should look into cities where you can get to and from on direct flights that are scheduled at least several days each week. You can use any internet travel website to find this information, I usually use Expedia.com. With direct flights you will get home more quickly and not have to worry about making connecting flights. If you cannot get a direct flight to the city/town where your family is located, make sure you can get a direct flight to a city in your home country that has regular connecting flights to your hometown or ultimate destination.

Secondly you can look into the details of your teaching contract. Many international schools recognise that teachers working abroad may have to rush home when family members become ill, and build flights and/or time off into their employment contracts. When hunting for a teaching job abroad you can add this to the criteria you test teaching contracts against to aid your decision making process. This is not something you would ask about up front at the interview, but once you are offered a teaching position you can request a copy of the employment contract to examine.

Thirdly, you can establish an emergency fund. I have had an emergency fund since I started travelling and working abroad more than 12 years ago. My emergency fund has enough money in it to fly me home from wherever I am on a full fare flight and back again when the crisis that sent me home is resolved. The money is in a bank account that does not earn a lot of interest but it is immediately available, which is the whole reason for its existence.

In the 12 years I have been abroad I have never had to touch my emergency fund, and I hope it stays that way, but it gives me great peace of mind to know that should anything happen that would cause me to rush home I do not have to worry about whether I can afford it, or how I will pay off my credit card later, the money is already there.

Having money to get home by myself also means that I am not limited to only going home under the circumstances under which my employer will fund the trip. For example, the international school for which I currently work only covers emergencies involving immediate family members, so problems with grandparents, cousins or best friends are not covered. However, most employers will give you unpaid leave for emergencies with more distant relatives even if they will not pay for the flights. Funding your own flights is not a problem if you have planned ahead.

I know that having an emergency fund to get home has also given my parents peace of mind as well. They know that if anything should happen to a member of our family, they can call me home without putting any stress on my finances.

With modern technology and transportation it is not hard to stay in touch with loved ones at home, do not use that as an excuse to hold yourself back from a teaching career abroad!

About the Author

Learn more techniques and strategies to successfully land your own teaching job abroad with Kelly’s Complete Guide to Securing a Job at an International School!

When looking for the best paid overseas teaching job it is easy to be blinded by the salary being offered but this may prevent you from making the best choice if saving money is your primary concern. Here are two tips to help you find the highest paying teaching job abroad – [...]]]> By Kelly Blackwell

When looking for the best paid overseas teaching job it is easy to be blinded by the salary being offered but this may prevent you from making the best choice if saving money is your primary concern. Here are two tips to help you find the highest paying teaching job abroad – net.

Teaching jobs abroad come in many shapes and sizes. You can teach English in private language schools, teach at universities set up for local students from the host countries and, you can teach at international schools which are set up for expatriate children.

The most lucrative position is usually teaching at an international school for expatriate children. There are over 4000 international schools worldwide so there is plenty from which to choose.

Subscribe to The ELT Times by Email

Salary and Benefits

When considering a teaching position abroad it is important that you consider the overall package rather than simply the salary offered. This is what makes an international school teaching job the best paid teaching position abroad.

Some benefits offered by many international schools that can add to the overall package are:

* flights paid from your home to the school’s location at the beginning and end of your contract. Depending on how far your home is from the school, this benefit alone can save you several thousand dollars.

* housing allowance. Often international schools will pay you a monthly housing allowance, or even provide accommodation for you in an apartment or a housing complex. When you are offered a housing allowance you can usually find yourself adequate housing for the amount you are paid, and sometimes you can even end up with a surplus.

* end-of-contract bonus. International schools want you to remain for the full length of your contract and are willing to give you a financial incentive to do so. You may be able to negotiate an end-of-contract bonus of 10-15%.

Income Tax

Another consideration when considering teaching positions abroad and attempting to evaluate which one will be the most profitable is how much tax you will have to pay. Countries have the differing tax rules, for example in Taiwan you may only pay 10% tax, but in Poland you will have to pay closer to 20%. Therefore it is important to find out how much tax you will have to pay and establish how this will affect your overall take home salary.

Also, some benefits are taxable as well, so it is wise to check whether the dollar amounts you are quoted are gross (before tax) or net (after tax).

Finally on the subject of income tax, you should check with the tax department in your home country to establish what your tax commitment to them will be. Simply not living in your home country does not mean your government will not require you to pay tax there, for example, the government in Holland expects citizens who teach abroad to pay ‘wealth tax’ on any assets they leave behind.

This information is difficult to come by for most international schools in the initial stages of the recruitment process. Some international teacher job fair organisers require member schools to complete some of this information in their vacancy listings, but others do not. In order to ensure you have the required information to make the best decision possible before you sign a contract for a teaching job overseas, make up a set of interview questions that will cover this ground.

About the Author

For more detailed information on securing the best paid overseas teaching jobs get Kelly’s Complete Guide to Securing a Job at an International School – now completely revised for 2008!

“Escape the Rat Race – Teach Overseas” available FREE!