Comments on: Great Places to Teach English

By: will

will — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:29:00 +0000

Great article. I am looking for a teaching job abroad (my first job abroad) but I have run into a few problems being a non white native american. I had a recruiter from korea tell me he wouldn’t be able to find me a job and I’ve read that it is much harder for non whites. I am wondering if you guys would know any countries that wouldn’t be to diffcult to find a teaching job in. My first choice is japan but I am not having luck. Not really due to prejudices moreso due to timing. Most programs I see are for feb march next year and I was hoping to leave soon..thailand was my second choice but I’ve heard the racism there is really bad. I am ready to moveon since I need a change in my life and the economy here is really bad right now. I have a degree and a tesol certifcate but its from a online class. Any help would be appericated.

By: victor

victor — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:40:00 +0000

what do you mean “not as dangerous as Brazil”? Argentina is much worse, just don’t get as much attention.

By: G

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:50:17 +0000

Nice work going over some teaching options that are out there…I worked in Korea and Japan for a few years (mostly in Seoul) before moving back to the states and going to grad school to get a teaching degree (social studies)…. When I applied for teaching jobs here in the USA after grad school many school districts who had Asian residents were interested my experience in Asia, and this experience was one of the factors that helped me land my current teaching job. In addituion to the fun-money-travel-culture aspects of working overseas, these jobs can help you in the future if you are interested in teaching as a career and want somethig to set you apart from the rest of the pack when applying for jobs in good school districts.

By: patrick nolan

patrick nolan — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:30:11 +0000

I have enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. It strikes me that how one feels about living in ANY country is VERY subjective.

I have a question: does anyone know where is the best place to apply for a job if you are 60? Or what countries/schools would be most accepting of an “old” American?

I taught in Japan for a year back when I was 50, but no one seems interested in hiring me now.

Thanks!

By: paddy

paddy — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:12:26 +0000

hey nice list, good for beginners who havnt a clue about teaching, interesting for the english teacher too. i haveto say you forgot vietnam! for money it beats china and korea hands down, i live very comfortably and save a couple of hundred a week. if you have a little experience the 25hr work week at $40hr is right around the corner, tax free too. actually its propably best vietnam isnt on your list, the place will be flooded with native speakers in no time.

By: Jenna

Jenna — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 17:08:50 +0000

I would add that people who are interested in teaching in Europe and think about teaching in Prague should also consider the smaller cities in the Czech Republic. Prague is an amazing city, but there are lots of expats there already, so people might prefer to work in Olomouc or one of the other great places in that beautiful country.
Private tutoring is also an option to make some extra money outside your teaching salary, but I found that you should really brush up on your knowledge of grammar rules, especially those that are troublesome for non-native speakers since they are so different from what native speakers have trouble with. Buy some good ESL grammar reference books (Azar is a good one).
My time teaching abroad left me feeling unprepared and under-trained. it’s not easy work but definitely a great experience.

By: melisssa

melisssa — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 06:57:11 +0000

Hi hillrob,

Thanks for all the information but I do have one more question. what would you say is the average age of English teachers in Korea? I am thinking of applying to teach over there but I am still undecided because I hear a lot of bad stories and then some few good ones

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:34:22 +0000

Hi Becky

I’m planning to go to Shanghai, China in August. Any advice about finding a job? I’m afraid I’ll choose the wrong school.

By: liezl

liezl — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:22:14 +0000

Great blog Matt! Among the countries on the list , I guess Thailand has the cheapest cost of living so even if the pay there is not that big, you will still enjoy the experience immensely.

By: Nancie

Nancie — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:38:14 +0000

I started out teaching in Taiwan. I only stayed for 3 months. I didn’t want to teach 2 and 3 year olds, and that seemed to be where all the jobs were. I made some very good friends in Taiwan and visit twice a year. I think a lot of things have improved over the years. However, I am not interested in going back there to teach.

I’ve been in Korea since 2001. Korea is not the easiest place to live. For me, it’s a life style choice. After I was here for a few years I upgraded my skills. I now have a Masters degree and teach at the university level. I also teach outside of Seoul, a conscious choice, and have a lot of time off. I like teaching, but I’m at a point in my life where I want more time to do the things I love…..travel and photography. I now travel 5 months of the year. If I had to live in Korea 12 months out of the year, I would shoot myself. Fifteen weeks at a time is great. There’s a lot to see and do here if you make the effort.