Comments on: Money: Teaching English

By: Ted

Ted — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:59:11 +0000

Hello Nick,
To the best of my understanding you may send up to about 30% of your income earned in China back to your home country. Yes, there are other jobs that pay more but they are usually for teachers who are better experienced, better educated or both. The big cities pay more too, but the cost of living is often very high – higher than in some Western cities. Usually teachers in China can save more if they work in secondary – but still big – cities. Hangzhou would be a good example.
Good Luck!
Ted

By: Nick North

Nick North — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:48:25 +0000

Hi there, I am about to fly out to my first TEFL job in China, where i have it on good authority that over half my wages paid there can be sent home into an account for savings. Admittedly the amount I will be paid is between £500 and £700 a month in English, but the re are jobs in China where they pay more than this. I am a big fan of this site and the Cafe and I appreciate reading about real life experiences in order for me to get ready!!

Many thanks and good luc to everyone who posts on hre in the future, whether it is your first or your last teaching post.

By: Ted

Ted — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 08:15:12 +0000

Hello Loretta,
Yes, your PhD should open doors for you if you seek employment specifically at tertiary schools and or perhaps international schools. Europe can be a problem for Americans as EU employers will have to prove that they can not find a qualified candidate from within the EU. With unemployment high in the UK and Ireland, that may be difficult to prove. My understanding is that it is an easier job market in Eastern Europe but then wages are modest and real savings would be unlikely. The Middle East and Korea would both be good options as you soon as you have a good TEFL cert and you can save real money in both places.
Enjoy!
Ted

By: Loretta

Loretta — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 08:14:24 +0000

Hi Ted,
I am in my mid-40′s, have a PhD in English, but no TESOL yet. I’m wondering if, after getting a CELTA, it would be possible to find teaching jobs in Europe that would allow for “saving.” Also, does having a PhD open any doors?

Thanks for your comments.

By: Ted

Ted — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:18:36 +0000

Go get ‘em – a wonderful new world is just beginning to open to you.
A year from now you will be blown away by what you have experienced and how much your life and vision of the world have changed.

By: Sergio

Sergio — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:48:19 +0000

Thanks for writing a blog for the TEFL Newbie! I just received my BA and I’m excited to start TEFL training in Mexico later this month. This blog, along with TEFL Daddy, has been helpful as I start this new part of my life. Keep it up!