The Job Market for Teaching English Abroad

Recently a reader wrote:

To be honest I am a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of positions in S. Korea, China, and Japan . . ..

In the postings for positions in China I am surprised by the sheer volume of listings and by the often times scant requirements . . .

For instance the ****** Company has a posting in Beijing for 5000-9000RMB/month, housing, airfare, Mandarin lessons . . .

I have seen several positions with similar promises. Are these too good to be true?

In response, I wrote the following:

What you are finding out is that it is a GREAT jobs market out there for teachers. HUGE. The jobs you are finding sound about right. There is great demand.

Realize that when a school advertises they will pay 5000-9000RMB, what they usually really mean is they will pay 5000! Maybe 5500. Graduate degree and ten years experience then maybe 7000. So – don’t put too much stock in it.  Be aware too, that the megacities in China, for example, will often pay a bit more due to the much higher cost of living in those cities.  It is not usually enough to compensate for the higher expenses though.

It costs nothing to interview and when you interview you can get a feel of the employer and if they seem real or not. My opinion after only 20 years overseas is that the incidence of “scams” is highly overrated. Be careful, of course, and if someone offers you five times what everyone else pays – then you should perhaps wonder, but otherwise it is a pretty solid market.

Payment or benefits that include accommodation and airfare are not unusual at all for China and Korea.  In China you will oftentimes even be given a utilities subsidy and free computer and internet in your free apartment.  Yeah!

TED’s Tips™ #1:  It is a great job market out there for teachers of English.  It is – as mentioned above – quite the opposite of the job market in the USA and UK right now.  Enjoy looking for a job where you are REALLY and eagerly wanted.  It is nice change of pace.  Go and enjoy!

The BEST EFL Teaching Jobs in China: Government Colleges, Universities and Secondary Schools offer the most reliable and worry-free jobs in China. Click on the Link if you would like to Teach English in China

4 Comments

• 

  By Leo, October 5, 2011 @ 7:35 PM

  This is such a good job opportunity. Teaching English abroad may not be that easy as you have to adjust on the new environment.

• 

  By Ted, October 6, 2011 @ 6:16 AM

  Hi Leo,
  Stepping outside the cultural box in which we have lived most of our lives can certainly be a challenge, but it is also the reward. It is not for everyone for sure, but most people can take it in stride and grow with it. Good comment!
  Ted

• 

  By DANETTE, January 24, 2012 @ 6:12 PM

  Hi Ted. I am really lost and would just like to know if I can still bother to apply for a position even if i dont have a Bachelors but only South African teaching FET certificate?

• 

  By Ted, January 24, 2012 @ 6:24 PM

  Hello Danette,
  There are jobs out there for people without degrees. China and Cambodia are two good places. In both cases though, you would do better to apply on the scene as it will be difficult to land a job from abroad. Most jobs are advertised by recruiters and schools don’t want to pay recruiters for people without degrees, so you will see them usually advertising ONLY for people with degrees. A good place to get your start in China? http://www.TEFLinternships.com
  I hope that helps.
  Ted

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