How to search the
TEFL job market – possible jobs – possible
countries.
How would I decide?
Spend lots of time - just window shopping really - at
ELT World,
TESALL, and
Dave's ESL Cafe cruising the international, Korea,
and China Job Boards. Then go to the discussion boards
and ask about cost of living and the ability to save and
the quality of life in the countries you are interested
in. Take a look also at job websites such as
TEFL.com.
Wages
Your salary is not as big an issue as you might think.
The real bottom line is how much money is in your pocket
at the end of the month - after you have paid your bills
- and lived a decent life. Some countries like Korea,
pay reasonably, and typically provide airfare, free
housing and have low taxes. Bottom line - significant
savings at the end of the month. Japan tends to pay a
little more than Korea, but the cost of living is much
greater, taxes are higher, and housing is not typically
provided. Bottom line - not much in the way of savings.
What fits your needs?
Many people have debts they need to take care of on a
monthly basis. Whether student loans, a home mortgage,
or just credit card debt - it still needs to be taken
care of. Look for a country that fits your financial
needs. You won't be successful if you have to bail out
- because you can't afford to eat.
Quality of Life
This is a very big issue as some countries, particularly
in the Middle East, provide excellent salaries, free
housing, airplane tickets, low or no taxes - and you can
save a small fortune in a few years. But, but, but -
the quality of life in some of these countries is poor
indeed. Ask on the discussion boards about quality of
life and ask specifically about things you enjoy doing.
If dating is important - don't go to Saudi Arabia. The
same applies if you enjoy a friendly drink down at the
pub, or enjoy going to movies, or even just enjoy having
friends of the opposite sex. It's not going to happen
in Saudi Arabia. Period. I know as I spent five years
there, but luckily my wife came along with me.
The
Final Decision
Your decision on where to go depends on a combination of
your financial needs, quality of life, and your interest
in the culture and region where you would be located.
It's important to consider each factor when deciding
which country and which job.
