Teaching in South Korea?
Is teaching in South Korea better than China? I found out Asia is easier to teach in than Europe because im American and not in the EU. I'm 17 and here's what I want to do. Get my 4 year degree in computer science here in the usa. Teach English and maybe be a private tutor. If I tutored I would work freelance from a laptop with my degree. I heard you can make good money teaching in S. Korea even compared to the usa. I looked at pics o Seoul and It looks awesome! So modern and I har they havesuch advanced technology we dont have here.
Korea - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I would say go for Korea rather than China. Especially if you could land a job in or near Seoul. Seoul is IMO the second largest metro area in asia, behind Tokyo. I'm pretty sure you'll have a lot of fun. If you're looking to meet other foreigners while you're there, itaewon is your best bet.
2 :
What is better? South Korea and Japan pay the most for English teachers, but the cost of living is high. Apart from your degree get yourself a teaching certificate such as CELTA - it only takes 4 weeks. I teach in Vietnam - the salaries are lower but the cost of living is about as cheap as it gets. Other advice - be careful with accepting your first teaching position - check the school out thoroughly and make sure that they have a good rep.
3 :
I have lived in both countries, and still travel there frequently. A LOT of the ads for English teachers are a sheer rip-off, and what you make will BARELY let you live. The first thing you want to ask is do they make you surrender your passport. It's not legal for them to do, but it is still a very widespread practice. It forces you to stay for the entire duration of your contract. I have yet to be in either country and not come in contact with a teacher or two who's also dying to get out of country. THAT being said.... I've also met several that are pretty well to do - but they work for themselves and teach "informally". Their rates are about triple and they seldom lack for students, so it can be done. Just be careful.
4 :
Teaching in South Korea is the best country in Asia for making money. Japan's salaries are slightly higher, but the cost of living is greater there. You won't make much money in mainland China; however, Taiwan is a good option. Of course four years down the road many things can change.
5 :
The people who do the best in teaching on the side are the ones who are hooked up with a well known after-hours school (school after school) or know affluent families (connections). Both, especially the latter, require Korean. You obviously make more in Korea than China, it's true. And yes, I know people who make 50k+ in their 'side job' but it's not usually the norm for newcomers. Some parts of Seoul are not very modern. Just like any other city. Some parts are great, some are pretty darn boring and ugly.
