Teach in Korea or Japan?
Me and a group of friends are looking to teach abroad next year in either Japan or South Korea. We have read in some places that korea is the best place to make money even though the schools aren't as good as Japanese ones. However, elsewhere we have read in Japan you can make just as much -if not more- money. So just wondered if anyone could give advice if they have taught in both or any one of them and could offer some advice (or pros and cons).
Teaching - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You're not going to make money in any of the private schools abroad. GEOs, NOVA, etc. etc. These private institutions are schools looking to teach kids how to doodle in English and play hangman all day. If you don't have a choice, look for one that would contract you a place to live and maybe boarding, at the very least. I'm guessing you want Korea or Japan because it's modern? Either way, you will be in some major culture shock unless you're a Korean or Japanese-American. Even if your ethnicity is Korean or Japanese you'll still experience culture shock. Try to volunteer at your local college to get some hands on experience with Korean or Japanese students to get a feel of their culture. You'll find that both Korean and Japanese use high-context communication. They will never tell you straight out what they think of you. ;) If they do, it will be very subtle. You should also consider which age group to teach and where. I've always taught adults but since they come to the US they are here on "extended VISA" and use learning English as an excuse to fool around. What happens in America, stays in America. And please please PLEASE take a crash course. There are a lot of colleges that offer a crash course in TEFL to help out what is relevant for students. I've seen too many backpacking teachers teach kids how to play hangman all day. Not cool.
2 :
Both places are incredible. I personally have lived and taught English in Japan. It was an AWESOME experience. I have also had a ton of friends teach in Korea as well and heard nothing but amazing things as well. It's relatively easy to get a job in both places. In Japan you can earn a decent living teaching at any of the major schools. If earning money is your top priority, you can always pick up private lessons on the side and earn even more money. The major Japanese English schools are pretty well organized and they provide you with lesson plans/ideas to make it as easy as possible for you to teach their curriculum. I can almost guarantee that for your first 6 months in your new home, you will want to spend your free time exploring, studying, immersing yourself in the new culture/language/environment etc. Go to Japan! It's pretty easy to move from one place to the other. In fact, a lot of people do the China, Korea, Japan teaching tour! Why not? Check the links below for my experience in Japan as well as a link to find jobs in Japan. If you have questions, get in touch.
