Teaching English in Indonesia

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Teaching English in Indonesia can be a rewarding experience, however, to be sure that you fully enjoy your teaching experience it is important to plan carefully and know what you want to get out of the experience.

Think about the length of commitment you would like to make. Most organizations offering paid teaching positions require a yearlong commitment. Some organizations might offer six-month teaching positions, but you will have to search harder for them, and the benefits and rate of pay decline significantly.

Decide where you would like to teach. Do you want to soak up the indigenous culture of the rural areas? Or is a major city such as Jakarta more appealing? Would you like to teach adults in a business school or children in a primary school? There are many programs that offer a variety of positions. Knowing what you want ahead of time will help you narrow your search.

Choose an organization. It is not recommended to acquire a teaching position on your own in Indonesia. There are many organizations that specialize in placing Western teachers in teaching positions in Indonesia. Spend a few days searching and be sure that you know all of your options before choosing an organization.

Research the organizations that you’ve chosen. Pay close attention to classroom size and the number of hours that you’ll be teaching to be sure that the requirements are something you feel willing to take on.   Call and ask to speak to an administrator about the successes and limitations of the program and any other questions you might have. Then, ask to speak to someone who has been placed in a teaching position similar to the one that you are interested in and discuss your questions or concerns with them.

Assess your qualifications. Different positions and organizations require different qualifications. More often than not, you will be required to obtain a certification to teach English as a Foreign language. When choosing a program, be sure that the TEFL course is internationally recognized and accepted by the school to which you are applying. And, keep in mind that many private institutions or business schools want their teachers to have had teaching experience that many online courses do not offer.

Apply to at least three organizations. Be sure that your proposed start date will give you enough time to complete any certification courses, obtain your passport or make any other arrangements.

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Teaching English in France

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Get a TEFL Certificate

The first thing you will need is an accredited TEFL Certificate to be considered for an English teaching job in France.  Some schools will consider a teacher with a lot of experience that do not have a TEFL certificate, but the better and more reliable schools will insist on a TEFL certificate.

Choosing the right school

There are plenty of academies or private language schools out there, including around 300 in Paris alone, but the reality is some are much better than others, and some are worth avoiding completely.  Do your research and ask to speak to other teachers before accepting a teaching position.  Look out for corporate crooks. Chains of language schools are usually an easy option for getting a quick teaching position, but will not necessarily be the most intellectually stimulating, and will often work out as the worst option financially.  It’s easier to concentrate your job searches around the established academies, as they often have the biggest staff numbers and turnover of teachers. However it might pay off to spend some time looking elsewhere.

Know your salary

In terms of pay, €1,200 after tax per month is the absolute minimum wage you should envisage in Paris, although slightly less could be feasible elsewhere in France.  Make sure the job you get allows you this salary, or the time to do other teaching work to supplement your salary.  Remember that the French take, on average, 5-10 weeks holiday each year and you may not be paid during the time your students are on holiday, depending on your contract.

Consider travel time for classes you will be teaching

A love of travel is why most English teachers end up doing what they do, but travel can also cause many to give it up.  Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region is a huge area, and academies will soon have you travelling to teach at companies far and wide, and your time spent on a [regional] RER train will normally not be paid.  Make sure you find out during the interview how much travel will be required and how it is remunerated. If you teach for three hours but have to travel for five, your day works out much longer, and your hourly rate takes a big blow.

Get your CV out there

Sending a CV is still the best way of getting a job at a language school. The best time to send them off is June and July, before the new term starts. This is when a lot of teachers move on and schools are desperately hunting for new recruits.

What about a work visa

France is a country in which many ESL teachers envision themselves teaching. Although France appears to be the ideal teaching location, its inclusion in the European Union (EU) makes obtaining a work visa quite difficult for non-EU citizens and the process is lengthy. Typically, a sponsoring employer must prove that there are no qualified EU citizens who could fill the position in question. Given that the UK and Ireland are members of the EU, native English language ability alone is usually not sufficient to support this claim. Applicants must prove that they have additional expertise that makes them unique among EU candidates.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 5 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

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Teaching English in China

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Don’t forget the toilet paper!

Now, I’m not suggesting that you pack a jumbo pack of toilet paper in your suitcase, but whatever you do, make sure you remember to take some with you whenever you go anywhere in China – generally toilets will not have toilet paper. It may sound like a pretty mundane thing to worry about, but it makes a big difference! It’s also worth getting used to squat toilets and not having doors, or sometimes even cubicles. Don’t worry, after the initial shock you will get over it. Just remember, you’re the only one who’s embarrassed!

Don’t be alarmed if people stop you in the street and talk to you

Some people get very unnerved when they first arrive in China, as lots of people will stop you in the street and talk to you in English. So, chat to people if they strike up a conversation – they’re just practicing their English.

Learn how to write Chinese characters

There’s no need to become a master at calligraphy, but it’s worth learning how to copy Chinese characters. It makes things much easier when you’re asking for directions, getting a cab or buying train tickets to show someone a piece of paper with where you’re trying to get to written on it – solves pronunciation problems and also makes it much easier for the person in question to gesticulate where you should be going or draw a little map if you’ve got a pen.

Don’t worry about being stared at

No, you haven’t got something in your teeth – don’t panic! While staring is considered rude in the US, people in China don’t have such hang-ups. So, as something of a novelty, especially if you’re staying in a rural area that doesn’t have many Western visitors, you will find yourself the subject of quite a bit of attention! Try not to let it bother you – it’s not meant maliciously so just smile…

Never turn down an invitation

You’ll probably find lots of people wanting to take you out for meals, show you their city and generally make you feel as welcome as possible. So never turn down an invitation – you can have an awesome time while making new friends – going shopping, eating out, being shown around different places in the city, and even ending up as a guest at a wedding.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 5 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don’t wait, make your reservation today!

Teaching English in Cambodia

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Cambodia is a very peaceful country and attracts millions of visitors every year.  Native speakers are welcomed from any country that they come from and also fluent English speakers regardless of their country of citizenship can also find work.  The Cambodian people are very friendly and very respectful, especially towards their teacher!

 

​It is not impossible to secure a teaching position before you arrive in Cambodia, however,​the vast majority of people find a job when they are already in Cambodia.  Most schools want to meet you in person before offering you a job.

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Salaries for qualified English teachers range from $10 – $25 USD per hour.  Typically you are paid in cash either weekly or monthly.  Don’t expect any additional benefits, these are rarely available unless you find a gig at an international school.

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Visa requirements?  They simply don’t exist in Cambodia.  If you have the money, you will get a business visa.  It costs about $280 per year. Some schools, especially the schools that only recruit experienced and qualified teachers, might even pay this for you.

 

​So, if you are considering teaching in a very friendly, laid-back country with a really low cost of living, Cambodia may be perfect for you.​

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 5 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course

Class sizes are limited, so don’t wait, make your reservation today!

Teaching English in Turkey

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TEFL in Turkey is a still thriving industry, though not quite as big as the boom years of the 1980s. There are of course many new private language courses opening, but the real growth area is private English-medium high schools and universities. There are also positions in state schools and universities, but these are hard to get and, furthermore, do not usually pay well.

A degree is a minimum requirement for any teaching job, but the subject of the degree is not important. Nearly all schools also require a TEFL certificate.

Visas are something of a problem. In the past, the usual procedure was to get a tourist visa, which you can buy on arrival in Turkey, then the school would get you a work and residence permit. However, the laws have changed, and you now have to apply for a work permit from your home country. Consider this before leaving! The truth of the matter is that most schools want you to stay for one year, but few schools are willing to pay work permit fees, or do the required paperwork. This means that you must leave the country every 3 months to renew your tourist visa. This is crucial, if you try to leave the country with an expired visa; you will be charged a hefty fine. However, without a proper work permit, your contract is not valid and you can leave at any time. It sounds a bit dodgy, but it happens all the time.

Most schools provide furnished accommodation or a living allowance for teachers, in fact you should insist on it, as rents can be very high in the big cities, especially Istanbul.  Generally the pay is not wonderful, but enough to live reasonably well on. About the maximum you can hope for is about 1000 US per month (after tax) in a good private university, going down to about half that for a small language school. As for saving money, only the most stingy teachers manage it, since the exchange rate is poor and inflation is high. One thing you must definitely ask about is whether your school gives a mid-year pay rise in line with inflation – if not you will need to convert some of your earlier pay packets into foreign currency to tide you through the lean months later. You can open a foreign currency bank account, which will pay a fairly good rate of interest. Some of the better schools will pay some or all of your salary in foreign currency, which is a definite advantage. In short, don’t go to Turkey to teach English expecting to make a lot of money. The salaries are reasonable, and the cost of living is very low, but you aren’t likely to leave with a huge savings account.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 5 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don’t wait, make your reservation today!

Teaching English in South Korea

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To teach English in Korea you must meet the following criteria:

  • Citizenship from a recognized English-speaking nation: U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.
  • Bachelor’s degree/diploma from an accredited college or university (4 years in US/3 years in UK).
  • Original national level criminal record check (FBI in the U.S.) that is free of any charges or convictions – DUIs, DWIs and any other misdemeanors or felonies will disqualify any prospective teachers from receiving an E-2 visa required to teach English in Korea (minor traffic violations will not disqualify you).
  • Clean health check and drug test.

During the process of applying and interviewing for English teaching positions, and getting a visa processed at the consulate after signing a contract, prospective teachers should expect to be able to produce the following documents:

  • Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree/diploma
  • Sealed college or university transcript
  • Original national level criminal background check (FBI in the U.S.)
  • Passport photos
  • Original contract (to be provided by your employer for visa processing at consulate)
  • Original passport that is valid for at least one year

For some positions, particularly those in public schools and universities, English teachers in Korea may be required to provide the following during the application and/or visa processes:

  • Proof of full-time teaching experience
  • Copy of TEFL certificate 
  • Copy of teaching license or certificate

 

Salaries for First Year English Teachers in South Korea

  • Public schools:  1.8 – 2.0 million KRW (approximately $1,600 – $1,800 USD) per month.
  • Private schools: 2.0-2.1 million KRW ($1,800 – $1,900 USD) per month.

 
Salaries for Experienced English Teachers in South Korea

  • Public schools: 2.0 – 2.7 million KRW ($1,800 – $2,400 USD) per month
  • Private schools: 2.1-3.0 million KRW ( $1,900 - $2,750 USD) per month

 

Additional Benefits for English teachers in South Korea

  • Severance bonus - Most English teachers also receive an extra month salary bonus upon successful completion of their contract.
  • Paid vacation – Public school teachers receive 18 days (three work weeks) paid vacation plus 15-18 national holidays.  Private school teachers typically receive 7-10 days paid vacation plus 15-18 national holidays.
  • Furnished housing – Most teachers will be provided with a single-occupancy apartment that is fully furnished.
  • Airfare – Most teachers will be required to buy their airline ticket upfront and then will be reimbursed upon arrival.  In some cases, the school may provide the teacher’s airline ticket up front.
  • Health care - As an employee you are on the Korean national health care system. 
  • Converting won into other currencies and transferring it back to your home country – It is not difficult to convert Korean wan into U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies, nor is it difficult to transfer money from Korea to banks in the U.S. and elsewhere (though there may be some nominal administrative fees).  If you plan to transfer money to your bank account in your home country, make sure that you bring all relevant account information (account numbers, routing numbers, swift codes, etc.) with you to Korea.

 

How much can I save teaching English in South Korea and why can I save so much as an English teacher in South Korea?

  • Most English teachers in Korea will be able to save up to 50 % of their salary after expenses, which can range from the equivalent of $800 – $1,200 a month.
  • Korea is a very prosperous nation that highly values education so schools, parents and the government are all willing to offer high salaries and good benefits to recruit qualified native English speaking teachers.
  • Rent is provided, so English teachers do not need to worry about an item that for most people will consume 30% or more of their monthly budget.
  • Cost of living – food, utilities, public transportation, etc. – is lower than in most large American and Western European cities.
  • Teachers who complete a 12 month contract will typically receive a severance bonus equivalent to one month’s pay.

 

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 5 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

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Teaching English in Nepal

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Nepal is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and there are actually many TEFL opportunities in this beautiful country. Admittedly most of these positions are voluntary but paid work can be found in Kathmandu by the persistent and experienced. Don’t expect to make a large salary – not that you’ll need one given that living costs are so low – and remind yourself of the positive impact your hard work can have on the local Nepalese people.

Paid teaching jobs in Nepal are found primarily in Kathmandu and you can expect a salary of from $500 to $1,000 USD.  Realistically, expect your salary to be closer to the $500 USD amount.  Like most schools in Asia, teachers should have a degree, a TEFL certification and preferably two years of teaching experience.  Don’t expect to find a job in Nepal by surfing the internet.  You need to be in Nepal and plan on doing some leg work and making connections if you hope to find a paid teaching position.  If you don’t have a degree, a TEFL certificate and at least some experience then you are advised to not seek paid employment in Nepal.  You will be better served volunteering or working in another country until you have some experience.

You will need to arrive in Nepal on a tourist visa and request that your employer arrange a work permit for you.  Although salaries are low compared to other Asian countries, the cost of food, transport and accommodations are very low in Nepal.  Typically salaries are paid on a monthly basis and your employer is responsible for paying any income tax that is owed.   

Nepal is a destination for teachers who want to make a contribution to the local Nepal people.  You can think of it as place to work on your spiritual rather than your job related skills.  Of course teaching the Nepal people who are gentle and kind by nature will be an experience you will never forget.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 5 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don’t wait, make your reservation today!

Teaching English in Burma

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Myanmar (Burma) is a fascinating place to be at the moment as the nation slowly opens up to the world. Because of this, there are a large number of opportunities (both voluntary and paid) for English teachers, but many are not advertised online. Myanmar has beautiful scenery and a fascinating culture. It is safe to live there as a foreigner as long as you do not openly discuss the politics of the country but bear in mind that power cuts are common and can be quite frustrating when planning class activities reliant on electricity. Flexibility and patience are important qualities that will be required.

Typical salaries start at about $1,000 USD per month and rise to over $2,000 USD per month for good international schools.  The majority of jobs are in the two major cities, Yangon (Rangoon) and Mandalay.  Schools will expect the standard qualification for Asia which are typically a degree, TEFL certification and 1-2 years of experience as a teacher.

You might want to consider doing some volunteer work in your spare time as it can be of huge benefit to local people.  Be careful about discussing local politics openly.  Make sure that your employer has agreed to pay the costs associated with the business visa before signing a contract.  The situation is such that most employees arrive in Myanmar on a tourist visa. This is then converted into a business visa. Having a business visa entails flying out to Thailand to renew it every 7 weeks (at the expense of your employer). Whether this is a good or not is a matter for you to decide.

Local food and transportation costs are low but accommodation is rather expensive. It is standard to pay for up to twelve months in advance so arrange accommodation as part of your employment contract if at all possible.  Employers are generally responsible for paying taxes and salaries are usually paid on a monthly basis.

 

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 5 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

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Teaching English in Mexico

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Teachers are generally expected to live in the country for at least a year, and many choose to stay beyond that because Mexico is a truly beautiful place to live. Whether you’re teaching in a major metropolitan area or a small rural city, you’ll find the Mexican experience uniquely enlightening and enriching.

In order to teach English in Mexico, you must be certified in TEFL. These certifications qualify native English speakers to teach in a classroom setting.

You will be required to get a work permit in order to work in Mexico. It’s vital to make sure your immigration papers are in order, because working illegally in Mexico leaves you open to deportation. Keep in mind that most Mexican work passes are good for only up to six months; at that point, you will most likely have to cross back into the US. Even entering the US for a matter of hours will reset your pass, and you’ll be able to re-enter for another six months.

Application requirements in Mexico are sometimes inconsistent, and it’s best to be over-prepared. Arrive with all possible paperwork in hand- bring your birth certificate, college transcripts, reference letters, and anything else you might possibly need. It’s difficult to predict what you’ll be asked for, and you’ll want to spare yourself the expense and trouble of having to return home for something you didn’t bring.

Those who plan to teach in Mexico should not plan on being hired before they arrive. Although in other countries you can often find a job before you head over, this is not common in Mexico. Your best bet is to research possible employment before you leave, and then get ready to interview once you arrive in Mexico.

Most English teachers in Mexico are employed by schools. English is taught from elementary school on up through college, and native English speakers are always in high demand as teachers. However, you do have other options. Some companies will hire English teachers to train their employees in English communication. There are also numerous private language institutions that hold English classes, which any citizen can attend.

Depending on what type of teaching you wish to do, you may want to centralize your job search around a particular area. Mexico City and other large metro areas are the easiest places to find English teaching jobs. This is also where you’re most likely to find good pay, decent hours, and acceptable housing.

There is honestly no real shortcut when it comes to finding a teaching job in Mexico. So prepare yourself to do some legwork once you arrive.

Teaching English in Mexico will not offer as much money or as many benefits as an ESL job in China or Korea. Those teaching English in Mexico can expect to earn $3,000 – $18,000 MXN per month.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 5 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don’t wait, make your reservation today!

Teaching English in Laos

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Laos is one of the most laid-back countries in which to teach, although it can be difficult for first-timers to find anything more than offers of part-time work paid by the hour. A small number of education centers will offer full-time contracts and pay for visa costs for teachers who are experienced in teaching in Asia. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer in more rural areas, but almost all paid positions are in the rather sleepy capital of Vientiane.  The EFL market is expanding slowly, but steadily, however it is almost impossible to find a job unless you are in country for a personal interview.  If you are looking for exciting night life or lots of entertainment, you will be disappointed in Laos.  Laos is for the really laid-back individual who likes a slow and easy pace.  Most of all, if you are going to live and work in Laos, you will need a lot of patience.  Things move slowly here and shouting or aggressive behaviour will not make things move any faster.

Salaries for teachers start at around $800 USD a month and top out at around $1,500 USD a month at a good international school.  However, don’t expect to start a full time position immediately, typically it takes time and patience to eventually find full time work.  You will probably have to start part-time hourly work earning from $10 – 20 USD per hour.  Most paid jobs are found in the capital Vientiane.  If you are looking for volunteer work, there are opportunities country wide in Laos.

Hiring schools will usually want their teachers to have a Degree and TEFL certification.  Most employers will arrange a visa for you. It is normal to enter on a tourist visa before applying for the work visa. Some employers will expect you to pay for your work visa (approximately 300 USD per year).

The cost of accommodation in Laos is low, but rising in Vientiane. Local food and transportation costs are very low.  Schools usually pay in US dollars. Employers are responsible for income tax.

One final word of advice if you are single you should be aware of strict laws in Laos regarding personal relationships between locals and foreigners.  You should always obey the laws in Laos.  The level of corruption is quite high and you could find yourself deported at the least or with a lengthy jail term for not obeying Laos laws.  Laos is definitely not a place where you want to be in prison.

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 5 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don’t wait, make your reservation today!