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GET PAID TO TRAVEL!

Are you interested in traveling more but are not independently wealthy? Here Are Five Places That Will Pay You To Teach English (My Pick? Costa Rica!)

1. Korea

Korea is quickly becoming one of the world’s most  financially flourishing countries, positioning itself as an economic powerhouse and as the technologic destination. With such positioning, the demand for English teachers have grown dramatically over the past five years. There is one main decision to make when teaching English in Korea; public or private schools. Public schools are run by the Korean Ministry of Education, whereas Private schools (or Hagwons) are, in essence a private entity and run like a business, which means longer working hours, smaller class sizes and evening/weekend shifts.

Level of education/certification required: TEFL Certificate

Average salary (approx.):

Public (First year teachers) – $1,500USD >$1,700USD a month

Public (Experienced) – $1,700USD > $2,300USD a month

Private (First year) – $1,700USD>$1,800USD a month

Private (Experienced) – $1,800USD>$2,600USD a month

Cost of living (compared to USD):

Accommodation/Rent (Furnished single occupancy apartment) is generally included.

Groceries: 18.08% higher

Internet: 54.70 % lower

Transport: 51.76 % lower (one way ticket)

Description of teaching experience:

Locations: Both major cities and rural area placement

Teaching hours:

> Public 22-24 hours a week (generally 08:30 – 16:30, Mon-Fri)

> Private 30 hours a week (09:00 – 18:00 / 15:00 – 22:00)

Vacation Days:

> Public 18 days & 13-15 national holidays

> Private 7-10 days & 13-15 national holidays

Class Sizes:

> Public 25-30 students per class

> Private 10-15 students per class

 

2. Japan

Japan has long been the destination of choice for intrepid English teachers.  A country at the forefront of global economics and technology, steeped deeply in culture and tradition. This dichotomy combined with a welcoming and inquisitive society has long fascinated outsiders. Similar to Korea, there are Public and Private teaching positions available. All applicants for public school teaching positions are required to sit an interview after passing initial screenings phases (resume and telephone interview).

Level of education/certification required: TEFL Certificate. Additional training is generally provided.

Average salary (approx.):

Public – $3,000USD a month

Private – $3,000USD a month (full-time), $1,500USD a month (part-time)

Cost of living (compared to USD):

Accommodation/Rent: 27.45% lower than US

Groceries: 23.32% higher

Internet: 32.92% lower

Transport: 17.74% lower (one way ticket)

Description of teaching experience:

Locations: Both major cities and rural area placement

Teaching hours:

> Public 29.5 hours a week

> Private 26.6 hours a week (full time), 13.3 hours a week (part-time)

Vacation Days:

> Public 3-4 weeks in August, 2 weeks Dec/Jan & All National Holidays

> Private 10 working days & All National Holidays

Class Sizes:

> Public 25-30 students per class

> Private 1-15 students per class

 

3. Thailand

With travel and hospitality industries booming across Southeast Asia, there has never been a better time, or higher demand for English teachers in Thailand. And what better a place for some cultural immersion and remote living than the villages and small towns of Thailand. ESL teachers will lead classes for a diverse range of students, from children and pre-schools to adults and working professionals. Plus, it’s Thailand, have you seen the photos of Phi Phi Islands?

Level of education/certification required: A bachelor’s degree and TEFL or CELTA Certificate is advised. International schools require teaching qualifications from home country & minimum of 2 years experience.

Average salary (approx):

$500-$1200USD a month

Cost of living (compared to USD):

Accommodation/Rent:151.14% lower than US

Groceries: 59.75% lower

Internet: 191.83% lower

Transport: 296.10% lower (one way ticket)

Description of teaching experience:

Locations: Mainly Bangkok, Phuket and Chang Mai

Teaching hours:

35-40 hours a week

Vacation Days:

Varies from school to school

Class Sizes:

Varies from school to school

 

4. Argentina

The majority of teaching jobs in Argentina are located in Buenos Aires, but that’s not to say you can’t venture even further out to smaller cities or rural villages. And just think of some of the travelling you can do locally; sampling the sights, sounds & tastes of Buenos Aires, exploring the Andes and it’s a jumping off point for the rest of South America. One thing to keep in mind is that teachers are required to have a visa to work in Argentina. Most placement agencies will direct you on how to go about applying for your visa before you arrive in Argentina.

Level of education/certification required: TEFL or TESOL Certificate.
Average salary (approx.):

$400-600USD a month

Cost of living (compared to USD):

Accommodation/Rent: 160.42% lower than US

Groceries: 61.46% lower

Internet: 36.98% lower

Transport: 406.75% lower (one way ticket)

Description of teaching experience:

Locations: Both major cities and rural area placement

Teaching hours:

25 – 35 hours a week

Vacation Days:

Dependant on location and school

Class Sizes:

Dependant on location and school

 

5. Costa Rica

Recently, there has been an increase in native Costa Ricans looking at further developing their careers in international markets. Accompanying this spiked interest in employment abroad, is a greater demand in English teachers and tutors for private language institutions. Costa Rica is in fact one of the most popular countries for English teachers due to the diverse range. Similar to Argentina, visa’s are required for those wanting to teach in Costa Rica. If you are relying on the position to sponsor your permit, be prepared to go through an extensive interview process, as these permits are expensive for employers.

Level of education/certification required: TEFL or CELTA Certificate is not required but advised.

Average salary (approx.):

$600-$1,000USD a month

Cost of living (compared to USD):

Accommodation/Rent: 56.02% lower than US

Groceries: 26.98 lower

Internet: 7.29% lower

Transport (one way ticket): 66.98% lower

Description of teaching experience:

Locations: Both major cities and rural area placement

Teaching hours:

Dependant on school & location

Vacation Days:

Dependant on school & location

Class Sizes:

Dependant on school & location

For more information on teaching abroad visit Teach Away and International TEFL Academy

*This article was written by Sarah Alexander and was found on TourRadar (Days to Come).

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About the Author

Terrance Zepke studied Journalism at the University of Tennessee and later received a Master's Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. She has studied Parapsychology at the renowned Rhine Research Center. She began her career as a freelance writer and photographer, ... [ Read more ]

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