If you are looking for a region that has a huge job market for TEFL qualified teachers and you want to earn a good salary that allows you to save a considerable sum of money, look no further than East Asia. Jobs are abundant and the potential earnings are very high in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and China.
Table of Contents
How much can I earn teaching English in Japan?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Japan?
Who else employs English language teachers in Japan?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Japan?
How much can I earn teaching English in Taiwan?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Taiwan?
Who else employs English language teachers in Taiwan?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Taiwan?
How much can I earn teaching English in South Korea?
How much can I save while teaching English in South Korea?
How much can I earn teaching English in China?
What other benefits can I expect when teaching English in China?
What are the requirements for teaching English in China?
How can I earn extra cash while teaching English in China?
How much can I earn teaching English in Japan?
As with any destination, the salaries on offer vary considerably depending on experience, qualifications, location, and type of employment. As a guide you should expect to earn somewhere between 200,000 and 600,000 yen (currently $2,000 to $6,000) per month. If the job pays by the hour then a figure of around 2,500 yen ($25) per hour would be typical. In addition to a basic salary, most positions will also include added benefits, such as paid airfares, housing, health insurance, and a contract completion bonus.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Japan?
Private language academies known as Eikaiwas employ a large number of foreign teachers throughout Japan. Classes cater to children looking for extra study after school, as well as adults who want to learn English in their free time. Working hours are generally in the afternoon and evenings, while weekend work may also be expected. Class sizes tend to be small, averaging around ten to fifteen students. A typical salary is around 250,000 yen ($2,500) per month, with benefits including flights and accommodation possible but not certain. Public schools also hire a considerable number of foreign teachers, either directly or through government sponsored programs. Although there are other smaller programs, the JET Program is the largest in the country, hiring around 2000 teachers per year. Salaries start at 280,000 yen ($2,750) per month, with a yearly increase if you decide to stay on after the initial contract is completed. Contracts also include paid flights, accommodation, health insurance, and around four weeks paid holiday. You can expect similar benefits when employed directly by a school, although the salary is likely to be a little lower at between 200,000 and 250,000 yen ($2,000 to $2,500) per month.
Who else employs English language teachers in Japan?
The best salaries for English teachers in Japan can be found at universities and international schools. Either option should pay in the region of 300,000 to 600,000 yen ($3,000 to $6,000) per month depending on experience. To be eligible for these positions you would generally be expected to hold a high level teaching qualification and have several years of classroom experience. Competition for university jobs is particularly strong as they also offer relatively low working hours and up to three months vacation per year.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Japan?
As mentioned, the cost of living in Japan has increased considerably in recent years leading to reduced monthly savings for many English language teachers. One popular option for teachers looking to top up their earnings is to take on private students in their spare time. A typical charge of around 3,000 yen ($30) per hour can go a long way to making your stay in Japan even more comfortable.
How much can I earn teaching English in Taiwan?
There are several types of schools that employ foreign teachers in Taiwan, all of which offer various salaries depending on your previous classroom experience and level of teaching qualifications. Many positions are paid on an hourly rate that starts at around 600 NTD (currently $20), and can rise up to 1,300 NTD ($40) for those with extensive experience. In addition to your salary, many teaching positions also include significant added benefits such as return airfares, paid accommodation, health insurance, and a bonus on completion of the contract.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Taiwan?
For many first time teachers in Taiwan, a network of privately run 'cram schools' known as bushibans offer a good entry point into teaching English abroad. Throughout the country there are hundreds of schools (many are part of large chains) that are keen to employ native English speakers for around $20 per hour. Typical working hours are four teaching hours per day, five days a week. There are also a large number of kindergartens throughout Taiwan that offer similar hours and pay. For teachers with previous experience, a more lucrative option is offered by foreign run bushibans. Language schools in this category pay anywhere from $30 to $40 per hour plus bonuses, so competition for available positions can be fierce. Although the pay is considerably more than a standard language center, expectations are also much higher and a good understanding of Mandarin may well be expected.
Who else employs English language teachers in Taiwan?
The public school system also offers plenty of opportunities for foreign teachers. Salaries range from around 60,000 to 70,000 NTD (currently $1,900 to $2,200) per month, with the majority of positions available at high school level. Working hours are often more than in private academies as extensive lesson planning may be necessary. Foreign teachers are also expected to perform extra duties so a typical working day can be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The biggest salaries on offer for English language teachers in Taiwan can be found in international schools that generally follow an American based curriculum. These positions are small in number and usually require a high level of teaching qualifications. Applications for available jobs are highly competitive as salaries can be as high as 200,000 NTD (over $6,000) per month.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Taiwan?
A combination of high salaries and a low cost of living in comparison to many western countries make it possible for foreign teachers to live a very comfortable lifestyle during their stay in Taiwan. Eating out at local establishments is very cheap, as is transport around the country. The biggest expense is likely to be rent which can range from 5,000 NTD to 15,000 NTD per month for a shared apartment, depending on location. However, many teachers will find that housing expenses are included in their contract making it possible to save a considerable percentage of your salary every month.
How much can I earn teaching English in South Korea?
The salary you can expect to earn while teaching English in South Korea will vary depending on where you work and your level of experience. The typical average monthly salaries are as follows. Public schools: First time teachers = 1.8 to 2.0 million KRW ($1,600 to $1,800). Experienced teachers = 2.0 to 2.7 million KRW ($1,800 to $2,400). Private schools: First time teachers = 2.0 to 2.1 million KRW ($1,800 to $1,900). Experienced teachers = 2.1 to 3.0 million KRW ($1,900 to $2,700).
What other benefits can I expect when teaching English in South Korea? The majority of teachers also receive a range of extra benefits when they sign a contract with a school in South Korea. Return airfares are typically paid for in advance or reimbursed on arrival. Accommodation is also generally provided in the form of a private, fully furnished apartment. All teachers are covered by the national healthcare system, and in most cases will receive a bonus of an additional month's salary on completion of the contract. You will also enjoy plenty of free time, as public school teachers are entitled to three weeks paid vacation and up to 18 national holidays per year. Those working in the private sector also receive the same national holidays and around two weeks' vacation.
How much can I save while teaching English in South Korea?
South Korea has a relatively low cost of living in comparison to many western countries. The combination of a competitive salary and low outgoings means it is possible to save a considerable sum over the length of your contract. On average an English language teacher in South Korea could expect to save somewhere in the region of 50% of their salary, which equates to around $800-$1200 per month.
How much can I earn teaching English in China?
With a rapidly growing economy and upwards of 300 million students studying English, China offers countless opportunities for foreign teachers to earn a good salary and to save a considerable amount into the bargain. Throughout the country there are a large variety of jobs available with a wide range of salaries, however, first time teachers can reasonably expect to earn between 6000 RMB and 12000 RMB per month which equates to around $1000 to $2000.
What other benefits can I expect when teaching English in China?
On top of the basic salary, it is also common for teachers to receive free housing or a housing allowance, as well as paid airfare in and out of the country. These added extras, plus a cost of living that averages around half of that in the U.S.A. means many teachers are able to save substantial sums of money during the length of their contract. Depending on lifestyle, an ESL teacher in China should be able to save anything from $500 to $1500 per month.
What are the requirements for teaching English in China?
In the past, simply being a native English speaker was sometimes all you needed to get a teaching job in China. Today you will need to possess an internationally recognized TEFL certificate if you want to have access to the widest range of jobs, especially those that pay the best salaries. Across the country standards have been substantially raised in recent years, leading to many provinces now requiring teachers to have completed a TEFL course of 120 hours or more. For those without a college degree, this is already mandatory and it is likely to be extended nationwide at some point in the future.
How can I earn extra cash while teaching English in China?
Once employed and living in the country, many teachers take advantage of the high demand for private language tuition that allows them to substantially top up their monthly income. It is common practice amongst the growing middle classes in China to provide extra English study for their children outside of school hours. It is not uncommon for teachers to effectively double their earnings by providing private lessons for these students in their free time.
