If you are thinking about teaching English in Aisa, you will quickly discover that most people end up working in one of the big 3 TEFL hiring countries. They are Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. China is also a big player these days, but it still lags behind the other 3 for a few reasons that we can get into at a later time. Needless to say, there are other options, like Thailand and Vietnam, so make sure to look around and make the best choice for your indiciual tastes. And always rememeber, just because you pick one location doesn't mean that you can't change your mind and hop a plane for another at some point in your Asian adventure.
Teaching English in Japan
General Overview
Japan has had its fair share of difficulties in the recent years, but it’s still a find place to live and teach English. Known for politeness, preference for quality over quantity, and extreme professionalism, Japanese culture is easily accepted by most visiting teachers. Tokyo and Osaka are the largest cities, and most EFL jobs are located in and around them, but there are many other positions available in more rural settings, especially for those interested in the Japanese ALT program, which places teachers into the public school system.
Salary vs. Cost of Living
As far as the money you can make vs. the money you can save while living and teaching English in Japan, it really depends on where you live. Tokyo and Osaka are expensive cities, but a smaller rural city will be much cheaper. Salaries are fairly consistent no matter where you live, and they scale extremely well when looking to move to a less expensive place to live. That being said, if you don’t live above you means and understand that you may be living in a studio style apartment you can save money. You can also blow through all your money just as fast as you make it if you aren’t careful, as there are plenty of ways to spend money in Japan’s big cities.
Acceptance in Society
Most Japanese will be very polite to western residents. They value education and are usually overly respectful to teachers. It’s hard to break the surface though, and as a westerner in Japan, you will almost always be treated as such. Making friends with locals is not an easy task, but if you are successful, it can be very rewarding, as Japanese are generally as loyal as they are polite. If you make a good friend while working you Japan, you may have yourself a good friend for life.
Quality of Life
The QoL in Japan is great. Whether you like big cities or rural fishing villages, Japan has it all. Food is fantastic and there are both multinational stores and restaurants as well as tons of mom and pop shops. Most big cities have great public transportation systems. It’s just a fantastic place to live.
Worth a Mention
The workload in Japan can be overbearing at times. It’s a very fast paced culture that tends to be prideful of its work ethic. If you are looking for a relaxed English teaching locale, you may want to skip Japan.
Japan has had its fair share of difficulties in the recent years, but it’s still a find place to live and teach English. Known for politeness, preference for quality over quantity, and extreme professionalism, Japanese culture is easily accepted by most visiting teachers. Tokyo and Osaka are the largest cities, and most EFL jobs are located in and around them, but there are many other positions available in more rural settings, especially for those interested in the Japanese ALT program, which places teachers into the public school system.
Salary vs. Cost of Living
As far as the money you can make vs. the money you can save while living and teaching English in Japan, it really depends on where you live. Tokyo and Osaka are expensive cities, but a smaller rural city will be much cheaper. Salaries are fairly consistent no matter where you live, and they scale extremely well when looking to move to a less expensive place to live. That being said, if you don’t live above you means and understand that you may be living in a studio style apartment you can save money. You can also blow through all your money just as fast as you make it if you aren’t careful, as there are plenty of ways to spend money in Japan’s big cities.
Acceptance in Society
Most Japanese will be very polite to western residents. They value education and are usually overly respectful to teachers. It’s hard to break the surface though, and as a westerner in Japan, you will almost always be treated as such. Making friends with locals is not an easy task, but if you are successful, it can be very rewarding, as Japanese are generally as loyal as they are polite. If you make a good friend while working you Japan, you may have yourself a good friend for life.
Quality of Life
The QoL in Japan is great. Whether you like big cities or rural fishing villages, Japan has it all. Food is fantastic and there are both multinational stores and restaurants as well as tons of mom and pop shops. Most big cities have great public transportation systems. It’s just a fantastic place to live.
Worth a Mention
The workload in Japan can be overbearing at times. It’s a very fast paced culture that tends to be prideful of its work ethic. If you are looking for a relaxed English teaching locale, you may want to skip Japan.
Teaching English in Taiwan
General Overview
Taiwan has been a popular location for overseas English teachers for over two decades. The supply and demand of jobs and teachers changes frequently, so every time the demand surges it brings in new people. Compared to Japan, it’s also an easier place to get started for those new to TEFL, and it offers them a low risk option for getting their foot in the door.
Salary vs. Cost of Living
Besides the low-level barrier to entry, the relatively stable salaries that Taiwan offers its English teachers compared to the cost of living is a lure to recent college grads. Western food and products can be expensive, but local goods and services are well within most EFL teachers’ means. Add in a low-cost national health care system, and Taiwan offers a fair compensation for the industry. You can get an idea of current available teaching jobs and their respective salaries here.
Acceptance in Society
Taiwan’s population is far from diverse. Comprised of 99% Ethnic Han Chinese, foreigners are easily spotted. Although more cultures are visiting and relocating to Taiwan than any other time in recent history, Taiwanese are still both curious and cautious of anyone that is not a local. They are very accepting though, and with the right attitude and some patience, it’s quite easy to make friends.
Quality of Life
English Teachers in Taiwan live rather well. On average, their salaries are double that of an entry-level college graduate position. They are often treated well socially both by friends and businesses. Taiwan’s lack of diversity can make random bouts of culture shock a bit stronger than when residing in a more multicultural location, but overall foreign teachers in Taiwan live well. To read about the lives of two foreigners who have been teaching in Taiwan for almost a decade, visit this website.
Worth a Mention
Though English teachers in Taiwan get paid well when compared to the average Taiwanese salary, pay rates for EFL teachers have stagnated over the last few years, while inflation continues to rise. The cost of living is going up, but it hasn’t yet become too much as to eliminate any financial benefit for relocating to Taiwan, yet.
Taiwan has been a popular location for overseas English teachers for over two decades. The supply and demand of jobs and teachers changes frequently, so every time the demand surges it brings in new people. Compared to Japan, it’s also an easier place to get started for those new to TEFL, and it offers them a low risk option for getting their foot in the door.
Salary vs. Cost of Living
Besides the low-level barrier to entry, the relatively stable salaries that Taiwan offers its English teachers compared to the cost of living is a lure to recent college grads. Western food and products can be expensive, but local goods and services are well within most EFL teachers’ means. Add in a low-cost national health care system, and Taiwan offers a fair compensation for the industry. You can get an idea of current available teaching jobs and their respective salaries here.
Acceptance in Society
Taiwan’s population is far from diverse. Comprised of 99% Ethnic Han Chinese, foreigners are easily spotted. Although more cultures are visiting and relocating to Taiwan than any other time in recent history, Taiwanese are still both curious and cautious of anyone that is not a local. They are very accepting though, and with the right attitude and some patience, it’s quite easy to make friends.
Quality of Life
English Teachers in Taiwan live rather well. On average, their salaries are double that of an entry-level college graduate position. They are often treated well socially both by friends and businesses. Taiwan’s lack of diversity can make random bouts of culture shock a bit stronger than when residing in a more multicultural location, but overall foreign teachers in Taiwan live well. To read about the lives of two foreigners who have been teaching in Taiwan for almost a decade, visit this website.
Worth a Mention
Though English teachers in Taiwan get paid well when compared to the average Taiwanese salary, pay rates for EFL teachers have stagnated over the last few years, while inflation continues to rise. The cost of living is going up, but it hasn’t yet become too much as to eliminate any financial benefit for relocating to Taiwan, yet.
Teaching English in South Korea
General Overview
South Korea is always a popular choice for EFL teachers. The bright lights and fast paced draw of Seoul is hard for a lot of other places to compete with. It’s an exciting place that has a high demand for EFL teachers, and it’s a place where you can often find plenty of well-paid working hours.
Salary vs. Cost of Living
Full-time teaching salaries vary, but they usually fall between the ranges of $2000-2500 USD. Much like Japan, the amount that you can save largely depends on both the lifestyle you live and where you reside. It is possible to save a nice chunk of your income, but it is just as easy to spend it all as well.
Acceptance in Society
South Korea is very proud of their heritage and they are not afraid to let you know it. While accommodating and polite in formal settings, it’s not unusual to run into a little unequal treatment that isn’t to your benefit is more day-to-day affairs. One of the biggest problems many EFL teachers in South Korea face is fitting in with the local culture.
Quality of Life
South Korea is a well-educated and technologically advanced country. Overall, the standard of living is very high, and teachers can live well there. The workload may be a bit high though and teachers often burn out if they aren’t careful.
Worth a Mention
Alcohol consumption is a major part of Korean culture. It’s not uncommon for people to go out after work every single night and drink heavily, only to return to work on time and ready to go the very next day. If you aren’t a drinker or are a light drinker, make sure to have an exit strategy planned if going out with Korean co-workers.
South Korea is always a popular choice for EFL teachers. The bright lights and fast paced draw of Seoul is hard for a lot of other places to compete with. It’s an exciting place that has a high demand for EFL teachers, and it’s a place where you can often find plenty of well-paid working hours.
Salary vs. Cost of Living
Full-time teaching salaries vary, but they usually fall between the ranges of $2000-2500 USD. Much like Japan, the amount that you can save largely depends on both the lifestyle you live and where you reside. It is possible to save a nice chunk of your income, but it is just as easy to spend it all as well.
Acceptance in Society
South Korea is very proud of their heritage and they are not afraid to let you know it. While accommodating and polite in formal settings, it’s not unusual to run into a little unequal treatment that isn’t to your benefit is more day-to-day affairs. One of the biggest problems many EFL teachers in South Korea face is fitting in with the local culture.
Quality of Life
South Korea is a well-educated and technologically advanced country. Overall, the standard of living is very high, and teachers can live well there. The workload may be a bit high though and teachers often burn out if they aren’t careful.
Worth a Mention
Alcohol consumption is a major part of Korean culture. It’s not uncommon for people to go out after work every single night and drink heavily, only to return to work on time and ready to go the very next day. If you aren’t a drinker or are a light drinker, make sure to have an exit strategy planned if going out with Korean co-workers.