 The top five places to teach English in Thailand It is no secret that Thailand is one of the most popular TEFL destinations in Asia and indeed the world Foreign teachers have been flocking to the country for many years to enjoy the fabulous mix of tropical weather, fascinating culture, friendly local people and a low cost of living Most importantly, there are also plenty of jobs available in many diverse locations across the country For an insight into the most popular options, take a look at this list to see which might suit your lifestyle the best 1. Bangkok Thailand's capital city is unsurprisingly home to the largest market for foreign teachers in the country Across this vast city, you will find countless job opportunities in government schools, private language schools, international schools, colleges and universities As a major world city, the cost of living in Bangkok is higher than you will find elsewhere in the country, but you can also expect to earn a higher salary to compensate for this Although it can certainly be a hectic place, especially during rush hour, the city is relatively easy to navigate due to the modern BTS Skytrain and the underground MRT systems which are clearly signed in English The main attraction for many teachers is the city's mix of local culture and modern international living Depending on your moot and budget, you can choose to dine out on incredible street food for just a dollar or two or you can splash out on a swanky meal and a night out at one of the city's many trendy clubs, bars or music venues You will also find plenty of great shopping options, from huge malls to traditional markets With its wide range of modern amenities, Bangkok might be the right choice for you if you are new to international travel, used to big city living or simply fond of your creature comforts 2. Fuket As Thailand's largest island, Fuket has rapidly grown from a few tiny fishing villages into the country's premier resort destination in just a few years Fuket is now home to a large expat community from all over the world, as well as an ever-growing local population that is drawn by the largely tourism-based job market Across the island, there are many job opportunities on offer for foreign teachers, although you can expect a relatively high level of competition for the best positions For those who do find a suitable position, the reward is to live on a tropical island that manages to balance city life with a laid-back beach vibe Among its many charms, Fuket offers plenty of traditional temples, markets and colorful festivals, as well as modern shopping malls, multi-screen cinemas and water parks As many fantastic beaches are also a huge attraction. Around the coast, you will find beaches to suit all tastes, from peaceful pondline sands to lively resorts complete with water sports and a vibrant nightlife While some parts of Fuket have become a little overdeveloped for some tastes, you are only a short boat ride away from several other stunning islands where you can get a feel for the region's outstanding natural beauty Looking for a location that mixes modern conveniences with a relaxed lifestyle? Fuket could be your dream destination 3. Chiang Mai. Thailand's revered northern capital offers a vastly different option from the hectic pace of Bangkok and the tourist magnet of Fuket Due to its relatively high elevation and location in the north of the country, Chiang Mai enjoys a considerably cooler climate than many other places in the region There are also plenty of public and private schools to be found, although salaries are generally lower than some other areas However, this hasn't stopped its popularity among foreign teachers as many are prepared to earn a little lesson return for all the benefits of living in Thailand's cultural capital Although Chiang Mai is many miles from the nearest beach, it is surrounded by a backdrop of stunning proportions There is natural beauty to be enjoyed, including jungle covered mountains and spectacular river valleys The area around the city provides the perfect playground for enjoying a wide range of adventure sports, as well as some of the best trekking to be found in Southeast Asia In the city, you will also find many cultural highlights, such as ancient temples and handicraft markets, as well as cool coffee shops, bars and cafes If a mix of nature, adventure, culture and nightlife is what you are looking for, look no further than Chiang Mai The beautiful island of Koh Samui is second only to Fuukit in terms of size, but it has yet to be developed to the same degree The island has plenty of government schools who employ foreign teachers, as well as a few international schools aimed at both the thriving expat community and wealthy ties If you can secure a job at an international school you should earn enough to live very comfortably However, as an island, the cost of some basic necessities is higher than on the mainland, so those with lower paid jobs might need to be a bit more frugal Koh Samui offers a real mix of locations from quiet rural districts to built-up areas with a busy nightlife Wherever you choose to live you will never be far away from a beautiful sandy beach where you can relax during your time away from the classroom Whether you prefer to swing in a hammock under the ponds or tackle something more energetic, such as surfing, diving or snorkeling, there is the perfect beach for you If you would like to experience the peace and tranquility of a tropical island that also has the option of a big night out, Koh Samui is certainly worth considering 5. ISON. If you are looking for a more authentic Thai experience in an area that has not been developed simply to please the tourist market, then the northeastern region of ISON might be perfect for you This huge area is home to several medium-sized cities that offer plenty of opportunities to teach in government schools While you should not expect to get rich working in this environment, the local cost of living is the lowest in the country, so you should still be able to live well on your salary The majority of teaching jobs are found in the four main cities of Khorot, Kon Keen, Yubin Rajathani and Yutinthani, all of which provide a great base for exploring the region further The obvious attraction of the ISON region is to experience Thailand in a way that most tourists and indeed teachers never do The rural parts of the region enjoy a slow pace of life that seems a million miles from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, yet it is only a one-hour flight away There are several unique national parks to explore, as well as the mighty Mekong River which forms a natural border with neighboring Laos ISON is also famous for its local cuisine which includes two of the most popular Thai dishes, lob and sam tam If the authentic side of Thai life appeals to you, why not take a look at the ISON region? Are you ready to teach English in Thailand? If you want the best possible start to your teaching career, why not complete your TEFL certification courses? At one of our training centers in Thailand, we have popular centers in Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai You can also find out more about living and working in the country via our Thailand Country Guide Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today Private or public schools in South Korea, where is it better to teach English? Private or public schools in South Korea, where is it better to teach English? Teachers in South Korea either work for private language institutes called HAGWINS or public schools through the government funded EPIC program Both options are highly popular and offer good salaries and other benefits However, there are a couple of distinct differences that might help you to decide whether working at a private or public school in South Korea is a better fit for you Differences in the hiring process Both public and private schools hire teachers in advance before leaving their home country However, the majority of public school teachers are hired through the English program in Korea or EPIC While you can find vacant positions at private schools throughout the whole year The hiring process for public schools follows a set timetable, normally in April for start dates in September and in October for start dates in March Applying, interviewing and arranging a work visa for South Korea can take up to four months to complete So be sure to start the process as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline Differences in salary Private and public schools both offer competitive salaries allowing teachers to save a big chunk of their monthly pay However, there are slight differences between the two school types Private schools tend to pay slightly more than public schools Benefits, such as paid return airfare, free accommodation and a month's bonus on completion of the contract are usually offered by both private and public schools Current teacher salaries in South Korea Public schools First-time teachers equals 1.8 to 2.1 million KRW, $1,600 to $1,800 United States dollars Experience teachers equals 2.0 to 2.7 million KRW, $1,800 to $2,400 United States dollars Private schools First-time teachers equals 2.0 to 2.1 million KRW, $1,800 to $1,900 United States dollars Experience teachers equals 2.1 to 3.1 million KRW, $1,900 to $2,700 United States dollars Differences in working hours Typical working hours for public school teachers are usually 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday In contrast, private school teachers tend to work later hours Some work from 9am to 5pm, but the majority work between 1pm and 9pm as many schools offer after school classes aimed at students of all ages A lot of private schools also have classes on weekends Differences in vacation time This is one of the biggest differences between public and private schools in South Korea Generally, public school teachers enjoy more paid vacation days than those working for private schools Public school teachers usually get 18 paid holidays per year, while private school teachers only enjoy between 7 and 10 paid vacation days On top of that, there are between 13 and 15 national holidays per year that everyone gets off Other differences between public and private schools in South Korea The number of students you will teach per class might also vary depending on the type of school you work at Generally, public school classes have between 20 and 30 students Private school classes rarely have more than 15 students per class with a tendency towards smaller classes or even one-on-one tuition Another notable difference between public and private schools in South Korea is that public schools often have only one foreign teacher, while private schools hire multiple teachers ranging between 10 to over 50 depending on the size of the school Which school type suits you most? This detailed comparison should make your decision of where to teach English in South Korea a little easier For more and information on living and working in South Korea, be sure to check out our South Korea country page and read our alumni experiences in South Korea Are you ready to teach English in South Korea? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today Next game for teaching English in Hong Kong, how it works and how to apply So, you're interested in teaching English in Hong Kong? Although there are many avenues in which to do this, one particular program that is unique to Hong Kong is the native English teacher, net, scheme I've just started my fourth consecutive year teaching in a local school in the new territories in Hong Kong and the scheme has definitely provided me with plenty of opportunities The role of a net is to enhance the English learning environment in public sector schools The Education Bureau, EDB, of Hong Kong recruits native speakers from English speaking countries around the world to give students a chance to interact and learn English from a foreigner Hong Kong is an attractive city for teachers as the salary is higher than that in many other countries and it's a great travel gateway to other countries in Asia for teachers who usually get long holidays The city is known as a hub for experts and it's a top food and culture destination Whether you enjoy the bustle of the city, the tranquility of nature or the relaxation of the beach, you can get them all in Hong Kong After the handover of Hong Kong back to China in 1997, there was much discussion about Chinese being the medium of instruction in schools and what that would mean for English language learning Thus, in 1998, the net scheme in secondary schools was born, followed by the primary section a few years later The net scheme celebrates its 20th anniversary The net section is a division of the EDB that was established in 2002, which provides support and guidance for teachers under the net scheme The net section is comprised of the advisory teaching team, primary section and regional net coordinating team, secondary section Duties of a net The net's role is to enhance the English atmosphere, which can be interpreted in a variety of ways You may be asked to run after school lessons such as debating a drama club, decorate and hold activities in your school's English corner, or develop English language lessons and other curriculum materials Although you are technically employed by the EDB, you have to report to your school and fulfill the duties your school requires of you This could be speech festival training, teaching Saturday enhancement classes, taking students on outings, teaching summer classes, running your school's English week, or organizing lunchtime activities As far as teaching load goes, this can vary depending on your school Many nets often teach solely oral classes or drama lessons For me, I teach a full general English class with a few oral lessons A smart English panel chair, EPC, will give you a schedule that plays to your strengths and maximizes your effectiveness in the school How to apply for the net scheme in Hong Kong? The competition to be an EDB net is fierce You should expect to at least have a bachelor's degree in several years as teaching experience with top priority given to education degree holders An English degree and experience teaching English as a foreign language are also advantageous Although you may be considered for the scheme without these specific qualifications, you may not ultimately be chosen Each year, applications are accepted for the upcoming school year The deadline for applications is usually the end of January If you are selected for an interview and you do not live in Hong Kong, you will have to travel to a specific location for the interview, which is usually held by a panel from the EDB For me, the North American location was New York City You also have to do a written test, I had to write an essay in a short amount of time about how I would introduce myself to students on my first day of teaching If you pass the interview, it doesn't guarantee you a job There's a ton of paperwork to do, including a qualifications assessment If approved, you will then be put into a candidate pool where the EDB will send your CV out to certain schools that are looking for a new net Some schools will advertise for a new net without going through the EDB directly, which means you are welcome to job hunt on your own If you choose this option, note that the EDB will not send your TEFL resume CV to any schools Hopefully, some schools will contact you for a TEFL interview I've heard from other nets that it's advantageous to actually be in Hong Kong while applying to schools, although this means that the EDB will not provide a passage allowance to flight reimbursement if you've come to Hong Kong before securing a job For me, however, I had a Skype interview from Canada with my current school and was hired shortly after Lock of the draw, I guess. Finding a job may not happen instantaneously, however Most schools will not know if their current net is staying or leaving until the month of May and many may not recruit for new teachers until June or July You also have to factor in at least a month's processing time for your working visa and other documents before arriving in Hong Kong I didn't get a job offer until the end of July, so while you're in the candidate pool, it's definitely a waiting game After securing a job, you have the option to attend the net induction days Especially if you're new to Hong Kong, as members of the net section will help ease your worries and impart some valuable teaching tips During my induction, we had a mini Cantonese lesson and learned about the cultural challenges you might face in your school This was extremely helpful for me In order to draw qualified foreign teachers to Hong Kong, the EDB offers an attractive relocation package for teachers in their TTTs whose normal place of residence is outside of Hong Kong They cover a return flight from your country of origin to Hong Kong for each completed contract A housing allowance and medical allowance is also provided Currently, the housing allowance is approximately $2,000 and this amount gets assessed and usually increased every year You can thank the soaring high rent prices for this As far as salary goes, your pay is determined based on your qualifications and experience, and you will be paid according to the government's master pay scale, MPS Each year, if your school deems your performance satisfactory, you will gradually move up the point on the pay scale Upon completion of your first contract, you can apply for the retention incentive, which is a 5% raise for continuing into a third and fourth year of teaching If you stay five years and onwards, the rate is boosted to a 10% raise The most alluring bonus is the contract gratuity However, if you apply for this, you will receive 15% of your basic salary upon completion of each contract As you can see, if you stay on the scheme long term, you can quickly rise to the top of the pay scale and live a very comfortable life in Hong Kong Attractive rewards Although working in an international school is a top goal for many serious English teachers, the net scheme offers many things that an international school can't always provide Being a net allows you to get an authentic cultural experience in Hong Kong by working with local students and teachers You will likely be the only foreigner in your school, which means that students and staff will really value the knowledge and culture that you can bring to the learning environment For many students in local schools, you may be the only foreigner they have ever met and probably ever will meet This means that you will impact on their lives a great deal and bring something completely different to their lessons that they may never have experienced before With this experience, English departments often give the net a lot of creative control My school encourages me to switch things up in my lessons, so my students have studied topics such as Disney, Taylor Swift, Veganism, etc We've had Halloween parties, movie nights, photo scavenger hunts, and charity walks I've taught them culture classes where they learn how to have a proper British afternoon tea and taste different American foods The students love these interactive lessons and my department appreciates the creative ideas that I provide One of the things I absolutely love about working in a local school is that I don't have to deal with parents Many parents in local schools do not speak English confidently, so it's unlikely that they'll want to meet with you I consider this a bonus because I've had to deal with not so pleasant parents while teaching in English speaking countries This doesn't mean that you're off the hook entirely, however Depending on your school's banding, academic ranking, you may have some parents who are more than willing to meet with you The most important thing is the students Not all are perfect angels, in Hong Kong, youngsters are taught to respect people in positions of authority and are generally kind Compared to their counterparts in many other countries, Hong Kong students' overall work ethic is admirable, and in most families, schoolwork is stressed as the number one priority They are expected to devote most of their time to academics and the majority of them genuinely work hard Common challenges in net faces Being the only foreigner in the school does have its challenges The lack of English among colleagues is probably the most difficult aspect for me Emails, notices, and meetings are all in Chinese Communicating with janitors, teachers from non-English departments, security, or office staff can often be a huge hassle But I feel unmotivated to do large-scale activities because asking for assistance or communicating what I need from the school is impossible Depending on your school's banding, you may have students who speak no English whatsoever How do you teach a lesson to somebody who has no idea what you're saying? It's definitely challenging A large number of students may come from mainland China and some have newly emigrated from other Asian countries, which means your way of teaching English might be something completely strange to them Another big challenge is Hong Kong's education system You'll be lucky if you're in a school that doesn't enforce constant dictations, drilling, and textbook learning for its standardized tests Although the net is usually granted a lot of creative freedom, this can be difficult to balance in a classroom full of students who are used to rote learning and very old-fashioned teaching methods For this reason, students are often shy, passive, and unwilling to participate in activities that are too different than what they're used to Moreover, the class sizes are a lot bigger in Hong Kong than they are in Western countries In Canada, I would have a maximum of 22 students in a class In Hong Kong, I've had over 40 students in a single class Students are often overloaded with tutorial classes and extracurricular activities in addition to their regular classes and long hours of homework in the evenings Combined with immense pressure from their parents and the competitiveness of entering post-secondary programs, many suffer from extreme stress and other mental health issues In Hong Kong culture, it's shameful to lose face in front of others or ask for help Therefore, many students are suffering and cannot access the support and counseling that they need For these reasons, Hong Kong has a relatively high suicide rate among youngsters It can be difficult working in such an environment The net community Although you may be the only net in your school, you're not alone There are many communities for teachers such as Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, and online forums where nets can communicate with each other Nesta, native English-speaking teacher of association, holds social events every month and advocates on behalf of nets when issues arise The net section also provides many professional development opportunities such as cluster meetings and workshops You can meet other teachers and learn useful skills to bring back to your school In addition, the EBD offers various competitions for students to enter, such as speak out, act up, drama competition, film it, film competition, and hands-on stage, puppetry competition What are you waiting for? I had never taught ESL until I joined the net scheme and came to Hong Kong If it's your first time teaching abroad, it's a great path to take Since you're employed directly through the Hong Kong government, you can rest assured that you'll be placed in legitimate schools and be treated with respect and IT professionalism If you're yearning for a change of pace, wanting to broaden your teaching experiences, or simply looking for an adventure, you should definitely check out the net scheme in Hong Kong For more information about the net scheme in Hong Kong, visit the EBD website Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today Step-by-step guide to legally teaching English in Japan Japan has been a popular destination for English teachers from all over the world for decades Year after year, thousands of teachers come to Japan attracted by the country's fascinating culture and the lucrative salaries, as well as the government-funded jet program that places qualified teachers into public schools across the country Teaching English in Japan is an exciting adventure and offers you the opportunity to experience a unique culture like a local However, it is important to be aware of the local job market and regulations before heading off on your adventure of teaching English in Japan Step 1. Understanding the visa situation To legally work in Japan you need to obtain a work visa The good news is that obtaining a work visa to teach English in Japan isn't as difficult as it is in some other countries in the region In order to obtain a work visa you need to possess a degree in any subject, be fluent in the English language and have a strong desire and willingness to pass on your language knowledge to your students Other requirements for the work visa application for teaching English in Japan at the time of writing, bachelor's and or master's degree diploma Sealed college or university transcript Original national level criminal background check, FBI in the US 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 Step 2. Get your TEFL certification A TEFL certification is not a requirement to obtain a work visa for teaching English in Japan as of now However, as Japan is such a popular teaching destination, the competition is fierce That is why it is recommended that you complete a TEFL certification course before applying for jobs A TEFL certificate will increase your chances of landing a great position at a renowned school and get you a higher salary than teachers without certification It will also give you the skills and knowledge you need to lead a classroom confidently and efficiently If you want to live and work in Japan as an English teacher, we recommend that you start your TEFL TESOL course at least one year before your desired start date If you choose an in-class TEFL TESOL course, you will receive your certificate within around four weeks On the other hand, an online course can take anywhere between two and six months This depends on how much time you have and how quickly you work through the course units Also keep in mind that while in-class courses were much preferred in the early days of the FL teaching, online TEFL courses are now just as valued In our four-week-in-class TEFL course option in Tokyo for a head start in teaching English in Japan We recommend the following course options 120-hour TEFL TESOL course 220-hour master package 470-hour professional package Step 3 Do your homework and research If you want to head to Japan to teach English abroad, do as much research about the local culture and job market as you can Usually, new teachers moving to Japan start out working at public schools through the government funded jet program Later on, once they know the local work culture and have built a network, a lot of teachers branch out to work for private language academies or work directly for companies teaching English to employees Private language academies generally operate in the late afternoon and evenings where children and adults attend to improve their language skills in their own time At both public and private schools, teachers earn between US$2,000 and US$3,000 per month, depending on location, position and current exchange rate Step 4 Be patient, persistent and flexible A lot of teachers choose Tokyo as their new home base in Japan, there are a lot of other exciting cities and towns across the nation It's also worth noting that the cost of living in Tokyo is among the highest in the country and even the world Other popular locations for teachers are Kyoto, Osaka or even the beautiful vacation island of Okinawa The convenience of Japan's bullet train and express bus systems allows you to travel between cities very easily Step 5 Apply for jobs Once you have your TEFL certificate in hand and understand the local job market, you are ready to start your job search All enrolled ITTT students and alumni have access to our lifetime job assistance, including our job boards We have a large network of recruiters and schools in Asia with whom you can work with to find the job offer that suits your needs We work with a range of renowned recruiters who specialize in the Japanese market and we would love to connect you with them Besides our own connections and the ITTT job board, you can also search for recruiters in Japan via an online search These types of agencies are a great place to start because they know the local job market and can set up interviews for you with suitable schools Are you ready for your Japan adventure? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today Teaching English in China, the salary and budget guide This guide will help you answer the question, how much can I earn and save teaching English in China? You'll also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when making the move to China The typical salary for English teachers in China Throughout the country, there are a large variety of jobs available, but the salary depends on which schools and institutions you work for as well as your own qualifications and experience English teachers in China can expect to make between $6,016,000 RMB, currently $890, $2,400 USD Those teaching at an international school, however, can make up to $30,000 RMB, $4,400 USD If you are a first-time teacher, you can expect to earn between $6,000 RMB and $12,000 RMB per month which equates to around $890 to $1,800 USD The salary also depends on where you are based. The Big Three, Beijing, 107,000 dexpits, Shanghai, 209,000 dexpits, and Guangzhou, over 200,000 dexpits Pay the highest salaries but also have a higher cost of living compared to other cities around China Other benefits to expect when teaching English in China Since this salary, most teachers receive free housing or a housing allowance from their employer On top of that, most schools also pay for the round-trip airfare for their teachers How to earn extra cash while teaching English in China Many teachers in the country take advantage of the high demand for private language tutors The growing middle class and particular routinely hire tutors for extra English study for their children outside of school hours In doing so, it's not uncommon for teachers to double their income by taking on a couple of students in their free time Most of these private tutoring lessons are paid by the hour with prices ranging from 180 to 250 RMB per hour, $26.36 The cost of living in China While prices are on the rise, the cost of living in China is still favorable compared to most industrialized nations So much so that in some parts of the country the cost of living is half of that in the USA That's why teachers in China can live very comfortably and have a strong purchasing power Many teachers can afford a lifestyle they wouldn't be able to enjoy back home This includes luxuries like hiring a housekeeper, travel every month, regularly eating out at restaurants, relaxing spa sessions and enjoying nights out with friends and colleagues Let's break down the cost of living in China for individual areas below Cost of living in China, food Eating out at local restaurants and purchasing produce and ingredients at Chinese supermarkets not only gives you an amazing insight into the Chinese way of life but also leaves you with money in your pockets for fun and adventure Milk, 1-0 7 RMB Eggs, 12 7 RMB Carrots, 1 kg 5 RMB Chicken breast, 1 kg 15 RMB Rice, 1 kg 8 RMB Bottle of water, 1.5 liters 3 RMB Bottle of Chinese beer, 0.5 liters 4 RMB Cost of living in China Leisure activities Leisure activities in China are very affordable and Chinese people love spending time out This starts with frequent meals out with colleagues, friends and family Try your way through the wide range of regional dishes China has to offer Then, you can hang out with friends at clubs and karaoke bars, work out at the gym or get a massage and relax China's leisure activities have something for everyone 3-course mid-range restaurant dinner 80 RMB Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles 25 RMB Large dumplings, a common street food 3 RMB Housekeeper, 2 hours 30 RMB Massage, 30 RMB 40 RMB One-month fitness club membership 150 RMB Movie ticket, international release 65 RMB Cost of living in China Transportation The public transit network in China has gotten a lot of attention from the government in recent years who have constantly expanded and improved it Today, it's one of the most advanced and vast in the world Taxi prices are very affordable and pimes and subway rides are also inexpensive Metro ride 3 RMB Taxi rate per km 2.2 RMB Start fare 10 RMB 20 min taxi ride across town 25 RMB City bus point to RMB 3 hour bicycle rental 8 RMB plus 100 RMB deposit Returned Ferry crossing point to RMB Cost of living in China Travel in China and beyond Travelers on a budget love China The trains are fast and numerous and ticket prices are very affordable Domestic flights are usually inexpensive except for price rises during national holidays like Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival One night in a mid-range hotel, 350 RMB High speed train, Shenzhen to Wuhan, 3 hours 490 RMB Slow train, Guangzhou to Wuhan, 10 hours 120 RMB Flight, Shenzhen to Beijing, 2 hours 800 RMB Flight, Shenzhen to Bangkok, 3 hours 1300 RMB Sample monthly teacher budget To give you an example of how an English teacher in China spends their salary, here is a sample monthly budget Gross income, salary Up to 13,500 RMB Rent 3000 RMB Utilities, electricity, gas, water 200 RMB Phone and internet 300 RMB Food 1500 RMB Insurance 295 RMB Remaining disposable income 8,205 RMB How much you can save when teaching English in China As you can see from the sample budget above, the added benefits and high salaries in China allow you to save substantial sums of money during the length of your contract Depending on lifestyle, an ESL teacher in China is able to save anything from $500 to $1,500 per month Are you ready to teach English in China? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today The top 5 places to teach English in Vietnam Southeast Asia is, without a doubt, one of the most popular regions for teaching English as a foreign language Vietnam, in particular, offers great opportunities for TEFL qualified IT professionals in all of its major cities, as well as in many smaller towns across the nation Vietnam is also a great destination for non-native English teachers and those without a degree If you would like to teach English in this beautiful country, take a look at our pick of the top 5 places to teach English in Vietnam 1. Ho Chi Minh City With a population of nearly 8.5 million, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and typically has the highest demand for foreign teachers in the country There are hundreds of English language schools eager to hire TEFL qualified English teachers right now Ho Chi Minh City played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War and is also known for its French colonial landmarks, including the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral The bustling VN Thanh market is another popular attraction as it is lined with food stall streets allowing you to sample your way through Vietnamese cuisine 2. Hanoi Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and has a population of more than 7.5 million people It is world famous for its centuries-old architecture with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences The iconic old quarter boasts lovely narrow streets and many little temples, including the famous Phat Chma's, honoring a legendary horse If you get hungry, be sure to stop by Ong Shuyen Market, which sells household goods and delicious Vietnamese street food If you are looking for an English teaching job in Vietnam, you can definitely find a position in Hanoi 3. Da Nang The beautiful coastal city of Da Nang is located in central Vietnam It's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country because of its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port Da Nang is also a great base if you want to visit the inland Ba Na Hills located west of the city Another popular attraction in Da Nang are the marble mountains, five limestone outcrops with beautiful pagodas, and hidden caves with Buddhist shrines 4. Huy If you are looking for a historic city to live in, Huy is a great choice The city in central Vietnam served as the seat of the Nguyen dynasty emperors and was the national capital from 1802 to 1945 Its most impressive attraction is the vast, 19th century Inuy Citadel surrounded by a moat and thick stone walls The imperial city in Huy also houses various palaces, shrines and the famous Forbidden Purple City that was one the emperor's homes 5. Ha Phong Active and outdoorsy people might find their happiness in Ha Phong, a major port city across from popular Cat Vyland in northeastern Vietnam It's also not far from the world famous Halong Bay Scenic Area which is one of the country's most popular attractions The city itself is also beautiful and lined with French colonial-era landmarks, including the neoclassical opera house in the Queen of the Rosary Cathedral from the 19th century You should also check out Du Hang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple History buffs will also learn about this city's history at Ha Phong Museum If you want the best possible start to your teaching career in Vietnam, why not complete your TEFL certification course at our training center in Ho Chi Minh City Are you ready to teach English in Vietnam? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today 5. Reasons Why You Should Teach English in South Korea There are many great places to teach English abroad and one place that comes up a lot when researching the topic is South Korea It's true that thousands of new teachers head to South Korea each year to pursue a career in teaching English as a foreign language for good reasons Here are 5 reasons why you should teach English in South Korea English education is a million-dollar business in Korea South Korea is one of the most prosperous countries in Asia and the world To its booming economy with several Fortune 500 companies like Samsung, Hyundai and Kia English language skills are now more important than ever in the East Asian nation The English education industry of South Korea is a million-dollar business and the importance of English language skills is deeply ingrained in modern society There is huge demand for English education, English teachers in Korea encounter a wide range of students and the job never gets boring With a specialized TEFL certificate in business English or teaching English to young learners, you can further increase your chances of landing a high-paying position since they are the two largest branches of teaching English in South Korea The high number of English learners in South Korea has brought about a competitive array of language schools in the country This allows teachers to work for a variety of different schools, both private and public Both options are popular, but there are some differences between the two systems that you should be aware of before applying A lot of teachers settle in the capital Seoul, but there are countless other big cities around the country with English language schools looking for TEFL qualified teachers to hire Be flexible and branch out to explore all the exciting cities and towns South Korea has to offer from Paju near the North Korean border to Busan on the East Sea in the South Sign up for a combined TEFL course in Seoul with 10 days of teaching practice and become TEFL certified in the country Attractive salaries and benefits On top of attractive job opportunities, South Korea is known to offer high salaries and great benefits for foreign teachers The salary depends on where you work and your level of experience, so a typical average monthly salary for first-time teachers at a public school Seoul is between 1.8 and 2.0 million Korean won, $1,600 to $1,800 United States dollars, while experienced teachers get paid between 2.0 and 2.7 million Korean won, $1,800 to $2,400 United States dollars In addition, teachers at private language schools make around 2.0 to 2.1 million Korean won, $1,800 to $1,900 United States dollars, per month and those with experience can earn a monthly salary between 2.1 and 3.0 million Korean won, $1,900 to $2,700 United States dollars Most employers provide free housing and pay for round-trip airfares. Many schools also pay an end of contract bonus Healthcare is deducted from your monthly salary and is partially covered by the employer This allows teachers in Korea to save anything from $500 to $1,500 per month, depending on their lifestyle The great thing about teaching English in South Korea is that teachers have access to programs funded by the government that place them in public schools around the country The most popular teaching program is called EPIC, English program in Korea This program places native English speakers into South Korean schools with the specific aim of improving the language skills of children and teachers Another popular program is the Teach and Learn in Korea program While it is similar to EPIC, it is focused on rural rather than urban areas Vibrant culture and picturesque scenery however, teaching abroad isn't all work, you also need to enjoy your free time Despite its small size, South Korea definitely gives you plenty to see and do in its nine provinces South Korea is filled with picturesque mountains, lush valleys and stunning beaches and islands, many of which are completely untouched and cars aren't allowed on them The stunning Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, the UNESCO World Heritage City of Gyeongju with the ancient temples, the Hanok Town of Gyeongju, named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2012 And the stunning volcanic island of Jeju are only a few of the world class sites and detraction South Korea has to offer Traveling in South Korea is very vast and convenient with an extensive network of high speed trains and express buses, so be sure to explore the country while you're there Are you ready to teach English in South Korea? As you can see, there are many reasons to teach English in South Korea Whether you are attracted by the lucrative salaries, the excellent job opportunities, the high number of learners, the vibrant culture or a mix of all of these aspects, teaching abroad in South Korea will be an adventure of a lifetime For more information about living and teaching English in South Korea, check out our South Korea country page Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today Teaching English in South Korea, should you teach in the countryside or city? Teaching. It's frustrating, exhausting, and a whole lot of kid wrangling It's also rewarding, eye-opening and will give you more patience than you ever thought possible I had no idea how much went into this job One day when I'm in Forbes 30 under 30, I'm going to personally send a tower of Ferrero Rocher to every teacher in the world This job is a huge responsibility and it's more difficult than I ever imagined I urge everyone to dip a toe into the teaching world at least once I've taught English in South Korea for two years now in both the open countryside and bustling city It does not seem like there is too much of a difference, but there are a few things to keep in mind before deciding whether to teach in a rural or urban area City teaching. 1. Student body size teaching in city schools is like teaching an entire village of aliens all at once It's a lot more difficult to manage that many kids all at once, but it also gives a lot more opportunities to play games that don't work in smaller classes I've tried to play four corners with four kids. It's a certified snooze fest with no alarm clock in sight Get a big open room with 25 kids and it's the best game in the world Another thing is each grade could have four to five classes with 20 to 25 students in each class That means 80 to 100 students per grade. I teach grades 4, 5 and 6, which means I teach 300 kids 300. Just imagine 600 eyes staring up at you expecting all the answers 2. Private institutions galore academies, hagwins, private tutoring Whatever you want to call it, it's rampant in big cities. Almost every kid goes to one, whether it's for English, math, science, knitting, basket weaving or logging You name it, it's there. In big cities, all my students go to at least one academy every day 3. Varying English level students tend to be higher level English speakers, which makes teaching, communication, planning, and the overall kid wrangling experience a million times more fun That being said, teaching in a bigger class means some of the lower level munchkins slip through the cracks like that long lost favored pencil behind the desk It's always something I have to keep in mind while teaching so that I can accommodate activities Like writing the English pronunciation in Korean. That way, everyone is learning and no one is left out like I was at my old high school dances 4. Student life I'll be honest, students are a lot more stressed in the city There's bigger pressure for top grades, more competition between students and generally, they're more exhausted Make lessons more exciting and active to keep them interested and stop them from dozing off like they're watching an episode of Ghost Whisperer Have them stretch before class, play TAPR games, solve a warm-up riddle, go for a run around the city, lasso a stray cat, electrocute them, whatever shocks them awake 5. Scheduled gymnastics schedules are held tight and everything is mapped out to a T In a school with 3,000 people, timing is everything, and if things are not orderly you could end up with 3,000 students lost in the hallways wandering around, playing pin the students with the world's largest safety pin Nothing usually changes last minute and most plans are as solid as carbon under pressure My school has moved classes around maybe once in the past 6 months I never have to worry about walking into school, only to find out I'm teaching grade 4, grade 5, and a rocket building class 6. Outdoor kid spotting I see some of my students, old and new, outside of school at least once a week In grocery stores, in markets, on the street, at the bus stop, under a park bench It gives me a chance to meet their parents and get to know them on a more personal level Not gonna lie, it's also a great opening for class when all the other students are curious George-ing over where we saw each other 7. Community involvement Since it's such a big school, the only people I really talk to are my co-teachers, students and the scary looking puppets I use for teaching Once a month, there is a mandatory school dinner and it's one of the best no-buck spent hearty meals I get for the month It's also nice to see the other teachers in a more casual setting instead of the super professional, suit-clad school setting 8. Busy bee Since there are so many students in little involvement, you're not as busy There's a lot of time for lesson planning, online courses, Sudoku and cross-stitching This is never a bad thing and my cross-stitching skills could definitely do with some practice 9. Getting to know your kids Can you imagine memorizing 300 names? And in a foreign language Sometimes the name is different by one sound like Yoon Jial and Yoon Kyler Minju and Minji If I had one pasta noodle for every time I've messed up a name, there would be enough for a lifetime supply of spaghetti bolognese One trick I've learned is to have the students write their name on a cue card, laminated and have them raise their hands with it Easy PC, all the names almost kind of sort of sometimes learned Rural teaching 1. Student body size Schools are much smaller in rural areas, which means class sizes are also tiny There's typically one class for each grade and each class in itself has a small number of students My grade 3 class had 15 students and my grade 5 class had 4 students The entire school had 80 students That's how many people sit at the dinner table every day my big fat Indian dinner 2. Private institutions galore Instead of academies, students tend to go to free after school classes for music, English, robotics or raft building That's not to say students don't go to academies but they can be too far to expensive or there is no transportation While teaching in a rural town, there was only one bus that came every 30 to 45 minutes and stopped running at 5pm Unless the students have a parent to drive them or spaceship, it's almost impossible to attend an academy 3. Varying English levels Students don't always have accessibility to academies or the same level of motivation to learn English as the city kids They could be more low level if not zero level students That doesn't mean all rural students are low level I've had a few students that I can hold a full conversation with A rural teacher, you need different activities that aren't too easy for high level students or too difficult for low level students That being said, small class sizes mean students don't fall through the cracks easily It's as easy as spotting a cow in the middle of traffic 4. Student life Imagine the country Large plots of land, cows, tractors, lemonade The pace of life is slower and more relaxed That's exactly how the kids act They play outside more, they're a little tougher, and they grow up faster That being said, because it's of small class, plan more activities outside I've done science experiments, gardening, and even practiced a Bollywood dance for a school talent show Keep things diverse, kids love being outside, so take advantage of the small class size and teach or do activities outdoors 5. Flexibility and last minute changes Things are always changing in rural schools Classes, events, field trips, pinata parties, something new is always popping up If you like routines, this isn't so great It can be stressful, frustrating, and confusing I've walked into school for a 9am class only to find out everyone's away for an overnight trip And there aren't any classes for two days It's annoying sometimes, but use the time to plan an award-winning lesson for when the kids come back 6. Outdoor kids spotting the town I lived in had a population of myself, my neighbors, and three stray cats By that I mean it was really small It was rare to see any of my students outside of school and it was always a welcome surprise if I did 7. Community involvement There's always something going on Sports days, talent shows, lantern festivals, hiking trips, swimming classes, birthday parties, cooking classes, or boar hunting I used to walk into the school and find the students doing crazy things like grilling pancakes with edible flowers or making Songpyeon, a Korean rice cake sweet As a foreign teacher, the staff and students love it when you join in and some of my best memories don't even include English class 8. Busy bee with all the events happening 8 days a week, there's always something to keep you occupied Whether it's helping out with setting up for the talent show or making paper crane garlands with the kids 9. Getting to know your kids' small school, small class sizes It's easy to memorize names when there are only five students in grade one and ten students in grade six One tip is to read their names off the attendance sheet at the beginning of class The kids get a kick out of you reading their names and trying to pronounce it correctly and they love correcting you and laughing at you 10. Cultural excursions There are cultural excursions or activities going on at school all the time A hiking trip, overnight trip to Planet X, gardening at school, camping trips Keep that in mind because excursions tend to pop up at the last minute and the teaching schedule could change at any given moment Are you ready to teach English in South Korea? Each one of these experiences is unique and as always there is something to learn from everything If you can, do both or choose what works for you or one that scares you Teaching in Korea is one of the best experiences I've had and it's something everyone should try at least once Apply now for your TEFL test all certification course and start teaching in a matter of months or join our combined course with 10 days teaching practice in Seoul South Korea Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today The top 5 places to teach English in Japan The utterly unique character of Japan has fascinated people from all over the world throughout history and this is still very true today Nowhere else quite captures the imagination like Japan with its individual blend of East Asian culture and high tech modernity Its popularity among foreign teachers is also enhanced by the strong demand for TEFL qualified IT professionals in all of its major cities as well as many smaller towns across the country Although competition for the top jobs can sometimes be tough, the promise of living and working in one of the world's most fascinating countries continues to draw many thousands of teachers every year If you would like to join them, take a look at our pick of the top 5 places to teach English in Japan 1. Tokyo While the hectic nature of this huge global city might not appeal to everyone, it simply has to be on our list due to the endless sights and detractions it offers and the large number of jobs that are available As you might expect, the cost of living is higher here than in many other parts of Japan, but salaries are usually higher to compensate The country's famously efficient public transport system also means that many teachers are able to live in the suburbs and commute for work, which means you can save a considerable sum on housing costs During your time away from the classroom you will never be short of things to do as the entertainment options across the city are mind boggling from exotic gardens and ancient temples to modern art museums and endless shopping After dark, you will also be spoiled for choices the city offers every style of bar, cafe, restaurant and nightclub that you can possibly imagine The city's status as a major transportation hub also means you can easily get away from the hustle and bustle whenever you feel the need to recharge your batteries If living and working in one of the world's largest and most exciting cities appeals to you, then Tokyo might be the perfect choice 2. Osaka Although Osaka is also a large city that covers a huge area, it offers a slightly different atmosphere to the capital While it is still a modern city with a great infrastructure, there is a certain grittiness about Osaka and its residents that sets it apart Teaching jobs are widely available in the downtown area and right across the city's many districts, with options ranging from teaching young children right through to adults at university level In comparison to Tokyo, the cost of living is more affordable, however, competition for the best paying jobs is often quite strong, so you might need to work your way up the ladder rather than start at the top As you would expect from a big city, there are plenty of attractions to explore in Osaka at any time of the day or night As well as the city's many traditional sites, such as temples, gardens and shrines, there are plenty of modern attractions including Universal Studios Japan which offers no fewer than five roller coasters and a dazzling array of other rides Osaka is also particularly famous as a culinary destination and is regarded by many as the best place in the world to enjoy Japanese food One local specialty that you should look out for is Takoyaki, a popular snack that consists of grilled octopus and other ingredients in a delicious battered ball If great food is a must for you, maybe you should consider Osaka as your teaching destination in Japan 3. Sapporo The city of Sapporo is situated on Japan's most northerly island, Hokkaido Although the cost of living is noticeably lower here than in our two previous cities, you will not find the same high number of teaching options as Tokyo and Osaka The city's popularity with foreign workers also means that the local market can sometimes be harder to crack if you lack experience in the classroom However, with persistence and hard work even first-time teachers should find they can get their foot in the door and work their way up to better positions Sapporo's northerly location is partly what makes the city unique as it enjoys warm summers without the high humidity of many other areas as well as heavy snowfall during the winter months which makes it a haven for lovers of skiing and snowboarding The city is also well known for being exceptionally clean and well-organized, with all the modern amenities you would expect from a major Japanese city Even teachers who do make Sapporo their home, a warm welcome awaits from its friendly local people and its diverse and tight-knit expert community If winter sports are your passion, Sapporo is surely the obvious choice 4. Fukuoka Although similar in size to Sapporo, Fukuoka could hardly be farther away as it is located on the southerly island of Kyushu Despite the distance between them, the two cities offer similar destinations in terms of jobs The market is much smaller than Tokyo and Osaka and the competition is sometimes tough as it is a popular place for foreign teachers to live and work Having said that, there are always options available in a variety of different schools and businesses, you just need to be prepared to do the legwork to hunt them down In contrast to Sapporo, Fukuoka has a tropical climate that ensures warm summers and mild winters which often appeals to more teachers than the long, snowy winters of northern Japan The fine climate, as well as the city's open, international feel, has led to a large expert community developing in Fukuoka At any time, you can take advantage of all the activities and social gatherings that are organized by the various expert groups and indulge in the great local cuisine and lively nightlife that can be found right across the city If warm weather and an active expert community take your boxes, why not take a closer look at Fukuoka 5. Okinawa If you're looking for something a little different, maybe the island of Okinawa would suit you Situated over 600 km to the south of mainland Japan, Okinawa is well known as the home of a large number of American military bases that have remained since the end of World War II Away from these areas, you will find some of the most pristine natural beauty in the whole region This small population, teaching jobs are not found in abundance, but there are a significant number of opportunities to work as an assistant language teacher, alt, in government-brown junior and senior schools The subtropical climate of the island is popular with those looking to leave behind the long winters of North America or Northern Europe You should explore as much as possible, particularly some of the smaller islands nearby that can be reached by ferry or plane Although some of these might be a little difficult to reach, the stunning beaches and coral reefs that you will find make the effort well worthwhile While Okinawa might be a little off the beaten path, it offers a teaching location that is unlike anywhere else in the country Also read. What is the jet program for teaching English in Japan? Are you ready to teach English in Japan? If you want the best possible start to your teaching career in Japan, why not complete your TEFL certification course at our training center in Tokyo? You can also find out more about living and working in the country via our Japan Country Guide Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor Top 10 cities in Asia with the highest demand for English language teachers Asia is the most popular destination for teaching English in the world with dozens of exciting regions to choose from Moreover, Asia offers teaching jobs to people of all backgrounds, including native and non-native English speakers and those with or without a degree Here are the top 10 cities in Asia with the highest demand for English language teachers Bangkok, the city of Angels The capital of Thailand is a great place to start your TEFL journey in Asia The city is known for its many ornate temples and vibrant street life The demand for qualified teachers is very high in the city and even non-native English teachers can find employment here The low cost of living in Bangkok also allows for a comfortable lifestyle, with teacher salaries ranging between $1,000 and $1,500 per month Hanoi, the city of lakes Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is famous for its architecture and vibe influenced by Southeast Asian, Chinese and French styles The old quarter is the heart of the city filled with street markets, restaurants and lots of small temples Similar to Thailand, you can live quite comfortably in Vietnam due to the low cost of living A new teacher usually makes around $1,000 USD per month, while those with experience and a TEFL certificate can make around $2,000 Hong Kong, the pearl of the Orient Hong Kong is often referred to as the pearl of the Orient due to its significant role in the region As a major commercial center in Asia, the opportunities available for qualified English language teachers are plentiful The cost of living in Hong Kong is much higher than in Thailand or Vietnam, the salaries are also higher On top of that, Hong Kong has a teaching scheme in place that places qualified teachers from overseas countries into state-run schools Kuala Lumpur, the city of contrast and diversity Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur is an exciting melting pot of cultures, predominantly Indian, Chinese and Malay The 451 meter tall Patronas Twin Towers are the city's main landmark along with traditional buildings such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building Due to this mix of cultures, English is commonly used in Malaysia for mutual communication among the country's ethnic groups Kuala Lumpur has a lot to offer visitors from historic sites to modern attractions and year-round warm weather Seoul, the city of fortune Korea is among the most popular destinations for teaching English as a foreign language, and most teachers work in or around its capital Seoul The city is another great example of a bustling Asian metropolis that combines modernity with tradition The center of the city is home to Jeonbuk-in Palace, the largest of the city's four palaces In contrast, Lotte World Tower is the city's newest landmark in Korea's tallest building with 123 floors Teachers make a competitive salary in Seoul and many are able to save $1,000 a month or more after expenses Shanghai, the city that never sleeps As a global financial hub, it's no wonder that Shanghai has a place on this list China is the largest market for ESL teachers in the world with more than 300 million English learners, many of which live in Shanghai The city attracts millions of visitors with its colonial-era architecture, famous skyline at the Bund and the beautiful Yu Garden with traditional pavilions and ponds The cost of living in Shanghai is on the rise, but teachers can still earn a high salary allowing them to live well Salaries range between 6,000 RMB and 12,000 RMB per month which equates to around $1,000 to $2,000 US dollars Siem Reap, the city of temples Over the past few years, Cambodia has become a fruitful location for EFL teachers from across the world Due to its importance to the tourism industry, many jobs can be found in Siem Reap The city is not only a major commercial hub of the country, but also a spiritual hotspot as it is home to the famous Angkoraw temple complex As demand is high, non-native English speakers can also find employment here Even though the salaries are not as high as in some other countries in the region, Cambodia does offer a friendly and vibrant culture which creates a perfect environment for gaining valuable classroom experience Singapore, the lion city, since English is one of Singapore's four official languages, the opportunities for qualified English teachers are very rosy indeed Moreover, Singapore is an important international trade hub which provides even more openings Salaries are generally very high, with experienced teachers earning a competitive salary of around $4,000 a month What is also exciting about Singapore is the mix of cultures which is particularly visible in places such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam Taipei, the city of possibilities, Taipei is an exciting metropolis with tall high rises, like the landmark Taipei 101, as well as traditional streets and temples, one of the most significant being Long Shan Temple English language teachers can find a healthy EFL job market in Taipei and experience the rich cultural heritage of the island Moreover, the city offers good pay and benefits for TEFL certified English teachers, with a salary between US $2,220 and US $2,730 per month Tokyo, the pulsating city It is no surprise that the city with the largest population within its metropolitan area with over 31 million people offers great opportunities for EFL teachers Mixing the ultra-modern with the traditional, Tokyo is an attractive location for many people from around the world A lot of teachers find work through the government jet program which has been successfully in place for decades Are you ready to start a new career teaching English in Asia? Living and working in Asia is the dream of many qualified teachers around the world These top 10 cities in Asia with the highest demand for English language teachers are a great starting point for your teaching career in Asia Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-00531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today Teaching English in Taiwan, the Salary and Budget Guide This guide will help you answer the question how much can I earn and save teaching English in Taiwan You'll also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when making the move to Taiwan The typical salary for English teachers in Taiwan English teachers in Taiwan can find positions at public schools, private cram schools and international schools The salary is typically paid by the hour with working hours ranging anywhere from 4 to 8 hours a day In the private schools sector, you can choose between private language schools and kindergartens Private language academies usually pay 20 United States dollars per hour While kindergartens pay a similar rate of between 18 and 20 United States dollars These jobs are highly competitive and a TEFL certification, specialized TEFL certificates and teaching experience will be a huge plus International schools pay the highest salaries of up to 6,000 United States dollars per month But jobs are highly competitive You will need to possess a degree in education, work experience and be a native English speaker Other benefits to expect when teaching English in Taiwan Teachers working in Taiwan can expect to receive added benefits such as return airfare, paid accommodation, health insurance, as well as a bonus on your education This, however, varies from school to school and should be discussed when signing your contract How to earn extra cash while teaching English in Taiwan A lot of teachers take on private students in their free time to top up their salary You can usually find a lot of money in the private schools A lot of teachers take on private students in their free time to top up their salary You can usually find students through word of mouth or via online forums The typical rate for an hour of private tutoring can range between 20 and 40 United States dollars The cost of living in Taiwan Taiwan's cost of living is very low in comparison to many western countries As defined with high salaries, this allows foreign teachers to live a very comfortable lifestyle during their stay in Taiwan Eating out at local restaurants and markets is very cheap, as is transportation around the country Let's break down the cost of living in Taiwan for individual areas below Cost of living in Taiwan Eating out at local restaurants and purchasing produce and ingredients at Taiwanese supermarkets Not only gives you a great insight into the Taiwanese way of life, but also leaves you with money in your pockets for fun and adventure Milk, 1 liter 85 New Taiwan Dollars Eggs, 12 60 New Taiwan Dollars Apples, 1 kilogram 130 New Taiwan Dollars Chicken breast, 1 kilogram 210 New Taiwan Dollars Rice, 1 kilogram 98 New Taiwan Dollars Bottle of water, 1.5 liters 35 New Taiwan Dollars Bottle of domestic beer, 0.5 liters 50 New Taiwan Dollars Cost of living in Taiwan, leisure activities Living in Taiwan is anything but boring The island has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and outdoor fun At the same time, its many bustling cities are nothing short of exciting urban wonderlands where you can enjoy yourself to no end Three course mid-range restaurant dinner, 700 New Taiwan Dollars Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles 100 New Taiwan Dollars Large dumplings, a common street food 20 New Taiwan Dollars One month fitness club membership, 1,400 New Taiwan Dollars Movie ticket, international release 300 New Taiwan Dollars Cost of living in Taiwan Transportation The public transportation system in Taiwan is incredibly advanced and the entire island is very well connected The big cities feature extensive networks of buses and subway lines and high-speed trains connect them across the island Taxi rides are also very inexpensive but often take longer than the subway because of traffic Metro ride 20 New Taiwan Dollars Monthly pass, regular price, 1,280 New Taiwan Dollars Taxi rate per km 25 New Taiwan Dollars 75 New Taiwan Dollars City bus 20 New Taiwan Dollars Cost of living in Taiwan Travel in Taiwan and beyond As mentioned above, Taiwan has a lot of exciting attractions and tourist destinations to offer Whether its national parks, sandy beaches, remote monasteries or traditional hot springs, you will always find something to do in your free time and during holidays On top of that, flights to neighboring destinations, such as Hong Kong, Mainland China, South Korea or Japan are also very inexpensive Being based in Taiwan allows you to explore all parts of Asia on a budget One night in a mid-range hotel 1,800 New Taiwan Dollars High-speed train, Taipei to Kaohsiung, 2.5 hours 1,490 New Taiwan Dollars Slow train, Taipei to Hualien, 3 hours 340 New Taiwan Dollars Flight, Taipei to Hong Kong, 2 hours 3,000 New Taiwan Dollars Sample monthly teacher budget To give you an example of how an English teacher in Taiwan spends their salary, here is a sample monthly budget Gross income, salary 60,000 New Taiwan Dollars Approximately 2,000 United States Dollars Rent Zero, paid for by the employer Utilities, electricity, gas, water 2,100 New Taiwan Dollars Phone and internet 800 New Taiwan Dollars Food 5,000 New Taiwan Dollars Insurance 900 New Taiwan Dollars Remaining disposable income 51,200 NT Dollar Around 1,600 United States Dollars How much you can save when teaching English in Taiwan As you can see from the sample budget above, the added benefits and high salaries in Taiwan Make it possible to save a substantial amount of money from your monthly paycheck Teachers in Taiwan can save up to $1,000 USD per month, depending on their lifestyle Are you ready to teach English in Taiwan? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today Teaching English in South Korea, the salary and budget guide The following guide will help you answer the question, how much can I earn and save teaching English in South Korea? You will also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when moving to South Korea The typical salary for English teachers in South Korea There are many different teaching positions available all across South Korea The salary usually depends on the type of school you work at and your qualifications English teachers in South Korea can expect to make between 1.8 and 3 million Korean won per month, currently $1,600 to $2,675 Those teaching at a university or international school, however, can make up to $3.5 million, $3,120 USD If you are a first-time teacher, you can expect to earn between 1.8 to 2.0 million Korean won per month, which equates to around $1,600 to $1,780 USD Salary also depends on where you are based Seoul traditionally pays the highest salaries but also has a higher cost of living compared to other cities around South Korea Other benefits to expect when teaching English in South Korea Besides the salary, most teachers in South Korea also receive free housing or a housing allowance from their employer Additionally, most schools pay for the round-trip airfare for their teachers Healthcare is also very affordable in South Korea and there is also a pension scheme in place for a lot of foreign nationals How to earn extra cash while teaching English in South Korea A lot of teachers top up their salaries by taking on private students for tutoring You can easily make a couple of hundred dollars a month when tutoring students in your free time or more when you have the time Most parents pay between 30,000 and 50,000 Korean won per tutoring hour, $26, $45 USD The cost of living in South Korea is on the rise and amongst one of the highest in Asia However, it is still lower than in most Western nations The high salary and attractive benefits as an EFL teacher allow you to live a comfortable lifestyle during your time in Korea Many teachers can even afford a lifestyle they wouldn't be able to enjoy back home, such as traveling every month Eating out on a regular basis and going out to bars and clubs regularly Below, we break down the cost of living in South Korea for individual aspects Cost of living in South Korea Food When you eat out at local restaurants and buy your produce and ingredients at local supermarkets You will not only gain an amazing insight into the Korean way of life But also have more money in your pocket for fun and adventure Milk, 1 liter 2,401 Eggs, 12 3,201 Apples, 1 kilogram 7,001 Chicken breast, 1 kilogram 9,801 Rice, 1 kilogram 3,901 Bottle of water, 1,5 liters 1,201 Bottle of Korean beer, 0,5 liters 2,201 Cost of living in South Korea Leisure activities Koreans love spending time out with friends and family And there is a lot to do around the country Most people enjoy frequent meals out So be sure to try your way through the wide range of Korean cuisine while you're there You can also hang out with friends at clubs and karaoke bars Work out at the gym or get a massage and relax South Korea's leisure activities have something for everyone 3-course mid-range restaurant dinner 40,001 Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles 7,001 Spicy rice cakes, a common street food 2,001 Massage, 30 min, 25,001 One month fitness club membership 30,001 Movie ticket, international release 8,001 Cost of living in South Korea Transportation When coming to Korea, you might be surprised by the modern and efficient public transit network in the country In fact, it is one of the most advanced in the world Taxi prices are also affordable, and biomes and subways are inexpensive allowing you to explore your city and beyond Metro ride 1,201 Taxi rate per km 901 Start fare 3,001 20 min taxi ride across town 18,001 City bus 1,201 Monthly bus and subway pass 55,001 Intercity express bus, sold to Jeonju 15,001 Cost of living in South Korea Travel in Korea and beyond While South Korea isn't that big of a country There is a lot to see and do Plus countless beautiful islands to head to The express trains are incredibly fast and affordable And domestic flights out to Jeju Island The largest island in Korea are also quite cheap Plus, you can visit neighboring Asian countries like Japan and China in just a couple of hours One night in a mid-range hotel, 60,001 High speed train, sold to Busan, 2.5 hours 59,801 Slow train, sold to Busan, 5.5 hours 28,601 Flight, sold to Jeju Island, 1 hour 80,001 Flight, sold to Tokyo, 2 hours 150,001 Sample monthly teacher budget To give you an example of how an English teacher in South Korea spends their salary Here is a sample monthly budget Gross income, salary Average salary 2.5 million won Rent, 0, paid for by employer Utilities, electricity, gas, water 80,001 Phone and internet 30,001 Food 300,001 Insurance 30,001 Remaining disposable income 2 million won How much you can save when teaching English in South Korea As you can see from the sample budget above, the high salaries in South Korea Allow you to save substantial sums of money during the length of your contract Usually paid for by the employer, you will save a lot of money that would otherwise go on housing Depending on your lifestyle, ESL teachers in South Korea are easily able to save anything from $500 to $1,500 per month Are you ready to teach English in South Korea? For more information about living and teaching English in South Korea, check out our South Korea country page Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today Teaching English in Japan, the salary and budget guide The following guide will help you answer the question, how much can I earn and save while teaching English in Japan You will also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when moving to Japan The typical salary for English teachers in Japan Japan has been a popular destination for teaching English as a foreign language for decades The government-funded teacher placement program called JET, there are a lot of options for English teachers to find a suitable position all over the country The cost of living in Japan has increased significantly in recent years which means it is no longer the top destination for saving large amounts of money in Asia However Japan still has plenty to offer both new and experienced teachers As a guide, you should expect to earn somewhere between 200,000 and 600,000 yen, currently $2,000 to $6,000 US per month If the job pays by the hour then a figure of around 2,500 yen, $25 US per hour would be typical The salary also depends on where you are located in Japan Most salaries are paid in the big cities, especially Tokyo, but the cost of living there is also the highest There are many smaller cities and towns all across Japan looking for TEFL qualified teachers where the salary is competitive and the cost of living not as high as in the capital Other benefits to expect when teaching English in Japan For the salary, most teachers in Japan also receive free housing or a housing allowance from their employer Additionally, most schools pay for the round-trip airfare for their teachers in healthcare is also very affordable There is also usually a contract completion bonus offered How to earn extra cash while teaching English in Japan The teachers looking to top up their earnings is to take on private students in their free time Most private lessons are around 3,000 yen, $30 per hour, which can go a long way to making your stay in Japan even more comfortable The cost of living in Japan According to the latest statistics from Ex-Patterston, Tokyo is the third most expensive city to live in Asia after Hong Kong and Singapore However, the competitive salary and attractive benefits as an EFL teacher in Japan still allow you to live comfortably Below, we break down the cost of living in Japan for individual aspects Cost of living in Japan Food Shopping at local markets and eating at local restaurants drastically reduces your expenses and also gives you a deeper insight into local culture and the Japanese way of life 1.0 186.53 yen Eggs 12 226.87 yen Apples 1 kilogram 814.00 yen Chicken breast 1 kilogram 797.50 yen Rice 1 kilogram 558.33 yen Bottle of water 1.5 L 122.58 yen Bottle of Japanese beer.5 L 301.29 yen Cost of living in Japan Leisure activities Japanese people love going out with friends and family to have a good time Whether it's eating out at a good restaurant, singing their soul out at Karaoke, or going to a club in the city, Japan's leisure activities have something for everyone 3-course mid-range restaurant dinner 5,000.00 yen Quick restaurant meal of rice or ramen, 1,000.00 yen 1-month fitness club membership, 9,842.11 yen Tennis court rent, 1 hour on weekend, 2,421.43 yen Movie ticket, international release, 1,800.00 yen Cost of living in Japan Transportation Japan is known all over the world for its modern and efficient public transit network The bimese and subways in the cities are fast and reliable, and the bullet trains are among the fastest in the whole world, connecting the cities of the country with one another, metro ride 200 yen Taxi rate per km 410 yen, start fare 475 yen City bus 200 yen Monthly bus in Subway Pass 10,000 yen In Subway Pass 10,000.00 yen Cost of living in Japan Travel in Japan and beyond Japan is an incredible island nation with lots of things to see and do in your free time The bullet trains are incredibly fast and affordable and domestic flights to other parts of the country are also quite cheap Plus, you can visit neighboring Asian countries like South Korea and China in just a couple of hours, one night in a mid-range hotel 15,000.00 yen High speed train, Tokyo to Osaka, 2.5 hours 18,000 yen Slow train, Tokyo to Osaka, 3.5 hours 15,000 yen Flight, Tokyo to Okinawa, 2.5 hours 12,700 yen Flight, Tokyo to Seoul, 2 hours 7,200 yen Sample monthly teacher budget To give you an example of how an English teacher in Japan spends their salary, here is a sample monthly budget Gross income, salary Average salary 280,000 yen Rent Zero, paid for by employer Utilities, electricity, gas, water 22,500 yen Phone and internet 4,700 yen Food 25,000 yen Insurance 3,000 yen Remaining disposable income, 224,800 yen APROX $2,000 United States dollars How much you can save when teaching English in Japan? As you can see from the sample budget above, the competitive salaries in Japan allow you to save quite a lot of money during the length of your contract Because rent is often paid for by the employer, you will be able to save money that would otherwise go on housing Depending on your lifestyle, ESL teachers in Japan are easily able to save anything from $500 to $1,000 per month Are you ready to teach English in Japan? For the best possible start to your teaching career in Japan, why not take our in class TEFL certification course in Tokyo You can also get more information about living and teaching English in Japan via our Japan country page Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today Teaching English in Hong Kong, The Salary and Budget Guide This guide will help you answer the question, How much can I earn and save teaching English in Hong Kong? You'll also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when making the move to Hong Kong The typical salary for English teachers in Hong Kong Most teachers in Hong Kong either work for private language schools or state run public schools under the net scheme Under this program, teachers work in either primary or secondary level schools across the entire territory The goal of the net scheme is to promote innovation in teaching practice and to provide an authentic classroom environment for local students The salary and benefit packages under the net scheme are very generous and slightly higher compared to private language schools This scheme is also very competitive and the requirements don't allow everyone to apply Besides private and public schools, English teachers are also hired to teach at universities and international schools in Hong Kong, but positions aren't as plentiful Due to the high salaries and excellent benefits that these positions offer, requirements are high and competition is fierce Other benefits to expect when teaching English in Hong Kong Teachers who are recruited through the net scheme will receive several extra benefits such as assistance finding suitable accommodation, a housing allowance of around HKD 20,000 per month Paid round-trip airfare from your home country, including up to four family members, a relocation allowance to assist with the transport costs of personal belongings and a stipend for medical insurance coverage If you don't work through the net scheme, a lot of employers still provide round-trip airfare and housing allowing how to earn extra cash while teaching English in Hong Kong Many teachers working in Hong Kong top up their income by taking on private students in their free time Rates can range from about HK$150 to HK$200 per hour, with each class lasting for 60 to 75 minutes Students typically attend at least one extra class per subject each week The cost of living in Hong Kong? According to Forbes, Hong Kong has the fourth highest cost of living in the world However, foreign teachers working in Hong Kong make a high enough salary to still live a comfortable lifestyle Eating out at local restaurants and markets is quite affordable, as is transportation around the territory Let's break down the cost of living in Hong Kong for individual areas below Cost of living in Hong Kong? Food If you avoid high-end restaurants and places that specifically cater to foreigners, eating out and purchasing food in Hong Kong doesn't eat a large hole in your pockets Milk, 1-0 23 HK$ Eggs, 12 27 HK$ Apples, 1 kg 27 HK$ Chicken breast, 1 kg 79 HK$ Rice, 1 kg 17 HK$ Bottle of water, 1.5 L 7.50 HK$ Bottle of domestic beer, 5 L 15 HK$ Cost of living in Hong Kong? Leisure activities Despite its rather small size, there is a lot to do in Hong Kong Made up of several bigger and smaller islands, you can explore each and every territory via the convenient metro system On top of that, Hong Kong Disneyland is another great destination for young and old alike 3-course mid-range restaurant dinner, 360 HK$ Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles, 35 HK$ Steamed buns, a common street food, 15 HK$ 1-month fitness club membership, 625 HK$ Movie ticket, international release, 100 HK$ Day pass for Hong Kong Disneyland, 619 HK$ Cost of living in Hong Kong? Transportation The metro system in Hong Kong is one of the most advanced and best connected in the world Metro ride, 10 HK$ Monthly pass, regular price 500 HK$ Taxi rate per km 8.50 HK$ Start fare 24 HK$ City bus, 10 HK$ Cost of living in Hong Kong? Travel in Hong Kong and beyond As mentioned, Hong Kong is filled with lots of exciting attractions, both modern and traditional Whether you like to stay within the territory or cross the border and head to Mainland China, neighboring Macau or other places in the vicinity, Hong Kong is a great place to be based One night in a mid-range hotel 600 HK$ High speed train, Hong Kong to Guangzhou, 50 minutes, 390 HK$ Flight, Hong Kong to Taipei, Taiwan, 2 hours, 800 HK$ Ferry to Macau, 1 hour, 411 HK$ Sample monthly teacher budget To give you an example of how an English teacher in Hong Kong spends their salary, here is a sample monthly budget Price income, salary 25,000 HK$, APROX 3,200 USD, plus 20,000 HK$ housing allowance Rent, 1 bedroom apartment and city center 18,800 HK$ Utilities, electricity, gas, water 1,400 HK$ 300 HK$ Food, 3,000 HK$ Insurance, 400 HK$ Remaining disposable income, 19,000 HK$, around 2,400 USD How much you can save when teaching English in Hong Kong? As you can see from the sample budget above, the added benefits and high salaries in Hong Kong make it possible to save a substantial amount of money from your monthly paycheck Teachers in Hong Kong can typically save between 500 USD and 1,500 USD per month depending on their lifestyle Are you ready to teach English in Hong Kong? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Join our 4-week TEFL in-class course in Hong Kong and speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today