Questions & Answers
Please send me a question on the form below and I will post it here with my response. Here are a few questions that people have asked me in the past. Only your first name (and not your email) will be posted to maintain your anonymity. Also, please let me know where you heard about this website.
Q: I am set to go to Korea and teach, meeting all minimum qualifications, plus a little experience. My friend is also interested, but being from Ireland, he only has a two year business degree. Most sites we have looked at say "four year degree." Do you think he has a chance in S. Korea with only a two? (Marie)
A: I'm afraid your friend does not qualify for a work visa, as 2 years is not long enough. Furthermore, coming from Ireland, he does not qualify for a working holiday visa either.
Q: Where is the best country to save money?
A: This is quite a difficult question to answer because it depends on your qualifications and experience. Assuming you have a Bachelor’s degree, but no experience, South Korea could be a good country to work in. The cost of living is low and standard contracts usually provide: return airfare, furnished apartment, 10 days vacation, one month bonus severance after a year and about $2,000 US/month. All this for someone without any teaching qualifications or experience; you just need a degree, native speaking ability and a pulse.
Q: Is Asia the best place to teach English? What about the rest of the world?
A: This is a highly subjective question and depends on what your goals and preferences are. There are many places where you can teach English in the world, but in my opinion, Asia is the best place to start off teaching. Taiwan, South Korea and Japan all offer pretty good salaries and China is fast becoming the biggest English teaching market in the world. Teaching in much of Europe requires one to have an EU passport and any of the decent jobs in the Middle East require a Master’s degree in a related field.
Q: Are there any age restrictions to teaching English?
A: Not really, as long as you are in good health. Schools that cater to children may prefer younger teachers, but there are many schools available for people of all ages. In fact, older teachers are often more respected in business or adult classes. Health is an important factor as you will be more prone to illnesses overseas than at home and hospitals may not be at the standard that you are accustomed to in the West.
