Teach English Abroad
The Complete Guide
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Teach English in Asia
The economic growth and opening up of Asian countries has seen an enormous increase in demand for the English language throughout Asia which is good news for anyone looking to teach English abroad. The continent does of course cover a huge area with its numerous countries.
Unlike Latin America, teachers pay in Asia varies greatly, from the high salaries typical of the wealthiest nations Korea and Japan to very modest wages in poorer regions like Cambodia and Laos.
Life in the big modern cities can resemble that in the west. Moving further out to rural areas may give a more “authentic” look at the country. For many this is a big attraction. Though there is a downside. Teachers in small villages and towns can feel isolated and being the only westerner in the area will get you noticed, not necessarily for the right reasons.
Many job seekers find work in their chosen Asian country before they arrive. Vacancies in China, Japan, Korea and Thailand are well advertised on the net. Most are placement schemes that do not require an interview in person. After completing an online application and probably having a telephone interview you can find yourself offered a 12-month contract at a school or language academy. Conducting a background check on the school and contacting other teaching staff will ensure you are dealing with a reliable and honest employer. Placement schemes also facilitate visa and bureaucratic issues.
For new and inexperienced English teachers finding work in most Asian countries will be easier and more straightforward than in other places abroad. In the more established markets like Japan and Korea, there may be more difficulty. Where there are more vacancies than native teachers, such as in China, there will always be work for the inexperienced. Those without a full TEFL certificate may not be at much disadvantage. As a general rule, TEFL is not as widely recognised in Asia as in the rest of the world.
Although many teaching posts do not require much experience, teachers in state schools can find themselves in front of very large classes with up to 60 children. For anyone who is teaching for the first time this can be a daunting prospect. Strong nerves and firm classroom management are a must.
See the Teach English Abroad - Guide to Countries for more information on deciding where to teach abroad and in-depth country profiles on Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos , Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam .
Unlike Latin America, teachers pay in Asia varies greatly, from the high salaries typical of the wealthiest nations Korea and Japan to very modest wages in poorer regions like Cambodia and Laos.
Life in the big modern cities can resemble that in the west. Moving further out to rural areas may give a more “authentic” look at the country. For many this is a big attraction. Though there is a downside. Teachers in small villages and towns can feel isolated and being the only westerner in the area will get you noticed, not necessarily for the right reasons.
Many job seekers find work in their chosen Asian country before they arrive. Vacancies in China, Japan, Korea and Thailand are well advertised on the net. Most are placement schemes that do not require an interview in person. After completing an online application and probably having a telephone interview you can find yourself offered a 12-month contract at a school or language academy. Conducting a background check on the school and contacting other teaching staff will ensure you are dealing with a reliable and honest employer. Placement schemes also facilitate visa and bureaucratic issues.
For new and inexperienced English teachers finding work in most Asian countries will be easier and more straightforward than in other places abroad. In the more established markets like Japan and Korea, there may be more difficulty. Where there are more vacancies than native teachers, such as in China, there will always be work for the inexperienced. Those without a full TEFL certificate may not be at much disadvantage. As a general rule, TEFL is not as widely recognised in Asia as in the rest of the world.
Although many teaching posts do not require much experience, teachers in state schools can find themselves in front of very large classes with up to 60 children. For anyone who is teaching for the first time this can be a daunting prospect. Strong nerves and firm classroom management are a must.
See the Teach English Abroad - Guide to Countries for more information on deciding where to teach abroad and in-depth country profiles on Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos , Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam .