~ South Korea ~ Japan ~ China ~ Thailand ~ India ~ Taiwan ~ Hong Kong ~ Vietnam ~ Indonesia ~ Malaysia ~ Cambodia ~ Laos ~

South Korea

TESL South Korea

If you want to save money, enjoy delicious foods, and visit beautiful Buddhist temples, South Korea is the place for you. There are many job opportunities throughout South Korea, whether in big cities, small towns, or tropical islands surrounding the mainland. You may find yourself teaching kindergarten students, teenagers or business professionals. There are also plenty of opportunities for private tutoring.

Requirements Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One year
Peak Hiring Season All year
Teaching Hours/Week 25-40
Monthly Salary* 1.8 - 2.2 million KRW
Private Tutoring 30,000 - 80, 000 KRW
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 1142 KRW
1.00 KRW = 0.00 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of a Big Mac = 3,300 KRW
Income Tax †† 3 - 5 %
Accommodations Included
Airfare Included
Health Care Employer assisted (Up to 50% employer assisted)
Holidays Paid
Visa Employer assisted
Important Notes
  • Very large ESL market

Japan

TESL Japan

From Tokyo to Tokushima, technology to tofu, Japan offers big bustling cities and quiet rural communities. The country is perfectly situated for trips to Bali, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam and other exotic locations as the strong yen makes for very inexpensive travelling. Travelling within Japan is also a must for those who do not mind spending some of their hard earned money, as it is quite expensive but well worth it! Make sure to go to Kyoto, a city renowned for its ancient temples and ruins as well as its Geisha culture. There are many ESL teaching opportunities in Japan, and the lucrative private tutoring options make it possible to save a substantial amount of money. ESL students are attentive and kind.

Requirements Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One year
Peak Hiring Season All year (Spring is busiest)
Teaching Hours/Week 25-40
Monthly Salary* 240,000 - 290,000 JPY
Private Tutoring 2,500 - 6,000 JPY
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 84 JPY
1.00 JPY = 0.01 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of a Big Mac = 290 JPY
Income Tax †† 5-30%
Accommodations Sometimes included
Airfare Sometimes included
Health Care Included
Holidays Paid
Visa Employer assisted

China

TESL China

China is the fourth largest country in the world. Its history dates back over 6,000 years. The yin of Imperial structures, calligraphy, Tai Chi, the Great Wall and green tea is balanced by the yang of cell phones ringing, digital cameras, DVD's and palm pilots. Shanghai is booming as the Asian centre for economy and trade and the demand for ESL teachers is extremely high. Teaching English in China gives you the opportunity to learn about a fascinating culture while gaining an extremely rewarding experience.

Requirements High School Diploma or BA Degree*** and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract Flexible (preference is one year)
Peak Hiring Season All year
Teaching Hours/Week 20-35
Monthly Salary* 4,000 - 10,000 CNY
Private Tutoring 100 - 300 CNY/hr
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 6.5 CNY
1.00 CNY = 0.15 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of a Big Mac = 12.5 CNY
Income Tax †† 5-20%
Accommodations Usually included
Airfare Included
Health Care Sometimes included
Holidays Paid
Visa Employer assisted
Important Notes
  • ***Applicants should be aware that certain regions/schools of China require a BA degree.

Thailand

TESL Thailand

In Thailand, most of the jobs offered to English teachers are in the metropolis of Bangkok. Though the overall climate is tropical, there are varying geographic regions like the mountains in the north, or the beautiful southern beaches of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. The most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, ESL teachers who travel there will be warmly welcomed.

Requirements Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One to two years
Peak Hiring Season All year
Teaching Hours/Week 25-30
Monthly Salary* 25,000 - 40,000 THB
Private Tutoring 500 - 1,000 THB/hr
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 31.00 THB
1.00 THB = 0.03 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of a Big Mac = 62 THB
Income Tax †† 5-37%
Accommodations Sometimes included
Airfare Rarely included
Health Care Included
Holidays Paid
Visa Employer assisted
Important Notes
  • Accommodations usually easy to find and inexpensive.

India

TESL India

The sub-continent of India is one of the most diverse countries on the planet. ESL teachers can explore majestic mountains, sandy beaches, and bustling urban streets. Home of one of the world's largest populations, India is loaded with history, culture, and world-renowned cuisine. Much of India's multiculturalism is due to travellers from other lands. The famous 'Silk Road' brought explorers from across Asia and Europe to the Indian countryside. With English being an official language in India, the ESL market is very small and ESL teachers will find the language barrier to be less difficult.

Requirements Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One year
Peak Hiring Season None
Teaching Hours/Week 25-40
Monthly Salary* Volunteer - 30,000 INR
Private Tutoring Rare
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 44.9 INR
1.00 INR = 0.02 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of a Big Mac = NA
Income Tax †† 0% - 30%
Accommodations Usually not included
Airfare Not included
Health Care Sometimes included
Holidays Paid
Visa Sometimes assisted

Taiwan

TESL Taiwan

From the hustle and bustle of Taipei to the beaches and tropical mountainous regions, Taiwan is a small country worth exploring. The cultural and religious hybrid of the island makes this a unique destination. Taiwan's economy consists of both smaller businesses and international manufacturing companies, making it a stable economic environment and a thriving English language market.

Requirements Two Year College Diploma and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One year
Peak Hiring Season All year
Teaching Hours/Week 25 - 35
Monthly Salary* 50,000 - 75,000 TWD
Private Tutoring 600-1,500 TWD/hr
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 30 TWD
1.00 TWD = 0.03 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of a Big Mac = 75 TWD
Income Tax †† 6-20%
Accommodations Sometimes included
Airfare Sometimes included
Health Care Employer assisted
Holidays Paid
Visa Employer assisted

Hong Kong

TESL Hong Kong

Skyscrapers and dragon boats line the Hong Kong harbor. The city's magnificent restaurants, nightlife, and shopping centres draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The "New York" of Asia, Hong Kong is the centre of international trade, industry, and adventure. Hong Kong offers competitive salaries and schools usually provide accommodations. Teaching in this city can provide a doorway to further explore Asia and encounter an array of different cultures.

Requirements Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One year
Peak Hiring Season All year
Teaching Hours/Week 30-40
Monthly Salary* 12,000 - 25,000 HKD
Private Tutoring 200 - 400 HKD/hr
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 7.4 HKD
1.00 HKD = 0.13 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of a Big Mac = 13.3 HKD
Income Tax †† 16%
Accommodations Sometimes included
Airfare Sometimes included
Health Care Employer assisted
Holidays Paid
Visa Employer assisted
Important Notes
  • Hong Kong provides an interesting mix of Asian and Western culture. This is a fabulous opportunity for teachers who want to experience big city life and great shopping. Preference is given to candidates who apply in person and who have degrees in English. Visit lonelyplanet.com for more information about Hong Kong.

Vietnam

TESL Vietnam

Breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted religious traditions make this country enticing to visit. A gastronomic Asian paradise, Vietnam offers cuisine influenced by Thailand, Japan, China, and France. Teachers here will also enjoy several distinct climate zones and a more stable economy than in neighbouring developing countries.

Requirements Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One year
Peak Hiring Season All year
Teaching Hours/Week 25-35
Monthly Salary* 10 - 35 million VND
Private Tutoring 200,000 - 550,000 VND/hr
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 18200 VND
1.00 VND = 0.00 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of the Big Mac = NA
Income Tax †† 10-40%
Accommodations Usually included
Airfare Sometimes included
Health Care Sometimes included
Holidays Paid
Visa Sometimes assisted

Indonesia

TESL Indonesia

Indonesia's tropical climate makes an ideal destination for warm weather seekers. With many amazing islands in the area, there are a myriad of opportunities for relaxation and exploration away from the big city of Jakarta, where the best opportunities for ESL teaching can be found.

Requirements Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One year
Peak Hiring Season All year
Teaching Hours/Week 25-40
Monthly Salary* 9 - 17 million IDR
Private Tutoring 250,000 - 400,000 IDR
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 8700 IDR
1.00 IDR = 0.00 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of a Big Mac = 19,800 IDR
Income Tax †† 5 - 35 %
Accommodations Usually included
Airfare Sometimes included
Health Care Included
Holidays Paid
Visa Employer assisted

Malaysia

TESL Malaysia

The best option for finding jobs in Malaysia is the diverse capital of Kuala Lumpur, with a metropolitan population of nearly seven million. A multicultural and multilingual society, Malaysia remains one of the region's strong ESL markets. The steady tropical climate and plentiful rainforests make this an ideal spot for English teachers who enjoy hiking, diving, and whitewater rafting.

Requirements Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One to two years
Peak Hiring Season All year
Teaching Hours/Week 25 - 35
Monthly Salary* 3,000 - 5,000 MYR
Private Tutoring 40-60 MYR/hr
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 3.08 MYR
1.00 MYR = 0.32 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of a Big Mac = 5.50 MYR
Income Tax †† 5 - 30 %
Accommodations Sometimes included
Airfare Rarely included
Health Care Included
Holidays Paid
Visa Employer assisted
Important Notes
  • Small ESL market; best to be in the country to find a teaching job.

Cambodia

TESL Cambodia

The temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia are some of the most inspired religious monuments ever built; their beauty, symmetry, and mystery defy description. As a backdrop to these sites, densely forested mountain ranges meet fertile plains where spices and coffee are grown and harvested. Meanwhile, the Mekong River, which flows through Cambodia, creates more than 4,000 river islands. The experience of living in a region shaped by such rich geography and history will make any teaching job rewarding.

Requirements Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One year
Peak Hiring Season All year
Teaching Hours/Week 25-35
Monthly Salary* Mostly volunteer; paid positions: 2.0 - 6.0 million KHR
Private Tutoring 30,000 - 50,000 KHR/hr
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 4100 KHR
1.00 KHR = 0.00 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of the Big Mac = NA
Income Tax †† 5-20%
Accommodations Sometimes included
Airfare Usually not included
Health Care Sometimes included
Holidays Paid
Visa No assistance

Laos

TESL Laos

Landlocked between Vietnam and Thailand, Laos is a nation known for its strong Buddhist influence. English teachers looking for a laid-back lifestyle will find opportunities to watch sunsets over the Mekong River and experience some relatively untouched but spectacular destinations.

Requirements Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract One year
Peak Hiring Season All year
Teaching Hours/Week 25-35
Monthly Salary* 5.1 - 12.5 million LAK
Private Tutoring 85,000-120,000 LAK/hr
Exchange Rates** As of 07-29-2010
1.00 CAD = 7500 LAK
1.00 LAK = 0.00 CAD
Cost of Living † Cost of the Big Mac = NA
Income Tax †† 10%
Accommodations Sometimes included
Airfare Usually not included
Health Care Sometimes included
Holidays Paid
Visa Sometimes assisted

* Wages vary depending on the economy of the country.
** Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
† The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of a Canadian Big Mac at $4.16.
†† Income tax rate is based on the amount of yearly income. Most TESOL/TESL instructors will be charged no more than the minimum percentage.

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