Income Information and Benefit Stats Teaching English in Asia Part 1

Income Information & Benefit Statistics for Teaching English in Asia

(Cambodia, China, HK, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam & More)

 

Teaching English in Cambodia

The Cambodian people possess an unbreakable spirit and a remarkably infectious sense of optimism- after prevailing through years of hardship, a return to peace has sparked an influx in tourism during the past decade. Cambodia's south coast is fringed with beautiful islands that are worth exploring, and its pristine environment provides a gorgeous backdrop for outdoor exploration. The Cambodian landscape is one of fertile plains, rice paddies, impressive waterfalls, and shining crater lakes. Plan a day trip to the ancient temple city of Angkor Wat, or one of the Buddhist pagodas and museums throughout Cambodia.

Recent economic growth, a young population, and a hunger for education have made Cambodia a burgeoning job market in South East Asia for English teachers. Those seeking to teach English in Cambodia can find jobs year round because demand is so high. While many interviews are in-person, some are conducted in advance over the phone and via e-mail. Instructors are responsible for airfare and housing expenses. Those teaching English in Cambodia typically live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many room with coworkers. 

By Asian standards, salaries are modest, but the low cost of living affords English teachers a comfortable lifestyle. Schools typically offer 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore. It is not required to hold a bachelor’s degree to teach English in Cambodia, but a TEFL certification is required. The major city for English teaching jobs is Phnom Phen.

 

Requirements & Guidelines for Teaching English in Cambodia

• Education: BA/BS is preferred but not required; TEFL TESOL Certification is required and students can obtain certification at our Paradise TEFL Sihanoukville certification course or by taking the Online TEFL Class. 

• Typical hiring process: Face to face interview in Cambodia
• Average teaching hours per week: 20–25 hours of classroom plus extra prep time
• Types of students: Business professionals, children in public schools and private language schools

• Cost of living per month: 450-600 USD
• Average monthly pay: 450-600 USD
• Start-up cost: 700-900 USD
• Potential to save or break even: Break Even
• Accommodation/housing benefits paid: No, recommendations provided
• Flight reimbursement: No

Interesting Facts About Cambodia

• There are 60,000 monks in Cambodia, yet only 20 registered psychiatrists.
• Cambodia was under French control from 1863 until 1953
  .
• It is considered rude to point feet, particularly the soles, towards a person or things- tuck them away when sitting on the floor or on a chair.
• 50 per cent of the population is under age 15

Life in Cambodia

The capital city of Phnom Penh is captivating in it’s contradictions- it pulses with a newfound sense of vitality, offering tourists a taste of exotic charm both day and night. Browse the city markets for bargain prices on fashion-forward clothing designs, delicious street food, or old-world antiques. The country is changing rapidly, and as an English teacher in Cambodia, now is your opportunity to be a part of the adventure.

Jobs for English teachers in China

The job market for English teachers in China is the largest in the world. Demand for English teachers is so high that schools hire year-round, and interviews are conducted in advance over the phone and via e-mail. In most cases, those who teach English in China will get their airfare reimbursed, and schools typically provide free housing for their teachers. With over 1.3 billion citizens and an estimated 300 million English learners, China shows no signs that it will relinquish its title as top job market for English teachers any time soon. 

Most public schools throughout China have mandated English training from age five through the end of secondary school.  With the largest number of middle class households in the world, parents are sending their children to private language schools at an unprecedented rate.  The adult learner market is enormous as well. China's export market is one of the world's largest, and it is necessary for their white collar workforce to communicate with potential buyers worldwide using English.

The cost of living for those teaching English in China is very low and a generous salary affords English teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle, while saving $ 250–300 USD per month, which has nearly 3 times the local purchasing power that it would have in the USA. English language schools offer approximately 20 to 25 hours of work per week, giving English teachers in China plenty of time to travel and explore the nation’s endless treasures.

It is not required to hold a bachelor’s degree to teach English in China, though it is preferred in the larger cities of Beijing and Shanghai. TEFL certification, however, is required. There are well over 50 cities with over 1 million people in each. Top destinations for certified English teachers include Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou, to name just a few.

 

Requirements to Teach English in China

• Education: BA/BS is preferred but not required to teach English in China; TEFL TESOL Certification is required and students can obtain certification by our Paradise TEFL Dongguan China Course or by taking the Online TEFL Class. 
• Citizenship Requirements:  USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.

• Typical hiring process: Face to face interview in China or via phone in advance, schools prefer in advance
• Average teaching hours per week: 20–25 hours of classroom plus extra prep time
• Types of students: Business professionals, children in public schools and private language schools
• Cost of living per month: 300–400 USD plus housing; 2,000–2,800 RMB
• Average monthly pay: 600–800 USD plus housing; 4,000–6,000 RMB
• Start-up cost: 500–600 USD
• Potential to sa ve or break even: Save 250-300 USD/month

• Accommodation/housing benefits paid: Yes, paid or subsidized 
• Vacation - Paid 2 weeks & sick days, national holidays, including Chinese New Year
• Flight reimbursement: Paid, reimbursed for arrival, paid for return upon completion of a 12 month contract
• Bonus: Often 1 month's salary at finish of 12 month contract

Interesting Facts About China

• There are more people learning English in China than there are people in the entire United States.
• There are more than 56,000 characters in the Chinese language.
• The population of China exceeds 1.3 billion.
• China has the largest labor force in the world at more than 800 million workers.

Life while teaching English in China

From the ancient imperial treasures of Beijing and Xi’an to the towering skyscrapers of Shanghai, China is a land of great diversity and contrasts. Steeped in more than 5,000 years of history and culture, national highlights like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City proudly stand as symbols of China’s innumerable contributions to human civilization. Visitors today will be equally struck by the nation’s dynamism and rapid transformation as a country seeking to define itself as a modern 21st-century power.

Jobs for English teachers in Hong Kong

Located near the south coast of China, Hong Kong is one of the oldest and most established English teaching markets in addition to boasting a worldwide reputation as one of the world's most dynamic and colorful cities.

Hong Kong is one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China (PRC). A crown colony of the United Kingdom beginning in 1842, its sovereignty was transferred to the PRC in the year 1997. Stroll along the harbor for spectacular panoramic views of Hong Kong, or take it one step further and board an elevated tram to gaze upon the city skyline from hair-raising heights.

English teachers in Hong Kong can find jobs year round, as interviews are conducted well in advance. Interviews are held both over the phone and via e-mail. Instructors are usually responsible for airfare and housing expenses. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, while many choose to room with coworkers.  Teaching positions with children or adults are extensive, though it should be noted that the job market can be competitive and most schools will only hire English teachers from a native English speaking country with at least a four-year degree and a TEFL certification.

A generous salary affords English teachers a comfortable lifestyle, with the possibility to save up to $ 600 USD per month. Schools typically offer 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore. English teachers need an AA or bachelor’s degree to teach in Hong Kong, and TEFL certification is required.

 

Requirements to teaching English in Hong Kong

• Education: BA/BS is required to teaching English in Hong Kong; TEFL TESOL Certification is required and students can obtain certification in any of our Paradise TEFL 4 Week Certification, 2 Week Intensive or by taking the Online TEFL Class. 
• Citizenship Requirements:  USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.
• Typical hiring process: phone/e-mail in advance
• Average teaching hours per week: 20–25 hours of classroom plus extra prep time
• Types of students: business professionals, children in public schools and private language school
• Cost of living per month: 15,000 - 20,000 HKD; 2,300 - 5,000 USD
• Average monthly pay:  18,000 - 40,000 HKD; 2,300 - 3,000 USD
• Start-up cost: 2,000 - 2,500 USD
• Potential to save or break even: save 500-600 USD/month
• Accommodation/housing benefits paid: Sometimes
• Medical Insurance - co pay, national health insurance
• Vacation - paid 2 weeks & sick days
• Flight reimbursement: Sometimes

Interesting Facts About Hong Kong

• The meaning of the words ‘Hong Kong’ is ‘Fragrant Harbor’.
• The official languages of Hong Kong are Cantonese (a dialect of Chinese) and English.
• Hong Kong is located in southeastern China, at the base of the Pearl River.
• There is steep, hilly terrain throughout Hong Kong, as a result outdoor escalators exist in the Central district of the Island.
• In Hong Kong people often eat long noodles on their birthday, so they might be blessed with a long life.

Life for English teachers in Hong Kong

Day and night it's narrow sidewalks teem with vendors selling fantastic street food- cuisine as varied and exotic as shredded jellyfish, squid, or bean curd are available for bargain prices. Hong Kong has hot, humid summers, but comparatively dry and mild winters. Today Hong Kong is a major financial center as well as a fascinating tourist destination.