8 Places to teach abroad
You are ready to leave your home country for a while, and your mind is starting to dream. The job market for Teaching abroad has exploded, and you need to decide about your next destination. This is how you can travel the world, save money and emerge in a different culture. Find below * places to teach abroad:
China
China
Safety – Petty theft is pretty common in tourist hotspots and crowded areas. Be sure to lock your doors when you leave your apartment.
Salary – $1000 – $1900 p/m
Benefits – Housing allowance, airfare, and health insurance
Education needed– Positions available for people with or without a Bachelor’s degree
Experience – None
Cost of living – Relatively low
Drawbacks – Pollution, too many people, limited internet
South Korea
South Korea
Safety – Although North Korea is just around the corner, it does not effect the safety of South Korean citizens. It is common for school children to walk around, even at night, and it is really rare to see crimes happening. The crime rates are very low.
Salary – $2100 – $2300 p/m
Benefits – Airfare and accommodation provided, one month severance pay, 50% health insurance, tax free for the first 2 years.
Education needed – A TEFL certificate and bachelor’s degree
Experience – None
Cost of Living – Average cost of living
Drawbacks – North Korea is not too far away
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Safety – Harsh punishments will be given to those who break the law, and therefore crime is not very common. That said, though, expat women might have trouble living here, as local men might turn to sexual harassments to those whom they believe are not observing conservative standards of conduct.
Salary – $3000 – $6000 p/m
Benefits – Airfare and accommodation provided, hiring bonus, health insurance, tax free income
Education needed – Many job openings do not require teacher certification
Experience – At least 6 months experience recommended
Cost of Living – Comparable to other Middle Eastern countries. You might be able to enjoy a rather luxurious lifestyle, inside your expat compound that is.
Drawbacks – Very strict customs and traditions, very hot weather in the summer. It’s a tough place to live if you are a Western woman.
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Safety – It is overall considered as a very safe place. Violent crimes are extremely rare, yet petty crimes do take place in crowded areas.
Salary – $2400 – $4000 p/m
Benefits – Airfare and accommodation provided,
Education needed – Be certified to teach in home country
Experience – At least 2 years’ teaching experience at the relevant level and in the relevant subject.
Cost of Living – Tax free, yet still high
Drawbacks – Need to make quite a few Cultural adjustments when in such a Muslim country
Spain
Spain
Safety – Criminals are known to approach foreigners. Be extra cautious in urban centers.
Salary – $1000 – $2000
Benefits – No like free airfare and housing
Education needed- Degree and CELTA preferred, not required
Experience – None
Cost of Living – Middle – High
Drawbacks – No airfare, no accommodation
Thailand
Thailand
Safety – Crime is pretty low compared to other countries, and violent crimes are rare. Be aware of terrorism though.
Salary – $800 – $1000 p/m
Benefits – Can turn to Private tutoring for an extra income
Education needed- Bachelor’s Degree. TESL certification recommended.
Experience – None
Cost of Living – Low – It is cheaper than in other expat destinations around the world.
Drawbacks – No airfare, no accommodation. You won’t get rich by teaching English here.
Japan
Japan
Safety – This is currently the safest country in the world. It is safe to walk in the streets, during the day or at night. This is because they have been brought up to honor their country, so people generally take care of each other.
Salary – $2000 – $3000
Benefits – Accommodation / budget provided
Education needed – A Bachelors degree
Experience – Previous teaching experience is not necessary, but recommended
Cost of Living – High
Drawbacks – No airfare, very competitive job market
Vietnam
Safety – Tourists and Westerners are often targeted for petty crimes such as pickpocketing.
Salary – $1000 – $2000
Benefits – Low cost of living
Education needed – A TEFL certificate and bachelor’s degree
Experience – None
Cost of Living – High
Drawbacks – No airfare, no accommodation
Seoul vs Busan: 6 things Seoulites think when they go to Busan
What do Seoulites think when they go to Busan? This is the Seoul vs Busan showdown!
Busan is often called the “Summer Capital of South Korea” and as the city’s slogan goes, it is a vibrant and dynamic city. Some might say that this city has it all…but what do Seoulites really make of it when they go to Busan?
Streets in Busan
1. They don’t understand me…
The minority of people here speak basic English. Seoul is slightly more international and has more people that speak English. Here in Busan, you will also be less likely to understand signs around the city.
2. Can I make this go any faster?
Life is slower in Busan, whereas Seoul has developed into a busy city with massive developments over the years.
3. Okay, I’ve seen it all. Now what?
Sure, there are things to do like hiking, shopping, visiting Spa Land, Yonggungsa Temple and going to the Busan International Film Festival, but there is perhaps much more choice in Seoul when it comes to activities.
Beach in Busan
4. Did winter skip this part of Korea??
With four distinct seasons, the weather is milder, and it’s not nearly as cold in the winter. It also has a cooler version of a humid subtropical climate in the summer.
5. So this is how it feels to spread my arms out
It’s not nearly as crowded or busy in Busan, whether it is on the subway, in the streets or in shopping districts. If you are agoraphobic, you should probably move to Busan, rather than Seoul.
6. I can breathe…
Comapred to Seoul, Busan is a breath of fresh air. It has been given”good” Air Quality rating by AQICN. The natural environment of Busan is a perfect example of harmony between the mountains, the rivers and the sea.
Of course, there are two sides to every story…don’t miss our article about what people from Busan think of Seoul!
6 Amazingly Weird Places in Korea
Yes, we know about all the must-do’s in Korea.. But how about the weird, the different, the unusual places in Korea…?
1. Theme cafes in Korea:
There are so many different theme cafes in Korea such as cat cafes, dog cafes, a Photography cafe, a Charlie Brown Cafe, a Victoria Era cafe, a Puzzle Cafe, and even a Board game cafe. Which is your favorite?
2. Yongma-land abandoned amusement park
Yongma-land closed down a while ago, and is situated near Mangu Station. Mr. Youn, the owner, charges an access fee of 5,000 won per person.
Here’s an M/V music video, shot at this spooky amusement park!
3. Weird but awesome party hotels!
Would you like to stay in Korea’s ‘Santorini’? Or in an Egyptian-like palace? There’s something for everyone at these crazy-awesome party hotels!
4. Gonjiam psychaitric hospital
It is illegal to visit this sinister abandoned building but people go nevertheless. We recommend you don’t go but just read about it instead!
If you don’t heed our advice and somehow end up there, take bug spray!
5. Jindo sea parting
Once a year in Jindo, the seas mysteriously part and visitors can walk through the sea from the mainland to a nearby island. Biblical!
6. Gangnam Rooftop
Some of our teachers came across this palm sweat-inducing view, from the rooftop of the CGV building in Gangnam.
Head to our Facebook page and let us know about any other weird places in Korea that you have discovered!
Like us on Facebook!
China Town in Incheon
China Town in Incheon
Located just west of Seoul, Incheon is the 3rd largest city in Korea with a population of 3 million people. Nestled right next to Incheon Station is the bustling, historic, lively center of China Town. It was founded in 1883, right around the time that Incheon Port opened. Trust us – it’s worth a day trip.
To get here, take the Seoul metropolitan subway to Incheon Station. The main entrance (Junghwamun Pailou gate, pictured above) is right across from the station’s only exit.
Jajangmyeon Museum, opened in April 2012, celebrates the birthplace of the delicious Korean dish, jajang-myeon.
Not a fan of Jajangmyeong? Don’t worry – options for other delicious dishes are easy to find!
Gonggalbbang: Hollow large crispy bread buns
Jajangmyeon: A noodle dish topped with a thick sauce made of chunjang, diced pork and vegetables, and sometimes also seafood
Tangsuyuk pork: Korean-ized version of sweet and sour pork or orange chicken
Onggibyeong: Baked dumpling
There are dozens of unique little shops – it’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind keepsakes to take home with you
Want to find out more about Incheon’s China Town? Check out the links below:RJ Koehler (2006)
The Korea Blog (2013)
The Korea Blog 2 (2013)
Like us on Facebook for more posts like this one…
Abandoned Amusement Park
Abandoned Amusement Park
Some of our Teachers came across this abandoned amusement park on the Eastern outskirts of Seoul called Mangu: Yongma land. Apparently this amusement park is scheduled to be torn down, so it could be out of existence any day now…
The nearest Subway stop: Mangu Subway
Have you stumbled across any Abandoned Amusement parks in Korea? Let us know! Send us some photos!
…brought to you by Adventure Teaching…
Ski resorts in Korea
Ski resorts in Korea
There are plenty of ski resorts in Korea to quench the thirst–at least temporarily–of those who love winter sports.
Skiing in Korea is the perfect un-intimidating environment to “get your ski on.”
The first snow already hit Korea, so it’s time to take out the ski gear and to get ready for Winter!
Ski slopes!
Here’s a list of some of Korea’s top ski resorts!
1. Yongpyeong – Korea’s best ski resort, with a beautiful resort and the best slopes you’ll find here!
2. High-One – Another great resort out east near Taebaek. One of Korea’s best ski resorts, with slopes for all levels of skiiers! Located 1,340 meters above sea level is a revolving restaurant, which offers an incredible panoramic view of no less than three different mountain ranges.
3. O2 Resort — The ‘town-style’ O2 Resort has a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities and entertainment options. It does not only receives the first snowfall in Korea, but also has the longest snow season.
4. Phoenix Park — This resort is out near Yongpyeong, and has 22 slopes, 12 of which meet international standards.
5. Bears Town – Only an hour from Seoul, Bears Town is great for a short ski trip. It’s a bit older and more worn down than some of the other resorts in Korea, but it’s nice for a day trip.
6. Muju / Deogyusan.–Deogyusan Resort (former Muju Resort) is located in Mt. Deogyusan, and is a representative mountain resort. It has beautiful scenery and is located within one of Korea’s national parks.
7. Oak Valley – Located in a really beautiful area of Korea, Oak Valley Snow Park has two beginner, five intermediate, and two advanced level courses.
8. Vivaldi – This ski resort is very easy to get to from Seoul, as shuttle buses leave from various places around Seoul early in the morning. Vivaldi has great facilities and courses for all levels, as well as a fantastic resort with a big water park.
Skiiiiiiii!!!!
9. Pine Resort — Nearby Seoul, Yangji Pine Resort’s top rated run is the Challenger Course, where the yearly ‘National Alpine Ski Competition’ takes place. The resort offers many enjoyable programs for skiers and snowboarders, such as training courses, a snowboarding competition, and a snow-boarding show presented by pro riders.
10. Elysian – The Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort, with its large variety of ski resorts, is a great destination for skiers of all abilities. For those who are looking for something different to do, ice climbing is also available on frozen waterfalls nearby.
11. Konjiam Resort – The Konjiam Resort boasts the largest ski slopes in the Seoul area. Konjiam Resort has solved the problem of overcrowded ski slopes, by enforcing Korea’s first maximum occupancy rule.
12. Alpensia Resort – Alpensia Ski Resort has six slopes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. The Alpensia ski Jumping stadium is located within the station and will be the location of the ski jumping events of the Winter Olympics 2018
13. Star Hill Resort – Access to this gorgeous and well-equipped leisure resort is very easy. It is about 32km outside Seoul.
14. Jisan Resort – This resort is great for Nighttime skiing. All slopes are open to snowboarders, and the ski slope reserved for ski lessons has a mild slope of 3 degrees.
15. Sajo Resort – The Sajo Village Ski Resort at the top of Suanbo’s Hwangsan Valley was the only combined hot springs and ski resort until construction of other hot springs/ski resorts in 1995.
16. Eden Valley – The Eden Valley Resort ski slopes have been scientificall
y designed to disperse skiers and prevent overcrowding. This resort can be classified as a World class resort.
Take a weekend trip with friends, or head out for a few days over Christmas. Either way, this adventure is a great way to experience Korean’s winter season at its best.
Facebook Groups in Korea
Teachers, Expats, Foreigners and Tourists.
Find them on Facebook in YOUR area…
One of the best parts about living and working in South Korea is the long lasting friendships you make with other expats. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to find people – especially if you’re in an area that has less foreigners.
This interactive map should be able to help you connect to other areas of Korea. Perhaps you’re considering a move to a new city, or maybe you just want to find out more about the people…
Either way, here is a tool that you can use to get connected easily with other expats in Korea.
Let us know about Facebook Groups in Korea that can be added,
Comment below.
Travel in China
Travel in China
China is one of the most historically rich countries in the modern world. Here are some of the places you’ll definitely want to add to your list of places to visit on the weekends!
Who wouldn’t want to travel in China??
This piece of landscape really exists! It took 24 million years to form these rocks.
Tianzi Mountain is located in Zhangjiajie in the Hunan Province of China, close to the Suoxi Valley.
Panjin Shuangtaizi River mouth state-level nature protection（盘锦双台子河口自然保护区） area preserves the most completed ecosystem and the biggest wetland in the world. More than 260 kinds of birds and 399 kinds of wild animals live in it.
Bamboo forest
The Shunan Bamboo Forest (Shunan Zhuhai) is a huge bamboo forest the size of which is 120 square kilometers. The park is famous for the natural beauty of the bamboo forests, scenes from the movie ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ were shot here.
Rice Fields
Here’s another glimpse into life in China
Like us on Facebook or add us on Google+