My wife and I are seriously considering doing this next year, but the whole process seems kind of overwhelming considering the need to go as a couple and trying to work around different wants/experience etc.
The criteria for us would obviously be living together, which seems like it could be incredibly difficult to arrange. We are open to different locations, though Japan/Korea seem like they would fit us best. I'm actually a primary school teacher in Australia (Bachelor of Teaching), though I've only been out of University for a little over a year, which means that I've haven't had the 2 year experience requirement I've seen on some recruitment sites. My wife doesn't have experience with teaching, and would prefer a non-teaching role as she has experience in management (branch manager for a health fund/certificates in management). What are the opportunities like for non-teaching jobs, or if within the education sector what would her opportunities be if she doesn't have teaching experience?
Any advice/guidance would be appreciated.
Well, I only know about Korea but here goes:
As you are married, living together should be no problem. If you apply through the EPIK program, you will be placed together with no exceptions. However, you might not be working at the same school.
You have a degree in education and teaching experience, this means you are more than qualified to teach here and you shouldn't start on shitty paygrades. 2.2 million won minimum! Your wife would be fine to teach here most likely however she will be required to get some kind of TEFL qualification, I recommend either going all the way and doing a CELTA or doing a short 120hr course with classroom component.
As for non-teaching jobs, I wouldn't recommend it. Your wife wouldn't receive any special benefits and unless she can speak the language (I'm assuming no) they will be unlikely to even consider her.
Whereas being ESL teachers (with EPIK) you get the following:
- Reimbursement of flight costs
- 300,000 won settlement allowance
- A free apartment (You just pay for bills)
- Tax exemption, or if not the tax is very low anyway. 3%-ish
- Health insurance
- 18 - 21 days vacation (This is a workaholic country)
- A government run scheme = job security.
- 22 contact hours a week. (Easy hours for Korea)
- One months salary bonus at the completion of one year/great re-signing bonuses.
This means you basically pocket all of the money which you can use to travel or save etc. The cost of living is cheap so this is all possible. The other possible route is to go to a private school (a hagwon), although I don't recommend this for beginner for a few reasons:
- Great hagwons exist, however if you don't know the market you can end up somewhere shady.
- You will be worked harder, maybe 30 contact hours a week.
- Your vacation will be short as hell. 10 days a year is the norm.
- Non - government means you can be fired a lot easier.
- You may earn more money, however as I said, they are mercenary.
The biggest downside to EPIK is you can't decide where you will be placed, you can say your preference but it is no guarantee. If you want a chance to get to Seoul you have to be early. I've probably forgotten a few things so yeah, I'd recommend EPIK. They have a February and August intake, it's a little late for the Feb one now but it is very possible you could make the August one if you apply and get your documents in EARLY. I'm talking Jan/Feb.
I'd say your chances are pretty damn good though, I came here with a BA in English (which is considered a +) and no teaching experience. I got in pretty easily. Although remember this, Korea is a pretty judgmental society. They care a great deal about their appearance and judge others for theirs, if you are overweight or ugly you might not have a great time.That's the ugly side of Korea, heh.
Anymore Qs, just ask!