Salaries
Contents |
Entry Level Jobs
When you look at a job offer you'll often see a significantly lower salary than you might expect to get in your home country working in a regular job. Remember, however, that the cost of living in many countries is significantly lower than in the USA or the UK and that your money will go further.
Most jobs pay in local currency so don't try to convert that into USD or EUR or GBP and see what it's worth. Instead, bear in mind that generally speaking, an entry level job in TEFL will give you enough for the basics if you do not spend money like water. This means
- rent on a small bedsit/apartment
- food and utility bills
- going out once or twice a week
If you are frugal then you may also be able to save enough to give yourself a holiday at the end of your contract.
Student Loans
Many new teachers have the additional burden of student loans. An entry level job in TEFL will probably not give you enough to pay them off unless you can renegotiate your payback rate. There is simply not enough in a basic salary to cover all this.
Extra Income
Many teachers can gain extra income through private lessons which traditionally pay a lot more than classroom work. Picking up even just a few hours extra per week can make a significant difference to your lifestyle and pay.
Higher Income
Of course not all jobs in TEFL are basic pay. If you have the qualifications and experience you can get work higher up the chain as, for example, a DoS or school manager.
And with experience you can also try for jobs in the traditiionally higher paying countries such as those in the Middle East.
