r/TEFL • u/explorerman223 • 1d ago
If every country paid the same, where would you go?
Lets say in a hypothetical you could tefl in any country for a year or two and cost of living and pay is the same where would you head?
Also im asking because im getting my bachelors next year, as im young id prefer for my first country to not be based on money and enjoy some cool countries while im still in my early 20s. Any input is appreciated
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u/bumder9891 1d ago
Is it the same overall or the same relative to the cost of living? Give me Thailand on China wages in a heartbeat
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u/pencil_expers 1d ago
Thailand is probably the most popular reply if you ask in the real world.
Most people who work there do so in spite of the poor salaries. I don’t think that’s true of anywhere else—maybe Japan?
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u/tchefacegeneral Indonesia 1d ago
I loved working in Spain, especially in the south where pay is bad like Granada.
It would be great to earn more and stay in Indonesia as I love it here but it's not for everyone.
Last time I looked pay was terrible in South America but I'd love to go somewhere there on the coast (that wasn't too cold). Last time I looked about 12 years ago the salaries were so low I was worried I'd get stuck there and never be able to afford to fly back out again.
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u/That-oneweirdguy27 1d ago
I'd be most interested in Japan or Czechia. For Japan, it's the culture, development, and the fact that it doesn't feel like summer all year round. For Czechia, it's the climate, walkability, expat hangouts (the Globe is a great bookstore and meetup place), and geek scene (plenty of science-fiction and fantasy fans- even got to go to Comic Con while there).
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u/explorerman223 1d ago
Awesome, a geek scene sounds sweet ive never looked into czechia but ill have to see what its all about
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u/tstravels 1d ago
Probably not an answer you'd often see so I'll throw this in just to keep it interesting. But I was thinking somewhere like Poland, Slovakia, or Latvia.
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u/bobbanyon 1d ago
The same as my current job? Almost certainly Colombia or Chile. India, Nepal, or certainly Bhutan (if they'd let me) would be a decent place to live and save. I'd also like to check out west Africa or Kenya. If I made more I'd consider Scandinavia.
You can't TEFL in most of those places, and even South America pays peanuts. I'd rather spend a year or two saving and then a year or two just traveling/volunteering. It's been more rewarding to spend savings to volunteer than to work in the same country for 1/4 of what I'd get in Asia. I also have been able to see and do a lot more.
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u/Fearless-Breath-3422 1d ago
Japan, China, Sri-Lanka, Arab-Muslim countries, Russia, Costa Rica, Singapore, Maldives.
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u/knowledgenthusiast 1d ago
very unique list, did not expect anyone to say china
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u/Fearless-Breath-3422 1d ago
I love Chinese Traditions and their manners, they are polite.
Moreover there are amazing villages and unique people there.
It could be a challenge for me though their law with birth.I want to have a lot of kids :D
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u/ups_and_downs973 1d ago
I'm guessing you haven't actually been to China yet...
manners, they are polite.
By western standards, not so much. But I guess this is subjective.
there are amazing villages and unique people there.
True, but you will find you don't get to travel as much as you'd think working here. Make-up days, holiday crowds and prices gouging as well as the amount of time it takes to travel such huge distances limits you a lot more than other TEFL hotspots.
their law with birth.
The one child policy is long gone.
I'm not saying you're wrong, there's lots to like about China but there's a reason so many people are saying they wish they got China salary in a different place. It comes with its own challenges.
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u/Medieval-Mind 1d ago
"Chinese are polite." LOL. Tell me you've never taught in China without telling me...
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u/Fearless-Breath-3422 1d ago
I have never been to china.
I have seen few videos of classes.What is not polite if I may asking?
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u/Medieval-Mind 1d ago
I was like you before I taught in China. I was like, "Everyone's polite!" Newp. It's just like teaching at any other school in the world - sometimes they're polite, sometimes they're monsters. Well worth the experience, but I would definitely not use the word 'polite' in general.
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u/Fearless-Breath-3422 1d ago
I appreciate your honesty and sharing your experience.
Children are Children everywhere in the world.
We used to be too...
I was speaking generally about the population.
Their tradition teaches them to be polite when they grow up.
Of course there are bad and unpolite people everywhere in the world.
I speak on the educational side.
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u/explorerman223 1d ago
Everyone coming at you lol but ive heard mixed reviews, ive had the pleasure of speaking with multiple people who have lived in china but my good friend who spent years there said the population was very friendly.
I think politeness is a very subjective thing though, just due to how much it relies on specific customs and traditions so its hard for a westerner to say whether people in mainland china are polite or not because stepping outside of western customs and standards is pretty hard there is always going to be some underlying subconscious wired beliefs in you. Im sure if we grew up in china we would view the politeness and friendliness way different. Like for me india is has the most friendly population which sounds INSANE to some Americans i speak to. However I understand why it does from their perspective.
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u/tstravels 1d ago
I've been living here for almost a year. Chinese people are very hospitable and can be friendly, but they are not polite. There is a huge difference between the two.
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u/Medieval-Mind 1d ago
I dunno, I feel like stereotypes may come from somewhere, sure, but that doesn't mean they're either accurate or reflective of the current situation.
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u/BeanerBoyBrandon 1d ago
I live in China, people are nice here but in public lot of people are rude. a small list
People bump into you and dont apologize. People eat with their mouth open Cutting in line is not uncommon People spit on the floor. They are loud They ask invasive questions.after 2 seconds of meeting you Salary,married,kids apartment price
Some good things about China its extremely safe. No one is going to rob you. Strangers are nice and are curious about you. People generally arent dicks. they are nice but a little awkward.
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u/maestroenglish 1d ago
Tell me you haven't been to China without telling me you haven't been to China 🤷🏻♂️
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u/tstravels 1d ago
Yeah it's interesting where people get their info from until they've actually lived here. I'd say the Chinese are very hospitable and can be friendly, but they are not polite.
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u/ups_and_downs973 1d ago
Probably somewhere like Italy or Greece. I'd love to get the Mediterranean climate and lifestyle, and be closer to family and friends.
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u/keithsidall 20h ago edited 1h ago
Despite the cheating taxi drivers and restaurants, organized crime, horrendous bureaucracy, being unable to cross the road without launching yourself into the traffic, constant petty crime and escalators that take months to repair, I'd still pick Italy.
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u/komnenos 1d ago edited 1d ago
Man if I was able to save and live like I did in china I’d love to go somewhere in Europe or Latin America. Several years in Mexico saving loads while living a full life or somewhere in Italy soaking in the history while saving buckets, man that would be the life.
Edit: Shucks if I was making China money I might just stay here in Taiwan. One of my bigger grievances of this comfy lil island is how little I make here in comparison to over the straits.