I am officially on vacation starting tomorrow! February 18. This week will be pretty low-key, since I will be doing most of my traveling next week. Here's what I'm looking forward to...
There aren't many opportunities to make and save as much money as you can when you teach overseas, especially in countries like Korea, Japan, and China.
Rent and airfare are paid for, provided you complete your contract, and the living is easy, seeing as how you have little to no responsibilities outside of teaching. Sure, you have to pay a couple of water and electricity bills, and maybe a phone bill if you choose to have one.
Should I quit my job and teacher overseas?
my personal tips: 1. RESEARCH: Figure out which countries provide what YOU are looking for. Everyone has a different experience abroad, and it's important that you know what you can and cannot tolerate in terms of living situations, work expectations, salary,etc.
2. Reach Out: Talk to people who have been in the prospective country. Tell them to be HONEST with you about the experience. You want to know EVERYTHING. If possible, contact a recruiter about your prospective destination and have them put you in touch with people.
3. What's your situation like right now? Make sure that you're not doing something stupid like running from debt or student loans. I've heard several stories of people defaulting on their loans and spending most of their time in the another country because they fear being arrested for it. NOT WORTH IT. If your plan is to save/cut down bills, then YES, leave the country, work your butt off, and get those issues handled. But, your problems back home will not go away just because you leave.
4. Do you actually like children? I use that term loosely, as depending on the country, you may or may not be working with children. Regardless, a general appreciation or general regard for your students' progress both academically and socio-emotionally is healthy. They can get on your last nerve sometimes, so be prepared for some major babysitting. This will be your life. if you cannot tolerate it, find something else. :-)
5. WHY NOT? Are you ready to hop on a plane, sell all of your belongings, put your life into two...or three large suitcases and experience the world? DO IT! Teaching abroad is great way to see the world, and experience life. It's an awesome learning experience either way ya slice it.
I gotta say, I've been pretty modest with my spending here in Korea. Mostly because I prefer to spend my earnings on memories rather than clothes or material things. Sometimes, though, a girl needs to blow off a little steam from the wallet. I didn't go CRAZY. I just bought a few things for reasonable prices. There are lots of cheap clothing and shoe stores in Korea, but there are also several expensive boutiques. If you aren't careful, you can find yourself shopping in the wrong area, and spending lots of unnecessary green.
I recommend two places to shop for clothes in Ulsan/Korea. If you are shopping for clothes in Korea, as a general rule, do NOT go to department stores--I don't care WHAT "sales" they have going on. It's not worth it. Look for the university areas, and large shopping districts that are outdoors.
In Ulsan, I have found two places that have very reasonably priced items.
#1: University of Ulsan Area--also known as Mugeodong. I have been there many-a times, and each time I am tempted to stop by Rue Outlet to pick up some more scarves, jackets, or tops.
#2: Seongnam-dong: This is in fact, where I shopped today. Here's what I picked up.... Note* I do not buy bottoms, unless they are spandex--for obvious reasons....their pants won't even pass my calves...*sigh*