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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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We
have attempted to cover as much as possible in each of these sections, so click on the
area of your interest
via the links:
General
About Teaching
Health
Travel
Applications
Interviews
And of course, if you have a question which is not covered, we have an
easy solution for you:
Ask us !!
GENERAL
How much money will I need to get set up and to live
until I start receiving my salary?
It is recommended that you bring (or have at your disposal) a minimum of
about US $1000-$1500.
Will I be paid in dollars, or in the local currency?
You will be paid in the local currency unless US dollars or another foreign
currency is the norm.
What is the cost of living like?
While your salary may seem low by your home country’s
standards you can live quite comfortably. Meals will cost between $0.80-10
– depending on the country. To ride the subway or bus can cost less than
$1. So depending on your lifestyle, there is plenty of opportunity to come
home with money saved. Your salary will be more than enough to live a
comfortable lifestyle and save.
Do I have to pay taxes while I work abroad?
Generally you only have to pay taxes in the country
where you work which is normally deducted from your monthly salary.
However, some countries do have reciprocal agreements regarding tax, so
best to check with your home government's revenue service or tax agency.
Will I be able to save money or pay off student loans?
This is simply a matter of the lifestyle you are prepared or are able
to live. Your salary doesn’t appear high, but remember the cost of living
is much lower than in your home country. Also there are people who claim
that trying to live off less than their monthly salary can be difficult,
and yet there are teachers that are able to pay loan payments and live a
comfortable lifestyle on the same salary. If you are able to adjust to the
host country’s lifestyle, weather and food, then you will be able to
save money. If you require western style food all or most of the time and
need western amenities (TV, stereo, DVD, personal computer, 24-hour air
conditioning, etc.), then you could be waiting for pay day every month.
How can I send money home?
If you have all the documentation to legally work in your host country,
then there aren’t usually any obstacles in sending money home. The best
way is to wire the money from your bank account created in the host
country to the one in your home country. Check with your bank at home who
they deal with in the host country.
What if I experience culture shock?
Culture shock is a phenomenon that affects everyone
differently, and for sure during the first few months in a foreign
country, there will be the initial feeling of excitement but this will
subside as you get into a daily routine. Try to also avoid criticizing
your host country, get involved in your new community, and make local
friends which will help you to adapt.
Furthermore, schools are well experienced in hosting
foreign teachers and will make every effort to assist you in settling in.
As long as you keep an open mind, stay as flexible as possible and set out
to enjoy your stay, you should have the time of your life.
Do I need to speak the local language?
No. In
fact, it is desirable for you not to speak the local language. This is
because not being able to communicate with the teacher in their mother
tongue forces the students to use English to convey what they would like
to say. Even if you are learning the local language during your stay you
will be discouraged from using it with your students in class. You want
your students to actually think in English, not just mentally translate
English into their mother tongue. An all English atmosphere encourages
students to think in English, like a native speaker!
Where can I find more information about my host country before leaving?
Visit our ‘Links’
page, you will find some useful websites there. Also feel free to
contact us
anytime. We are here to answer all your questions, concerns and worries.
We have been through the same process ourselves, so we understand it can
be confusing at times.
Will I have access to a computer and the Internet?
Yes, not only at work but there are also numerous Net
cafes.
Is crime a concern?
Personal safety is a concern wherever you are, but worries about security
in a foreign country should not prevent you from traveling or working
overseas. Asian countries are extremely safe.
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APPLICATIONS
What happens after I submit my application?
After we receive your application, we will review its contents and
contact you. If you meet our application criteria, we will arrange a phone
or Skype
interview with you. After the interview, we will let
you know if you have been accepted.
How long does the application process take?
Generally, the entire process takes up to 30 days.
Can I apply with a friend or significant other?
Yes, we welcome all applications from friends and
couples. We will treat your applications separately. If you are both
accepted, we will do our best to place you together. As with everything
else, let us know your concerns and we will work on them for you!
What time of the year do you recruit teachers?
We recruit teachers throughout the year. Typically, our
teachers arrive 4-5 days prior to their start date. If you are already in
the country in which you want to work, we might have positions available.
Check with us for vacancies.
Where do you conduct your interviews?
The majority of our interviews take place over the
phone or through Skype. Whenever possible, we interview our teachers in person. However,
because teachers come from all corners of the world this is a very
difficult task. It is a good idea to mentally prepare yourself as you
would for any other job interview.
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INTERVIEWS
Here are some questions you may be asked:
* Why do you want to
teach in that country?
* Have you worked with
children or adults before?
* How and in what way
would you be a good teacher?
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What do you know about that country?
* How will you deal with
the culture shock when you first arrive?
*
Have you been to Asia before?
*
Strengths and weaknesses?
*
What is most important to you about living in another country?
* How would you
help/motivate students to do their best?
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ABOUT TEACHING
How do I know I will be sent to a reputable employer?
Our goal is to match you with reputable schools and
institutions that we and/or our partners have screened to ensure that you
will be treated professionally as a qualified teacher.
What if I don't have any teaching experience?
If you have past teaching
experience, great. If you don’t, an active imagination and a willingness
to be creative is by far the most important characteristic of a successful
teacher. Most of our teachers have no teaching experience before teaching
abroad. They majored in Biology, Art, English, Accounting, Pre-law,
Philosophy and probably anything else you can think of! The traits they
all share are an open mind, an active imagination and a willingness to
learn new things.
Furthermore, some schools and
institutes we deal with provide orientation before you start, and you will
also be provided with all the teaching materials you need. Many schools
will require you to come in early to prepare your lesson plans. Use this
time productively and you shouldn’t have a problem.
Before you get nervous, it is important to keep in mind
that there are thousands of people just like you in Asia right now who
went through the same thing and are now excellent teachers! Being creative
and having an active imagination
What is expected from me as a teacher?
Teachers in Asia are respected a lot, dressed neatly, and possess a
certain level of enthusiasm and patience. Teaching expectations will vary
with the type of school, curriculum, and previous exposure to native English
speakers. You will need to come with new ideas, make language points more
effective, and activities more objective specific in terms of the students
learning or using the target language. Good teaching requires careful
planning of every lesson, the marking of homework, and obviously the
presentation and delivery of lessons within the classroom.
Is there a dress code?
While institutes seldom have uniforms, most have a
dress code. First impressions and professional stature are extremely
important; therefore, no jeans, shorts, or other very casual dress. Men
should wear nice dress pants and a tie or a suit; women should wear
dresses, skirts, dress pants and blouses or suits. Also, men should be
clean-shaven and have short hair. In other words, maintain a professional
and tidy appearance. As a guide, use your common sense and understanding
of Asian culture – when in Rome....
What is the class size and length of time of the class?
Class sizes vary widely depending
upon the setting, and the length of time will also vary but usually 45 -
60 minutes depending on the position.
Do I remain at the school the whole day, or can I only go to school
at the times that I am expected to teach?
You are expected to be at the school for the whole day. Start and end
times will vary depending on the contract.
Do the schools provide curriculums and programs?
Yes. When you arrive, the school will orient you to
their program, textbooks, and supplementary materials. Also if you have
some of your own, please bring them if you would like to share.
Am I provided with housing?
It depends on the position – some may be .provided
free, or you may be given a stipend.
What will my apartment be like (if provided)?
Housing will vary between single and shared apartments depending on the
contract. Some single apartments are studio and will seem much smaller
than what you are used to by your home country’s standards. All will be
western style and furnished with the basic necessities – bed, furniture,
TV, washing machine, fridge, table and chairs. As for payment of
utilities, this varies depending on the contract.
What holidays do I get?
Basically, you'll have the national public holidays,
and the vacation period would depend on the conditions set out in your
contract.
What happens to me if I leave before the 1 year contract is finished?
Some schools offer bonuses if you complete a year
contract. This could be in the form of cash or a ticket home. If you leave
early, you lose this and you may also have difficulty in finding another
job – word gets around and you’d probably be blacklisted.
What kinds of opportunities and knowledge will I gain through my
English teaching experiences in Asia?
You will have the chance to learn and study a new
culture, taste exotic cuisine, observe traditional ceremonies, and maybe
even learn a new language. Most of all, you will learn how to live
harmoniously with people who have different ways of thinking and living.
When it is over, you will have become more aware of the world around you,
more understanding, tolerant, and adventuresome. The living experience in
a foreign country is good for resumes. Many employers recognize the value
of international work experiences and the maturity it engenders.
What if I have problems with my co-workers?
Working with people who come from different backgrounds
and have different opinions and perspectives than you or what you are used
to can result in some problems. However, try to solve this in private and
non-confrontationally. If problems persist, contact us directly, and we
will do our best to help you out.
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HEALTH
Should I have a medical/dental examination before I go?
It is a good idea to have a medical and dental check-up before you go, and
usually a check up is required to get a work visa. However, schools usually
provide teachers with medical
insurance and the level would
depend on the contract offered.
Do I need immunization shots?
You might get a tetanus shot, but also check with your
own doctor about other shots that are possibly needed.
Will I have health insurance?
Your school will provide you with health coverage. This may not take effect until you have
finalised all the visa, work permit, and other requirements of a
particular country.
SOUTH KOREA (IMPORTANT) : You may be responsible
for 50% of this cost, but this accounts for about 1.7% of your monthly
salary. This will cover all basic medical and dental necessities. Your
medical insurance will not take effect until you have received your
Foreign Registration Certificate. You need to register with Korean
immigration to receive this and it may take a few weeks. You may want to
consider purchasing temporary travel insurance to cover you for this
period of time until your government provided insurance becomes effective.
What happens if I am sick and not able to come to
work?
Each contract varies regarding sick leave. In most cases, you will need to
let your employer know in advance that you are not able to come to work
and you may be required to submit a medical certificate.
Will I get paid for sick days?
Different
schools have different rules. However, some schools will allow you a
certain number of sick days per year that is usually stated in your
contract.
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TRAVEL
Is traveling easy?
Yes, it's very easy and inexpensive to travel, as there
are very good transportation links of trains, buses, and airlines to get
you from A to B.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's an excellent idea to get travel insurance. It's very inexpensive
and you can never be too careful. However, your school will assist with
your health insurance once you begin working.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, your school will arrange for a representative to meet you. Just
make sure you give us your flight details, so we can pass them onto the
school.
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