Teaching English abroad: Korea or Spain?

Question

I'm applying to two programs, one in Korea and one in Spain, to teach English. Here's a comparison:

1. In Korea I would run my own classroom, in Spain I would be an assistant. I have five years teaching experience.

2. In Spain I would get paid about $1000/month, in Korea I would make twice that.

3. In Korea the housing is paid for, in Spain it is not (for those of you who know the cost of living in Spain, I already know, el sueldo es una mierda).

4. I have friends in Spain, I don't know anyone in Korea.

5. I like the food of both countries equally. Some Spanish food I'm not crazy about, some Korean food I wouldn't walk a mile for. Bulgogi and kimchee pancakes are good, but I'm much more familiar with Spanish food. Generally I follow a whole-foods diet.

6. In Korea it's likely that I'll pay down my student loans and maybe save for something nice. In Spain I will probably have to defer my loans, which I have done so many times it's not even funny.

7. This is a small factor, but in Korea I most likely wont have an oven to cook with, just a hot plate. I use the oven a lot at home, so I would have to change the way I cook and eat. Although in Spain it might get so hot sometimes I wont want to use an oven, anyways.

8. On a whole, education is valued much more in Korea than in Spain.

So what do you think? Which one sounds better? I was thinking I might be able to pull off doing both, like if I go to Korea and save my money so I'll be able to afford Spain later on.

Answer 1

DEFINITELY Korea, it's so interesting, and if you're into whole foods I think Korea will serve you well. I'm guessing it's South Korea, and my friend visits there often and she brings back pictures and it just makes me want to go there so bad!  

Answer 2

Having taught in Korea for 6 years, Korea would be your choice by that you want to get rid of your student loans.  Number 8 I do not really agree with, I have been to many countries and foreign English teachers are not seen in great light in Korea.  Do not go to Korea for travel, or for a good profile (you will not be a hero or glorified).  You will probably stay in the country, drink a lot and have good food.  You can easily save $1000 a month in Korea.  I managed to save well more than that because every year I got a better job and did not spend much.  Korea is good for money.  

However, having been to Spain many years ago... I would love to return.  But obtaining a legal work visa may be difficult seeing that I am not part of the EU.  Teaching in Spain would be well worth it if you are financially available and able to get a proper work permit.

Answer 3

Actually in some places in Korea you would also be considered an "assistant" especially public schools (although this is a small issue). Also you can buy an oven here for about $85 that is big enough to cook most things. The apartment you are provided should have a stove (two gas burners). If you are only provided a hot plate, then the school is likely proving you crappy housing. You very much have to be leary of schools as some will try to s***w you over.

All that being said, Korea is a much better choice I think The cost of living has going up here quite a bit in the four years I've been here.

Research the school and/or recruiter you use and ask a lot of questions. If a school is making you an offer, then ask them to speak to one of the current teachers. If they don't agree to this, turn down the job and move on (in other words something stinks).

My best advice is hang out over on Dave's ESL Cafe in the Korean Forum and you will pick up a lot of information.