The Philippines have become known for the cheapest place to travel in Asia to learn English. The average job teaching English in Manila will net about a $750 paycheck, enough to get by on, but if you can secure a job at one of the many international schools, the pay is greater.
The Philippines might seem like an unlikely place to find a great job, as almost all locals speak English, but this tropical destination has much to offer. Manila boasts some of the best nightlife in Asia, the locals always have a joke on hand, and the easy going island life can even be felt in the mists of this capital city. Learn more about teaching English abroad in the Philippines.
Salary
For a full time job, you can expect to earn around $1000 per month. There are schools that pay much less and you’ll find a few that pay more. However, you’ll need to very well qualified and experienced to find a job that pays well in the Philippines. There are many Filipinos that are fluent in English and prepared to work for much less than foreigners. Therefore, you might find that it’s quite difficult to find a high paying teaching job and you might need to settle for less than $1000 per month and some jobs can be very poorly paid.
Living Costs
Although the country is developing quickly, the cost of living is still very low. Even in the big cities you can find an apartment for as little as $150 – $250 per month A meal in a local restaurant can be cheap at only a few dollars per person. As the country is quite westernized, you’ll find that there are lots of western style restaurants, but the prices are more than local food. Transport in and around towns and cities is very cheap and taxis are around 60 cents per kilometre.
Visa Requirements
Unless you are married to a Filipino, there is a lot of red tape to get a visa. The authorities are strict in the Philippines and you or your employer will need to apply for an Alien Employment Permit. This permit is valid anywhere from six months to two years. Once this permit has been issued, you can then apply for a working visa. To qualify for a working visa you will need a valid passport, a solid job offer and medical certificate and police clearance.
How to Find a Job Teaching in the Philippines
Almost all employers will want to conduct a face to face interview which means you’ll need to already be in the country when you’re applying for jobs. A number of employers in the Philippines do advertise for vacant positions on the internet, but they will require an interview before you are offered a position. Moreover, employers use local newspapers and jobs boards to advertise for vacant positions. Finally, the tried and tested method of finding a job will work particularly well in the Philippines. Get yourself dressed up, prepare your CV, find a list of schools and go out and ask for a job!
Teaching English in the Philippines
There is not a huge demand for foreign English teachers in the Philippines because many Filipinos speak English fluently and work for a lot less! You will need to be well qualified and experienced and you won’t earn as much money as you would in other Asian countries. Many people go to study English in the Philippines and you’ll find that you might be teaching students from other countries such as Korea or Taiwan. Language schools that specialize in teaching English to non-Filipino students often offer pretty low salaries for native English speaking TEFL teachers.
William can answer a lot of initial questions about teaching English in the Philippines, and settling into this tropical paradise.
Here are some of the awesome things about Manila, the capital of the Philippines:
- Rich cultural heritage: Manila is a melting pot of different cultures and has a rich history that can be seen through its many historic sites, such as the San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago.
- Delicious food: Manila is known for its street food scene and its fusion of Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous Philippine flavors.
- Vibrant nightlife: The city has a lively nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late.
- Beautiful beaches: Manila is just a short drive away from some of the country’s best beaches, such as Boracay and Palawan.
- Shopping: The city is a shopper’s paradise, with numerous malls, boutiques, and street markets offering a wide range of goods at affordable prices.
- Friendly people: The people of Manila are known for their warmth, hospitality, and welcoming nature.
- Fascinating history: From being a Spanish colonial city to being a center of power during the American occupation, Manila has a rich and fascinating history that continues to shape its identity today.