James L. Paris's Blog, page 39
October 29, 2018
Is Trump Responsible For Cesar Sayoc And Robert Bowers?
The media uses much of its airtime this week blaming Trump for both the mail bombs and the Pittsburgh shooting. Jim puts a spotlight on the double standard and asks who is really responsible for the harsh rhetoric? The NFL gets another black eye this week as several Jacksonville Jaguar players are arrested in London for allegedly walking out on a $50,000 bar tab, and why Bitcoin is ready to skyrocket in coming weeks.
October 27, 2018
Teach English in Korea - English Teaching Jobs in Korea
It was an 8:30 am rendezvous at exit 10 of a major subway stop. No, I am not in New York City, I am in Seoul, South Korea. I am meeting two North American English teachers to find out what it is like teaching here. We end up at an American style diner in the Gangnam District. After traveling 7,500 miles, a hearty American breakfast sounds like just the ticket to help me shake the jet lag of the thirteen hour time difference. Ashley is from the Midwest United States and Julie is from Toronto. Although they didn't know each other before moving to Korea, they have developed a close friendship as recent college graduates and expat English teachers. For two hours over pancakes, waffles, and omelettes, they shared the good, bad, and ugly, of teaching English in Korea.
Why are American Millennials Teaching English In Korea?
1. The Money
English teachers in Korea can save at least $1,000 a month (some as much as $1,500) after living expenses. With a studio apartment and medical insurance on top of a $2,000 monthly salary, saving money (or paying down student loans) is easy to do. Although compensation arrangements vary, most also include reimbursement for airfare to get to Korea and bonuses. End of year bonuses are typically one month's pay for each year of your contract. Bonuses can be substantial, especially if you stay with the same school for several years.
2. The Adventure
Julie and Ashley make the most of their weekends, even planning short trips to neighboring Japan (a two hour flight). Not only have they taken full advantage of the unique cultural experience in Seoul, they also enjoy weekend activities with their social network of expat English teachers. After our breakfast Julie was headed to a group scavenger hunt.
3. You Don't Need To Speak Korean
Neither Julie or Ashley spoke any Korean when hired as English teachers. They explained that each classroom has an assistant that is a native Korean speaker. Because they teach using the immersion method, there is no need to speak Korean in the classroom. For example, the teacher displays a picture of an apple and then sounds out the word with the students. Another major element to immersion is conversation. As a result, just having discussions with children in English is part of the process. No English degree or teaching credential needed, the only educational requirement is a four year college degree. There are also positions available (with lower salaries) for those that don't have a degree but complete a course on teaching English (such as TEFL, TESL, or TESOL).
4. Korea Has A Low Cost Of Living
Julie's first choice for teaching abroad was Japan, but she opted for Korea after she learned how much it would cost to live there. Korea represents the best overall value in terms of compensation compared to living expenses. A similar teaching position in Japan would not provide the same substantial 'net' income after expenses. Both shared with me they had considered other locations like the middle east, but less than ideal conditions (such as living mostly within a compound) were deal-breakers. Seoul offers an urban lifestyle not all that different from New York City, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. With the incredible public transportation system in Seoul, there is no need to own a car (another way to save money).
5. Positions For English-Speaking Teachers Are abundant
The demand for native English speakers to teach in Korea is so substantial that most schools hire recruiters that receive hefty commissions for signing on a new teacher. While teaching positions in Seoul are the most sought after, positions in smaller and more rural locations offer even higher salaries and benefits.
All Positions Are Not Created Equal
Shopping for the right teaching position is the key to finding the best opportunity. Julie shared that her job hunt included contacting multiple recruiters so she could consider an array of offers. Considerations include salary, bonuses, housing, benefits, vacation days, perks like free lunches, and work schedule. Julie teaches just two to three hours with the balance of the eight hour day designated as 'prep time' (some positions require double that amount of classroom time). Also, grade level is another consideration. From what I can glean, there are more openings and less interest in kindergarten and early elementary school positions.
Other Recommended Resources:
The Ugly?
Teaching English in Korea is not all unicorns and rainbows. There is even a blacklist site that posts a list of schools that don't pay their teachers and have horrible working conditions. The Hagwon Blacklist is a crowd sourced manifest of schools to avoid. According to Julie, teachers that escape from bad schools plan a so called, 'midnight run.' Although she has never had to make a covert exit herself, she says that teachers with deplorable working conditions may have no other choice. The midnight run involves waiting until your monthly pay is deposited to your bank account, packing up your belongings and clandestinely disappearing into the night. She said it does not happen all that often, but often enough that the phrase is part of the nomenclature.
They both shared anecdotes and experiences that sounded reminiscent of challenges teachers face here in America. Korean kids are still children and have behavioral issues like anywhere else. One additional source of stress is what both described as strained relationships with their Korean coworkers. Westerners are not always warmly embraced by their Korean counterparts. A major source of this tension is that young expat teachers just out of college are often paid more than local Korean teachers with years of experience.
More Than Just Money
While the first part of our conversation was strictly business, both Julie and Ashley shared heart-warming stories of wonderful relationships they had developed with students. Julie is still in contact with former students from the school she taught at a year ago.
Conclusion
I think this is a wonderful adventure for a young college graduate to have both a cultural experience and generate money to pay off student loans. While it may not be for everyone, a two to three year teaching tour in South Korea might just be the perfect opportunity for those looking for a very unique experience. Parents don't panic! Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world. Crime is almost non-existent and it is one of the most culturally rich cities I have ever visited.
Videos Of My Recent Trip To Seoul
Helping you make the most of God���s money!
James L. Paris
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio
5 Reasons Millennials Are Taking Teaching Gigs In South Korea
It was an 8:30 am rendezvous at exit 10 of a major subway stop. No, I am not in New York City, I am in Seoul, South Korea. I am meeting two North American English teachers to find out what it is like teaching here. We end up at an American style diner in the Gangnam District. After traveling 7,500 miles, a hearty American breakfast sounds like just the ticket to help me shake the jet lag of the thirteen hour time difference. Ashley is from the Midwest United States and Julie is from Toronto. Although they didn't know each other before moving to Korea, they have developed a close friendship as recent college graduates and expat English teachers. For two hours over pancakes, waffles, and omelettes, they shared the good, bad, and ugly, of teaching English in Korea.
Why are American Millennials Teaching English In Korea?
1. The Money
English teachers in Korea can save at least $1,000 a month (some as much as $1,500) after living expenses. With a studio apartment and medical insurance on top of a $2,000 monthly salary, saving money (or paying down student loans) is easy to do. Although compensation arrangements vary, most also include reimbursement for airfare to get to Korea and bonuses. End of year bonuses are typically one month's pay for each year of your contract. Bonuses can be substantial, especially if you stay with the same school for several years.
2. The Adventure
Julie and Ashley make the most of their weekends, even planning short trips to neighboring Japan (a two hour flight). Not only have they taken full advantage of the unique cultural experience in Seoul, they also enjoy weekend activities with their social network of expat English teachers. After our breakfast Julie was headed to a group scavenger hunt.
3. You Don't Need To Speak Korean
Neither Julie or Ashley spoke any Korean when hired as English teachers. They explained that each classroom has an assistant that is a native Korean speaker. Because they teach using the immersion method, there is no need to speak Korean in the classroom. For example, the teacher displays a picture of an apple and then sounds out the word with the students. Another major element to immersion is conversation. As a result, just having discussions with children in English is part of the process. No English degree or teaching credential needed, the only educational requirement is a four year college degree. There are also positions available (with lower salaries) for those that don't have a degree but complete a course on teaching English (such as TEFL, TESL, or TESOL).
4. Korea Has A Low Cost Of Living
Julie's first choice for teaching abroad was Japan, but she opted for Korea after she learned how much it would cost to live there. Korea represents the best overall value in terms of compensation compared to living expenses. A similar teaching position in Japan would not provide the same substantial 'net' income after expenses. Both shared with me they had considered other locations like the middle east, but less than ideal conditions (such as living mostly within a compound) were deal-breakers. Seoul offers an urban lifestyle not all that different from New York City, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. With the incredible public transportation system in Seoul, there is no need to own a car (another way to save money).
5. Positions For English-Speaking Teachers Are abundant
The demand for native English speakers to teach in Korea is so substantial that most schools hire recruiters that receive hefty commissions for signing on a new teacher. While teaching positions in Seoul are the most sought after, positions in smaller and more rural locations offer even higher salaries and benefits.
All Positions Are Not Created Equal
Shopping for the right teaching position is the key to finding the best opportunity. Julie shared that her job hunt included contacting multiple recruiters so she could consider an array of offers. Considerations include salary, bonuses, housing, benefits, vacation days, perks like free lunches, and work schedule. Julie teaches just two to three hours with the balance of the eight hour day designated as 'prep time' (some positions require double that amount of classroom time). Also, grade level is another consideration. From what I can glean, there are more openings and less interest in kindergarten and early elementary school positions.
Other Recommended Resources:
The Ugly?
Teaching English in Korea is not all unicorns and rainbows. There is even a blacklist site that posts a list of schools that don't pay their teachers and have horrible working conditions. The Hagwon Blacklist is a crowd sourced manifest of schools to avoid. According to Julie, teachers that escape from bad schools plan a so called, 'midnight run.' Although she has never had to make a covert exit herself, she says that teachers with deplorable working conditions may have no other choice. The midnight run involves waiting until your monthly pay is deposited to your bank account, packing up your belongings and clandestinely disappearing into the night. She said it does not happen all that often, but often enough that the phrase is part of the nomenclature.
They both shared anecdotes and experiences that sounded reminiscent of challenges teachers face here in America. Korean kids are still children and have behavioral issues like anywhere else. One additional source of stress is what both described as strained relationships with their Korean coworkers. Westerners are not always warmly embraced by their Korean counterparts. A major source of this tension is that young expat teachers just out of college are often paid more than local Korean teachers with years of experience.
More Than Just Money
While the first part of our conversation was strictly business, both Julie and Ashley shared heart-warming stories of wonderful relationships they had developed with students. Julie is still in contact with former students from the school she taught at a year ago.
Conclusion
I think this is a wonderful adventure for a young college graduate to have both a cultural experience and generate money to pay off student loans. While it may not be for everyone, a two to three year teaching tour in South Korea might just be the perfect opportunity for those looking for a very unique experience. Parents don't panic! Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world. Crime is almost non-existent and it is one of the most culturally rich cities I have ever visited.
Videos Of My Recent Trip To Seoul
Helping you make the most of God���s money!
James L. Paris
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio
October 22, 2018
Small Town Pastor Builds A Following Of Nearly 300,000 Subscribers On YouTube
Pastor Paul Begley lives in a small town in Indiana, but reaches the world with social media - including nearly 300,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel alone. Pastor Begley shares how he is using social media to reach the world for Christ. He also discusses his recent trip to Israel and some current news stories, including the mysterious closure of the solar observatory in New Mexico, Planet X, and the disappearance of flight MH370.
Jim Spends 2 Weeks In South Korea For Less Than $2,000
Jim discusses his recent trip to Seoul South Korea. How he was able to do the trip for less than $2,000, what surprised him most about the city of Seoul, was it safe?, and what projects brought him to Asia.
October 1, 2018
Government Employees Receiving Millions In Bonuses On Top Of Six Figure Salaries
Jim discusses millions in government waste with Adam Andrzejewski of OpenTheBooks.com. A Wyoming school district with $10 million dollars in credit card charges, millions in farm subsidies being paid to people living in urban locations, and government employees receiving six figure salaries and millions in bonuses. The $21 trillion dollar national debt and why Republicans and Democrats are both to blame for massive deficits and pork.
One Week Delay On Brett Kavanaugh Nomination Expected To Bring More Fireworks
Jim discusses the explosive testimony by Christine Blasey Ford and the response by Judge Brett Kavanaugh and why this week could be even more explosive than last week. What is the government still hiding about Stephen Paddock, the Las Vegas mass shooter? Ripple XRP passes Ethereum to become the number two cryptocurrency, will it pass Bitcoin next? and Jim gives a preview of his two week trip to Seoul South Korea.
September 24, 2018
Will Ripple XRP Overtake Bitcoin For the Number 1 Spot?
On this episode Jim discusses Ripple XRP and why he thinks it could be the next Bitcoin. Also discussed are ways to get free Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, and how to buy penny cryptocurrencies that are trading at below ten cents. Jim also discusses his new book, 'The 90 Minute Bitcoin Quick Start.'
Third Kavanaugh Accuser Comes Forward
Jim discusses the bombshell news that two more accusers have come forward with allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Jim previews his upcoming trip to Korea, discusses the health benefits of Nitric Oxide, and his bestselling book on credit repair.
September 18, 2018
Pay For Seasonal Jobs To Hit Record High
The booming economy is bringing with it a record number of seasonal jobs with hourly rate and benefits that are turning a lot of heads. The usual suspects are hiring an unprecedented number of seasonal workers this year, including - Target, JCPenney, Kohl's, Walmart, CVS, Macy's, Amazon, and of course UPS and Fed-Ex. Although we regularly hear that seasonal jobs could lead to regular full-time positions, that will be never be more the case than this year. Due to the stiff competition for retail talent, recruiting started in the middle of the summer this year (rather than the traditional late September early October push).
The other aspect of seasonal job openings that I always like to highlight is that almost all businesses could use extra help this time of year. The point here is to not limit your search to just the big retail names typically included in an article like this. Due to historically low unemployment, seasonal workers will be in high demand. Not only are hourly rates expected to be at record levels, incentives such as employee discounts are being sweetened as well.
In writing these articles year after year, I have found that there are so many people that need these jobs just for the season - and they do serve that purpose. But, if you are seeking a full time job or a change or career fields, this is a golden opportunity. Companies like UPS have already publicly stated that they will be recruiting a record number of full time employees from this year's seasonal work force.
Finding seasonal job openings is easier than ever. If you do a Google search for 'seasonal jobs' you will see how the search engine is now directly linking to all of the openings your geographic area. Of course, be careful when doing a Google search that you don't end up at a scam website. Never pay a fee to be considered for a job and it is always best to contact the company directly. Some of the major names will use a recruiting firm, just be sure to check out any company like this before sharing too much personal information with them.
Work From Home Seasonal Jobs
If you don't want to leave the house, you can still cash in with a work from home seasonal job. The big names offering seasonal work from home positions include Amazon, Williams-Sonoma, Neiman-Marcus, HSN (Home Shopping Network), and 800 Flowers. You can also create your own work from home seasonal job by offering your services to local business for services like addressing holiday cards, making end of year greeting calls to clients, holiday party planning, and more.
Helping you make the most of God���s money!
James L. Paris
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com
Follow Me on Twitter Twitter.com/jameslparis
Christian Financial Advice
Jim Paris 24 Hour Radio
