With the above said, I also think firstly you need to consider where you'd like to live in semi-retirement. The available options in that location will then heavily influence your decisions.

If you choose a small village in Thailand for example, then teaching ESL at a local school may be the best (and only) option.

Likewise, if you're interested in somewhere like Micronesia, such as the lady in the link below, then you'll be restricted to the local schools. The advantage being, you could pick and choose your schedule.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic ... highlight=

If you opt for a city with some form of expat population, then the international school option will open up to you.

Teaching TESOL in the twilight of my career is something I've also considered as an option. However, having previously taught both ESL and in international schools, these are a few thoughts:

1. ESL contracts have very limited holidays. If you sign a contract, with the school sponsoring your visa, you are generally restricted to about 2-4 weeks holiday per year. That wouldn't have a semi-retirement feel to it.

2. Considering Point 1, a better option may be be to work part-time (1-3 days/week) at an international school. This might involve supporting a niche position (ESL, learning support etc.), coaching or supply work. This way, you could arrange permanent long weekends and maintain 3 months per year vacation. Your limited role would also preclude you from meetings, ECA's etc.

The latter option sounds much more like semi-retirement, as I'd like to view and experience it.

If you have a bank account in Hong Kong with which to transfer the money - https://transferwise.com

You won't be able to beat them for value in terms of digital transfers.

We are trying to time our future move without causing too much disruption to our child who will be doing the MYP.

All else being equal, we would move when he is finished grade 6 or 7. However, would it be better to leave it until a different grade level? Staying until he finishes MYP may be pushing it out a bit too far, unfortunately.

I'll add that spending less is more effective than earning more. Largely because you'll need less investment income to cover expenses when you do retire. You also have more control over how much you spend than how much you earn.


sid wrote:
> After paying taxes and fees along the
> way, that 5% total annual return is a safe-ish assumption.

I'm assuming this is 5% real return (after inflation)? Even so, a consistently higher RoR can be achieved with a little bit of research. Long term stock market returns are 7% (10% before inflation). Fees should not exceed 1% and if they do, then expect to be in a managed fund which consistently earns 3-5% above the benchmark (or index funds after fees). If it's not, then exit immediately.

Almost every financial service that visits international schools falls into this 'avoid at all costs' category. A couple of books by Benjamin Graham would be time better spent than entrusting your hard earned money with shady financial services.

Likewise, taxes can be largely minimized and sometimes avoided, legally, depending on your nationality and residence. Again, a strong commitment to due diligence would be required.

Kids aren't that expensive. Those with kids tend to spend less on socializing (restaurants, bars etc.) and move around less. Plus if you're at a decent school - flights, insurance and most education costs will be covered. So things tend to balance out. Plus, kids are pretty damn cool. But as this is a teacher forum, I'll avoid further blasphemy.

"The ROI of completing it in your mid/late 20s is thus a lot better than waiting until you're 50,"

@Joe30 - This is a good point and one that is often lost on people.

To put this into figures, let's say a teacher obtained a MEd at age 25 and received an annual stipend of $2000. If invested at a conservative annual return of 7% per annum, this teacher would have an additional $276,473* by the age of 60.

If the Med was obtained at age 50, then a relatively meagre $27,632* would be gained, barely cover the cost of the course.

As such, obtaining a MEd closer to 25 than 50, carries with it huge financial benefits.

* Note these calculations are not taking into account inflation, so the final figures could be considered to have a purchasing power equivalent to today's dollars.

Does anyone know of any distance/online courses for gaining certification in special education? I'm specifically interested in elementary. The more cost effective the better.

Thanks

Yes interteach, but this justifies his life decisions, of which he subconsciously regrets. So cut him some slack.

There's no way a new teacher would be on 40-50k RMB (US6300-7900) per month at one of the better schools. Not unless you are talking gross, which would be misleading.

Concordia International School in Shanghai is one of the best paying schools in China to my knowledge, and even there, a teacher with 2 years experience is on 27500RMB/month.

Even a MA and 15 years experience will 'only' get you 39500RMB/month.

I don't think you'll find ISB or WAB pay any better.

https://www.concordiashanghai.org/about ... its-salary

Yes, a massive 1.61% drop. Are staff getting desperate and cutting back on their cappuccinos?

What Molly said.

Every school that charges student fees in a local currency will be paying teachers less this year compared to last year, when stated in USD. It's simply exchange rates and the USD has been on a tear.

Unless you have bills to pay back home, one option is to save the Ringgit and invest within Malaysia. Then cash out when the exchange rate becomes more favorable.

And go to a school paying USD, which with the state of currency wars will later have its turn to be devalued against other currencies? At which time, would they then break contract and move back to Malaysia? Swings and roundabouts.

Look at a 1 year chart of almost any currency against the USD. The Ringgit isn't exactly 'special'.

Is anyone familiar with online teaching opportunities for non-US citizens?