Teach ESL in Asia Quick Comparison: Public vs. Private

It’s no small feat to live abroad. Likewise, the decision to teach ESL in Asia can be daunting. There are many factors to consider, each varying in importance. Of course, deciding on a destination ranks high on the list, but equally important is choosing an employer. Just as no two applicants are alike, neither are workplaces. Understanding some basic differences between public and private schools can go a long way in making an informed choice.

Public School Assistant Language Teacher

Without getting too country-specific, public schools generally offer a greater deal of stability than their private counterparts. Barring any major disputes, contracts are typically honored to the letter. Additionally, contracts renewals are usually offered, even with mediocre job performance.

When working for a public school, expect consistent work hours. In most instances, you’ll work Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. You’ll have public holidays off, and a summer break. 

Many public schools are located out in suburban or rural areas. Schools in major cities will have their pick of the most highly qualified applicants. So, less-qualified applicants might not be able to find placement in a location of their choice. It becomes a take-it-or-leave-it situation.

Lastly, placement in a public school means that the nearly all your coworkers are locals. This can be great for immersion, especially if you are trying to study the native language. As an ALT, you’ll be working alongside a local teacher in the classroom. This immersive environment can be enriching, but it can also feel isolating, especially if you’re in a rural area.

Teach ESL in Private Academies

By contrast, working in private academies is a different world. Even among academies, experiences can greatly vary. A prospective teacher will encounter different curricula, work culture, and varying degrees of classroom autonomy.

Private academies offer the potential to make more money than public ALT positions. Depending on the company, there may be room for advancement into management as well. All of this is, of course, accompanied by increased workload and responsibility. 

Keeping in mind that private academies are extra-curricular for students, expect to work odd hours. Classes take place outside normal school hours, so a typical workday begins in the afternoon and continues into the late evening. Lessons may also take place on weekends and summer holidays.

One draw for many expats to these types of employers is the opportunity to work alongside other native-English speaking foreigners. They can be a good way to quickly form a social circle and network with a wide community. Most private academies are located in cities, where the customers are, and offer a more cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Having said all this, there can be some significant insecurity to teaching in a private setting. These are businesses. Their success depends on the recruitment and retention of students. When business is good, so is the work, paycheck, and raises. In bad times, however, things can change quickly.

In some cases, you are only paid for the lessons you teach. Time spent prepping or creating materials is off-the-clock. This also means no paid time off. Likewise, your workload (and paycheck) could be reduced without notice if student numbers are down. In extreme cases, you might arrive at work one day to find the business shuttered.

Personal Preference

Years ago, when I decided to teach ESL in Asia, I chose the routine and predictability of a public school position in Korea. I was placed in a rural town but still able to form a small network of expats. Fortunately, Seoul was close enough for easy weekend trips. While the 18 months I spent there were memorable, I soon transitioned to international schools.

Over the years, I’ve met ESL teachers in China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and many other places – some jaded, others enthusiastic. In the end, the profession itself is not for everyone, and some do get stuck. The best advice is to do as much research as possible and remain flexible. Remember that as long as you keep looking out for opportunities, you’ll find ever-more suitable options.