Episode•May 17, 2022•38 min

Teaching Abroad with Jason and T. Jones | Ep. 103

In this episode Jason Carriero and T Jones, join Tiffany to discuss their experience as English and second language teachers in China. They share their life as expats and how anyone interested in living abroad can get started with this. About Our Guests Jason Carriero is an international educator currently living abroad in Shenzhen, China. He has been teaching in Asia for the last 5 years and will be relocating to Antalya, Turkey in Summer 2022 with his best friend and business partner T. Jones. Connect with Jason & T Jason's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybodyscreams4jason/ Connect with Tiffany on Social Media Facebook: Money Talk With Tiff Twitter: @moneytalkwitht Instagram: @moneytalkwitht LinkedIn: Tiffany Grant This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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Key Takeaways

1
Teaching English abroad in China can be a viable path to travel and financial freedom without needing a teaching degree
Any bachelor's degree qualifies you; a TEFL/TESOL certification (obtainable online in ~3 weeks) makes you more marketable
Three main paths exist: training centers (high hours, weekends), public schools (easier, lower pay), and international schools (highest pay up to $10k+/month but require more credentials)
Contracts are negotiable—many teachers accept the first offer instead of negotiating for higher salaries
2
Living expenses in tier-1 Chinese cities like Shenzhen are surprisingly affordable for expats earning foreign salaries
Two people can spend ~$200/month on groceries by cooking at home
Rent for a 3BR/2BA luxury apartment with amenities: ~$600/month total ($300/person)
Utilities ~$30/month, internet ~$30/month, metro pass ~$15/month—total living costs around $500/person/month
3
Preparation and research are critical—many teachers arrive unprepared and struggle
Save at least $3,000 before arrival since first month of work is unpaid
Research cities, contracts, and cost of living thoroughly before committing
Don't tell unsupportive family/friends about plans until you're ready to execute
4
Learning basic Mandarin dramatically improves daily life and cultural integration
Start with numbers, directions, and colors—universal and practical
Tones matter: same pronunciation with different tones = different words (e.g., 'shi wu' = 15 vs. food)
Chinese people are more willing to help if you attempt their language
5
Teaching abroad requires treating yourself as an independent contractor and business
Every contract is different—salary, benefits, and hours are all negotiable
Foreign teachers in China are independent contractors, not employees
Marketing yourself well and knowing your worth prevents being underpaid

Intro

Tiffany interviews longtime friend Jason Carriero and his business partner T. Jones about their experiences as English teachers living as expats in China, sharing practical advice for anyone considering teaching abroad.
Jason Carriero is an international educator living in Shenzhen, China with 5+ years teaching in Asia; he and T. Jones are relocating to Antalya, Turkey in Summer 2022. T. Jones transitioned from corporate America to teaching abroad after feeling unfulfilled despite a high-paying job.

Jason's Instagram

– T's Journey: From Corporate Misery to China

T describes hating his corporate job despite good pay, feeling unfulfilled and crying at home. His sister on a cruise ship inspired him to travel. After researching options like Peace Corps and EPIC Korea program, he chose China for high salary, low hours, and long vacation time (nearly 5 months off per year).

I was working my ass off. Yeah. I got a nice apartment and stuff... But I'm like, that's material stuff. I don't feel fulfilled.
– T. Jones

– Jason's Path: Research, Prayer, and Planning

Jason always wanted to live abroad but needed funding. After Peace Corps fell through, he researched Shenzhen specifically because of proximity to Hong Kong (cheaper international flights) and abundant teaching jobs. He saved $3,000 before departure and emphasizes planning for the unpaid first month.

If you don't have a sound plan, then holes will be poked in that plan. And you don't want that to happen. You're making your foundation out of sand as a result.
– Jason Carriero

– Three Types of Teaching Jobs in China

Training centers: after-school programs, work 2-9pm and weekends, not recommended. Public schools: easiest jobs, handled through education companies that take a cut but manage visas/housing. International schools: most lucrative ($6k-$10k+/month) but require teaching license (substitute license works) and longer hours.

If you don't fight for your money, they just going to give you the bare minimal.
– T. Jones

– Cost of Living Breakdown

T and Jason lived together in a 3BR/2BA luxury apartment with pool, gym, and security for $600/month total. Groceries: $200/month for two by cooking. Utilities: ~$30/month. Internet: ~$30/month. Metro: ~$15/month. Total: ~$500/person/month living comfortably.

A lot of teachers come to China go goddamn broke because they be trying to ball out.
– T. Jones

– Learning Chinese and Cultural Navigation

Jason hired a tutor for 6 months and learned Mandarin. T struggles with tones but can communicate. Basic phrases (numbers, directions, colors) are essential. Speaking Chinese opens doors—locals appreciate the effort and are more willing to help.

If you ask for help in China and you don't speak Chinese, they won't help you. Not because they don't want to, but they can't communicate.
– Jason Carriero

– Closing Advice

Jason encourages listeners who look like him to pursue this path. Contact info provided for both guests. Tiffany notes she'll likely have them back due to expected listener questions.

This is definitely possible... You can do it. You guys can do it. Do it. I'm doing it. I'm not perfect. I'm nothing. I'm special. But you can be special too.
– Jason Carriero

Resources

Topics

teaching abroadexpats in ChinaESL teachinginternational educationcost of living abroadcareer transitiontravel on a budgetlearning Mandarincontract negotiationfinancial independence