Job Discussion Forums

[mortilap]

Hey all,

I'm having trouble deciding if I should try to teach in a developed (ex: Spain, South Korea, etc) or developing (ex: South America, Thailand, China, etc) country. What are the pros/cons of each?

Some of my criteria:

-I don't want to be working 40 hours a week
-I don't want to be immersed in a superficial/materialistic culture (ex: I've heard South Korea is like this. I grew up outside New York City so I really want to get away from the materialism and superficiality)

Thanks!

[Sashadroogie]

Come to Russia! The most progressive country in the world. A higher level of soulfulness, AND dialectical materialism too. Best of all possible worlds right there.

But if you are swayed more by the bourgeois superficialities of a country such as Spain, it would be better for you to check out relevant work visa restrictions more than your stated criteria.

Best of luck!

[nomad soul]

[Teacher in Rome]

Dunno Nomad Soul. They sound quite reasonable criteria to me, but I remember vetoing career choices on the basis of whether I'd have to wear a suit...

@Mortilap - just bear in mind that the majority of the world would prefer "NYC " to "paddy field". Even in relatively developed Italy, people learn English to get on / to escape a life of drudgery in dead-end and low-paid jobs. Materialism and superficiality look pretty good if you currently have to struggle to put food on the table... (As I'm sure you're aware.)

Don't believe Sasha for a moment. Those ex-commies have embraced capitalism quicker than it takes to say "glasnost" and "perestroika". The fastest growing new rich are our old friends those Russians... (The swankiest Italian resorts are heaving with them!)

But back to your question. Have you thought about volunteering posts? VSO is a UK organisation which will give you two years in a developing country. You need quals and you get the opportunity to contribute to a developing nation. Lots of transferable skills too - definitely look into it.

[Sashadroogie]

Ah, TiR, don't be taken in by our cunning plan to fool the decadent West. All those supposedly rich Russians on holiday are merely KGB operatives planted there to give the impression of change in the Motherland. But in reality, nothing has changed. If you look closely, you'll notice that the males still wear pointy shoes, and the females have a penchant for fake leopard-skin everything. Behind this collective uniform beats a Slavic heart bursting with Socialist ardour and soul.

So, Russia remains what it has always been, and remains a very good destination for TEFLers in search of a higher purpose...

[PC Parrot]

To avoid materialism, may I suggest you try working on Mars?

The only places in the world where materialism is not evident are places that suffer from extreme poverty. But do not be mistaken into thinking that because materialism is not evident in these places, the desire for materialism does not exist in these places. The same people would jump at the chance of material wealth.

'But what about India & Nepal?' you say. What about them? Do you know how many people from such countries suffer the most horrible indignities to earn a bare crust in the Arabian Gulf?

They are not there to enhance their lives in any other way than in a financial way.

Like others have said, it is up to the individual to choose how materialistic he/she wants to be.

[smithrn1983]

[fladude]

There are plenty of extremely low paying jobs in rural areas of Latin America that should fit your bill. While Latins, in general are as materialistic as anyone else, if you are out in the country in a very poor place then the materialism will be less. Unfortunately, the salary will be bad.

[Lack]

OP, I would say first don't make the mistake of assuming developing means it won't be that way. China is a developing country and it is very materialistic and shallow. I don't like it, and am ready to go. I would think Europe would seem less materialistic by comparison even though it is developed. But I haven't been there.

[golsa]