Job Discussion Forums

[sanpedro72]

Hello...

I have an offer in Yangon for $2100/month from a proper international school. Although I have 6.5 years in the education system (teaching and training - certified to do both), I don't have my MA yet (plan on enrolling this year for a distance program) but have heartier offers in Myanmar/Burma, Vietnam and the ME.

More about the job. 5th grade class teacher teaching the usual 5 subjects. Medical. Housing in a hotel (with kitchenette). Return ticket. Free transportation to and from work. I am just wondering as due to my age (40), I was planning to move into management and training positions at a higher level as salaries continue to stagnate in this profession.

Any advice?

Many thanks....J

[Steinmann]

You only live once. Get to it.

[Argofoto]

Would there be an entry-level positions available for the international schools or any advice on getting the foot in the door?

If I were in your shoes I would go!

[Whatever will be]

Get your MA done as fast as possible as this will give you leverage but only if it is from a reputable organization and with an appropriate focus (management and leadership).

Make sure you attend relevant conferences and present a paper or two and publish articles in reputable journals. Become part of the organizing committee, chair a session, take on volunteer roles to shine through your pro-active leadership style. You will gain valuable experience and skills and built a reputation for your enthusiasm, tireless efforts and excellence at the same time.

Keep up with technology through seminars and courses, join relevant professional associations and strive for a leadership position (treasurer, vice-president) to get leadership experience in a professional context and network contacts, which will help you in your future job search.

You seem to be concerned about salaries and the stagnation you're currently experiencing in that area. If money is a concern, developing countries will never pay as much as the Middle East or South East Asia.

Weigh up the perks (medical insurance, annual visitation flights, accommodation, tax deductions), life style (daily schedule, weekends, holidays), work place (f-2-f teaching, student behavior, additional duties) and advancement opportunities to make your decision.

[bentanddisfunctional]

Whatever will be- you gave me a headache reading that reply...

Come on over-the water is fine.
That is a reasonable offer- wouldn't want to live in a hotel for an extended period of time, however finding affordable housing is a real problem at the moment..

[kurtz]

If money is a concern, developing countries will never pay as much as the Middle East or South East Asia.

Considering the countries of the Middle East and SE Asia ARE developing countries, how can deveoping countries not pay as much as developing countries?

[wailing_imam]

Yangon is a lovely place to visit, but to live? Not for me. Despite being an undoubtedly fascinating city, it's a bit rough and the food is...very questionable.

[bentanddisfunctional]

Yes -it's certainly not for everybody.
As you mentioned most of the food is muck,although the salads and some of the soups are good.
The hygeine is very dodgy,it rains for 6 months straight is stinking hot for a few more although lovely now.

A lot more westerners are here now and nightlife/restaurant/social scene is picking up.

It's certainly a very dynamic place to be right now and with a low cost of living to income ratio it's easy to save cash.

[wailing_imam]

I did have a marvellous burger at Union Grill last Thursday, and I saw a couple of decent bars in Yangon.