Job Discussion Forums

NP1970 · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 35 Location: Beijing/Tianjin

I've already been warned about China (www.ChinaScamBusters.com) but what about Japan, Korea, Phillipines, Indonesia, Malayasi, Vietnam, Thailand? Anyone actually taught in those countries? If yes what's the low down summary? Thanks.

CHINOISE · Joined: 09 Dec 2012 Posts: 62

I've only worked in Korea and China and never been "scammed". But there are a lot of "fishy" things that employers do in Asia in general.

I'd say there are far more legit jobs in China than anywhere, but part of that is the fact that there are so many jobs there.

Anyway, wherever you choose to work it will be a gamble. There are so many things the company does or doesn't provide for you. Unless you have an hour long conversation with someone who's already worked there a year, you'd never know what you're getting yourself into. Make sure you spend as much time as possible researching the country and studying the language before you fly over. You're also gonna need at least 2 thousand dollars to be on the safe said as well as a credit card.

Good luck

bansheebeat · Joined: 02 Oct 2013 Posts: 86

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

Most Money + Least Scams In Asia= Brunei..it's now also under Sharia Law! Shocked

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

Malaysia is at the top end ....salaries for EFL teachers are rising daily...scams are rare too..and yes they employ North Americans (including Canadians) Very Happy

likwid_777 · Joined: 04 Nov 2012 Posts: 411 Location: NA

Another tale from Likwid_777's "Naivety in Asia" vault

Ok, this is more of a tourist scam than one ESLers have to look out for, but I'm sure many of you know about it.

http://www.tropicalmba.com/poker/ - this is one version, if you're interested, there are a few different angles taken by the scammers, and there are more links on that site. It happens mainly in Vietnam and Cambodia apparently, but it (almost) happened to me in Laos.

The link is to "The High Stakes Poker Scam (A Vietnam Travel Story)". Apparently it's one of the most common scams in all of SEA. I can't be bothered typing the whole tale, read the links if you want more of an idea.

Apparently it's mainly perpetrated by Pinoy scammers, and they usually say that they're locals or Malaysians, whatever.

In my case I thought the scam was just this woman wanting a visa, to join up with her "sister" who was going to be a nurse in Australia. The nurse thing is a common element. Also, she said something about her family being booted out of Lao in the 1970s (victim card).

After stumbling across this scam on the net the other day, I'm amazed at how many different countries this scam operates in, and just how scripted and complex it is.

Then there was the common element the "friend from Brunei", in my case who had wronged old mate "Macau croupier" by only giving him a small share of the previous night's made up "deal".

He got to the point where he had taught me the hand signals for cheating, and his "friend who had wronged him" had arrived, a googley eyed weirdo with false, neon white teeth. I already knew that he wanted me to help him scam this guy in a blackjack game, as the "Brunei guy" whacked up a big wad of US bills as he arrived. And yes, by then truly I knew I was the mark.

Anyway, thanks for the free lunch, and for giving me a sealed can of Coke to drink, ya wingnuts! They didn't get anything out of me.

Kind of interesting story to tell. Tip, when alone and bored out of your mind in Vientiane, there are probably more intelligent ways to get a future story. I could have been drugged or whatever else.

Edit- Probably should have edited the truly horrible English in the whole post, but just edited some perhaps borderline lingo.

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

ExpatLuke · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 744

Korea offers the best in terms benefits (airfare, housing, medical) and pay. People report saving $20,000 a year in Korea if you try to save. It's also one of the most modern places to like in Asia.

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

conwaypk · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2014 5:40 pm Post subject:

My goal is to save $20,000. I think I could do it in a year.
But if I'm shooting for a 6-month contract, I'd try to save $10k.

I know that might be tough, and I might come up a bit short, but I'd be okay with that.

I think Korea is going to be far more favorable than this place (China.)

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

Realistically I think it's possible to save $10,000 a year teaching in Korea...and half of that for six months. I understand from other teachers teaching there salaries are now on their way down due to less demand for EFL teachers and the fact that there is an oversupply of fresh university graduates from North America seeking employment there. I understand starting salaries now average around 1.8 million won annually for newbies...an unfortunate sign of the EFL times!!! Rolling Eyes

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

That would be 1.8-2.1 million won per month (about US$1750-$2000) NOT per year... PLUS housing and airfare (now often only 1-way).

In spite of what you see advertised, unless you work at a public school, you will NOT get medical or pension benefits.

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