Job Discussion Forums

schwa · Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 164 Location: yap

Can anyone comment on teaching in Micronesia?

I'm soon to hit a retirement wall (62) in Korean public schools, after 15 steady years. Good at what I do, love what I do, & not inclined to stop. I've taught all ages including training teachers. Canadian with an MA in English Lit. Not concerned about wages beyond a local stipend. Nice school in a nice little town, is all I want.

Micronesia has always held a fascination for me, though its one place I havent traveled. I'm posting this on a sudden & unresearched whim. Is this viable?

Any input appreciated. Thanks.

weshh · Joined: 25 May 2012 Posts: 12 Location: USA

Congrats on your near retirement!!

I don't know much about micronesia, but I am interested to learn more!!

bentanddisfunctional · Joined: 19 Oct 2010 Posts: 85

Try the Marshall islands,Guam or Saipan.

I'd imagine they'd want American certified/registered teachers.

schwa · Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 164 Location: yap

So I visited Yap a couple weeks ago to get the scoop first-hand. I dropped in at several public schools & spoke with administrators, teachers, & students. They need teachers but have limited budget. I met with the school coordinator at the Department of Education. They have a program that provides airfare every two years, housing, & a small local wage. There is an official retirement age but they dont apply it to foreigners.

The island itself is tiny, isolated, culturally unique, slow-paced, & friendly -- right up my alley. I've started the wheels turning towards a start this september.

Mandrews1985 · Joined: 22 Apr 2012 Posts: 69 Location: Daegu, South Korea

Hey Schwa,

I am really interested in the outcome of your potential move to Yap and if it all pans out, what life is like there and how you're settling in.

Please keep us informed!

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

Hello there,

Micronesia is nothing special....why not try the Philippines there are better paying EFL jobs jobs there. Good luck! Smile

Nuolan · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 36 Location: Thailand

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

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

Micronesia is just like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands in terms of pay and benefits for EFL teachers. Everything you get is micro...don't expect to receive more than the minimum wage ( $6:00 - $7:00 per hour. Savings are next to impossible....and you may end up being on welfare! Shocked

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schwa · Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 164 Location: yap

Time to update this old thread of mine.

I've been here since march & I'm teaching freshman english at Yap High School. For me, my dream job. The school is a bit disorganized & impoverished but its an earnest place & the kids for the most part are sweet. I've got free rein as to what & how I teach them & plan to focus on literature & writing (they're already all capable english speakers). I love my barefoot-only classroom.

As a non-American, getting my work permit was time-consuming & expensive (US$1000 fee) but time & money well-spent. I think I'm settled for a good while now. I'm at break-even wages with great provided housing while most of the few other NETs here are Peace Corps or church volunteers.

Life on Yap is slow & wouldnt suit everyone, but I'm in my element. Island population around 7000. Folks are friendly & welcoming. Its so pretty & serene here, like living in a botanical park & more innocent times, & summer year-round. Not paradise, but as far as I'm concerned, damn near.