Job Discussion Forums

fpmonkey · Joined: 12 Feb 2016 Posts: 6

Hi, this may be an odd question, but I was wondering if there are any Asians here who have taught in Asia, specifically SE Asia. I have been told of potential prejudice and of schools wanting a "white face" for teachers. Would I be better off in some countries as opposed to others/would I need more credentials to prove myself? I am a Chinese female and I have a Bachelor's degree and a TESL certificate, unfortunately with no experience. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

What passport(s) do you hold? That's how you should identify yourself to employers rather than by your ethnicity if you're Canadian, American... However, discrimination is a reality.

fpmonkey · Joined: 12 Feb 2016 Posts: 6

I am a Canadian citizen, born and raised. Never even been to Asia... which is probably adding to my nervousness. Aghh.

My eye has been on Thailand for the longest time but now I am considering Vietnam and Japan for a better chance of paying off student loans. So far applications have been sent through Oxford Seminars to Thailand and Vietnam.

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Yeah, don't worry about it. It should, for the most part, be a non-issue.

Also, as Suphanburi mentioned, get online and search out ads for teaching jobs. Contact some schools that look interesting and see what they say.

This site has a job list and there are many many more:

http://eslcafe.com/joblist/

You should take note of Thailand's current political situation and the issues involving the royal succession that may likely occur some time in the "near future".

You should also be aware of the slight anti-Chinese sentiment in Vietnam.

I wouldn't let things like this deter you but do spend some time reading up on current events in the region.

Anyway, there are numerous opportunities and keep in mind that although there's no perfect place, it's pretty easy to pack up and try somewhere else if things aren't working out.

Finally, as a female, if you can teach kids, you will be golden.

fpmonkey · Joined: 12 Feb 2016 Posts: 6

Thank you all so much for your responses. They have been very helpful. I will be looking into job positions myself and doing some research too. Makes sense haha. Knowing that it is easy to relocate makes things a lot better too.

I have just been offered a potential position for schools associated with Teaching Abroad (Thailand) in/near Lopburi. Does anyone have any input on the company? I assume it also varies with the schools as they seem to have many locations. This was connected to me by Oxford (and yes, I've been reading a lot about how useless it is haha so I am aware).

Thank you again! I am taking in all the points that have been given. And my ideal position is with children, so that is good too. Smile

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

Yes I highly recommend Teaching Abroad for Thailand jobs. Lopburi is a very nice city to teach in...nearby there are many temples and the people are very hospitable towards foreigners. You will really enjoy your time here in the land Of Smiles....plenty of Thai children to teach English too....I believe they pay around Baths 35,000/Monthly + free accomodation. Welcome to Amazing Lopburi Very Happy

kurtz · Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 518 Location: Phaic Tan

In general, I'd say that only the worst schools wouldn't employ someone based on their look.

My question is, why do you want to teach English as a way to pay off your student loan? Wages in general are low for EFL, especially in SE Asia. Most people think $500/month is good savings which isn't going to make much of an impact on your loans.

Why not start your career in your chosen field? In most cases, having taught EFL is not exactly a high point on your CV if you want to change fields of work.

fpmonkey · Joined: 12 Feb 2016 Posts: 6

I don't mean that I intend to have teaching pay off my loans faster. If I can save at least 300$-400$ a month it would be enough as it is the minimum needed to pay it off. I am mainly doing this for life experience, as are most people, I assume. Also, my major was in Anthropology and as a Bachelor's degree it's not going to do much in terms of work. I went into it for the knowledge anyway.

But yes, you have a very good point about prejudice only existing in bad schools in the first place. Thank you. Smile

And for EFL Educator, thank you for your input! Unfortunately the pay is about 30 000 which may be a bit on the low end. I will keep looking.

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

Go to Korea. EPIK is color blind.
Jobs include airfare and housing.
2.1 million krw = $2300 CAD/month (plus airfare, housing, pension, medical and severance).

You can still get by comfortably and pay off a huge chunk of your loans in a few short years. Short term pain (3 years), long term gain (the rest of your life with no student loans hanging over your head).

MOD EDIT

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