Job Discussion Forums

PBEnglish · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 6 Location: Shanghai

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, so I'd thought I'd take a moment to throw out some general questions for those willing to help a newbie.
I guess first off, some basic information about myself. I'm 31, male, a dual citizen (E.U and Canada), and have taught overseas for 5 years, most recently in Asia. I hold a B.A in communications and also I am TESOL certified.
I've worked for three years in South Korea (one in a soul-sucking hagwan, or private institute) and two in an university. I'm tired of Korea and would like to move on.
I've been offered a teaching position in a school in Trieste. I've done some research on Trieste, but I'm wondering what people who live there (or in the area) think of the city. How friendly are the locals to foriegners? Things like that. I do know that it's a smaller city, but frankly, after dealing with the headaches of living in Seoul, I'm looking forward to a slower pace of life.
Also, if anyone can give me any advice on things such as cost of living, general working environments (I know that things change from place to place, I'm just trying to get a feeling for what most people experience) and any other advice, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
(P.S. Sorry if this message is rambling or not very coherant. Just woke up and my brain isn't firing properly yet)

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

Can't help specifically about Trieste, but I've never heard anything bad about it. Perhaps Jan Morris' book might help you get a feel for the atmoshere of the place:
TRIESTE AND THE MEANING OF NOWHERE
Jan Morris
Simon & Schuster
Travel
ISBN: 0743201280

I'm sure you'd find plenty to interest you, and the mountains aren't far either.

PBEnglish · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 6 Location: Shanghai

Cheers! I'll check it out. I appreciate the advice.

PB

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

I've heard that Trieste is beautiful. Smaller than touristy Venice, but with great architecture. I can't comment on prices, but I'd say it has a higher cost of living than central or south Italy. Given that you sound fed up with Korea and can work legally in Italy, I'd say go for it if the job pays well. After all, if you end up hating it, you're already in Italy and can look around for other places.