Job Discussion Forums

[animaltested]

Hello all, I am currently exploring the possibility of teaching English abroad, and would love a bit of information, and maybe, a nice little nudge in a potential, possible direction.

I am a 25 year old male with a BA in Global Studies from the U of Washington. My ethnicity is your run of the mill, German-Irish pale face.

I have seven years of work experience (in customer service) but, unfortunately, zero teaching experience. This is where my quandary lies. Im wondering where to start, and what country could possibly be the best option for a wet behind the ears newbie. Id prefer SE Asia, since I do have a bit of language and history experience in that part of the world. Overall though I'm pretty much open to anywhere, doing anything (private, public, adult ect.). Given my lack of experience, id love to just get my foot in the door, and am kind of overwhelmed right now by the amount of information contained in this lovely site.

My second part of the inquiry is given my lack of experience, and low level of particulars, whether a recruiter would be the best option once I have a country narrowed in.

Anyway, thank you undoubtedly to any and all who bestow whatever knowledge and time they have upon me. Appreciated greatly.

[naturegirl321]

Getting a TEFL cert would greatly help you, since it would give you a foundation to stand on. Where in SE Asia are you looking at going?

Recruiters are ok, some are horrible, some are great. Thing to remember is that they don't work for you and in the end, often don't care about you. Just collect their money from the school.

What you could do is try to apply directly to schools and use a couple recruiters. LIke I said, there are good ones out there, but it depends on where you're going.

[tttompatz]

[MotherF]

[animaltested]

[tttompatz]

OK.. so go to your local travel agent, pick up some travel brochures for East Asia and South East Asia.

Pick a pretty picture and narrow it down.

Korea has low startup costs, often includes prepaid airfare and has a decent salary package. It DOES have its downsides (go read the Korean forums).

Thailand has nice beaches (not that you would find a job near one).
It is tropical and not really hit by any typhoons (hurricanes to an American).
Downside is you won't make any money in your first year. Newbie wages are usually in the range of $1200/mo with no benefits. On the good side, the cost of living is also low so you can afford some of the distractions that BKK has to offer.

China is a mixed bag and could be considered as the "wild west" of the industry. Wage and benefit packages range from abysmal (3000 cny with few benefits in some out of the way place) to pretty good (getting close to Korea in terms of savings).

Japan is a tight market (from hearsay) but if you have the cash to cover your start-up costs might be a nice option for you.

The same can be said for Taiwan and Vietnam.

Look at the job postings, watch your timing (school years start at different times in different countries) and have all your paperwork ready and in hand. You will be on a plane within 60 days.

.

[Glenski]