Job Discussion Forums

[chica88]

Has anyone out there taught in Mongolia?

I do see a fair amount of jobs in Mongolia.
And I just got a serious job offer from Mongolia from an ESL program for children.

How is the pay in Mongolia in general - high or low end?
What are some of your first hand experiences?
What locations in Mongolia would you recommend working in and why?
Does Mongolia have an beautiful or interesting things you would never go there and miss?
In your opinion what are the best places to live in Mongolia?

[Big Worm]

I haven't taught in Mongolia, but I've gone a few summers on vacation. It truly is one of the last unspoiled places. Simply beautiful, pristine wilderness. It would be hard for me to think of a place that is more beautiful.

However, you need to seriously consider if you could handle a Mongolian winter. It ain't no joke.

Also, there is really only one city in Mongolia. Ulaanbataar or nothing I'd say. Pay is on the low end from what I understand, but you should be financially comfortable for the region.

[chica88]

I appreciate the info.
Couple years back I did a report on the Mongolian horsemen.
Since, you made the statement about the harsh winters I started remembering details of the freezing winters horsemen had to endure.
thanks for your statement.

After a little more research I found some of the following information also on the British foreign commonwealth department as follows:


Travel Summary
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* If you are entering Mongolia by road, you should be aware that only a few specified border crossings are open to foreigners. See Entry Requirements - Border Crossing.

* If you wish to travel in the vicinity of the national borders of Mongolia, you must seek permission from the State Frontier Guard Authority or face serious consequences. Mongolia takes border security very seriously and foreign nationals are not routinely permitted access to border areas. The authorities can regard zones of up to 100km inside the border as a border area.

* There is a low threat from terrorism but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

* You should avoid going out on foot alone at night. Foreigners stand out and can be targeted for attack because of their comparative wealth. See Safety and Security - Crime.

* Over 7,120 British nationals visited Mongolia in the period of January 2012 - June 2012 (Source: Immigration Office). Most visits are trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.

* You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and security
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Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. These could be in public areas including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

Safety and Security - Crime

Mongolia is relatively safe, but violent muggings and attacks do occur. Petty crime is common in Ulaanbaatar, particularly in markets or other crowded public places. Watch out for pickpockets. Also be wary of large groups of street children and teenagers, particularly at night, who sometimes harass pedestrians for money when they are entering and leaving vehicles, pubs and restaurants. Keep your passports, money and other valuables well secured.

If your belongings are stolen, you should report it to the Pick-pocketing Department of the Police, phone +976-51-269 285. The police can provide a letter for insurance purposes.

If you are the victim of a crime in Mongolia you should call the police on 102 or +976 102 from an international mobile phone. There should be someone available on this number who can speak to you in English.

See Victims of Crime Abroad.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

Travelling across the Mongolian countryside can be both difficult and potentially dangerous if you are not familiar with the terrain. Mongolia does not have an extensive road network. You may need to follow tracks in the dust, mud or sand and there will not necessarily be other traffic to follow if these give out. Global Positioning Systems do not always function reliably and there are areas of the country without mobile phone coverage. We recommend that you take back-up communications (e.g. a satellite phone) with you. You should also bear in mind that Mongolia experiences extremes of weather, from +35C in summer to -40C in winter. Even in summer, evenings can be cold because of the altitude and weather conditions can change without warning. There are long distances between settlements. You should therefore take appropriate provisions, including warm clothing, food and water if you are travelling outside the main urban areas.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

Driving in Mongolia can be hazardous. There are few all-weather roads anywhere outside major towns. You should ensure your vehicle is suitably equipped for the terrain and you have appropriate supplies and communication equipment.

Driving standards have largely not kept pace with the dramatic growth in the number of vehicles in Mongolia and are highly variable. Vehicle maintenance in Mongolia can be poor, even for rental vehicles.

Driver and passengers should take sensible precautions including wearing seat belts where possible and avoiding driving at night. We advise that you use an experienced, professional driver familiar with the driving conditions. Driving in Ulaanbaatar is also hazardous as roads are heavily congested, minimally signposted and there are a high number of accidents.
If you intend to drive in Mongolia you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). You should also familiarise yourself with local law, for example the Mongolian Traffic Research Institute's web pages (Mongolian only).

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel

Evidence suggests that domestic services (including helicopter services) in Mongolia do not always comply with international safety standards. FCO and UN staff use EZnis for internal flights. We are not aware of concerns about the maintenance of aircraft operated by internationally based charter operations or scheduled internal airlines. There have in the past been safety concerns about Aero Mongolia�s aircraft. In January 2009 an Aero Mongolia aircraft had to make an emergency landing at Murun airport because of a technical problem and the Mongolian Civil Aviation Authority temporarily prohibited the company from operating any flights. An investigation of the incident is in hand. On 30 March 2012, an Aero Mongolia flight ran into difficulties on takeoff in the South Gobi and the flight was aborted. The Embassy has also received occasional reports of maintenance problems interrupting some long-haul international flights operated by domestic airlines. Bear this in mind when making your travel plans. Bad weather can also delay many domestic and international flights, sometimes for several days.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Rail Travel

Trans-Mongolian express trains (Beijing-Moscow via Ulaanbaatar) are noted for smuggling. Search your compartment and secure the cabin door before departure.


Safety and Security - Political Situation

Mongolia country profile

Following 28 June�s parliamentary elections there have been a number of small, peaceful, demonstrations that have expressed dissatisfaction with some election results. More demonstrations are being publicised. The period around November�s Local Elections may also see political rallies and demonstrations.

There is no particular threat to foreign nationals, but for your personal safety you should avoid large, noisy groups of protesters.
Local laws and customs
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Possession and use of drugs is illegal and if found guilty you could face a long prison sentence in an institution with very basic facilities. Although not illegal, homosexuality is a subject many Mongolians are uncomfortable with. Some Mongolian men are unhappy to see Mongolian women in relationships with foreign men. In both cases it is sensible to be discreet to avoid causing offence. See our Your trip page.

Though many Mongolians are familiar with foreign visitors, you should be aware of local customs, especially if visiting remote areas or calling on a Mongolian family. Stepping on a door threshold or wearing short sleeves for example can cause offence.

Remember to show appropriate respect in Buddhist monasteries: ask permission before taking photographs, and do not touch any sacred images or objects.

Entry Requirements - Border Crossing

There are only six border points open to British passport holders. They are at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, the road/train crossing to China at Zamin Uud, the road crossing to Russia at Tsagaannuur in the far west, the train crossing to Russia at Sukhbaatar and the road crossings to Russia at Altanbulag and Ereen-Tsav in the north east. You may not cross into China or Russia at any of the other border points as they are either seasonal or are open only to Mongolians and/or Chinese/Russians.

If you are planning to bring a vehicle into Mongolia at any of the border crossings you should inform the tax authorities and border troops in advance.

Passengers travelling by train across the China/Mongolia border should expect a delay of a few hours because of the need to change the bogies, as the railways use different gauges.

You may encounter problems when entering Mongolia by train from Russia particularly with Russian border or customs officials who scrutinise documentation, in particular customs declarations very carefully. If you are crossing overland to or from Russia we recommend reading our travel advice for Russia and that you pay scrupulous attention when completing all the necessary paperwork.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics

There were -7,120 visits by British nationals to Mongolia in the period January 2012 - June 2012 (Source: Immigration Office). Most visits are trouble-free. Fifteen British nationals required consular assistance in Mongolia in the period 01 Sep 2011 - 30th September) 2012.