Job Discussion Forums

[likwid_777]

Scouting Teaching Locations

Does anyone have much experience in doing this?

I mean, last time I went O/S for teaching, it was in China, and I had a friend there. I went there almost whimsically and ended up leaving my job (in Aus) and being in China within one week. As such, I had no idea about where I was going. That said, I feel that if one goes to a country or a city as a tourist, in order to attempt to get a feel for what it's like when living and working there... It's still probably difficult to have any idea what it's going to be like.

In my situation, I will have a B.Ed (for high school teaching) in a year. I also have a window of 6 weeks or so right now where I could possibly venture off to potential locations in Asia, and have some "R&R", whilst simultaneously checking a place (or two) out for potential for work.

I guess I have thought of Indonesia, returning to China, also Vietnam and posssssibly Japan.

Do you think it's even worth it? For example: Going to a school one year outside of when you're looking for work, quizzing teachers and getting a "gut feel" for a place? Or do you think it's better to just enjoy a hedonistic week or two, and deal with whichever hell you have not prepared yourself for later...? I have a feeling that employers and employees in this time might just think that you're wasting their time.

[suphanburi]

This is probably not what you are wanting to hear but...

Finish your B.Ed. Get a couple of years in the classroom under your belt (post B.Ed) in your home country.

NOW that you have opened up a whole different stream of options you can think about kicking the can.

[likwid_777]

Thank you. Yes, this is reality. I have thought of this. Also, if you jump over and get a job in Asia without getting any post degree experience in your home country, I hear it can be awfully hard to get a job thereafter (in your home country).

Oh reality, how you mock me.