Job Discussion Forums

[VSky9]

Hi, all.

So after making the initially nerve-wracking choice of leaving grad school (I LOATHE academia...but it still paid the bills), I've decided to try my hand at teaching English abroad. At the moment, I'm thinking of getting a TrinityCert with Oxford TEFL in Prague. But I may go with Language House or something. I'm looking mostly at Asia as far as teaching, since it sounds like Europe doesn't offer much money or security.

Does anyone know how reasonable it is to do this with a dog in tow? I don't have one yet, but I've been dying to get a puppy for ages, and since I'm making all these life changes, well...I want a dog in the picture in the near future. Plus, I thought it would be good for protection, as a single woman. I don't want to have to get rid of it, though, because the next job's only option is pet-free housing.

Any thoughts?

[nomad soul]

Some of this research you can do on your own in terms dog-friendly countries in Asia that interest you. Since we don't know your work and other lifestyle criteria, that would narrow down your desirable locations for TEFL work. Start with a Net search on dog friendly countries Asia.

[Chris Westergaard]

Hello!
I would wait on getting the dog to be honest. It sounds great to have a dog abroad, but it can be a lot of extra hassle. Aside from having to get all of the shots and a pet passport, you also have to consider your initial schedule. If you are planning on taking The Language House TEFL, you will be busy the majority of the day. This means that your pet will be home alone for about 12 hours a day for a period of a month. That's a pretty long time. Also, many apartments might not be pet friendly. This can add extra stress trying to find your own place during the course. My advice is to wait. Make the move abroad, take The Language House or another course, move to Asia, and THEN decide if you want a dog or not.
Just a quick FYI. The dog is your responsibility at this point. That means if it gets injured or is sick, you are responsible for covering all of the bills. I've seen dozens of graduates get pets, only to give them away because they couldn't support them or didn't want to have them around anymore (too much work). That's cruel to do to a pet that depends upon you. I'm sure you are aware of this and that is in no mean intended to say that you would act like this. It's only based on what I've seen many people do in the past.
Moving abroad is fun enough. Get your bearings first and then you can decide if you want the extra responsibility of having a pet.
Best of luck!
Hopefully we'll see you in Prague.

[spiral78]

I've travelled with my schnauzer for almost 13 years now. I agree with Chris' advice; get settled somewhere first, then think again about the dog.

The logistics around travelling with a dog are do-able so long as you do your homework in terms of legal requirements (I've never taken mine to Asia so can't comment specifically). It's the daily patterns that matter - it's ok to leave a dog home alone for a few hours every day, but how many? What's the neighborhood like from a dog's perspective and will s/he be welcome and safe there? Will you really have time to hang with the dog a lot?

As you know, puppies take even more time, and patience is often required from a landlord in addition to your own!

As for protection, I don't honestly think that this is a very valid reason to get a dog. Firstly, it usually implies a bigger dog, which is more difficult for travel. Secondly, it's rare that a dog actually protects a human from something genuinely dangerous. It's much more often that we are protecting our animals from other dogs, from dodgy food items lying around in the park, from bikes and cars and kids....

Get settled somewhere you like and then look around at it from a dog's perspective! If it looks good then, go for it.

[VSky9]

Thanks, all, for the replies! This makes a lot of sense. Really good to know about the legal issues -- I'd never even heard of a pet passport. I'll wait until I'm settled somewhere with my first job. That month of training will (hopefully) be the most grueling in terms of time and work, so waiting would definitely be best for everyone.

The fear of having to get rid of it has been a big deterrent. I do realize some people feel they have no choice, but I'd hate to have to do that. I've been through something similar with a cat I'd had since early childhood. That's just too rough on both parties. Especially with a puppy. And, yes, I'd probably go for a smaller or medium-sized dog since I'll be traveling a lot at first.

But I still think a dog could be a good alarm system. Most people would probably be less likely to try anything with a foreign woman with a dog than a foreign woman on her own. I've never lived abroad, much less in a country where I don't speak the language, so part of it might just be a psychological thing -- it would make me feel more confident.

Plus, I've been dying for a puppy for ages.

I've got my interview with Oxford TEFL today, so I'm one step closer, anyway!

[nomad soul]

[spiral78]