Job Discussion Forums

[TreborASU]

I, a humble newb, ask the great forum of Dave�s ESL Caf� for your advice about my situation.

Here is the general layout,

Soon to be graduating from an American university with three degrees, all BS�s.
Gradating with a strong GPA and other such considerations.
Hard working and enjoy teaching
Looking to leave sometime after June 2006
I am white, male and will be the ripe old age of 23 when I graduate.

Goals:
-Looking for a positive cultural experience
-Money is not the end all of goals, but would be nice to be able to meet costs while I enjoy the country.
-Want a year or more break from the business grind

Preferences:
-Looking at Japan, Korea, or Taiwan in that order as countries I am considering.
-No cultural preferences, I am very easygoing and mentally adaptable.
-JET is very appealing right now

Problems:
-Degrees have no direct relationship with teaching or English
-I don�t have a TEFL/CELTA, etc
-I have no direct teaching experience, however I do have 2.5 years worth of tutoring experience under my belt
-Can not speak any of the native languages
Will attempt to learn the language of the country where I
decide to teach.
-Criminal Record- Misdemeanor DUI (In process of trying to get it set aside)

Questions:
Which country and program would you suggest is the beast match for my particular situation?
What impact will a criminal record have on me applying for jobs, especially for JET?
Best locations to teach English?
Any general advice?

I would severely appreciate all advice from the more experience travelers and posters of Dave�s ESL Caf�. Thank you all so much for your time and consideration into offering me your wisdom.

[khmerhit]

try cambodia--criminal record compulsory--also it is a far more interesting country than the others

[Glenski]

JET programme for Japan.
Deadline for applications is December, 2005. Work starts August, 2006.

[cujobytes]

China, just lob up and get a job, a big place, lots of variety, a lot of 'character'. No need to tie yourself int a 'program'. Really, you'll do well here and it's a piece of cake.

[junkmail]

You'd do fine in most of Asia, question is, what do you want?
Money is in Korea, Taiwan and possibly Japan depending how you look at it.

Thailands nice, but you'd need a TESOL for the nicer jobs and either way the pay is crappy.

I'm in Korea and moving to China, but like I said Korea is damn good money. Actually, most people prefer Taiwan and Japan to Korea, in that order.

[stillnosheep]

OP: do not mention DUI (or any other) criminal record to JET, to japan immigration, to eslcafe, to anyone, ever.

japan very anally retentive. Don't ask. Don't tell. They will never know.

If you tell you will get rejected.

Don't tell. It never happened. They will never know. Period.

[marblez]