Job Discussion Forums

[Kraia]

Good evening, all

I was hoping I could gather some advice. My girlfriend and I are looking into teaching English abroad from next August or September but we're struggling to pick a destination. I've tried researching a lot but every time we think we may have a winner, we find some information that tells us that the job market in that particular country isn't what it was, visa's are difficult, etc etc.

We are pretty open as to where we go (apart from the ME), with the paramount concern the ability to actually find a job. We don't want to risk investing the majority of our money on a CELTA course, flights and so forth only to be left jobless and wanting for food and other basic necessities.

Here is the some information about the two of us:

- I am English, and my girlfriend is American. We are both in our mid twenties.
- We both have degrees.
- We have minimal teaching experience.
- We will be taking a celta course in our chosen country or in England over the summer.

Making vast sums of money is not our concern; we simply wish to live and work in a different culture (though preferably somewhere lively with plenty of young adults). Can anybody advise where we may look, a country where we are most likely to get jobs and not die?

Many thanks in advance.

Rob.

[nomad soul]

You didn't mention which regions or countries you determined were not doable, but I suggest you look at Asia for potential work. Even then, you'll find you may have to make some sort of compromises. That is, keep your expectations low.

[Kraia]

Well, the only destination we wouldn't consider would be the middle east. Others, like certain countries in Europe (Spain, Italy) might be unfeasible due to visa issues. Like I said, our main priority is being able to find jobs, and so if I must ask a blunt question, it is this: Which countries are best to find work?

[nomad soul]

Since there are two of you, your main criteria really should be where you both can easily find legal, entry-level work together (if that's your goal) as an unmarried/teaching couple and also not break any cohabitation laws. Anyway, your question about where to go has been discussed numerous times within the newbie forum, so you might want to scroll down a bit where you'll see related threads over this past year. Ditto for the General Asia and Latin America forums; it's worth giving both those forums a look. Sasha will pipe up with Russia as a good possibility. But in terms of Asia, Korea and China rank at the top for plentiful, easy-to-get jobs. Thailand may also interest you as well.

[Kraia]

Many thanks, I appreciate your response

[eihpos]

Istanbul - plenty of jobs and fun for young adults. Or Korea, you will find a couple friendly job there easily.

[Sashadroogie]

Come to Russia! Do the Celta in Moscow. Touch the Future now!

[D-M]

If you fancy China check out www.omeida.org

Its a great place for young adults, heck all adults. 99% of the students are also adults and the employer would have no problem with an unmarried couple.

The salary does suck compared to elsewhere in China, but with free housing and two of you working you would still be able to save $500 a month and live well working around 15 hours per week each.

[seattlechaz]

Yes, China.

I'm in Beijing. Came over with no CELTA. Landed at Beijing Foreign Studies University teaching very young kids. Did that for 1 1/2 years. Grabbed my CELTA last summer, finishing up the Cert IBET now. When I told the boss I really want to teach adults and would be leaving, she called someone and I was asked to come to the main office. Approval to move to a different department and teach Business English was pre-approved - no interview required.

You mileage may vary, but ...
Come over
Be professional
Upskill and get trained
Manage your work relationships

and good things happen.

[Kraia]

China does indeed look interesting...