Job Discussion Forums

EmGee · Joined: 14 Mar 2014 Posts: 38

Hi all,

I'm an English grammar teacher currently working in a Russian international school in Mongolia. I've worked in Shanghai elementary schools for 1 year (1st to 5th grade) and 3 years in Mongolia: 2 years in language centres specializing in TOEFL and IELTS preparation courses and business English (adults and Uni students). I'm finishing up 1 year in a Russian high school which could arguably be considered international. I teach English grammar and writing to 10-12th grade.

I'm a 50 year old male, living single but actively dating. I'm a white guy from England, healthy, fit and pass for younger anywhere. My deal is pretty good in Ulaanbaatar: US$2500 net pay, 24 contact hours, free apartment and roughly 4 weeks paid vacation. I also lived for 22 years in Los Angeles doing computer graphics for movies but I'm out of that and I prefer teaching. My qualifications are an HND in computer science, BEd in English and TEFL certificate from the Philippines. I've got 4 years teaching experience under my belt and I'm looking to offer my skills in another Asian country. Mongolia pays well (US$2500-4000 sometimes including apartment) but I'm tired of it. Except for the local women, who are spectacular, there's not much to do here. I typically save $2000 per month.

What are my options and prospects in Asia? I'm not willing to take a big cut in my pay and I'm also interested in good nightlife and dating scene as I'm single. I've been thinking about Korea, Taiwan or Vietnam.

Tigerstyleone · Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 181

EmGee · Joined: 14 Mar 2014 Posts: 38

Thanks for the reply Tigerstylone. The women in Mongolia are both good students and great looking. They make good companions too.

I know the grass can seem greener but I'm not looking for greener grass. Just similar grass Very Happy

I don't necessarily expect to be able to save as much as I can in Mongolia. Do you think it would unreasonable to expect to earn $2000-2500 and maybe save $1000 in Vietnam? For example, one or more jobs making $20 each?[/quote]

ExpatLuke · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 744

Your set-up in Mongolia sounds really nice. Not sure why you'd want to leave it behind unless your looking for sandy beaches and year-long summer temperatures. I know if I was in Mongolia, I wouldn't make it through the winter.

To answer your questions... your qualifications are good, but coming to Vietnam you'd still probably start at entry level work which would mean a big cut in pay. You're also not going to get paid vacations, and it's unlikely you'll find a school that will pay for your accommodations.

Vietnam is fun. The country and its women are beautiful. You can have a fun/laid-back lifestyle here for little expense. But you're going to have to work, network, and be patient if you want anything close to the working conditions you're enjoying now.

The exception would be if you got a position in an International school. Your BEd should be sufficient for that in Vietnam.

EmGee · Joined: 14 Mar 2014 Posts: 38

The job is good on the surface but the devil is in the details. I could get a better job in Ulaanbaatar (UB) but I'm just tired of this city. UB is a hardship posting which is probably why it pays well. There isn't much competition.

When is the best hiring time for international schools in HCMC?

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 3:14 am Post subject:

EmGee · Joined: 14 Mar 2014 Posts: 38

Gladly Prof.Gringo if you have a good job in HCMC Wink

Tigerstyleone · Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 181

What is it exactly that you're tired of?
Do you feel you should earn more? Are you unsatisfied with only 4 weeks of paid vacation time? Do you only want to teach adult business English instead of high school grammar?
Are you lonely there, women not taking to you?
Is the crime rate high ?

EmGee · Joined: 14 Mar 2014 Posts: 38

"What is it exactly that you're tired of? "

There's not much to do. UB is a small city with very few activities, restaurants, sports, etc. The countryside is nice but there's little transportation to get there. Also, winter lasts about 9 months and gets to -40C in January so outdoor stuff is limited.

"Do you feel you should earn more? Are you unsatisfied with only 4 weeks of paid vacation time? Do you only want to teach adult business English instead of high school grammar? "

The jobs are great for earnings and vacation. No complaints really, or nothing serious. I'm flexible about who or what I teach. I'd like to be able to save $1000+ per month because I'm a career teacher now and not just looking to finance travels and adventure.

"Are you lonely there, women not taking to you? "

Again no complaints. Dating has been great, in fact I've been dating a young woman for 1 year and it's going well but because of her situation she'll probably not be able to leave Mongolia.

"Is the crime rate high ?"

Street crime can be bad. 2 of my close friends have been violently mugged. There are also a lot of nationalists who threaten or insult local women who date foreigners. It makes going out in the city, especially clubs, stressful.

I suppose the bottom line is: I like change and it doesn't have to be better. I realize it could take time to get back to where I've reached in Mongolia but I've got time, willingness and savings on my side.