Job Discussion Forums

[jfbackpack]

Hey folks, looking for a life change, and have my mind set on teaching English in Asia. Just found this site; I know there's lots of info, and I am looking for input from people in a country or had a recent job somewhere.
Money isn't the only concern, but I do want to make a little, save a little and travel.

Here's my questions:
--I'm considering China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan. Could someone give thoughts on any particular one of these, or just a general overview of this group?

--What are the main things to consider when searching and applying for jobs in these countries?

I appreciate any and all input you may have.

[nomad soul]

Have you checked the country-specific Asia forums (http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/index.php?c=3)? That's really where you should do your research and post these questions.

By the way, be aware you'll need at least a BA. A TEFL cert may also be required for some countries.

[esl_prof]

There's lots of options, but tell us a little bit more about yourself first.

Do you have a BA degree? What age group(s) are you interested in and willing to work with? Do you have any previous teaching or tutoring experience? Have completed a TESOL certificate?

For Thailand, you typically need to be in the country to apply for jobs in person. China, Korea, Japan and, I think, Taiwan typically hire from abroad which, if this is your first time teaching, will be a bit easier to arrange and will cover the cost of your airfare.

A good place to begin is by browsing the forums for the countries you are interested in and posting more specific questions there.

[suphanburi]

[jfbackpack]

Thanks for the info so far. I am 23, have a bachelor's degree (math). I have done plenty of sales trainings, but not direct classroom experience. Studied Chinese in high school, some Spanish in college, open to learning whatever language.

No major debt, just student loans for a few years. I am fine with working, I just want to sample life in Asia for a year or more, since I know nothing about it. Not interested in volunteering, I do want to be in a position to make some money, put some away, and travel/vacation when I can.

I like working with kids, whether elementary, middle, or high school.

I have heard that Taiwan and Japan pay the best, Korea is in the middle, China and Thailand are on the low side. Also, I heard mostly good things about the JET Program. Any affirmation on this info is appreciated. Thanks again.

[nomad soul]

[suphanburi]

[jfbackpack]

Thailand and China are great, but you can’t earn a real living as an English teacher in either place.

Due to the socioeconomic state of each country, you could make a smaller amount of US dollars, such as $600 per month, and live like a king in that country.

But at the end of the day, earning $600 a month would not amount to a great deal of savings to be put in banks with Uncle Sam.’

[jfbackpack]

Taiwan has a lot of opportunities and pays well, but they are hard to find.

I landed there, and people on the street had signs that offered foreigners English speaking jobs.

These are not always the best situations, but at the beginning, you take what you can get.

[jfbackpack]

Your best bet is the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program. This program is run by the government, which means it is dependable. And it is several decades old.

The starting salary is comparable to college graduates working in America, and you get tons of vacation time.

The best part about JET is you only have to be a native English speaker, and have a college degree.

[happyinshangqiu]

[happyinshangqiu]

[santi84]

[nomad soul]

[Prof.Gringo]