Job Discussion Forums

[Merging Traffic]

Have you ever taught in a rural school? Have a friend who has? I'd be interested in hearing what people can share. Anything from classroom behavior insights to rural living insights. Anything in-between.

I've taught in HCMC before and don't really want to have the traffic. I've taught in China and Korea as well, so I've seen a fair shake of diversity in many ways while teaching.
Just considering this as a change of pace. Could likely write another book, I figure.

Just looking for people's experiences.

Thanks!

[Merging Traffic]

And yes, I've seen http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=112120 et al. ~ Just looking for fresh thoughts.

Thanks!

[1st Sgt Welsh]

Never done it and don't know anybody who has. Met a few people who were teaching Vietnamese hotel staff in the resorts though. I understand there used to be (maybe still is) a government program where you could teach in the public school system in Thailand, but I don't know much about it. There is also a language school called ACE, which has a campus in Siem Reap, Cambodia which might also be a good compromise if you want to avoid the city life. Good luck!

[ExpatLuke]

I've met a few people who have done it, but haven't really sat down and talked about the experience with them.

Most of them have pretty similar stories. They're mostly young, single men. They decide to teach in a tiny, rural town for a few months to a year. Most of them have said it's mostly a positive experience, but there are long stretches of boredom. Unless you're the type of person who has a lot of fun just sitting around chatting, singing karaoke, or are fine entertaining yourself, it would probably be pretty boring.

On the upside, most of these young, single guys end up learning Vietnamese very well, because there are very few people who you can speak English with. And they all seem to end up marrying the "prettiest" girl in town.

EDIT: Also, rural kids are generally super well behaved. If you've taught in the city and move to any rural school, you'll notice a difference immediately.

[TimkinMS]

[sigmoid]