Job Discussion Forums

[Sudz]

Hey guys,

I have been teaching/traveling around Asia for the past decade or so. I am currently satisfied with my job here in Japan, though an considering making a transition to Latin America (Mexico, Ecuador, Columbia....wherever) sometime in the future. While I'm pretty happy with my job, and like aspects of Japan, I wouldn't say I feel a great connection to the culture, and there are aspects of living here that would likely put me off staying long term.

I am quite experienced, and have a significant amount of experience working in the private school context. I also have my MA TESOL, as well as TEFL certificate. I would like to continue working with either private schools, or at colleges/universities (should I leave Japan).

Anyways, has anyone (happily?) made the transition?

[danshengou]

[currentaffairs]

Why not apply for a job at a high end colegio in Colombia/South America? The lower end/mid tier jobs are probably not worth moving for (2-4 mil Colombian pesos) but something that pays quite a bit more may be attractive.

I really enjoyed my life after leaving Japan after six years!

[Sudz]

Thanks for the input guys.

currentafairs - Might you apply for these jobs online? I'm certainly not looking to make the change anytime soon, though it's worth considering for later. Also, may I ask what made you leave Japan (provided it's not too personal). Perhaps you had simply had your fill.

[MotherF]

I moved from Japan to Mexico in 1997/8 and I'm still here.

My situation was not quite the same as yours, but while I enjoyed Japan, it can be really hard to feel you fit there. In Mexico I'm a part of the community so it's easy to stay here long term.

Let me know if you want info about University teaching in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

[currentaffairs]

The better jobs at well paying colegios/universities advertise on TES, on high school recruitment sites, higher ed sites, and everywhere. You can also use google to get a list of the better schools in Bogota or Cali (for example) and send your CV to them directly. If you have proper teaching credentials then you will have a shot at some of these jobs. Interviews are frequently done online/by phone and teachers are recruited from outside the country..

I had had enough of Japan and was ready to move. I also never saved whilst living there and so working in the Middle East is better for me. I have good memories (Tokyo was a blast) but now we move forward to other things..

[Sudz]

Much appreciated.

Yeah feeling like a perpetual outsider is one thing that makes me question staying here long term. I don't take offense to it, though Japanese seem innately more xenophobic than any other country I have visited in Asia. I generally am more positive than negative about it here, though that does wear on me at times.

Also, with regards to LA, it would be nice not being half-way across the world when visiting Canada. Saving also is a chore - as you mentioned currentaffairs.

I'll likely get back to you MotherF regarding Uni work in Oaxaca. I appreciate the offer.

[MotherF]

At a Oaxacan university, a single person can easily save 50% or more of their salary, but the problem is the last few years haven't been kind to the Mexican peso.