Job Discussion Forums

mephi · Joined: 06 Apr 2013 Posts: 11

Sorry, Scot, where is 'there'?!

I don't have super quals - late starter.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Sorry - "THERE" in my text refers to The Peoples Republic of China.

jonniboy · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2016 8:59 pm Post subject:

simon44 · Joined: 15 Mar 2013 Posts: 118

The answer is Myanmar (Burma), where I am currently teaching. I first taught here in 2012 and a teaching colleague was 70 years old.

Now in my latest employment, my teaching colleague is 67...

Myanmar is a wonderful location for 'mature' teachers, and teachers are highly respected.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Hi Simon,

How's the Burma scene looking now? (I know that's a loaded question). I was actually offered a job there ages ago at Total Learning Academy (a place I was skeptical about, and have heard some negativity towards since). I chose Japan, and am here now. Currently content here, though have entertained the idea of doing a couple of years in Burma sometime in the future.

Know if there are many options for those with decent qualifications? (MA TESOL, lots of experience with private schools, etc.)

simon44 · Joined: 15 Mar 2013 Posts: 118

Hi Sudz

Well, Myanmar seems to be developing very rapidly, especially when I consider how Yangon was a few years ago. Now, there are lots of restaurants, shops, new hotels, new condo buildings etc. Same in Mandalay.

The country remains very safe to live in and the Myanmar people are warm and friendly, (which sadly, I can't say the same for many Thais in Thailand, which has been my home base for 15 years).

As for teaching, age seems to be no problem if you are an experienced teacher and don't look like you're abut to drop dead in the classroom...

I'm not aware of any age restrictions wrt the schools and business visa requirements.

Of course, as in many developing countries, things can and do go wrong. If you are looking for a highly-organised employer, where everything is well-planned etc etc, then don't come to Myanmar Smile

You need to be very patient, adaptable, able to teach with limited resources, able to create your own teaching materials and curriculum etc.

I had job offers from China, Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as Myanmar (I'm 57 btw). Although Cambodia is a very cheap place to live, the salary on offer was simply too low.

Vietnam seems to have many teaching jobs, as does China. But I accepted the job offer in Myanmar because my previous teaching (and living) experience in that country was the best experience of my life. Additionally, since I was trying to find a long-term job (into my 60's and maybe beyond), I felt that Myanmar offered the best job security (or job opportunities), for a mature teacher.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Health care in Myanmar ? What do you do when you need surgery ?

When you are aged and infirm like me then you are glad that you did the "Developing World" when you were young and healthy.

simon44 · Joined: 15 Mar 2013 Posts: 118

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

And who picks up the tab ?

simon44 · Joined: 15 Mar 2013 Posts: 118

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

My question had a didactic intent. See recent posts from a certain practitioner in Saudi Arabia who did not check on medical cover and had to pay SAR5000 a day for medical treatment. (Leggymountbatten)

piglet44 · Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Posts: 157

Having undergone emergency surgery in HK (flew there from PRC) I cannot emphasize having private insurance enough. The company fortunately reimbursed me flight to HK, flight back home, operation, 10 days recuperation in hotel in HK before return visit to doc and all medications. INsurance money well spent.