Job Discussion Forums

Greenworld · Joined: 07 Jul 2004 Posts: 2

I realise I may be setting myself up for a fall immediately as I write this. I'm a newbie to TEFL (I haven't even completed a certificate yet). I have my degree and have recently been travelling and working in ski/summer resorts. I'm tired of pushy guests and managing immature staff. I'm also keen to spend more that 5/6 months in one place at a time. As I've done bits of teaching in a previous career and childcare work in the Summer season I think TEFL could be something I'd enjoy.

The problem is, I'm not a city person. There you go, I said I'm probably setting myself up for a fall. I'd love to immerse myself into the culture of an Asian country. I guess what I'm looking for is somewhere that won't be riduculously harsh and that has quick escape routes to the beach and countryside to de-stress. I've seen jobs which advertise this in Thailand but I've heard about problems with Visas and poor pay. Taiwan interests me as does Korea, Cambodia and Indonesia (I realise I've just referred to about 15,000 islands there). I know 'picture postcard' is a pipe dream here so please don't respond back saying, forget it, you may as well go travelling or find bar work in a resort.

I've travelled through Thailand and Malaysia so I'm not a complete beginner when it comes to SE Asia. I guess I'm just after some hints and tips on decent jobs in decent, preferably coastal, places and places I should avoid. Any advice is more than welcome.

kait · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 93 Location: Lungtan, Taiwan

If you move to Kumamoto County, Japan, you'll have access to the Amakusa Islands and to Mount Aso. My experience on Kyushu was not "harsh" at all. They were very friendly, and my classes were a lot of fun.

Greenworld · Joined: 07 Jul 2004 Posts: 2

Thanks for that reply. I'd heard it was difficult to get work in Japan without a couple of years behind you. Is the visa application process long too? Any more hints and tips are much appreciated.

XXX · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 10:35 pm Post subject:

I would be careful about ANY job you take overseas. Korea can be a hell hole if you wind up at the wrong school. Make sure that you do your homework- that is check up on the school. You may also have a major case of culture shock. You won't be in Kansas anymore.

I have been told that Japan can be quite nice and you can put away a fair piece of coin.

I have also heard strange things about Thailand, althought I have a buddy there who raves about it.

Good Luck

schwa · Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 164 Location: yap

Korea might work for you. Native english speakers are in demand throughout the country, including smaller towns, & youre never too far from coast or mountains. East coast has both right at hand.

patchwork · Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 55 Location: in transit

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

double agent · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:24 am Post subject: the perfect job

a girl on this site told
me Sur College in Oman is hiring
inexperienced teachers and
it has a huge beach and swimming pool.

I think you even get to live in a hotel or something.

they are hiring...if i were you I would LIE and put down two jobs
at language schools just to get more money.

I laughed when i read your post but at least you were honest...
a beach, relaxing, not too stressful...ya that sounds like TEFL teaching.

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

Keep in mind that you won't be travelling once you start teaching, but living in a little podunk town. Even if you're not a city person the lack of any amenties from home, any English language resources (books, magazines) or any decent access to English language music can wear on you really quickly.

Even if you aren't a city person it may be a good idea to work in a city for your first gig. Just plan ahead and save enough for a trip out on the weekend.

I teach in Thailand. You'd be suprised how many teachers you talk to in Bangkok who had that "idea" beach job on Hua Hin or Samui and have moved back to Bangkok either for money or out of boredom. And Samui is damn near as international as Bangkok.

Finally, good jobs outside of urban centers are scarce -- but bad jobs in bad rural locations abound. You'll have to shift a lot of chaff to the side to find something acceptable. China is probably a good bet -- though I usually reccomend people stay out of China for their first jobs.

amberrollins · Joined: 24 Aug 2004 Posts: 27 Location: Way Out in Korea

I understand how China can be a bit too much for some people for their first time in Asia, but I went to China first and didn't have any problems.

Teaching in China is very informal, and there are a lot of jobs. Plus, it's fairly easy (I think) to find jobs in schools that are not smack downtown in a big city, but are close enough so you can go in if you want to.

Keep in mind that China is still very agrarian and developing. I live and teach about 30 minutes from a big city, and my school is, other than a small nearby village, surrounded by farms and big fields. I like this; people into a more social nightlife do not.

Wherever you go, take a little time and do your research!

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

If you are interested in teaching in Japan then Japanese Eikaiwas (conversation schools) don't ask for qualifications or experience (apart from the degree required by immigration), just a positive attitude etc and they'll sponser you through the visa application process. You'll be teaching set lessons from set books so it would be a gentle introduction in that sense.

Aeon and Nova give you some choice over where you will work. Geos do not. There is lots of info on all the big chains (the abover three plus Berlitz, ECC). Just do a search on any of them.

Good luck