Job Discussion Forums

[Mouse]

Hello there, I'm looking to accumulate at least a dollar here, but unfortunately the subject isn't very interesting. Basically, I'm looking for some answers to the old "if you were me, where would you go" question, given that I'm British, in my late twenties, with a bachelor's degree (not in education), a CELTA, and will have nearly six years English teaching experience by the time I head off to pastures new. Currently I'm working as ados in a private language school outside Barcelona, and though I'm happy here I have an urge to go and live somewhere more "different" (have lived and taught in the UK, NZ and Italy, all of which were very western and familiar). I�m also thinking about doing a masters in a year or two and the opportunity to save some cash wouldn't go amiss (which isn't going to happen here in a hurry). I�d rather teach in a university or adult classes, though I've taught my share of younger students, and from what I�ve read here this seems like Japan is out (maybe come back with the MA?), which would be a pity. To give you something else to chew over, from what I�ve heard some of the following may count against me, and your perspective would be appreciated: I�m not young-looking or fresh-faced (large shaven-headed rugby player), I don't drink alcohol, I don`t speak any Asian languages (though taught lots in the UK and in NZ), etc.

Not sure if that's enough information, but I�ll shut up for now! So, where would you go?

[sigmoid]

I think it depends a lot on what exactly you're looking for - adventure and travel? tropical comfort? large amounts of dosh? hot chicks? exotic food and culture? If you're looking at coming to Asia there are a number of countries where you can teach but they all seem to offer something different.

I can say from my own experience you can have a pretty good time in Thailand [beaches, babes, etc.], but you probably won't save much money.

You can make a bit more money in Viet Nam but it's still rather underdeveloped at this point.

Korea seems to offer good money, but harsh conditions.

China is supposed to be an adventure but again with not much in the way of pay.

Cambodia is still the wild west.

Laos is peaceful but jobs are scarce.

Don't know much about Malaysia and Indonesia.

Taiwan also is a place where you can make good money but it's mostly teaching kids.

Anyway, there's no all-around perfect place, so again which aspects of life are the most important to you in considering this decision?

[sigmoid]

And of course there is also Japan, which I forgot to mention. Most people mention the high costs of living as an obstacle.

[Mouse]

Thanks for the response, Sigmoid, and I'll try and go some way to answering the (clarification) questions you've asked.

First and foremost, my decision to go to Asia in the near future is to live in, rather than holiday in, a different culture. I think everywhere you've mentioned fits that criteria!

I fancy working in a university, or in a moderately senior staff position, as I like what I do now, which I suspect might limit my options, too.

Although I didn't get into teaching for the money, I would be lying if I said that it woudn't influence my choice, especially given my plan to do my masters relatively soon. I also quite like the idea of using my place of work as an opportunity to see other nearby countries (though I suspect visa issues will arise).

Girls aren't an issue (hold on, hold on) as I think that you can find good and bad wherever you go (and the girls where I live are beautiful and smart). What I would quite like is a bit of an expat community, as this will be my first time living in Asia, and I think the support network could be useful.

Oh, and to make my question even more difficult to answer, somewhere that I can meet and befriend local people, as well as a place which isn't too polluted.



Next question: am I asking too much?

You say that Korea is a good source of cash, by the way, but is that true for the British to the same extent as the Americans? I've heard that Americans are much more in demand in Asia.

[herman]

Hong Kong might be an option. They sure as well demand and prefer Commonwealth people more than Americans for English teachers. There is a humungous expat community there and there's definitely chance to meet local people, although these local people won't be like what you would imagine in a village setting if that is what you might be looking for. As for pollution it just depends on where you live (and if it matters, where you work). If you don't like the metropolitan city that much but wouldn't mind the conveniences and entertainment available, you can still live in more laid-back and cleaner places if you're willing to commute.

As for the job, there seems to be a few of the smaller universities/colleges (polytechnic, business type) that are constantly looking for people to teach business English (at least it seemed so last summer). The three most well-known universities likely have no vacancy and would require a Ph.D. if not Master's - but you might still find something. As to saving money, I can't say -- if you're interested I'm sure the English teachers here who are in Hong Kong can help you (check the Hong Kong forum). (In case you want to check out those 3 universities: Chinese University, Hong Kong University, and University of Science and Technology.)

Let me know if you want to know more. -- Oh, no or not much expat community but as Guangdong (Canton) Province (right above HK) is rapidly growing a few private colleges (also the technical/business type) seem to have sprung up and they want foreign teachers and they also pay pretty well (compared to the norm). I'm not sure but I speculate they would be at a distance from those notoriously polluted cities of the region, since they're private. Zhuhai is not a bad city (but avoid those cities directly above Hong Kong!).

I don't know much about Shanghai but I imagine not too different from Hong Kong. Expat community definitely, pretty high pay (but also higher cost of living, of course), but really close to some historical landmarks, including the two famous garden cities of Hangzhou and Suzhou.

[sigmoid]

[Mouse]

Thank you both very much for your informative and well-considered replies! You've certainly given me something to chew over.