Job Discussion Forums

[Nomad Dan]

Hi. I really was set on teaching in Thailand or Cambodia. I couldn't get an offer because I started late in the hiring season.
A school in Rangon is strongly considering me, and I am strongly considering them. Can anyone tell me anything about the life and people of Myanmar? I know that the US doesn't even recognize the name, but I don't care that they don't...and the government might be not-so-nice....Am I aiding the enemy?
Or, should I care that I am aiding "the enemy"....
It sounds wonderful to me.
What do you think?
Nomad Dan

[Teacher in Rome]

My very limited knowledge of Myanmar / Burma is based on a two-week "holiday" a few years back. Then - as now - there was a huge debate as to the ethics of going there. You are bound to find people opposed to you going, as by even setting foot in the country, you are contributing to the perpetuation of a brutal regime. You will also find people who will encourage you, as by going you are helping (although in a limited way) ordinary people, who wouldn't otherwise have contact with a foreigner. I truly feel that you will need to sort out the ethics in your own mind. There's plenty of literature to give you an idea of the pros and cons.

What I can say, however, is that I really enjoyed touring around. I spent a fair amount of time in Yangon, the capital, and encountered some very nice people. I wouldn't say "meet", as conversations were limited. I also spent some time in the north of the country, and was lucky enough to meet monks who could talk more or less freely.

My impression (I can't claim that it was more than that, not being able to speak Burmese or spend much time with people) is that Burmese people are friendly, surprisingly fluent speakers of English, and very devout buddhists. I felt it was a relatively safe place, free of pickpocketing or other opportunistic crime, and quite easy to travel around. You'd more than likely have problems going to the tribal areas, or the areas bordering Thailand.

Street food (I was on a backpackers budget) was disappointing, compared to food in the rest of the region. But they had some deliciously sugary desserts - "jaggery". Also the snazziest, leather flip-flops I have ever seen. Other than that, it is not a consumerist place, and there's not much to buy. People are quite poor, and you have to wonder who your students were.

How long is your potential contract for?

[Nomad Dan]

Thanks so much for the perspective. I don't feel any personal conflict really in going. I am looking forward to getting to know the people...government aside.
The contract is for two years
Take care
ND

[Odium]

Hey!

I went to the bordertown of Tachilek (bordering Thailand) for one day... and it was enough.

After crossing over the border, I was immediately targeted for an attempted pickpocket. I brushed the child aside, tossed him a few baht for his efforts and told him to get lost. After perusing the markets for awhile, an assailant tried to rip my backpack from my shoulders. Being a big guy, I shrugged it off as the assailant took off. Now, this should have been my cue to boot over the border over to Thailand as quick as I could.

Two hours later after buying some Burmese crafts and exploring the various stupas and Temples, I was approached by two 14 year old guards (well, the looked really young) who knew some English. I was demanded to show my passport. Well, I couldn't because all day passes you have to leave your passport at the border crossing, and you get it when you leave. So they demanded I pay a fine. I flaty refused and prompty had two AK-47 Assault Rifles cocked and put in my face. All I had was 1500 Baht on me, so that was handed over with a snarl.

Feeling violated and defeated, I finally caught a hint and went back to the border... and the same kid who tried to pickpocket me (and even gave him 20 baht for his effort) tried to pickpocket me again, this time I was wicked angry and it took a lot to refrain from kicking him to the ground. I just showed him my empty wallet and he laughed and laughed.

Bottom line: Up yours Myanmar. And be careful of Yongon. Bomb attacks going on daily, as well as when I was in Thailand a month ago, there was a buildup of troops along the Northern Border, because the Heroin Drug Lords fighting is beginning to spill over the border. Helicopters (Military of course) were flying over Pai on an hourly basis to the bas there. Not much concern near Yongon with fighting tho'

Maybe I just had a bad day... but it really ruined Myanmar for me.

[Dr Disco]

I'd go if they offered me a position. I was condidered, but so far my contract ending in Korea has caused problems with my date of availability.

I've only heard positive stuff regarding living there as a teacher. Be wary of any English school, and research them well.

I've visited several contries that the US doesn't deem as "proper governments" and I've always walked away with good experiences.

From what I've been told, it is certainly not a party place for tourists, which for me is a big plus. I think a different kind of person wants to teach in places like that. It would be a unique experience. I'd say go for it.

[ls650]

I know a fellow who just finished a one-year contract in Myanmar; he raved about the place. If you want more info, PM me and I'll send you his email.

[tedkarma]

I'd take the job.

I suspect the culture would be fascinating.

Who cares what people think anyway - you aren't going as a tourist. Education, if anything, will help the people shuck off the schm*cks who rule them.

When my wife and I taught in Saudi - people p*ssed about the poor treatment of women there -and true it is and was. But nothing will help free the women more quickly than a good education. (call me an idealist!)

Even if you don't like it - a year or two is not a long time. And the education you'll get being there will be well worth it.

[zaneth]

When I went, there was a requirement to change $300 at the airport at government rates. The rates being an order of magnitude off from reality, it amounted to a hefty entry tax. I had a business visa so didn't have to pay. If you have qualms about the government that would be one way to reduce your support of them.

I hung out with a couple of guys I met, visited their home. I've often wondered if they were hassled later or questioned by the authorities. They were both merchant marine and had regular contact with foreigners, spoke English, so somehow I doubt they had problems. But still, that doubt is there.

I would love to go back. There are wonderful things in Burma, spiritual and material treasures that have been preserved for a long time. To the extent that the present government has maintained these things, kept rampant westernization out, I would be inclined to some gratitude toward them. I'm not sure that US government resistance to the government there is based on human rights interests.

While there, I and the people I was travelling with studiously avoided any mention of politics or the government.

I've heard some things about the government that give me chills, but the cultural heritage of Burma predates the present government, and that's what I was there for.

Please don't go there if you're looking for night life, girls, that sort of thing. I'd hate to see Burma turned into another Thailand. I feel like Burma is a precious place on the planet, and should be respected. If you have that respect, then go.

[Nomad Dan]

I have accepted a postion in Yangon. I am looking forward to a really great teaching and learning experience there.

The accomodations appear very nice....everything just looks excellent. I will keep everyone posted..... I arrive August 1.

[Teacher in Rome]

Congratulations! I'd love to hear how you get on.

[Mike L.]

You don't have to exchange money at the airport anymore. You can pay for the taxi into town in $USD. $7-8 for the 30 min ride if I recall.

You can avoid all government owned hotels and transport easily too. Myanmar is slowley changing and opening up little by little. Unfettered internet access is still very difficult though.

In which case you have to pay "THE" government provider for access. I bet it's not cheap.

I wouldn't worry too much about hanging out with normal people just don't talk politcs in public.

Our taxi driver, who we hired for a few days, actually like talkiing about these things in his taxi..

Other than that the Myanmarese are really laid back, friendly and quite honest compared to their neighbors...

I'm envious Dan wish I was doing a stint in Mandalay or somehwere...

Do keep us posted!

[tedkarma]

Not talking politics is a good idea in many countries. One thing a good EFL teacher learns (hopefully) is when to keep his/her mouth shut.

Five years in Saudi taught me to rarely - if ever - talk about religion or politics except behind closed doors with trusted friends.

[sigmoid]

Odium has a good point about the bombs. This was earlier this month [May].

Scores dead, 200 wounded as four bombs rock Myanmar capital

YANGON (AFP) - Four huge bomb explosions rocked the Myanmar capital Yangon, killing dozens of people and leaving over 200 injured in the worst attack since the military junta took power 40 years ago.

The near-simultaneous mid-afternoon blasts targetted two packed upscale shopping centres, the Dagon and Junction Eight, and the downtown Yangon Trade Center which was hosting a Thai trade fair.

Read the rest at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050507/wl_afp/myanmarblasts_050507135101

[Gordon]

Good luck, Dan. Do keep us posted, sounds like it will be worth a few stories. We may need to rename you Poppy Dan now.

Now who is going to North Korea now?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Hello Nomad Dan:

a few links & a photo ---> brainfood for the road


http://www.irrawaddy.org/ (The Irrawaddy Online)

http://www.yangonow.com/eng/index.html (Yangonow)

http://www.myanmar.com/ (The Golden Land of Myanmar)

http://www.britishcouncil.org/burma.htm (British Council Burma)

http://www.myanmar-tourism.com/ (Welcome to Mystical Myanmar)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myanmar (Wikipedia Myanmar)

http://www.karen.org/ (Karen.org / info, news & forum)

http://www.shambles.net/ (Shambles in SE Asia)


and have fun!



~ Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

~ photo courtesy of http://www.pbase.com/dougj/root