Job Discussion Forums

[mrsfoz]

My husband has twelve months paid leave due in 2007.
During this time we are thinking about travelling to Vietnam or China and was thinking of the possibilities of teaching whilst there. I have a Bachelor of Economics and a Grad Dip in Education with a minor in Special Education. I am currently working lecturing at TAFE level and working with Aboriginal people teaching literacy and numeracy.

I have two children who would also be coming with me (daughter 6 and son 4). Do any of the schools provide accomodation suitable for families?
With my husband still being paid his Australian wage money would not be a high concern but we are interested in doing this for the experience.

Would it be better to try and secure an appointment prior to leaving Australia or is it easy enough to find a position when we arrive?

Does anyone have any advice - schools, preperation prior to going etc? If we do go ahead I really would like a stress free experience for my children more than anything else. We will be putting them in school (international / local not sure)They are pretty flexible and have already experienced different cultures.

[go_ABs]

I can't advise on Vietnam, but only about China:

You will be able to find jobs as teachers, no problem. You're almost overqualified.

But: it's just as well money is not important. Even with two incomes you're unlikely to make enough to support a family of four.

If I were you, I'd find a school/uni BEFORE leaving, and make sure the accommodation is satisfactory. Residences in China are typically small, and universities often have a 'foreigner hotel' with semi-permanent rooms for the teachers. These rooms are usually only one lounge, one bedroom, and a bathroom. They are not necessarily small, but for a family of four I think they are TYPICALLY too small.

Outside of major centres you're unlikely to find an acceptable place to educate your children. (You might consider doing it yourself?) The kids wouldn't cope in a Chinese school because of language and stylistic differences. International schools are EXPENSIVE, since they're aimed at expat businessmen rather than lowly EFL teachers! But with the money you have spare, you might be able to do that.

Being realistic about things, though, this is NOT going to be a stress-free activity for you or your family. It's a stressful thing to do, even for an adventurous 20-something.

In sum: look in major centres where there are international schools for the kids, and find suitable jobs with accommodation before you leave.

Good luck!