Job Discussion Forums

chance · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Canada

I am a recent graduate of Global TESOL College and I am completely new to teaching. My background is in accounting, however, i've recently discovered that my career does not give me the personal satisfaction that I so desperately need. My volunteer work as a camp councillor for 13 - 15 year olds is what finally opened my eyes.

As a newbie, I am wondering which country would be a good place to start? I have travelled through Europe and lived in Colombia, South America, so I guess you could say that I am fairly adaptable to most cultural differences. I'm not overly concerned about money, I just want to work in a country where I will be free to use creativity in my teaching. Originally, I considered going to China, however, I have started to re-think my first choice. This is a huge change for me and I want to make the right decision. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Riddick · Joined: 20 Jul 2005 Posts: 48 Location: China

Hi chance

Welcome to the Forum.

Why not considered going to China? it as great history and other things to see, I have been here for over a year and yes it is huge change in your life but it is worth it, I have so far made many new friends here unlike back at home were people don't even smile or talk to you, I think that China is a great place to live or work in.

Good luck in your search!!. Very Happy

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

Do you have a bachelor's degree? It'll be needed in most countries just to get a work visa.

chance · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Canada

No, unfortunately I don't have a Bachelor's Degree and I realize that I am quite limited in my opportunities. I recently received a contract from an organization in Thailand but have heard some negative feedback in regards to working for them. In your opinion, where would one without a degree receive the best working and living conditions?

A little stressed...

chance · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Canada

Hey Riddick, thanks for welcoming me.

I haven't ruled out China yet and it is, by far, the easiest place for someone without a degree to find a job. Do you think you'll stay there for a while or are you planning to go elsewhere? If you don't mind me asking, how are your working and living conditions? I'm not naive, I do realize that living overseas isn't going to be the same as what i'm used to here at home. I'm just hoping to find a relatively clean accommodation, and a school that is going to treat me like part of the team and not take advantage of me. I have heard both good and bad feedback from a few different countries and I take it all with a grain of salt, realizing that each situation is different. I'm just hoping to be able to make the best possible decision prior to my departure.

Thanks for taking the time to respond,

JDYoung · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 157 Location: Dongbei

I'm on my second contract in China. Obviously I enjoy it or I wouldn't have come back for a second contract. If you work legally in China and check out your prospective employers by emailing current and past teachers you should be able to find a decent job with comfortable living conditions. I think you'll find a softer landing if you work for one of the universities rather than a private company. It may be more difficult to find such a position without a degree but it should be possible.

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

Riddick · Joined: 20 Jul 2005 Posts: 48 Location: China

Hi chance

I will answer your questions, 1. I am not planing to go home, 2. I live in a 4 room apartment in the college they pays my bills I only pay the phone calls I make, the salary is not high but I only work 12 hours a week the salary is something like 4500-5000 a month.

If you go to Qingdao in Shandong Province China the salary is only 4000rmb and you have to work 16-20 hours a week and to pay all your bills your self! but it a very nice seaside city and modern.

Tianjing is only one hour from Beijing the salary 4000-6000 maybe? and 16-20 or more working hours and you have to pay the bills your self.

I came here with my friend over a year ago on L-visa, we both got work some colleges can change over from L-Z easy but some can not, my friend did not have a BA but his salary is from 3000-4000rmb working 20 hours in small citys or towns.

There are some small apartments in others schools around China some are not worth living in, but if you are single and don't care thats up to you but me I am Married maybe I have had luck in geting a nice places to live in who knows!, my last College I worked in had a 3 room apartment and the they pay all my bills at 4000rmb for 16 hours,

Bye Very Happy

chance · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Canada

Thanks for the feedback JDYoung, much appreciated!

Glenski, thanks, that was a wonderful suggestion, however, I am just slightly over 30. So, I am no longer eligible.

chance · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Canada

Hey Riddick,

Wow, that was a lot of information. Much appreciated!

It sounds as though your experience has been primarily positive. That is great to hear.

One other concern I have is with security. Do you feel it is safe for me to bring such things as a laptop computer, camera, and other valuable items? I read on one forum about a teacher who had visitors in her apartment. Apparently, all of the Chinese teachers she worked with had a key to her apartment and went in there to use her shower and other things. I am sure that doesn't happen everywhere, but do you feel your accommodation is secure?

Riddick · Joined: 20 Jul 2005 Posts: 48 Location: China

Hi chance

To your questions, yes I have find it safe so far I have a sony laptop and video camera very school or college or university have its own security some do some don't but you have your own key I will only live on the 3rd or 4th floors I never take a low floor if you get my meaning.

In my last College I had security living in the build and on the gates, here I have a modern apartment unlike some in China, as for security they walk around here every night so yes I am safe so far.

I took out insurance before I came to China could you not do the same?

Bye Very Happy

chance · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Canada

Good point, no ground level apartments. I hadn't thought about that. Also, taking out insurance on my laptop and camera prior to leaving is a great suggestion.

I really appreciate all your help. It is comforting to receive feedback from people who are actually living and working overseas.

Thanks for your honesty,

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

I have been living in China for over 3 1/2 years and still love it. I have a modern private apartment in the city centre and you will find that China is so much safer than Canada. I have a cook and a cleaning woman and both have the key to my apartment, I have never had anything stolen.

Riddick · Joined: 20 Jul 2005 Posts: 48 Location: China

Hi chance

You are Welcome. Very Happy

If you need any information you can always ask me or 'pm' me. or talk to other members on here.

take care. Very Happy

JDYoung · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 157 Location: Dongbei

As for electronic gear and security, I have a laptop computer, digital camera, mp3 player, DVD player and tons of gadgets. If it's out there with a computer chip, I want it. I've had no problems with the security at my school. The staff here are sometimes painfully honest.

I would say you'd be more likely to lose stuff to pickpockets and purse snatchers. Violent crimes against foreigners, at least in this city, is not common if you take reasonable care. I feel safer here than in many parts of Toronto.