Job Discussion Forums

[Fawnderella]

Hello. I am considering teaching in Asia or Latin America. I am a single woman who has travelled around the United States alone but I've not been overseas yet. I would appreciate hearing the experiences that other women have had in different countries. Were you treated fairly? Did you feel safe or threatened? Any advice or suggestions in finding a suitable location? Thanks. Peace- Fawn

[Mchristophermsw]

You will have a blast and be fine.
Just take the normal precautions that you would take as single female in the US.

Remember, we have the most people locked up in prison than anywere else in the world. The US is not a safe place--I have worked in the Correction system, so I know first hand but it seems most Americans are shielded from how dangerous it really is living here.

Congradualations and best wishes as you engage in awsome expereince overseas!

[denise]

I spent two years in Asia, and now I am in South America. While I definitely prefer the lifestyle here, I have to say that the "women�s situation" is better in Japan. Here, for the first time in my life, I will not go out by myself at night, will not travel by myself, and feel uncomfortable getting into cabs by myself at night. In Chile I felt relatively safe, but here in Peru I don�t. There are constant catcalls, hooting, whistling, etc. Sure, it�s easy enough to ignore them, but what really creeps me out is when they come from cab drivers, who will slow down and drive alongside me while whistling and catcalling. And I am supposed to trust them to get me home safely at night?!?!?

It wouldn�t be a deciding factor for me if I were trying to decide on a destination (I like to think that I am usually smart enough to keep myself out of trouble!), and it won�t really color my opinion of Peru (I love it!), but it is a nuisance, and it does require some adjustments in my social life. If you are used to a certain amount of independence, and you take your safety for granted, you may have to make some adjustments also if you head down this way.

But don�t be discouraged!!! It�s really awesome down here!

d

[YanquiQuilme�o]

Mchristophermsw, are you a woman? Have you ever been to Latin Ameria or Asia?

I'm just curious.

[Mchristophermsw]

Yanq,

To be fair I have never lived in Latin America. But I have lived extensively in India, Singapore, China, and Japan.

I am a male but have had many female friends in these countries.
My main point is that if she is ok in the USA then she should be fine atleast in ASIA as long as she takes the same procautions to be safe.

Its funny we are talking about safety because just 20 minutes ago I was on the ground in Handcuffs and surrounded by 8 police officers with guns pulled out at me. I person driving my model car just shot and killed 3 people within 3 blocks of were I was driving at.

Yes, it was a mistaken Identity and I am ok. But my point is whether your a girl or boy one must take the be aware of their surroundings and take normal precautions--and that is anywere in the world.

Remember she said she lives in the USA at present. And remember I did state that I worked before in the correction system so I do know a thing or two.

I will say it agian, I hope she has a great time and just be cautious as we all should be with the places we go and the company we keep.

[Mchristophermsw]

Denise gives a great advice and her post are well informed and sincere.

Hey Denise,

Sorry about the inconvenience you had down in peru--boy, some guys just can't control themselves when they see a beautiful woman!

I lived in Latin Caribean or West Indies for 2 years ( Trinidad and Tobago ) and while it was relatively safe, One does notice the OBJECTIFICATION of women.

I observed alot of cat calls and audio jestures like smacking of the lips
( they call it suiting), Icall it rude. They even did this when I was with a woman. I talked to alot of females about it and I had varied responses.
Some like the attention while others thought it was just plane rude and would not give those guys the time of day.

As far as danger, the place I stayed had very small communites and most people knew each other if not personally, by face.

But I apoligize on behalf of my gender, geeze we are just ill behaived little boys at time ( Not me--them) LOL

[denise]

Why, thank you!

At least it is easy to meet men here! Any women who�ve lived in Asia and have gotten thoroughly fed up at, or depressed by, the dating situation there--foreign guys have local girls fawning all over them, while foreign gals get nothing!--should head down this way!

d

P.S. Please please please, let�s not rehash the whole "Asian dating" issue yet again! I mean this as a light-hearted post only, nothing more! And yes, of course there are exceptions!

[thelmadatter]

I think its a little different for me as Im older (41) and no longer skinny.

I have had no problems in Mexico, either here in Toluca (supposedly one of the lowest crime rates in the country) or in the big, bad city (Mexico City).

Of course being from New York taught me how to be careful in the big city

[Perpetual Traveller]

I can't say I've ever felt threatened but then I always try to take precautions that stop me from being in a position where I might be (geez sorry, that came out as clear as mud ). That is I make sure that I have found out what areas are considered to be dangerous and I try to avoid them when alone, at night etc.

However, I have definitely felt like the centre of attention many a time and been asked to pose in photos and stuff. Personally I don't find this threatening but it can be a drag after a while. I guess it pays to know that you may experience this so you can be prepared, it's less scary if you know that it's not unusual.

People will often advise you to try and blend in. Great advice! However, sometimes it's just not possible. I'm about 5'9" (174cm) and have long blonde hair and I still get a laugh out of the memory of someone telling me that I shouldn't wear shorts in Thailand because it would make me stand out!

Aside from that you just need to be sensible. If you are going somewhere conservative leave the boob tube at home! As Mchristophermsw said, take the same precautions as you would anywhere and you'll be fine and have a blast!

PT