Job Discussion Forums

icebear · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 40 Location: Alaska

Alright, so here's the deal:
-I graduate this coming May with a bachelors in economics from Colorado State. During my time here I studied abroad in Prague and loved it dearly.
-I'm certain I'd like to continue on to graduate studies, and actually have that lined up pretty well, but I feel the need to take a year off and get some of this wanderlust out of me before committing to a 5 year program.
-At the moment TESL/TEFL seems like the best means to an end for that, and I've been researching programs/jobs in Prague specifically.
-I would love to spend another year in Prague since I know its a place I enjoy very much, and apparently its not incredible difficult to eke by there. Still, I'm interested in exploring what other options may exist. I've been reading these forums voraciously and am quite frankly finding it a bit overwhelming. So I figured I'd ask for some suggestions on possible destinations...
-I figured by the time I'd leave next August I'd have around $5000 saved up. This means if I choose Prague half goes to a certificate program and a flight there, with the rest being cusion money to live off until I get some steady income. I'm definitely going to try and save more, but this is my garunteed minimum to keep in mind when planning.

Basically I'm just looking for what options are out there. Central/Eastern Europe rub me the right way for sure, but it seems like money will be a little tighter there (and definitely bare bones by the time I buy a return ticket).
Latin America would be great, I've been to Colombia 6 times since my mom is from there, but I'm wondering if its not just the same thing as Europe - you pay your way in handsomely.
Finally Asia is one I wouldn't mind, especially China or Japan. I've read things about getting free room and round trip tickets to some Asian countries, what is the reality behind this? Do these programs accept mere college grads or would I have to cram in a TEFL course next summer (thus cutting into those savings)?

I'd prefer to be in mid to large city (I'm a skateboarder so I enjoy modern architecture). A warmer climate would be nice, but I was raised in Alaska so its not key (Prague for example is fine with me). I'm college aged and enjoy a drink with some friends at a bar or club, but a raging club scene isn't a breaking point (although an uptight culture that shuns a social drink altogether is). I'm currently thinking August 2006-Summer 2007, so a contract is fine as long as I can be back by the 2007 academic year.

Also, I've seen some word of scams in Asia. What's the scoop here and what should I look out for? I admit this post is all over the place, so thanks for any advice for better or worse.

Gregor · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 842 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Check these people out:
http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=10237
The Caladonia School has been around seemingly forever, and I've heard good things about it. Get your TEFL and immediately get to work as a teacher, right there in Prague.
Good luck.

Cdaniels · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 3:38 am Post subject: Money issues

Yes, there is more money to be made in Asia. You will have to break down Asia into Japan, Korea, China, Indonesia, etc in order to make any sense of the market out there, though. If you just want to compare/contrast Prague with another possibility, you might want to look into Japan as there's lots of info out there and well-known, well-established programs. Prague seems to have a large number of English teachers who wanted to get into an EU country before they got serious about closing employment to non-EU citizens. Unless you have a dual-citizenship, this may become an issue.

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

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:54 am Post subject: Re: Some direction

icebear · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 40 Location: Alaska

As far as skipping the certification and just plunging into China (which I'm not against)... would I arrange the job ahead of time or would I just show up and hope for the best? I know in Central Europe the general plan seems to be get a TEFL there, scour for a job, etc. How does the process in Asia compare? Thanks for any advice.

And to the other responders...
I've heard Caldonian school in Prague does offer stable employment, but generally treat their teachers like crap. Can't confirm this, its merely the ranting of two or so current teachers in Prague whom I've contacted for tips.
Just to reiterate, I'm just looking to burn a year doing something productive and enriching before graduate school. Many people go off and get some terrible job to save due to massive debt, but I'm not in this position so I'd like to take advantage and do something enriching. I'm leaning towards Prague at the moment since I know I enjoy it there, but this post is more to raise some other ideas. Also, I'm trying to figure out what average startup costs are in countries as well as required credentials (for example Japan seems to offer great opportunities to save but also seems strict on what they require as well as having a high startup cost). Again, thanks for any advice.

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

You can get your flight paid for (usually upon completion of your contract)and free housing in China. If you prefer a warmer climate I would look into southern China. You may like cities such as Zhuhai, Haikou or Guangzhou.

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

I love it here in China. I recomment the university jobs as they are secure and normally pay on time and in full. Depending on where you go, you'll get a furnished apartment with utilities, internet, an internal travel allowance between semesters and round trip airfare. A TESL Certificate is nice but not required. Look at other posts re salary.