Job Discussion Forums

mattalbie · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 12

Hi,

I'm leaving for Asia soon. I plan to do a TEFL course (grad. business studies 1991) in Thailand first, probably Stamford College as they seem to be the cheapest with a good rep. Unless you can recommend anywhere. I am also tempted by doing a course on one of the islands but they seem more expensive. I was wondering if I just turn up at the course facility would they be willing to negociate a deal on the course price?

After this I want to teach for approx 3 or 4 months. Then do a diving course before returning to UK in Sept.

I need advice regarding which country to teach in. I would like to save some cash if poss. so I need somewhere that pays reasonably well. I suppose that means Vietnam, Taiwan, or Korea.

Thing is I want to start reasonably quickly, I'm taking approx �2000 with me, I want to reduce the amount of red tape as much as poss.

Vietnam: I believe I need a criminal record check for Nam, if I had more time I would arrange this here, I've checked various UK sites etc, however they don't seem to accomodate individuals only organisations. The CRB checks I have had recently for the work I do tend to take 6 weeks or more and I want to leave in 2 or 3 weeks.

So is Nam out?

I believe this is the same for Taiwan not sure about Korea though, however woud my age go against me in Korea.

Which country is more favourable for short term work?

Can you recommend any other countries in Asia?

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 4:13 pm Post subject:

Probably no one will negotiate price for a TEFL course. It just doesn't happen.

Take a look at "How to Choose a TEFL Course" for advice on how to proceed: http://phuketdelight.com/TEFL.htm

Your best bet for saving real money is Korea - but almost every employer will want a one-year contract. You can - without great difficulty - save up to US$1000. a month there.

I'm not sure why you think your age would count against you in Korea. I got my first EFL job there in '92 at age 41 - my most recent job there at age 51. No problem.

Short-term contracts are just too much trouble and too much expense, time and money-wise - when there are plenty of people ready and willing to do a one-year contract.