Job Discussion Forums

[Dr Disco]

I've heard of several people wanting to teach in Myanmar or Laos, but then they hated it. Apart from the jobs, many people said that they didn't like living there.

I love the climate of SE Asia, and have been to Thailand and Cambodia, and I've taught for over a year in Seoul. To me, SE Asia in general seems more relaxed and friendly.

Can anyone shed light on what people dislike about Laos and Myanmar (politics aside)? No one seems to elaborate very much on the details, and to me a more laid back life sounds the way to go.
As I'm finishing up my extended contract in Seoul I'm starting to look for the possibility of work in SE Asia (mainly Laos and Myanmar). Does anyone have with experience working in these countries?

Thanks.

[sarakrosch]

I have just accepted a position as a Principal/Teacher in Laos. Everything I read about working there (some from Dave's Job Journal on Laos) sounds amazing. I have also been to SE Asia and I am hoping it is more relaxed and friendly than China was.

The only negative comment I heard about the school I have accepted a position from came from an expat NGO worker who cautioned that the school "mistreated their foreign teachers." But, I find this hard to believe since most of the foreign staff have renewed their one-year contracts (several times) because they liked it so much. I am going to Laos for the culture, climate and the people, not the money even though life seems very cheap there. So people can't really complain about standard of living.

I am surprised you have come across so much negativity about Laos...I can't wait to start packing my bags next week!!

[Nomad Dan]

and I am taking a position in Myanmar....I really don't know anything about it as I have never travelled there...and I have been to Laos Cambodia and of course Thailand.
I am taking it as an adventure, pure and simple. I will go with absolute flexibility. Often, I think, when you hear people say things like "they treat their foreigners badly" it is because these mistreated foreigners were not flexible in the first place. Having taught in Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Korea, I am so ready to move on to this new adventure.
I wanted to teach at an international school in Vientiane Laos, but they never responded to my emails...Their loss will be Rangon's gain.
Cheers,
Nomad D

[Dr Disco]

[Stumptown]

Where have you guys found postings for jobs in Myanmar? There isn't even a forum on Dave's for that. Wouldn't that be a sketchy place to work?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Hello Stumptown:


I'm in the process of expanding The Master Index + TEFL FAQ Thailand

to include a few general & TEFL-related links for

Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia.

On the Thai Forum, just click on the 'sticky post' and scroll down to Part III.

General TEFL job-offered links are located in the TEFL WORLDWIDE category in Part II.

New links to the library are always appreciated & most WELCOME.




if you're using a slow dial-up modem, it might take a minute or 2 for the page to load !

[opo]

I am currently in Thailand, but am moving to Laos in Aug. I got kinda lucky and did manage to get in at an international school but there are lot's of good paying jobs there. (well compared to the cost of livin) A good place to find jobs is Laos, Cambodia, Viet and Burma is mekongesl.com. Another way is to decide what city you like and go to their yellow pages online. (find it through google) and just type in schools. You'll find lots of jobs throughout these areas. I've been to Laos a couple of times and love it. I've never heard anybody realy say they hated it there, but christ everything does move really s l o w, so if your an impatient person don't bother.

Cheers,

It's all fun and games till someone loses an eye... then it's a sport.

[Nomad Dan]

Sorry I never responded to that inquiry, stumptown....
I discovered the job through an international school search organization.
I am looking forward to seeing what Myanmar is like. I loved Laos.
Cheers,
Nomad Dan

[Tiger Beer]