Job Discussion Forums

Matt_22 · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 193

I am planning on leaving at the beginning of October to do a TEFL course (TEFL Int'l) in Ban Phe, Thailand. However, I still haven't figured out where I should work. I will most likely only be working through the month of August 2007, so I'm only going to be able to work for roughly 10 months. I'd like to be able to save enough money to pay loan bills ($150/mo), afford a ticket home, and be able to take some budget vacations to neighboring countries.

I am a 23 year old guy with the following qualifications: I will have a BA in Political Science, over a year of experience working part-time tutoring English and Math in elementary schools, as well as the recently acquired TEFL cert.

My ideas so far? Hanoi sounds like a pretty good time. Phnom Penh would be a crazy ten months too. Anyone have any suggestions? I will have to begin working in November if that makes any difference.

saint57 · Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 11:24 pm Post subject:

If you can't find something is S.E. Asia, China is a good option. Get a job at a public school or "international" school. The school year starts in September and ends at the end of June.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:12 am Post subject:

Ten months - uh . . . is pretty close to a year. Why not do two more months and do a contract in Korea where you can save US$1000+ per month and easily pay your bills and sock away a little cash?

isanity · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 179

Working in Vietnam makes people bitter and twisted. Wink

Phnom Penh would be a better choice- sufficiently ramshackle that short-termism is expected, but surprisingly well-paying.

Matt_22 · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 193

Well, I will probably have to begin grad school (MA Int'l Relations in Prague) in 10 months, so I was hoping go somewhere that'll be lots of fun and not so industrialized/westernized. Saving money isn't the biggest issue, I just want the ability to spin my wheels paying off student loans and having a good time.

Boy Wonder · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 453 Location: Clacton on sea

Matt...go somewhere interesting and fun....SE Asia for example or Central/Eastern Europe.
Steer clear of Western Europe.....you will find yourself working too much and not having enough money to do whatever it is you want to do.

Cambodia, Thailand, Ukraine, Latvia.....check out those countries.

billybuzz · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 219 Location: turkey

Please ,please don't come to Turkey there are enough freeloading, no mark , wastes of space here already ,if your that clever go and be a banker ,get a real job,eh thrifty .Leave us tefl jerks to our sad fate !

Matt_22 · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 193

afowles · Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Posts: 85 Location: USA

I would suggest South Korea. I've been here for just a few weeks, but all the other natives gush about their experience, and one year is a common tenure.

And you definitely have plenty of cash to travel.

blondie10 · Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 40

Make sure you get a multiple entry visa in Thailand, much easier to leave the country and visit surrounding countries. While I was in Thailand I visited Burma, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. My advice is get a job in Phuket or Chiang Mai and stay in Thailand (avoid Bangkok). Travel is really cheap. I used to fly from Phuket to Bangkok for 25 USD. If you get a VIP bus where the seats recline and you can sleep it is even cheaper. The rail system is also very reasonable. I rented a motorbike while I was there and it was really inexpensive.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Go where your heart takes you. If you don't care about money, Brazil is a lot of fun.