Job Discussion Forums

[marrsy]

Hi All � some questions if you don't mind... I've been thinking of doing the TEFL gig for a while but have a few apprehensions: FYI � I�m 32 years old and have been running my own business for 11 years and I�m burnt out so I�m taking the TEFL and looking to teach again � did a stint as a music teacher after college�

I was looking into Korea and China maybe Japan but not till later on�
Korea - seems (from my limited research) to be going through an anti American phase (maybe not new - I just started looking) but they pay better and I've gotten an offer there from Elite English Academy - checked the black and gray list and found nothing about them - anyone know them?

In China I�ve been contacted by the Yunnan College of business management - anyone know them -

Both countries living wise how safe did you feel before going and how easy is it to bring clothes, guitars, what have you - are there lots of custom hassles etc -
The reason I ask is that I have no immediate family and no one to wonder where I am �
So although I've been all across America and most of Europe I've never ventured into Communists areas and going all alone with no contacts - not sure if it's the smartest thing to do - so I guess I'm curious about all your first thoughts and experiences - how many went blind and how is it living in a communists or near a communist country (north Korea) �
From what I've read - I'm a new member but have been reading the post for awhile and I can't find many problems outside of some people being or acting stupid - I'm used to traveling alone but up and moving is big choice �
What to bring, should I sell or rent my own house here in Boston? Put my stuff in storage? - Did people bring most of there own belongings or just buy clothes in the new country etc - did most of you know anyone or go with others your first trip -
I know a lot of things I take for granted here won't be available or expensive but I can adapt to most situations good and bad. I'm just looking for a more cultural experience I won't get from just traveling for a few months. Sorry lots of questions - and anything I might have forgotten feel free to enlighten me please - Thanks in advance

[Bayden]

There are no problems bringing stuff in, just make sure you're able to carry everything in one load.
Customs are no problem (can't imagine why you think bringing a guitar would be a problem)
As for living in a communist country, China just has a different system of Government, otherwise it's really no different than anywhere else.
Living NEAR North Korea is the same as living on the other side of the world from North Korea, it has no impact on daily life.
Bring the essentials and buy here, whatever you do, don't bring most of your belongings.
Rent your house. It's an appreciating asset and something to go back to,selling it would be a little foolish. (Take plenty of photos of your house, surrounding area, shopping centre, friends and family, they make great talking points)
Your biggest problem is going to be the language and getting around initially. Read the menu? forget about it. Ask directions? forget about it. Signs in English? Forget about it.
Very few people in the service industry (restaurants, bus, train station, less than 5 star hotels, travel agents etc) or in general really, speak english.
Travel as light as possible, take care of your passport and money and don't forget to bring the most important thing of all, your wits, and keep them about you.
Sounds rough, but remember, many do it.
Traveling alone in China is generally no problem. The language issue aside, most people are friendly, genuine and helpful. (Except most busy people at ticket booths as a rule)

[marrsy]

thanks Bayden - great answers - i didn't think it'd would be aproblem with the guitar but was wondering how to get it over - read some bad things about Ups in china - alot of things I know I can buy, instuments not sure if I could get or even if there worth bringing - god idea about the talking point - pictures and stuff - thanks again - anyone know of the business school in Kunming

[denise]

Regarding what clothes to bring or buy--pardon my impertinence, but how big are you? If you're smallish by western standards (or just plain small), you can find clothes there. If you're larger, you'll have a harder time shopping there.

You've said you have no immediate family, but what about trusted friends? Pack some boxes of things you might want, and as needed, have your friends mail them to you. Or if you know your address or school's address in advance, you can ship them to yourself. Just to keep your baggage manageable on your flight over... (This from the Queen of Overpacking! )

Don't overdo it bringing teaching materials. If you have a couple of favorite books or activities, bring those, but any half-decent school should have a resource library.

As far as putting stuff in storage--if you're only planning on staying overseas for a year or so, it's a good idea. If your year or so becomes an indefinite stay, you can run into problems. (My own stuff is apparently still boxed up in San Francisco at--ooooops!-- my ex-boyfriend's expense.)

Make sure you get your bank statements, credit card statements, etc. on line.

And don't worry about taking off for the unknown alone. A lot of us do it! Your first contacts and friends will likely be the other teachers. They can help you get settled in.

Good luck!
d

[marrsy]

Hey D - That's a good point didn't think about size - I'm 6 ft about 170 or so and not very worried about traveling alone more if something went wrong in China I'd be barely able to communicate with them and be without alot of resources back here outside of the consulate... but hey life's an adventure right Thanks for your advice and if you need anything picked up in San Fran let me know and I'll stop by on my way to China

[JZer]

marrsy, I don't want to scare you but I would be careful in China. I would not recommend going off the normal tourist path until you learn some Chinese.

There were two Aussis thrown in jain a few years ago due to lack of communication.

[JZer]

From one internet article,

[marrsy]

hey JZer - thanks for the response - yeah I need to pick up more of the language - actually i was originally thinking of South Korea but found more anti american problems there although they exist every where at the moment... How do you like Sk -

[Gordon]

You will find anti-Americanism in every country. Not going to Korea because of that reason would be silly. Korea might be an easier place than china to start off and the money will certainly be better. If you go to Seoul, that would be even easier.

[JZer]

[Gordon]

[JZer]

[Bayden]

[JZer]

[marrsy]

Last thing I'd be doing is writing political stuff - songs sure not political though - Seoul is where I read about the protests but I figure it's gotta be safer than New York - anyway none of this would stop me if I choose to go I've been trying toget an idea from people who are there and not form News articles I read thanks again