Job Discussion Forums

communicator · Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 4

Greetings All,

I am interested in teaching in KL but the problem is that there's not much information about it, and the information that is available does not seem very promising. It appears that salaries are very low and immigration issues are complicated. I was told by a friend in country that I would have to teach for USD500.00 per month until my visa was approved, which takes about 3 months.

I like the country and the lifestyle, but I'd like a decent position with decent pay. Does anyone out there have any more information about job possibilities for ESL teachers in KL? I also have an extensive background in corporate training and I wouldn't be opposed to giving private lessons to augment my income. But if I don't see reasonable work opportunities then I don't think it's a good ided to move there. Any good advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Worldly · Joined: 04 Dec 2006 Posts: 74 Location: The Cosmos

TO THE FORUM:

Here's another request for basic, reliable information on Malaysia that's gone unanswered.

Why?

I don't see a separate forum at Dave's for Malaysia.

What am I missing?

been_there · Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 284 Location: 127.0.0.1

gugelhupf · Joined: 24 Jan 2004 Posts: 575 Location: Jabotabek

Here's a question I don't think has been asked before: Why are salaries in Malaysia so cr@p?

I saw an ad for IH KL offering 3.5k per month. That is roughly half what I earn in Indonesia where living costs are rather lower than in KL.

CFBT pays 4.5k which isn't a whole lot better, and it sounds like pot luck as to where you are likely to end up teaching.

Whassup?

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

leonconnelly · Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 12 Location: Malaysia

Salaries are low here because there are plenty of very good local teachers. Some of the best teachers I have ever seen are Malaysian and they work hard as they are trying to build a career. Some expats are just here to travel and move on after a year so they don't always give 100%. Most expats are very good and schools want white faces in the brochures so getting a job isnt hard.

If you stay on for a second or third year you can get quite good money. But lets be really honest here, how many of us took up teaching as a way to get rich? I made more money working in a factory that made salad dressing than senior lecturer at an Australian university. I didn't get into this game to make money, I did it so i could teach.

Teaching here in Malaysia has been the most satisfying work of my life. The fun I have had in and out of the classroom and the relationships I have made are worth a whole heap more than money.

TwinCentre · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 273 Location: Mokotow

leonconnelly · Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 12 Location: Malaysia

TC, on a mission from God?

The nice thing about Malaysia has always been the vibe.

saint57 · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 8:06 am Post subject:

I can't play an instrument, but I drink like Jim Morrison. Can I join?

TwinCentre · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 273 Location: Mokotow

Sorry Saints, mate....with you living out near sunway pyramid etc....you wouldn't be able to make our rehearsals down in Cheras, besides, I am the token Matsaleh, no room for more...

saint57 · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 12:20 pm Post subject:

No problem, my real dream is to join a Philppino band anyways. I've been practising my dance moves every night.