Job Discussion Forums

minoritygirl · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 5

I am currently browsing around the different forums, trying to gauge what is out there, but what I've seen so far doesn't seem too promising. I am not looking to make or spend a lot of money, but I am concerned about safety and friendliness in each country/continent. I would like to know which countries are safe for women and have a lot of teaching opportunities. I only drink with my friends and rarely at that, I hate clubs, but I do like to walk around and visit historical places. I'm from New York so I know all about watching my back, so I just want to go to a country that isn't worse than what I deal with in New York.

I have been teaching for two years and have an M.S. in education, and I"m also working on a TESOL certification. Thank you.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Although the market is saturated here in Japan, the country is considered one of the safest around. As for women, yeah, there are exceptions like the gropers you may find on trains, but in some places there are even women-only train cars to combat that. Generally speaking, you will probably be all right. Ask other women, or look at the book Being A Broad in Japan (or the web site).

Sadly, a newbie with higher credentials such as yours will probably still have to start out in an entry level job here. But that could only be for a year, maybe 2.

glasshouses · Joined: 22 Jun 2007 Posts: 16

In Japan, I personally worked with a woman of colour at a small school. On the JET programme there were quite a few people of colour as well. I am working with another guy, an African American who worked in Japan for a few years and only has good things to say about it. I'm married to a Japanese, and I can't say I've heard a lot negative statements about race, except for a little xenophobia about all races. I don't know if that's what you were getting at with the title of your post. If I've misunderstood, apologies.
I've also taught in South America, Canada and the UK if you are curious about any of those markets.
Smile

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I would guess that you would be treated better in Japan than most other places in Asia. I'm sure you have faced far more racism in NY than you would in Japan, at least here it would not be in a threatening manner.

BritSoul · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 1 Location: japan

As a black British teacher in Tokyo i agree with all the other replies. I have never experienced racism in Japan and have had no problems finding working here. I've been here since 1999, in terms of safety and work i recommend Japan.
There are a lot of opportunities also in Korea although there is a lot more open racism there. I do know a few African Americans working there happily and successfully who say they prefer living there than the states.

tannhauser · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 43 Location: Middle East

Er? No racism in Japan? You were very lucky. Where we were the was not just subtle but rather open hostility to anyone who wasn't strictly speaking white. If you're not black you don't notice it as much. They may not be as xenophobic as the Koreans but to give them their dues they don't exactly roll out the red carpet for people of color.

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

China and Thailand are other options to consider.

eunike · Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 2 Location: California, USA

Keep us updated, minoritygirl. As a woman of color myself, I'm definitely interested in your job search. We gotta stick together!

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

A couple of other options are Taiwan and Hong Kong. I've taught at universities in both places.

WannaTeach · Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 5

I hope it's alright that I bump this thread for fresh eyes. Hopefully others can share their experiences as well, and hopefully minority girl will come back and update us.