Job Discussion Forums

[tirthyatri]

I'm planning on starting teaching ESL overseas. I have several questions that I'd like some opinions on from old hands, some of which have been answered in various ways before, but a couple that I haven't found addressed previously in the forum.

First of all, let me explain my plan as it stands now, and I welcome any comments on the feasibility of it. I want to start out in Vietnam, no later than six months from now, depending on what happens at my current job (another story). I have a bachelors degree in linguistics, but no certification as of yet. My intent is to do that in Vietnam. I am 57 years old; I wonder whether that will make any difference. I have experience teaching English as a volunteer here in the USA.

One major question on my mind is what about taking the spouse? My wife is very interested in accompanying me (in fact, I won't go without her), but not in the least bit interested in teaching or doing any other work herself. I foresee problems with a visa for her, as well as arranging accomodation on arrival.

A second factor is that we have no intention of ever going back to the States. Vietnam is one stopping off point to consider for permanent living; if we decide we don't like it, we'll move on, maybe to Cambodia or China (I speak Chinese), maybe eventually to India when my pensions kick in and I don't have to work for a living. Has anybody out there ever done something like that? I'd appreciate any advice I can get.

Thanks to all

Tirthyatri

[Glenski]

re: visas
See what options are available for a dependent visa. Japan has such. It lets one's spouse come and stay longer than the 90-day tourist status allows.

re: wife not wanting to work
Nothing says she has to work, but realize that in countries with low income teaching jobs, you may be scraping by to make a living for two. If she wants to go with you (and you obviously want her to come along), then what do you think she'll do while you're at work, especially when she will likely not know the local language? Friend of mine is married to a Thai woman, and she teaches privately (cooking and dance classes) out of their home. Really gets her in touch with the community, and helps to improve her language skills.

[naturegirl321]

You've overcome the first hurdle, which is agreeing on going. Most countries will get her a spousal visa if you are on a work visa. For example, I looked into Korea, Czech Rep and China and all said that they would get my husband a visa and your wife could volunteer to fill her time. And since you're legally married, I see no problem with accomodations either.

[tirthyatri]

Glenski, naturegirl, thanks for your help. Actually, I'm not too worried about whether my income from teaching alone will support us; at my age, you'd better have some savings, and while I'd like to have more, I wouldn't be considering this sort of thing at my age if I coundn't afford to make it work long term.

As for my wife getting bored, I'm not worried. We've lived overseas before, and she's always managed to keep busy managing the house and dealing with the expat community.

I AM concerned about my age being an issue, at least in some countries. Can anybody comment on how significant that would be in East Asia?

[tedkarma]

Your age, for most of Asia, shouldn't be a problem I'm 56 - and no problem. Though I semi-"retired" a few months ago - I landed good teaching jobs in Korea and Thailand in my early mid-50s.

IMO, your age is an advantage. The crappy schools won't want you, but the better schools will see you as a stable and probably more reliable candidate.

With a degree in linguistics - look for jobs at universities and better schools and they will be more likely and more able to assist you in getting your wife the appropriate visa. Lots of schools in Thailand for example, don't even do much to make their own teaches legal, no less a dependent. But, generally speaking, the better schools always do the paperwork right.

[naturegirl321]

To the OP, where have you lived overseas and how did you learn CHinese?!

[tirthyatri]

Ted: I never even considered trying a university. I will look into that, but I'm sure I'll need some sort of certification before I can even apply.

Naturegirl: My concentration for linguistics in college was on Oriental languages; I studied Chinese for five years, Japanese for two.

As for living overseas, I was an exchange student in Russia back in the 70's, which is where I met my wife. We lived in Kenya for a few years in the 80's when I worked with an oil company. Kenya's a great place to live if you have a large multinational behind you - my wife loved it there! - but it can be pricey for a foreigner.

[tedkarma]

[Sgt Killjoy]

I think you'll do ok in Asia and don't worry about a spousal visa. Sometimes, they can be a pain depending on the country, but they are usually no more painful than a work visa in getting.

[Glenski]

[comenius]