Job Discussion Forums

[phobofanatic]

I'm looking at jobs in both the Caucasus region (Azerbaijan, Georgia) and the Central Asian countries (Kyrgyzstan, Kazak). Anyone been to both? Major differences? I'm looking for the best job possible, but also want a country where it is possible to make friends with the locals....All those countries look very interesting right now....Thanks!

[maruss]

If you browse through the postings on this site,various people have contributed about these countries.Georgia is a 'no-no' because of the unstable situation there at present-there was almost an uprising a few weeks ago!Azerbaijan means Baku,not the most attractive place as you will read but it probably pays more than the other three countries and Kazakhstan has openings but only Almaty is really worth going to from an interest viewpoint-Astana is awful,as are most other modern cities in the country.Also bear in mind that Kazakhstan is notoriously corrupt and it is best to work for a school run by ex-pats if you can because laws and regulations mean little to the locals, including your employment contract!
Lastly Kirghizia where there is a vacancy on tefl.com in a school run by an ex-pat and I have never heard any bad reports about it.But do bear in mind that it is a very poor country and although you will be able to get by reasonably well on your $500 per month or so,it is definitely not the place to go if you want to make serious money,but then where is,especially in former S.U. countries???From a cultural and interest view,I would go for Kyrghizia but then it's a matter of personal choice!