Job Discussion Forums

ellamarie · Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Korea

I'm currently in Korea and thinking about moving on after this contract. I'm not sure where I want to go next so I'm just looking for suggestions from anyone else out there who is older (meaning not 23 and fresh out of uni-no offense to those of you who are) and still teaching or has found another occupation overseas. I'm looking for a place where I can find at least some western foods and amenities and where I will be able to meet other ex-pats. I'm not that into bars and drinking so a huge night life is not all that important. I enjoy dinner and maybe a few drinks with friends, shopping, and sight seeing. I don't expect to be rich but I would like to make enough to live on and save. I would like to be able to travel and maybe enroll in an online Masters program. I know none of that is very specific but neither are my plans. I've considered Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia but I haven't decided on anything yet. Any advice or information would be appreciated.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I'm currently in Korea too, but go home soon to Peru, after only 3 months Smile

I' m only 25, but have been teaching for five years and pass for 30 Smile

Hope that counts.

I'm actually looking into writing info for teachers or people in Peru. I got published this year after being approached by an editor. It made me think about what my husband said about giving away info for free, you can only do it for so long. So I think I'm going to see if I can sell the info I come up with and do a little less teaching. Or set up a teacher placement service for those wanting to come teach in Peru.

There aren't too many expats here in Peru. Pay is around 500 to 1000 a month. You might not be able to save a lot unless you live like a Peruvian, but you could live pretty well here.

I'm also in an online MA at funiber.org and trying to do my thesis but my laptop is near death so that's on hold until I can buy a new one.

EDIT: I don't recommend funiber at all!. After 11 months of waiting, my mom gets my degree today, which
1. hasn't been signed by the king of Spain like they said, and
2. was issued in January.

In Spain, they put DOB and place of birth. I was born in CA, USA, HOWEVER, according to my lovely MA, I was born in Bagua, Peru. Which, is some dinky town in the Amazons that I've never heard of let alone been to.. HOW they screwed this up is beyond me, especially since I JUST gave them a copy of my passport in July 2009.

It's not a good programme. They accuse people of plagarism and then have them pay to have their theses re-read. I fail twice, not becuase of plagarism, just because. Took 1.5 years to pass my thesis, another year to get my degree and now I have my degree, an they put your place of birth on it. And that info is wrong, so now , my degree isn't valid.

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

Teaching for 5 years and you are now 25? Did you get an early BA degree? Most countries require one. Any preferences for or against working in a certain environment: elementary school, ALT position, conversation school, adults only, kids only, etc.?

Over 30 doesn't mean one has a lot of teaching experience. I'm way over 30 and got into the game in my 40s. Same question as above, plus what are your qualifications?

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=58630

Look here for my life story Smile

Yes , regular BA, double major and minor. Eaarly HS and early uni.

ellamarie · Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Korea

I have a BA in English with a concentration in Technical Communications, but I don't have a TEFL certificate which I know is required for some jobs. I have 5 years experience teaching preschool and I worked in 3 residential facilities with delinquent teenagers. I was a supervisor in a residential facility for people with mental retardation but left that job when I decided a social services position probably wasn't for me. After that I worked as an administrative assistant just to pay the bills until I could leave for Korea. I would consider teaching any age group. I'm just more comfortable with kids since I've spent so much time with them. Before teaching adults I might want to take a CELTA course. I'm pretty flexible but I know my salary requirements will probably eliminate some countries.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

They'll eliminate Eastern Europe. There, you can make enough to live on, but not to shop, save, or pay for an MA.

Billy Chaka · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 77

GabeKessel · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Posts: 150

At 30 I went to Japan to work. Now I kind of regret it. I should have gone to Saudi and stayed in Saudi for 5-10 years. And then I would have invested the money and possibly retired at 40. But no, I had to look for adventure and then run out of steam and end up deeply in debt after having lived in all these other fun countries such as Thailand.

So, my advice is go and work in Saudi ( or other Arab countries) until you are at least 35. Make sure though, your income will be higher than it would be in Korea for the same job ( after all expenses)

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

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

ellamarie wrote:

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 5:57 am Post subject:

The Middle East is a good place to save a lot of money - but your quality of life will s*ck. This I say after five years in Saudi Arabia. But - I was there with a goal in mind - to pay off some rental properties I had bought in the States.

Don't be bamboozled by people who talk about how "liberal" the UAE is because they have "coed" beaches. True, but the beachfront is lined with third world M*slims who gawk and stare. Not my kind of relaxing weekend.

Go there if you must - but go with a goal, meet the goal - and leave.

Taiwan is a good option - a very nice change from Korea.