Job Discussion Forums

kattate · Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Sydney, Australia

Hi guys,

I'm loving this forum and this is the first time I've had to actually ask a question - everything else I need is on here already!

I'm a 22 year old female from Australia working in public relations and thinking about moving overseas in August to teach English. This is for various reasons, mainly that I am very passionate about English and communications and LOVE to teach kids!! Smile

As I'm young and have not travelled widely as a solo traveller (except for a quick European tour when I was eighteen), do you think China or Vietnam would suit me best?

I will be undertaking a 4-week TEFL course in either country before job hunting. I have a BA in politics and journalism and a post-grad in public relations.

I've heard Vietnam is beautiful but China might offer more stability and support as it's a more popular choice for ESL teachers. I've also heard the major cities in China offer a better social scene and a bigger expat population, which appeals to me very much!!

I'd be looking at either Saigon in Vietnam or Beijing/Shanghai in China to start off my adventure! I'm very excited but also very nervous!!

Any (helpful) advice is very much appreciated! Smile

Thanks,
Kat

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

Which one would you really want to see up front: Southeast Asia or Northeast Asia?

kattate · Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Sydney, Australia

I've not been to either region!! So no idea!!

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

The choice is yours as you will find no matter where you go teaching ESL, teachers that have stayed in the same country for many years. I would however recommend Hanoi over Saigon.

I prefer to teach in public schools and there is no problem finding work in China at public schools. In general the wage is plenty to live on but forget saving unless you put the hours in.

In general if you mix with other expats you will find yourself spending a lot of money. There isn't much reason to be in a foreign country if you are just going to hang out with expats unless you are on big money.

pdsqzy · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Philippines

I can't sam much about Vietnam (never been there) but I taught last year (2007) in Zhengzhou, China and loved it. Lot of opportunity for travel, tons of culture and students are absolutely great. If you want to hang out with expats, stay home.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Do you have any darts? This is as good of a way as any. It won't matter where you go, as much as the attitude you take with you.
China ceratinly has more school in more locations. I would suggest basing it on something such as what kind of climate you would like, or what places of interest you would most like to go to.

kattate · Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Sydney, Australia

Darts??

I guess, being a West Aussie, I love the sun and warm weather. The beach also re-energises me... I also like friendly locals and meeting the locals. However, as I'm young and not well-travelled, being in a place where there are a few expats to meet at the start of my travels appeals just for that added confidence boost.

After a while, though, I'd like to be socialising with both locals and expats.

I suppose I'm leaning towards Vietnam...I'll be doing the TEFL International course in either Vietnam or China - the China one seems to have more orientation/excursions to it, which is why I considered Beijing over Saigon to begin with...

Can you tell I'm confused? LOL!!

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Go to the respective China/ Vietnam board and ask for places near the beach.

Darts, throw one at a map because it really will all come down to chance

kattate · Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Sydney, Australia

Hehe I like your philosophy Smile

Cheers for all the advice guys Smile

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 5:56 am Post subject:

You'll make/save a lot more money in Vietnam that you will in China - a HUGE difference in wages. A bit more is expected of you - but not all that much.

Tayne101 · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 15 Location: NSW, Australia

Saigon!!

Also being an Aussie, the weather here is great. And theres a great expat community and nightlife, and the Vietnamese people are so friendly! I just got a job teaching in a kindergarten school, and I am a 20 year old Aussie with no teaching experience and no degree.

I did my 4-week TEFL course in Saigon, with TEFL International. Once you have that piece of paper, you'll have no trouble at all. I have never heard of anyone ever being turned down in an interview, degree or no. There is a huge demand for teachers here.

kattate · Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Sydney, Australia

Thanks tayne101! I think you just swayed me Smile

After the course, did you find accommodation with your classmates?

And do you know if hirers take you for 3-month jobs as well? Or do you have to commit 6-12 months?

Thanks heaps for your advice! Smile

poet13 · Joined: 10 Dec 2007 Posts: 17

"You'll make/save a lot more money in Vietnam that you will in China - a HUGE difference in wages. A bit more is expected of you - but not all that much."

I hadn't read this before. Can someone break down some numbers for me? Average wages, cost of living, etc?