Job Discussion Forums

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

Anyone know where they are? It used to be lots of countries in Asia, like Japan, Taiwan and Korea. Japan's heyday was a couple of years ago, seems like salaries or cost of living has dropped. with Taiwan people say it takes a lot of start up money, And Korea, well, the won has gone done 50%, enough said.

Sure, you could go to the Middle East if you have enough experience. Though I've been applying for places in the UAE and can't seem to get in. Maybe it's because I haven't finished my MA? I'm waiting for my thesis to be approved, it's been ten months, so I'm sure it'll be approved ANY time, but I don't think it counts since it's not from an English speaking country.

So, is this a flash in the pan thing? Or are we seeing the dark before the storm? Are salaries and exchange rates going to continue to drop?

Another thing I don't get, why is it with a mass recession that the dollar is stronger than ever? The pound, yen, won , and countless other currencies have dropped.

Now, where in the world can you go to save?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

MO39 · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Domestic US economic troubles have less to do with the dollar's position as central to the global economy than does the dollar's use a basis for pricing internationally traded commodities. The dollar simply represents the center where all currencies are relatively valued against each other and without a gold standard, at least as far as I understand it all.

teflcapie · Joined: 16 Feb 2008 Posts: 17

The reason economists give for the current strength in the dollar is that it's caused by Americans selling off stocks and other assets abroad to offset their cash flow crisis in the US.

The resulting inflow of dollars into the US strengthens the value of that currency...

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

I think that those fewer and fewer well-paid jobs are going to be more and more limited to teachers with better-than-average qualifications.

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

Well, then I hope the US digs itself out of its recession / depression soon. Or else I'm going to be stuck in Peru, and I'd honestly rather go to ASia in mid Feb. Got my contract signed and everything.

chrisms86 · Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 30

I'm not a teacher yet but from the research I've done it seems as if Japan has the highest earning potential outside of the Middle East. Mind you I am not considering places like Hong Kong or Singapore because I wouldn't be able to get a job there--your situation may differ. The yen has gained strength against the dollar while other countries that come to mind when thinking of TESOL--Turkey, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam--have seen their currency's value against the dollar drop, in some cases drastically.

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

I can't honestly believe you think there is a get-rich-quick opportunity anywhere in the world today.

Japan? Read the newspapers.

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

Second Glenski. It doesn't exist.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:50 pm Post subject:

Except for the already rich, who, in times of economic distress, can get even richer by preying upon the once well-off.

Yossarian Lives · Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Posts: 13

Vietnam, my friends. Best kept secret in Asia.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Get rich quick? Las Vegas ...

johnslat · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:49 am Post subject:

Dear Marcoregano,
Unless you happen to own a casino. Las Vegas is almost always "get poor quick."

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Hi John. Indeed! My intention was to imply that getting rich quick is a mirage - your best chance is a roll of the dice.