Job Discussion Forums

mikerisher · Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 5:33 am Post subject: First country for a new person

I've been thinking of pursuing a career in ESL for quite a while now, but feel that the situation out there has changed. For the last few years it has looked like Poland and Thailand would be my top picks. But based on recent information, these 2 countries don't sound very welcoming to newcomers. Both sound like they have more severe visa situations than previously.

I have a bachelors degree, but no CELTA or TEFL. (But I'd be happy to get certified if it would help.) I'm from the USA, so Europe doesn't seem like a good long term option because of visa problems. Poland used to sound more welcoming to Americans, but not so much based on the latest forum talk.

Can anyone recommend a country that a newbie like myself might find fewer visa hassles in? A place where I could make a good wage and settle in with minimal fuss? Vietnam sounds very tempting, but part of what repels me is the difficulty of the language. Other ideas are the Czech Republic, which seems to always welcome US teachers, or Indonesia.

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

CHina seems to be a popular pick.

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

For the Czech Rep, you will definitely need certification, simply because Prague's a hotbed of teacher training centres and, therefore, 99% of newbies there are certified.

Czech language is one of the most difficult Slavic languages to learn as a native English speaker, but you can get around in English in Prague and most other cities until you gain some proficiency.

'Good wage' is an individual thing. Realistically, you can make enough in the CR to live on ok, but don't expect to save up much, pay off debts back home, or make enough to travel extensively outside the country. If you're there for the experience, it's fine - but to make a career long-term is tough. It can be done, but it's much more difficult wage-wise than in some other regions.

Carll101 · Joined: 17 Oct 2008 Posts: 45

I don't think you should base your decision on visa alone. However If you choose to go to South East Asia, I would recommend Vietnam, not Thailand. Everything, from money to visa issues, seems better there.

Good luck.

silvertonguedcavalier · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 27 Location: Toronto

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Many new instructors choose Korea as their first destination due to salary, free housing, tickets, and minimal set up costs. Also, a bachelor's degree is usually enough to get a decent job. Once you get some experience, you can move on to your preferred locations.

Sadebugo
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