Job Discussion Forums

shrewsyj · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: Wales

Hi all,

I was hoping to volunteer teaching buddhist monks in Laos, but unfortunately the organisation is no longer running the scheme. However, I'd still really like to go to Laos and find a position, ideally teaching adults, for the summer. In an ideal world I'd like to teach at a monastery as I'd originally hoped.

Does anyone have any advice on finding a placement in Laos? I can't find a lot of jobs advertised online.

Thanks

All the best
S

(BA Language and Communication; CELTA - qualifying June 2008)

Extraordinary Rendition · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 2:35 am Post subject:

When I was in Vientiane last year, I talked to the director at an American-style primary and secondary school there. Taxi drivers didn't know how to find it, until I found a driver who was patient enough to keep asking people until we got there. You should be able to find their website. The salary was resonable. But it's kids Sad

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shrewsyj · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: Wales

Hi there

Thanks for the info! Do you have the name of the school so I can look them up?

Cheers

Extraordinary Rendition · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:28 pm Post subject:

Sorry, didn't keep it for a number of reasons, not least of which was that it was kids. Just try googling Vientiane school, stuff like that. Sorry I didn't keep the info. Doubt that they'd have only summer work, but anything's possible. Just had a thought - try asking the American consulate/embassy in Vientiane! Nice city, nice people. Very, very relaxed and quiet, especially for a capital. I've only been there twice, and only for a couple of days each time, but I quite liked it.

shrewsyj · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: Wales

many thanks; i'll give that a try Smile

pelican · Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Posts: 12

I've been told that Lao schools tend not to advertise nor be very accessible via internet and that the best way to find teaching work there is to just go there and start networking. I've been to Laos a few times myself and, last time i was there, i looked around in Luang Prabang and Vientiane: there seemed to be many more opportunities in Vientiane. In fact, the only positions i was able to find in L.P. were volunteer...other major centres in Laos do have English schools, I believe.
pelican

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

Check out this site:

http://www.mekongesl.com/

friendoken · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 41

You should be able to find work teaching monks at any temple, especially in Vientiane or environs, where there are lots. Check out the 21st Century School of English (owners name is Alastair, Australian and excellent guy), for a paid teaching gig. It is near the Japanese embassy and That Luong temple (the huge gold square building) Can PM me for more info

bigriver · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 5

Hello all, and also thanks to friendoken for the great advice. I've just arrived in Vientiane and started my search, with the help from your postings. I have experience, CELTA and a business degree so with any luck I will time it right and get something. If anyone knows of anyone who is hiring at the moment, or have any other advice at all (I am also open to other non teaching jobs should they arise) I'd be happy to hear from you! Many thanks and good luck to anyone else who is searching right now.

Andrea

logansrun · Joined: 06 Nov 2008 Posts: 15 Location: Newmarket Canada

hey bigriver!

Please update us on your job search status...i really hope that its as easy as people say! I'm also going down to Laos to find a teaching Job!

Cheers!

bigriver · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 5

well, I had an interview with LOGOS academy, and it seems pretty positive that they will take me on, I am waiting to hear from them this week, they are going to set a time for me to come round with my passport. I had a positive impression, but I have heard mixed reviews.

If anyone out there is working/has worked for them and could give feedback that would be great! Otherwise at ACL I was told the director was away and they will be in touch with me this week...I see nomad22 posted they had a good experience there, so thanks for that. good to know! so i suppose soon, with any luck, i might be asking for apartment hunting advice Wink

logansrun · Joined: 06 Nov 2008 Posts: 15 Location: Newmarket Canada

Hey!

Thats awesome news! Hope all turns out well for you. I hope to find some kind of teaching job soon too!

friendoken · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 41

Best to come here and look around. I mentioned several places to look on another thread here. If you want to volunteer teaching monks I am sure they will all welcome you. I assume you mean volunteer - no pay.

Are you male or female? That may play into it. The older monks may not want their young scribes hanging out with a Western woman. They're still guys after all Very Happy