Job Discussion Forums

[Knack]

Hello!

After giving things a very long degree of thought, I have decided to go overseas to teach. I have had a long term drive to explore other nations and cultures. I have traveled a bit in Europe and Asia and came to the conclusion that it would be a cheaper way of exploring other nations to live in one.

I am currently a teacher with a degree in Education and have been teaching a few years. I do not have TESOL or CELTA.

I fully understand that one can not hope to get everything that they want in terms of compensation. There are things for which I have a preference.

1. I want to have my flight prepaid. This is because as I have talked to people, there is a great deal of disreputable people involved in this business. I feel a bit more secure if I am not out the cost of the flight. I would say at this point I consider this my only real *Must Have* in terms of requirements.

2. If the location in hot / humid I need access to an air conditioner at night to sleep. I do fine in cold climates, but I am miserable when I am just sweltering at night. This is also a *Must Have* but only dependant of course on location.

3. I would like to have a place to stay provided with bills (including internet access) provided).

4. I am flexible about pay so long as surviving isn�t an issue


As far as nations in which I would like to work, I am again flexible; however I have preferences based on interests.

1. Russia or Ukraine: I have been to Russia, and had an excellent time there. I speak a tiny bit of the language and while there was able to move around and make friends easily. I still have a small translation pocket computer for when I have trouble talking to people.

2. China: China is attractive due to what seems to be a large amount of jobs, as well as excellent compensation.

3. Vietnam: I am interested in the culture, and while I know little about the rates of pay or compensation, I am guessing that the cost of living will allow for a comfortable lifestyle.

4. Thailand: Essentially the same reasons as Vietnam.

5. Philippines: Another nation I have visited. I LOVED this place however everyone there speaks English for the most part, so I am not sure if I could find a job.

I am looking for advice and guidance as to how to make this possible. I am sure the site has such requests non-stop, but if people could take the time to lend a hand anyway, I would be grateful.

Thank you.

[Chancellor]

[Justin Trullinger]

I'll add- Look into countries before deciding on "must haves."

You would like your flight pre-paid. That's reasonable- anybody would want that. I always want it, occasionally get it. Because in many countries that isn't standard.

And whether it's a must have for you or not, if it's not standard in your country of choice, you won't be getting it.

THere are a lot of dodgy people in this field. Like a lot of fields, actually. Might I recommend that you do your homework and avoid doing business with them?

Because doing it the other way, insisting on prepaid flights to protect yourself, is likely to be a non-starter in many, if not most, locations.



Best,
Justin

[Ariadne]

I'm at a university in China. I don't know anyone who has had their flight prepaid. I've always received my flight money (a set amount, not the actual cost) at the end of the year after final grades have been turned in. Some schools pay flight money in parts over the course of the year. (And who knows, there may even be some schools that do prepay flights.)

If you want to work in China, find a job before you come. Get all the right paperwork to enter with a Z visa. Yes, there are plenty of shady employers, but if you sign on with a school that can bring you in on a Z, your chances of having trouble are reduced dramatically.

Don't forget to research, research, research.

.

[naturegirl321]

[Knack]

I would like to work with the "native population" so to speak. Part of the point in me wanting to go overseas is to interact with a new culture.

Can you do the TELF certification while one is teaching overseas?

Ariadne thank you for the information on China.

[naturegirl321]

Yep, of course you can do the TEFL cert while overseas. Some places even havt PT courses.

[Glenski]

I'm glad you didn't list Japan as one of your options. To ask for airfare, rent, utilities and Internet to be paid is a pretty tall order, and I doubt you're going to find many places in the world that do that. Lower your sights is my advice.

Yes, living somewhere may be a cheaper way to experience the culture than traveling as a tourist, but you ask too much, IMO.

[naturegirl321]