Job Discussion Forums

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

Wow thanks guys!

Friendoken thats a great list! Ill be sure to hit up these schools when I get there in May!

bardolf · Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 23

I'm teaching in Korea now but I'm thinking of taking a few months off soon. Ideally I'd like to do what Westerners USED to be able to do, which was live in some warm-weather, developing country for next to nothing for a while. All I need is clean, safe accomodation -- no bigger than a one-bedroom apartment -- and at least cyber-cafe access to the Internet, even if it's pretty slow speed, I won't complain. How is Laos for this kind of thing?

Another idea is working part time, one or two days a week maximum, if that's feasible.

Please see my general post on this topic for more details (and it might be best to reply there):

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=70249

xena76 · Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 4

Who knows JS Education center in Vientiane?

Madame J · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 4:28 pm Post subject:

I don't suppose anyone would have any info on the visa situation there? Do you generally work on business visas? How easy are they to come by? Trying to find info from the UK is becoming a little like pulling teeth. Aargh! Thank you. Embarassed

Tainan · Joined: 01 Apr 2009 Posts: 120

Hello,

I have been reading this discussion with interest and am grateful for all the information, especially from Frendoken! I have been teaching for years--two and a half years in Korea, two years in China, the rest in the U.S. I am very interested in Laos and would appreciate answers to a few questions.

1. Is all the work by one-year contract? That's what I did in China and in Korea but I'd prefer not to do it again; I'd prefer a situation where I could work for a few months, then take some time off to travel--obviously being considerate to the school and making sure they found a replacement etc. before I left.

2. What is the situation like in Luang Prabang? I think I might prefer to live and work there than in Vientiane if it were possible. Are there any jobs?

3. What is the situation of the business visa? You say it costs 350, and that one can get it once one has a job. Is it attached to the job--that is, does a teacher lose it if he stops working for the original school? How long is it good for?

Thanks so much!

Regis · Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 6

Hello,

Can anyone give me the procedure for obtaining a work Visa or is there another way to work in Laos as a teacher.

Thanks

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

I have no idea what the job market there's all about either. I've been hearing good stories though.

so far...

you dont need a BA to teach so long as you have your certificate and you can get some jobs at some private schools

not srue what the esl scene is like in luang prabang

Regis, the only way that you'll know is to actually go there and get your foot in the door. thats why im doing. im going to be there for may and see.

good luck!

friendoken · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 41

panchotino · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

just to back up what people say about the country. it is great. I visit regularly and would love to teach there but with debts to pay, Korea is best for me right now. But, hell, the difference between the places is unreal! Be warned tho, the changes in Vientiene over the last two years are crazy, i just hope the place isn't spoiled any time soon!
Theres a great expat community there doing allsorts of work from miners to NGO.
yep, if you don't need to save money, Laos is the place to be.

pwlivingstone2706 · Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 30 Location: London

MrMrLuckyKhan · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:37 am Post subject: School List

good info

soundsgood · Joined: 03 Feb 2009 Posts: 9 Location: Travelling

A business visa can also be had for a short period (such as 3 months), averaging $30 month - which is the same as a tourist visa. A local school may be interested in helping/doing the paperwork if they have a relevany position for you.

Getting a job is easy. Getting one that covers your costs would be more of a challenge as the average Lao has little in the way of dispoable income and that is reflected in what the general array of English Schools can charge. The general English teacher market is also partly serviced by foreign guys who have settled done with a Lao woman and by Lao who have returned after living abroad.

Tainan · Joined: 01 Apr 2009 Posts: 120

soundsgood · Joined: 03 Feb 2009 Posts: 9 Location: Travelling

There are relatively few formal EFL/ESL jobs in Laos. Most casual opportunities would be with the myriad of English language shops where rates (well below $10) and number of hours (most people want a class in the early evening - meaning maybe two classes for you per day) could mean a low income level.