Job Discussion Forums

[whosonfirst]

Hello. I am an American man in my early thirties, and I have been a foreign teacher in China for about three years. I have a B.A. degree, but not in teaching. During that time I have worked in plenty of cities throught the country. I am now at somewhat of a crossroads. I am currently working in one of the top three cities in the country. Yet I am wondering as Jack Nicholson said in the movie with the same title, is this as good as it gets ? Let me start by saying I have learned to enjoy the job of teaching here through my many experiences. But I am now wondering what's next. Yes i do know the saying. wherever you go, there you are. But I also believe that changing the location, can be good as well. I also need to add that I am married to a Chinese woman from the mainland. She has stuck with me through many adventures here. She is in her late twenties, and is currently back at school getting her B.A. Degree. She is a smart cookie, with standard english, and some business experience. We do not have any childern.
So my question to the Dave's ESL masses, is where should i go from here, with my wife ? I enjoy teaching in the university level. And would be open to moving to another part of Asia. The things i would be looking for, are 1) a decent quality of life , 2)decent pay as a foreign teacher. 3) A place where my wife can get a decent job.
I know after reading this most of you will say, why don't you take your wife back to America. But that's just not in the cards right now.
Places I have been thinking about are Hong Kong,( although everyone on the esl board here talks about the differences between there and the mainland). I have also thought about Japan. as my wife is learning japanese for her class.
So i am hoping that people from other parts of Asia can give me some opinions. There may be other countries that I am not thinking about as well. All ideas and suggestions are welcome.
If we make a move, it would be in the Summer of 2010. So need to plan now

[porcupine]

I am a net in Hong Kong and have worked in China, Taiwan and now Hong Kong. I like it. I think it gives me the best salary and quality of life. It's still too hot and crowded for my tastes, but it is the easiest place to bring my mainland Chinese spouse.

But, I think it is only good if you can get into the net system. It is a frustrating process, but worth it in the end.

good luck!

[RiverMystic]

[Anjin-san Hashimoto]

To the OP - I am not sure if you have read through the many threads on the forum similar to yours. If you had you would find out that indeed HK may be a good fit for you and your wife. The working conditions are better and the standard of living in HK is considerably higher than Mainland China. In my opinion there is no comparision.

However, if you have read other threads on the forum you would know that your current qualifications are simply not going to cut it here. Not even close. So if you really want to make the move my suggestion would be to invest some time and money into either a Masters in a relevant field or a PGDE. With this you can live comfortably in HK, without this you will doomed to tutorial centre hell.

[saroq]

Yes there are a lot of people who have a TESEL and have taught English in language schools and think they are teachers. Unless you've got the proper qualifications and paper to go with them your experience and unrelated degrees will mean nothing.

[ozman]

[Jordean]

I would be interested in making this move too.

I do have a PhD (History) and a JD. Teaching at a law school in Beijing now, but without much putonghua there are limited options here.

Assuming one is credentialed, how is the hiring scene in HK presently?

[RiverMystic]

[Marcoregano]

But sounds like Jordean might apply for a uni job teaching history or law ... a whole new ballgame, though competitive I imagine.

[Tinseltown Rebellion]

[oxi]

TR-