Job Discussion Forums

[roamingteacher]

Hi there,

My husband and I are thinking of moving to KL next year. I have the CELTA TEFL as well as a PGCE (English with Drama), and he has the CELTA & DELTA. We have both worked for the British Council and if they had jobs available at the time might well apply. The salary for either of us should be at least 9990, but would it be enough for only one of us to work and live in a decent area, affording domestic help and a comfortable lifestyle?

I would rather not work, or work part-time, though I suspect I would earn more in an international school - I just want some time with the kids who would be 4 and 1 respectively.

The main thing for us is that the eldest child could go to a nice nursery or school (bilingual is fine - it doesn't have to be an expat-only private set-up), and that we could live in a green area (with at least a big park nearby if not a garden within), commutable distance to jobs and easy access to KL centre.

A tall order but any advice much appreciated. We've lived in Thailand so if anyone is looking for advice on that, feel free to get in touch.,

Thanks in advance
RT

[Jati]

Yes, RM9,990 per month is a very good salary and a family should be able to live fairly well.

I am not positive about this, but I think that the British Council gives only short-term contracts, like 1-2 years. It is possible that they like to have a turnover of teachers. If someone else could confirm or deny, it would be helpful.

I say this because once you finish with the British Council, you may be hard-pressed to find another teaching stint in KL with that elevated salary level.

[roamingteacher]

Thanks Jati - I know the BC offers 2 year contracts which are renewable for a further 2 years. This would be plenty of time for us to find other positions if we wished to stay in the country. That's not a massive issue for us, but thanks for flagging it.

So we'd be comfortable enough on that salary then...

Does anyone know if it is necessary to have an offer of employment to apply for a work visa? I'm thinking that if I wanted to do even private tuition, I'd like to be legal....

[Jati]

[roamingteacher]

Grrreat! Another thing - could people recommend areas that would be best for a family such as ours (2 wee'uns, one at nursery - see above)? Above all else, the reason we are leaving the UK (again) is the lack of community so friendly neighbours and a community-spirit are top of our agenda, rather than big properties with high gates! And access to local amenities is high on our list, epecially things like playgroups so I don't go stir-crazy with the kids

If anyone is willing to take the time to list a couple of areas with the pros and cons, I'd be very very grateful.

Thanks to you helpful people

[roamingteacher]

Anyone at all?

[roamingteacher]

OK so no takers for that one then...

What about international school salaries. What could one expect to get for a full-time contract and what would this mean 'take home' after deductions. Again, PM me if you prefer.

Ta