Job Discussion Forums

[feynman]

Hi ESLers,

I really know pretty much nothing about this whole thing but I wanted to get a bit of insight. I am maybe in a somewhat different position from the typical ESLer( or maybe not this is why I asked). I have an advanced degree in a highly sought after technical field which is very strong in the US. I am looking to take a year off in Asia to teach English not so much to make money or a career out of it but just because it seems like a way to experience a complete change of pace and engage in a vastly different culture while not bleeding money like I would I just went over on holiday.

Is this a sensible thing for someone like me to do? I don't have much of a passion for teaching English as a Second Language but I think it could be fun for a short term undertaking. I do think I'd enjoy teaching math, engineering and physics but I doubt there is much of a place for English language instruction of that in Asia, especially without a Ph.D. I'm not much interested in teaching kids, but sounds like those Japanese conversation school could be enjoyable since I could more or less just have fun with the "students."

I'm pretty much open to working anywhere in Asia, Japan though is the top pick. As this is only going to be a one-off experience for me I'm not planning on investing in a teaching certificate. I'd also like to find a job with large multi-week breaks, does this limit me to working with kids in schools? I'm not so worried about salary but hopefully whatever it is would be enough to pay the bills and have a good deal of fun. I'm also not concerned about saving any money in the process.

There are of course a miriade of other way I could end up in another country, like taking a job with a firm and trying to get transfered or just blowing through some saving and spend a year backpacking. However, ESL seems like it would be a unique experience to really dig in and understand a culture and taking a year off from my career would also be a nice change of pace. Am I crazy for looking down this road? Would those who do ESL in Asia still do it if there were in a position like me?

Thanks for any input folks!

[feynman]

Also, I wanted to ask how difficult it is in the big picture to find a job somewhere in Asia. My sense from reading the forums seems to be that if you have a degree and want to teach you will get it somewhere. Is this correct or do some people just end up SOL?

[tttompatz]

Advanced degrees in a technical field?

Teach in a uni in your subject area. Lots of demand and the salaries aren't bad for this side of the planet.

Ex:
non-related degrees and no teaching cert as an ESL teacher in China = 4000-6000 rmb.
Rates are similar in places like Thailand (thb 30-40,000).

However...

Uni prof in a professional field = ~$1500-1800 in China.
The package is similar in most other Asian countries like Thailand or the Philippines.

In Korea, Japan or Taiwan you could get about double that but the cost of living is comparable to the US.

.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[Sadebugo]

[Glenski]

[feynman]

Wow Glenski thanks for the honest and good advice. I think you are probably right that this isn't going to be the way for me to go. To be honest if I did go the actual job on would surely be very low on priorities. Not that I mind taking advantage of some of these companies because a good deal of them seem like scumbags anyway.

I guess after getting some quality advice and reading up a bit this really doesn't sound like a ton of fun. I'm not a teacher, and certainly not a language teacher. I mean I am probably well enough establish in my career and in a field where any competent qualified person will find a job(Engineering) that going wouldn't hurt to much. In fact I will probably still travel anyways but just go on my savings.

You people that are actually interested in this stuff should be a little more vigilant in dissuading imposers like me. I'm sure if I did end up going I would have hated every minute of it. Let this be a warning to those considering it. It seems like you are in a much better position to get a good job at home, save up some money and gone on a leisurely and long holiday abroad.

[Glenski]

[feynman]

No thanks it's alright Glenski, I kind of reached the decision on my own and just found your advice to kind of reinforce what I thought.

Superficially ESL seems like a great idea but frankly I'm not willing to deal with this strange and sometimes dishonest companies just to make a wage abroad. I'm also certainly not interested in financing this "set-up" procedure to get started which is something any decently honest company should cover.I can definitely see how kids right out of school could be enticed by the possibilities but after having some life experience in the real world, I don't think I could put up with the kind of stuff teachers have to deal with, especially abroad.

Don't take that as a put down toward teachers though, you who are really interested in it and do well you guys certainly deserve a ton of respect. However for the untrained n00b, as it were it, sounds more like you have to interview has if you were trying out for a reality show and once you get the job you are more there for show than anything.

Good luck to those of you who really love the stuff though, I guess I'm more or less content to experience Asia as an outsider for the time being.

[spiral78]

To be honest if I did go the actual job on would surely be very low on priorities. Not that I mind taking advantage of some of these companies because a good deal of them seem like scumbags anyway.

It's all about the students. I'm glad you've decided not to go for teaching.

[naturegirl321]

Couple of things.

Just try it. A year is nothing.
Second, don't say just a year, you might meet someone, get married, etc.

Lastly, about salaries. Budgeting is key, getting extra classes, bonuses, etc and you could save. I'm hoping to save at least 2K a month.

[coledavis]

There are a few positions which are for teachers who want to teach around specific content (EAP?). I still think you ought to get a good qualification first.