Job Discussion Forums

Kilij-Arslan · Joined: 12 Feb 2010 Posts: 25

Has anyone here ever taught in Mongolia?

traveler106 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 46

I've been teaching in Mongolia for about two and a half years, now.

Calypso · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 27

I taught there for a few months last year.

Spionen · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 9

I'm in contact with a school in Mongolia (not Santis, don't worry) and very much hoping to get offered the job. It's not certain yet, though, and I'm so excited about Mongolia that if it doesn't work out, I'm strongly considering just showing up in the country for my visa-free 30 days and pounding the pavement looking for work.

I've read very conflicting things about the wisdom of this, both on these boards and from my Google searching. Most of the information I've found is a few years old, and even the recent stuff doesn't give a very clear picture. Anyone know what my chances would be like? For reference, I have a little bit of experience and a university degree in Social Anthropology, but no certification.

Also, I know that pay tends to be lower in Mongolia. I'd be happy with anything over about $700 monthly, and would consider less if the hours were good enough.

Thanks in advance!

traveler106 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 46

Spionen, I strongly recommend against just showing up and looking for work, mainly because no reputable school would hire someone under those circumstances.

It isn't anything personal about you. The reason is that a lot of people come to Mongolia expecting one thing, but they find something very different. The real Mongolia is very different from the hype you see on Youtube and in travel shows, such as "Roughing It." So, people who come here because they fall in love with the romantic image of Mongolia often don't stay very long. Good schools hire teachers who are first committed to teaching, not people who think they just want to be in Mongolia, and just showing up and asking for work would project the latter impression.

As I said before, it's nothing to do with you, personally.

VRMM · Joined: 05 Jul 2010 Posts: 1

In that case, could you recommend where/how one might search for a job in Mongolia?
Just general searches haven't come up with reliable results,
and I dont see many opportunties listed on English teaching sites like this. And I also find conflicting information.
I find alot of sites for Inner Mongolia though...

ddraig64 · Joined: 10 Jul 2010 Posts: 18

OK What's the issue with this school, if any. I just received an offer from them in Mongolia.

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

ddraig64 · Joined: 10 Jul 2010 Posts: 18

If you read the subject, it gives the name of the school.

Santis

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

wmcmanus · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 5

I actually work with the poster who above recommended against "just showing up" and looking for a job in Mongolia. Unlike him I actually think its a good idea.

There are enough English schools in the city--and most have a shortage of native speaking teachers--so you're practically guaranteed to get a job. But by checking out the schools first you'll have a chance to talk to current teachers, meet the boss, see what the facilities are like, etc, before you make a contract/commitment.

Of course doing it that way makes your visas a little more of a bother, but in my opinion I'd rather spend a little extra money and time getting my working visa than spend a year locked into a contract with a school I didn't like.

ddraig64 · Joined: 10 Jul 2010 Posts: 18

Thank you for the info on Santis, I had read these, I was hoping for something a little more current.

I cannot imagine just showing up in a country and hoping for work though. If you had the money to just travel to a country and take a look around to see if you like it, that would be great, but I, and possibly many teachers, don't have the money to spend that way. Although it would be nice to be able to scout all of the schools. Looks like I have a 1 in 3 shot of working for Santis anyway. I will certainly update what I learn there on these boards. I can tough it out for a year, couldn't be any worse than my current job (not teaching related).

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 6:33 pm Post subject:

Perhaps someone could explain to me why anyone would want to live in such an inhospitable climate. I guess I can understand it if you're into climatological adventurism - given what I've read about the intense climatological conditions in Mongolia; but otherwise, well, I just don't get it.

ddraig64 · Joined: 10 Jul 2010 Posts: 18

Mongolia isn't that bad compared to some of the places available to teach. Irkutsk comes to mind. But then I have lived in West Texas where in January it can be 85f and a few days later -5f. At least in Mongolia you are pretty sure you are not going to get much warmer until Spring. But I have decided to go to Poland anyway. So the weather isn't going to be an issue.