Job Discussion Forums

[LauraS11]

Having conducted extensive research, I feel sure that teaching English is what I want to do for the next year or so.

However, I am having real difficulties on deciding where! I am 22, with a History degree, but no TEFL (as yet). I have just graduated, and so am quite tight on funds. I currently have about �1500 to spend, and am temping but finding it soul destroying and am keen to get out into the big wide world asap.

Initially, my first choice of destination would have been Thailand, as I think I would find it an easier transition, am interested in the religion, and it is always a destination I have wanted to visit. However, I think to be successful in Thailand, I might need to have a bit more than a grand in pocket, considering I will probably have to pay flights, accomodation deposits etc.

So I have recently been considering Korea or Taiwan, as these places seem to offer a little more financially. I get the impression however, that Korea is a difficult place for a foreigner to live and as I am keen to go somewhere that I can really become immersed in the culture and language, I wonder if this is a bad idea?

I wonder if anyone could shed any light on the situation, or point me in the direction of any resources that would tell me exactly what its like to actually live in Korea, Taiwan or Thailand?

[nomad soul]

For specific info and answers to your questions, head to the Thailand and Taiwan jobs forums. For Korea, go to http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/, which requires separate registration.

[Glenski]

Having such limited funds, I would strongly suggest that you don't rush into anything, no matter how "soul destroying" your current situation is. You don't want to be in a foreign land without money or job.

[lucia79]

I definitely recommend Korea for a first time experience teaching English abroad. I absolutely loved it and so did many of my friends. I knew two Korean words and the language wasn't a problem since so many people speak English and signs are in English too. Learning to read Korean isn't really difficult and so you can accomplish this. The healthcare is great and cheap, housing is provided by your employer, and you get paid well. There are a lot of organizations offering trips, events and courses which will immerse you into the culture. It's easy to make friends with Koreans since they are very friendly. It's a great place to go and many people end up staying there!

[charlie don't surf]

Good information from previous posters.

I'm reluctant to refer you to some of the commercial websites that provide good information about living and working in various countries in Asia. Suffice to say, you can easily track them down with a basic internet search by typing the following in your search engine: living and working in Thailand (or whichever country).

The various forums on Dave's can also offer some insight into living and working in this part of the world. However, you'll have to weed out the habitual complainers residing on Dave's (generally on the Korean forum), whose incessant whining usually revolves around their unwillingness or inability to adapt to a new culture. Conversely, you'll have posters at the opposite end of the spectrum who have become intoxicated from gulping excess amounts of the local kool-aid. Granted, everyone will have different experiences in adapting to life in a new culture. However, I recommend that you filter out the overly negative opinions, and focus on posts that offer a more balanced perspective.

For accurate, practical information on Thailand and Korea, I highly recommend checking out posts by ttompatz. Ditto for Glenski, if you are interested in Japan.

You mentioned an interest in Thailand. Your interest in Buddhism aside, make sure that Thailand is the kind of environment that you will be comfortable living in. The same holds true for any country. For example, some people can handle the heat and humidity of Thailand; others not so much. If cold winters are not your thing, think twice about Korea, large parts of Japan, and parts of China.

You should also give consideration to whether you want to live in an urban setting, or out in the rural areas / countryside. If Western amenities are important to you, make sure that you choose a location that has easy access to them.

If you decide on Thailand, it's a good idea to have at least a 1,000 quid reserve fund in the bank (after paying for your flight). As a newbie teacher, you'll be in no danger of rolling in money. With this in mind, make sure you have enough funds to get home, or a long and fully functional financial lifeline to mom and dad.


Best of luck.

[tttompatz]

This really is short, sweet and simple.

OP:

Get a criminal background check done.
Go to a notary and get a "certified true" copy of your degree.

Take both to the FCO and get an apostille on them.
Do it NOW.

Go to the Korean jobs board ( http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/ ) and Korean forums http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/index.php (we can't discuss Korea on this forum - system rules). You need to register separately to post on the Korean forums but do NOT need to register to read and learn.

Find a job in Korea - It is STILL the best bang for your buck for a newbie with a degree, no TEFL (not needed), no money and a desire to work in Asia.

AFTER you have worked there for a year and saved up a 6-7 thousand quid you can start looking at places like Thailand (where you DO need money to get started).

.