Job Discussion Forums

[Sudz]

I just received a reply from the British Council regarding me seeking part-time work at their school:

"You should be able to work with a part time visa however our teachers here need a teaching permit issued by the Ministry of Education too. One of which requirement is a first degree. But even then this is still part time work and we�ll see what we can do."

I'm planning on entering Nottingham's MA TESOL program, while working part-time. I lack an undergraduate degree.

To those in the know: does this reply sound at all promising, or a shot in the dark? It sounds vaguely 'legalish' and wishy-washy. Nottingham does provide a visa for part-time employment, which is perhaps why they might be considering me.

[the lowlander]

Having just spent the last six months working full-time in Malaysia, I can tell you that it's something of a bureaucratic nightmare.

All employees in education, regardless of PT/FT, must have their qualifications submitted to the Ministry for evaluation. After that, you will get a yes, or no regarding a work visa.

If it's a yes, then, as an expat, you will be subject to 26% income tax on your earnings for 182 days.

They may do this pro-rata for PT employees, I'm not sure, but this is really something the BC should be up to speed on and advise you themselves.

Regardless of this, be aware that Malaysia in general, and KL in particular, are both expensive in comparison to other SE Asia countries.

You may get by on $1000 USD in Thailand, or Cambodia, if you live a quiet lifestyle, but you will most certainly sink without a trace on that kind of money in KL.

The fact that you lack an undergraduate degree is a major hindrance, regardless of your MA studies, in Malaysia and Thailand too. Your current studies may help you, then again, they may not.

If you are a UK national (and most other nationals, for that matter) you should get a 3 month Tourist Visa on arrival, during that time the BC, or Nottingham will be able to sort your visa out if they have a mind to and the Ministry have previously said yes.

I don't know how old you are, or how committed you are to working in Malaysia, but given your current lack of qualifications you may wish to turn your attentions to kindergarten work in Southern China.....same climate etc.....and visas are more easily swangled out of the authorities.....if you have the right employer, or are prepared to pay a visa agent.....currently around 7000 rmb for a year multiple exit and entry.

[Sudz]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm slightly ignorant on the subject of Malaysian red-tape, and am only going on what I've heard from ELS and BC. It sounds as though the only reason I'm being considered for work is that I'll be:

a) studying for the MA TESOL.
b) given a pt work visa from the school.

I've been to KL before, and do realize that it's a little bit more expensive that Ho Chi Minh (accommodation looks to be cheaper though). With the salary that ELS offered me, it would be a very rough year or two (I'm planning on saving what I can until my date of exodus: May). I'd really like to get into the BC, as it's better paid, and of slightly more relevance to my degree.

One 'good' thing about this program is that the classes are only conducted for a few days every few months. If things didn't work out in KL, I could always pack up and go somewhere else (thanks AirAsia).

As for the lack of MA TESOL being a 'major' hindrance: Yes, in some countries it will be. You mentioned Thailand, and yes it sounds as though this country would be largely off limits (unless I were to work at a dodgy school perhaps...not something I'd be up for with an MA TESOL). That's fine with me, as I prefer to just treat Thailand as a vacation spot anyways. Korea is another country I could cross off....fine with me. Places (that I can think of), where the degree is of at least some benefit: Vietnam, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Middle-East , Turkey, Hong Kong. I'm definitely missing a few here.

Don't know if I would stay in Malaysia after the program, though I have heard that work is available with just the MA TESOL (someone mentioned private uni work).

Southern China could be an option. One advantage of Malaysia is that I would be working legally with the visa, though I do realize that 'legal' in China is a huge gray area. Perhaps I would earn more there.

[Sudz]

Perhaps living in a smaller city in Malaysia might make more sense financially. Then again, the pay might be lower as well.

1000US is quite a good lifestyle in most parts of SE-Asia (assuming you're not aiming to save anything). I think I'd be fine on that amount in KL. Unfortunately, I'd probably be making less than this just working part-time.

Note: Sorry I see that you were only referring to the MA TESOL being a major hindrance in Thailand and Malaysia. Yes for Thailand, and Malaysia I'm not sure (I'd heard that it wouldn't be).

[the lowlander]

My main concern is your lack of a BA, rather than anything related to your potential MA.

Regarding red tape.

If you do get a legal work permit put into your passport, then you cannot leave the country for good without settling matters with the Inland Revenue and the Immigration Department.

You should be aware of this.

As for supporting yourself on a part-time salary in KL, or $1000 USD, my advice is, forget it, that is unless you want to pitch a tent on a roundabout and fight the pigeons for scraps!

I was earning almost 4x that in the remote countryside, and still found it hard to save as a family man after paying 26% tax, apartment, food, etc.

Malaysia is not a viable EFL option, unless you are at the upper end of the game, or you like hardship.

Give it a miss and try somewhere else.

[Sudz]

That is something to consider regarding the work permit/passport.

As for finances:

I only plan on staying in Malaysia for the duration of this program, and feel that I could skimp by for a year or so.

Doing the math: 1000US is around 3000RM.

- 400RM room/month
- 20 RM (estimate) on food a day= 600/month

That allows another 2000RM for general expenses (a bit less after taxes). Assuming I'm not out hitting bars, and using public transport, isn't this reasonable? I'm not a shopper either.

[the lowlander]

400 rm per month might get you a room in a shared apartment in a dodgy part of KL...possibly..... bearing in mind a bargain basement hotel in Chinatown would cost you around 70 to 100 rm per night....go online and check out the prices...and there's no way you're eating on 20 rm per day unless it's supermarket noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

As for hitting bars....a big bottle of beer will cost you 15 rm in a hole in the wall restaurant, and 12 rm from 7/11....double that for a bar at least...you won't be drinking too many of those on $1000 USD per month.

At the end of the day, it's maybe just about possible, but I sure wouldn't want to try it.

[wailing_imam]

If I were you I'd get a job in Jakarta and then fly upto KL when you need to.

KL really isn't worth it. Seriously.

[Sudz]

the lowlander - I might have underestimated the food costs. I do seem to remember having some nice food for around 6 RM, though maybe it was outside of KL.

wailing_imam - I quite like Indonesia, though wasn't that crazy about Jakarta (though perhaps I wasn't there long enough to give it a serious chance). Could you tell me why you don't think KL is worth it? I'm open to suggestions.

[KayuJati]

sudz

Here is a website that lists room rentals throughout the KL and 'burbs basin.

http://www.ibilik.my/rooms?gclid=CKWUyKLHtasCFUJ76wod0DDnCw

Some of the locations are not dodgy by any means (Bandar Utama dodgy? Certainly not.)

24-Sep
Pelangi utama - Master room roommate needed (RM380) Fully Furnished
Bandar Utama
Air-Cond, Internet, Near KTM / LRT, Washing Machine
Prefer Male
RM 380

You know, RM3,000 for a part-time job isn't that bad. It is, after all, PART-TIME. Most students, foreign and local, end up with RM700-800 per month part-time jobs. Anyone launching off on a self-financed masters program should know that sacrifices have to be made.

[KayuJati]

[Sudz]

Thanks for that KayuJati. Looks promising!

Actually, the 3000 RM figure might be a high estimate unfortunately. ELS has been my only official offer so far (I've only inquired at 2 schools), and that wage would work out to be around 2000RM (part-time, starting out). The BC would pay quite a bit better I'm sure.

I've been to KL a couple of times, so I have some idea what I'm in for. I'd like to give it a try, and if it doesn't work out, then I can always try China or Indonesia. One difference between those two places: it does sound as though I'll actually be able to work in Malaysia legally.

The price of beer is a little humbling. I'm no lush, but I do like the odd beer, and occasionally hitting the pub. In Vietnam, I can buy two 24 packs of local beer for an hours work, whereas in Malaysia, I could probably buy two beers! Probably good for my liver!

[wailing_imam]

Jakarta is filthy, but very exciting and stimulating. It is the capital of one of the world's largest and most diverse countries.

Your qualifications aren't great, but enough to land you a position that will offer a significantly better lifestyle than the one you'll have in KL.

Also in Jakarta a full time job should be around 20-24 hrs a week, meaning you have plenty of opportunity for study time.

Lastly, it is very cheap to fly upto KL and back when you need to.

[generalgiap]

Thats a nice way of the British Council telling you to take a long walk on a short pier.

The Council does not employ teachers who do not have a degree! Would any reputable school employ a teacher without a degree? LOL

[Sudz]

waiting_imam - I like the way you think, and will consider the option.

generalgiap - Are you sure about that? I can see your claim being true, but I'd like to make sure that you know what you're talking about. Have you worked in Malaysia?