Job Discussion Forums

[Karl Sal]

I'm working my 3rd year in Zhengzhou, China, a third year that I never wanted. Hell I didn't really even want my second year. I know I can get out easy - out of China preferably but definitely out of ZZ. I'm a college educated American with a TEFL certificate, years of experience, etc.

The reason I wound up back here for a third year is that my girlfriend is Filipino and also an English teacher. She has a BA in education, half a year more experience here than me, and experience with everything from kindergarten to college students. But of course that matters precious little when looking for decent-paying work in desirable locations - she is Asian and looks it.

I really need to get out of here - it's not like I have a horrible life, but this was never what I wanted, and I do not like Zhengzhou in spite of our friends here.

So out of the following places, which do you think we might have the best chance at both finding work in?

- Thailand (in a lot of ways where I'd most like to go, but I know Filipinos usually get half the pay of native speakers there)

- Indonesia

- Hong Kong

- Singapore

- Taiwan

If you think there's another option I'm leaving off, feel free to try and sell me on it, but I really have no interest in Korea, regardless of many positives I know it may have. The work doesn't necessarily have to be teaching, but I don't really see what else it would be with any job security. I know, the situation is a bit rough, but I appreciate any advice you may have.

[chezal]

Indonesia is a good option for her in fact she's likely to get the same amount if not more money than you.

As she has a BA Education she should easily be able to get work at one of the national plus school or newer International schools. Filipino teachers at my school make around 12million rupiah upwards a month.

As you only have a TEFL you maybe limited to working in a language school which offer from 7million rupiah (EF) to 15 million (Wall Street Institute).

You could get 15 million + if you work at a National plus/lower end International School such as SIS with just a TEFL. However EFL teachers only usually get these jobs through networking. You may have a better chance if you sell yourselves as a teaching couple.

[Karl Sal]

That is heartening to hear, thanks. Certainly no problem putting ourselves forth as a couple. And yeah I have a TEFL, 3 years college experience (w/a little middle school), and BA Journalism, but I'm pretty sure I can make good for myself there a lot easier than she can overcome discrimination in most other places.

I'll definitely do some research into what would go into working/living there for myself, but out of quick curiosity, when is there main hiring/starting season?

And thanks again for the quick, helpful response, Music to my...eyes.

[chezal]

Hiring season for English language schools is year round. For National Plus and Internationals the hiring season starts as early as November through to April for the following school year. The school year starts in July/August.