Job Discussion Forums

daveeslcafe888 · Joined: 23 Jun 2011 Posts: 11

Hi Everyone,

I'm interested to gauge your experiences as to what was the best teaching abroad experience for you guys.

Feel free to tell me the place, and the reasons why.

Example:

Korea, as the living conditions are good, internet is plentiful, and saving money is done

Saudi Arabia, because of different cultural experience and good pay

Argentina, because nice people.

artemisia · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 875 Location: the world

There have been quite a few threads on this theme from time to time.

For me, it was the teaching (and location) in Germany. It was satisfyingly challenging and I think I developed a lot as a teacher there. I certainly had to be resourceful and I liked the great variety I had with classes. I also saved, but then I'm used to living frugally! That's not to say I'm tight with money, but being a big spender doesn't come 'naturally' to me, as I didn't grow up with a lot of it.

I don't think I could be somewhere in the world just for the money, though I've considered it at times. I think it might kill off any creativity I had as a teacher, indeed as a person. Not to say I think there's anything wrong with doing that - quite sensible in fact - but I doubt I'd last long if the salary were the only reason to be in a particular place.

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

Seoul, South Korea

It was my best experience. Travel around the city was easy, efficient and quick. My social life was great, I had many Korean friends and we were always doing something fun: stayed in a cabin in the mountains, went for hikes, visited palaces and museums, went to an arboretum, had a bowling club, etc.

The school I worked at was nice. Children were respectful and the Korean teachers were helpful and friendly. I felt like I made a difference and could see the progress my students made. The money was neither low nor high, but I was able to live fine, pay off some bills and save.

posh · Joined: 22 Oct 2010 Posts: 430

Prague in the early 90s.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

Morocco, Casablanca

After twelve months there, I appreciate what I have now.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2011 12:20 pm Post subject:

Here. Now.

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

littlelauren86 · Joined: 20 Sep 2011 Posts: 94 Location: Korea

contented · Joined: 17 Oct 2011 Posts: 136 Location: اسطنبول

@littlelauren86

I understand what you mean about the buses. I took a couple of buses in northern Seoul and it was okay for me, but I can see how it could be difficult. The metro system was great for me and got me where I needed to go with ease. Trains stopping at midnight wasn't a problem for me since I always got to where I needed to go before then. There's a nifty Seoul metro map online where you can plug in your departing location/station and your arrival destination. It'll tell you how long it takes to get there, which route is the quickest and how much it'll cost.

I hope things turn around for you in Korea.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home