Job Discussion Forums

j3ssm3ss · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 16

Hi there!

I've been teaching in Japan for a couple of years now and, whilst here, have developed a major crush on winter sports.

I'm planning to move on in the new year and, although long term career development is important (have CELTA, good experience and want to keep pushing on) I'm in love with the idea of 6 months teaching and snowboarding somewhere else in the world to hone my skills. Any suggestions?

Southern Hemisphere locations would be a bonus so that I can continue round the year.

Cheers!!

LongShiKong · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 1082 Location: China

Vancouver.

There's dozens of private ESL schools downtown or you can tutor privately. A friend runs classes in his home and teaches 2 online students in Asia plus some other translation work

You can see the North Vancouver ski hills from anywhere in the city virtually. And then there's Whistler Mountain a short drive north where the 2010 Olympics were held.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I learned to snowboard when I was in Japan and, I'm sorry to say, I haven't had nearly as many opportunities as I did when I lived there, with a decent salary, season ticket, and the nearest slopes 20 minutes away.

You need the appropriate geography and weather + a salary that allows for expensive hobbies. Snowboarding prices unfortunately do not drop when you get to poorer countries.

When I left Japan, I headed to South America. In Chile, I was able to snowboard maybe 4 or 5 times in 4 months. The cost + not having my own car and having to find a bus/shuttle really limited me. I've had good jobs/salaries since I left South America but still have only managed a one-week winter holiday each year.

Here's an option: if it's really important to you, why not put teaching/other career options on hold for a year and work at a resort? I can't speak for other fields, but there will always be teaching jobs out there.

d

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

posh · Joined: 22 Oct 2010 Posts: 430

Czech Republic, Slovakia or southern Poland. Schools/colleagues will probably give you skis too. I first went to Prague in the early 90s and within a week I was off on the annual ski trip with the kids.

AGoodStory · Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 738

I don't know if China is of interest to you, but this position offers half days free for skiing. (So, presumably you could snowboard.)

http://www.esljobfeed.com/esl-tesl-jobs?id=76354

Pay is pretty lousy, but it does include lift tickets and equipment rental. Very Happy

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

A Good Story's suggestion seems like a great opportunity. If you have free board, all meals in a 5 star hotel + free skiing, then the 1,000 RMB per week is pure pockey money.

I visited Yabuli Ski resort when I was in China as it hosted the 1996 Winter Asian Games. Getting there was not easy though, as it is about 120 miles east of Harbin and perishingly cold. The temperature never rose above -10C and sometimes it was -40C. It is a high elevation resort, so the snow continues until the end of March, beginning of April. The scenery is spectacular.

I don't know about hotels now. When I was there, we stayed at the Avaunce International Convention and Exhibition Centre Hotel, which was rated 3 star (if I remember correctly) but had a great gym and sauna, good selection of Chinese/Western food, very comfy rooms. A 5 star hotel should be wow ! Rich Chinese expect very high standards.

Definitely worth a try - good luck!

Linochka · Joined: 04 Jan 2012 Posts: 26