Job Discussion Forums

Ulyanov · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 3:17 am Post subject: Another clueless newbie

Hey all,

First time poster here, although I've been lurking/waiting for activation for a few weeks now. A little background: I'm graduating with a BA in Economics in December, I'm registered for a TEFL/TESL certification course in July from a local university, and as soon as scheduling permits I'll be a volunteer ESL tutor for recent immigrants. I want to go overseas to teach English after christmas, to see the world, experience new cultures, escape winter, etc. Unfortunately, after months of researching, I still don't know where I want to go first, because I want to go everywhere. I know the standard first place to go is Taiwan, Korea, Japan, or maybe China, and that they have the best pay usually, but I don't know if I'd be happy there. The middle east looks like a place I'd like, but I guess you need experience and maybe a MA, although I wouldn't mind working in some of the less well paying areas. Latin America looks like fun too, but low paying. I don't need a lot, but I'd at least like to save some money.

Anyway, any advise for someone very confused?

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Capergirl · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:59 am Post subject:

Hi Ulyanov,

As a fellow Bluenoser, I just wanted to welcome you to the board. I'm sure you'll figure out which country has the most lure for you in time. Check out all possible locations thoroughly. Before making your decision, talk with teachers who are teaching in your target country, if it is at all possible (this board is a great resource for that). Good luck with your decision!

Ulyanov · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 3:39 pm Post subject:

Capergirl - Hey, I noticed there were a lot of us on here. I have been researching every country, but it just makes me more confused.

Glenski - Yeah, I guess I didn't say much. For Korea, I've just heard a lot of things about it, from the boards, and from people I know who've lived there. It seems like they all just live to work, and while I value hard work, I'd rather there be more to my life. That, and it's really cold. I've had enough of that. I suppose Japan's not bad, it just seems overdone. I know a guy who's been there for the past 8 years or so, and he just wants to get out. But I suppose one guy's opinion shouldn't be the basis for a whole country. China and Taiwan don't look like bad places to me, I just think I'd like some other countries better.

As for what kind of person I am, I'm 21, a college student, kinda quiet but socialable, conservative, I'm into books and music, like any other guy my age I guess.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

What does "overdone" mean?

Ulyanov · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 8:44 pm Post subject:

I just mean that there's a lot more westerners there, so more competition for jobs. At least, that's what my friend there says. I don't mean anything bad by it. Hee. Maybe I should work on my own communication skills before trying to teach anyone else. Smile

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Ulyanov
You're right Japan is not the last frontier for English teachers. That is why I went to Korea 10 years ago, Korea was not well known back then and the EFL business was not as strong as it is now.
If you want something "underdone" maybe try a remote town in China. I'm sure you'd be a celebrity there.

Ulyanov · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 6:24 pm Post subject:

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

Well it looks like you score on at least three of those points Gordon so you're not doing too badly Wink

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Ulyanov · Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:08 pm Post subject:

beaner · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 2 Location: halifax

Hello Ulyanov, i do not have much information to offer you, rather I am in a very similar boat as you. I am from Halifax and I am graduating this spring from university as well. I'm not sure where i want to go to teach english yet, but I am hoping to leave around Nov.. I was just wondering where you are taking your ESL course and how much it costs?