Job Discussion Forums

[Steinmann]

Question:

Of the possible ESL destinations in the world, where would you not want to teach and why?

My question stems from results of repeated application of a principle I learned in army messhalls: Learn to like what others do not, and you'll always have plenty of chow.

I got pretty good at it without developing masochistic tendencies.

Don't flame me, fellas. The question is an honest one.

[tttompatz]

[Steinmann]

[naturegirl321]

Peru, hands down

[denise]

Once you consider visa/passport and qualifications issues--ruling out Europe for you, but probably not much else--there are other factors to consider.

* Money. I don't know if you've mentioned it in other threads. Do you need to save? Are you in debt?

* Climate preferences

* Language/culture preferences

* Ability to mingle with/date the locals

* Ability to mingle with/date ANYONE, if the locals are off-limits

etc., etc.

For you, rather than looking at and ruling out the places other people don't want to go to, I'd look at the places that interest you. Unless your heart is set on Western Europe, you can probably go where you want to.

d

[johnslat]

Dear Steinmann,

It's a pretty reliable rule-of-thumb:

The more pleasant a place is, the less money you're likely to get - and, of course, the less pleasant a place, the more money.

Of course, this is only a "general rule." I mean, there are people who find the Middle East pleasant. And there are others who find the adventure of teaching in, say, Mongolia or some sub-Sahara African country worth the low salary.

Regards,
John

[naturegirl321]

[johnslat]

Dear naturegirl321,

Well, there ARE exceptions, but I get the distinct impression that where you are now is not a very widely liked place:

"For those that have a very good time here in (where you are now), though rare, great for them. If only everyone could be so lucky. For those in the majority that hated some to many aspects of their job in (where you are now), it creates a generation of people who will hate their experience here for the rest of their lives. They will tell others of their experiences one way or another. Create enough of these people and it creates a bad overall image of (where you are now). By the way, (where you are now) doesn�t have a great image to begin with; no real tourist attractions, lack of diverse and distinctive foods, and lack of a friendly society. How do you hire people for jobs that no one wants� throw more money at the problem and hope it goes away, which seems to be the procedure here."

I'd add the link, but . . . .

Regards,
John

[Zero]

Broadly speaking, the Middle East is a place where westerners do not choose to go for the fun and interest of it. (There are always exceptions.) That, combined with the large amounts of money floating around there, means the salaries are higher. But you need pretty solid credentials.

South Korea is usually not considered to be a barrel of monkeys either and, perhaps as a result, the pay is among the best.

Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Vietnam, etc., is a bit too exotic for your average person, and the demand tends to be pretty strong. Plenty of jobs for everyone, but the pay is low.

[1st Sgt Welsh]

[markcmc]

Anywhere within the Arctic Circle.

[Steinmann]

[Steinmann]

[Steinmann]

[Steinmann]