Job Discussion Forums

[Richard]

Hello all

My co-teacher, a Taiwanese woman, is considering studying English abroad and asked me if I knew offhand which of the main English-speaking countries (UK, US, Canada) would be the cheapest for her to do so. I know there are many variables to consider when answering this question but I just thought I'd throw it out to all you erudites for general opinions.

She also asked which of these countries would likely have the biggest market/need for a Chinese teacher like herself, so she could perhaps work as she studied. She has a formal teaching degree here and is quite good at her job.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
R.

[Sheep-Goats]

For her needs, probably Canada.

The US isn't cheap and may well send her to visa purgatory. The UK is quite expensive.

In addition to its comparatively lax visa regulations, and being cheaper, Canada is currently experiencing a surge of Asain immigration which means your Chinese friend will have at least some kind of a modern and connected Chinese communtiy to draw upon. But that will vary by city, I'm sure, so she should research that herself.

I think Austrailia and/or New Zealand would both be cheaper than Canada (unless she's looking at Sydney, which is quite expensive) and about as hard to get into. Remind her that she won't have an Austrailian accent if she studies in Austrailia -- she'll have a Chinese accent. Additonally, Austrialia is closer to Taiwan than the Big Three and, as such, may make for a more viable return destination in the future -- for fun or whatever.

There's a goodish demand for Chinese lessons in most places on the globe these days -- but in the first world west competition will be fierce and visa regulations stringent...

[ls650]

I suspect that it would be cheaper for her to go to Aus or NZ as well.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]