Job Discussion Forums

[dogboy]

Ok, here's my question. I am a 34 year old male that returned from Japan about 6 months ago. I spent 3 years in a small city in Japan with the JET Program. Now I am back in New York and considering heading back to Asia to teach again. I find that I am missing life in Asia tremendously.
While I was in Japan, I enjoyed my time (for the most part). The biggest problem I had was the small size of the city where I was living. I am from New York City and very much a city person. I like the fast pace, mobs of people, and choices for public transportation.
I have a degree in education, along with my 3 years experience with JET, but am not CELTA or TESOL certified.
My questionis how does Korea compare to Taiwan. More Specifically, I would be interested in going to Seoul or Taipei as when I was in Japan, I was missing big city life the most.
I'm not really interested in the debate of where I can make more money. I have read all the debates about this, and have already formed my own opinions. So, I do not need to know about the money issues. What I am looking for is some insight into culture, jobs, working environment, fun, entertainment, lifestyle, ect. I have a degree in high school education, and that is what I am most interested in. Younger kids just don't work out for me as well.
Any information that anyone can give me, would be greatly appreciated. Especially if you have lived and taught in 2 or more of the 3 locations. I'm looking for advice from people with first hand experience.
Thanks for any information that you can toss my way.
Cheers.

[sojourner]

Dogboy,

You appear very keen to work in a large Asian city, but why limit your search to just Taiwan and Sth Korea ? Have you ever considered Shanghai ? With your qualifications in secondary teaching, you might be able to get a job in an international school in Shanghai. It would even be easier to land a job in a college or uni - in that sector, you may even have an opportunity to teach subjects other than Oral English, eg Business English, Western Culture, etc. Shanghai's a great place ! Plenty of night clubs, good restaurants, book shops, the Shanghai Performing Arts Centre, the Shanghai Art Gallery, etc. There is also an underground rail system, although it is not as extensive as Seoul's.

You may also want to consider Hong Kong. With your qualifications, you could be eligible for HK's NET scheme, if you want to teach English in the government-run school sector. Apart from your degree and your teacher training, are you registered as a secondary teacher with the New York education authorities ? Also, have you had any high school teaching experience ? Browse through the HK Forum - there are often postings about the NET scheme. HK, in many ways, is far more interesting than Shanghai - but more expensive ! HK has a very hectic atmosphere - by comparison, Shanghai appears a bit more relaxed - also, the people of Shanghai appear to be more friendlier than those in the S.A.R. Like Shanghai, HK also has a good underground rail system. HK also has a good bus and tram system - where the destination signs are in English ! And, of course, there is the ferry service between the Island and Kowloon. So, it is quite easy getting around HK - but not always that quick !

Good luck.

Peter