Job Discussion Forums

Hed_Kandi · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 45

I'm leaving here (Canada) in August and I'm torn between these three countries on which one to teach English ? Crying or Very sad

Which one of the three countries is easier to get a job in ? (I only have a TESOL certificate, no degree).

Which one of these three countries pays pays more and has a lower cost of living? (The biggest gap in between your salary and actual costs). I don't want to be "just getting by". I'd like to be able to be comfortable and be able to travel after teaching for a year.

And finally, which one of these countries is the most laid back, or most different in terms of "the rushed" lifestyle of North America? (Think listening to Bob Marley, lazing on the beach to wee hours in the morning laid back). Cool

I'd really appreciate feedback and recommendations from those who really know. This is a huge decision for me to be doing this, I'm quitting my job and and not going back to school next year, so this is important ! Very Happy

Chester · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Australia

I worked with some people in Korea who moved on to Vietnam and we corresponded regularly. They said that they preferred Viet to korea and the pay was similar.
I worked also in Thailand, australia and currently in Indo.

Thailand is my favorite. But I did not have a TESOL cert so my pay was very low.
With TESOL i would be there in a shot, but I have commitments in Indonesia.
I understand that salaries have improved since i was there and I much prefer buddhist culture to that of islam. Thailand is the land of smiles.

Check out www.ajarn.com
its a good website for esl in Thailand.

It also much easier to get a job there and visa regulations are more relaxed.
I recommend Chon Bury or hua hin for a good place to work and live, beach side and not the stress of Bangkok.

Hed_Kandi · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 45

Joachim · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 311 Location: Brighton, UK

If you do get a job in Thailand, it won't be legal as you do need a degree to satisfy immigration. You shouldn't accept anything lower than 30,000 THB per month, but you should ideally be closer to 40k.

You won't be able to save enough to travel for a whole year in either country, unless you live like the locals and teach in an international school (an impossibility with your qualifications).

I think you'd like Thailand, although after a year you may well be sick of hearing Bob Marley on the beach!!

Hed_Kandi · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 45

willy · Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 7:27 pm Post subject:

well if its $$ you want better go to taiwan but the fact is you will need smoe kind of deg to get a working visa in any country but in Taiwan you can get by on a turest visa but get it from home really if $$ is your only interset you will be happer there you can party and save and the tw$ will co a long way when you leave.

indo is very nice but its not easy to save unless you can get a good job and for that you need lots of experance.

and really if you have no deg you better make, it wont fool a school but it will help you (well maybe in TW)

Joachim · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 311 Location: Brighton, UK

I'd say check out ajarn.com or else head down to Bangkok ASAP so you can pick and choose with more information at the ready. Thats what I did, and was offered four jobs in four days....

Good Luck.