Job Discussion Forums

[edgrimley]

Well, that's the story one used to hear about Taiwan and Japan (ten and fifteen years ago respectively?)

I was fortunate enough to be in Phnom Penh, Cambodia 1994-95 during which time I taught for the most prestigious private school with many government and NGO contracts. The rate was US$16 per hour after the first term at $12. Although the six days a week classes that started at 6 am(!) wrecked me it was a great life of cheap grass (I didn't indulge), cheap ass (no comment), and warm people. The school was basically honest and there was no cheating of teachers (though I think using Headway was little benefit to students)

Cambodia was perhaps a unique situation - an NGO circus of tax dollars, starting to recover from civil war, fire fights at nights between rival police, military and political factions, but I loved it. I was a good teacher and students were polite and some even eager (two Russian brats not withstanding).

A few years after 1995 teachers were a dime a dozen and rates went down because people are not afraid to go there anymore. In fact it wasn't really horrible. I even went out during violent conflicts to buy sandwiches. Tanks in the street on CNN. Call mom to tell her not in my part of town. Hey, life goes on...

So where is the new 'Wild East' where the living is cheap, wages high and living adventurous? Most of all where middle aged men with no degree can easily find work based on their white faces and teaching experience, that is. I considered East Asia for income but I lived in Japan in 1991 also teaching and frankly hated the mentality. South-east Asia rules. I'd much rather live well than save money. But Thailand is out 'cause I've spent so much time there it's time for a change.

[khmerhit]