Job Discussion Forums

[Gautsch]

In regard to working/living conditions, students, visa/paperwork, salalries, fun-factor or any other reason you can think of.

Please comment on your choice, so I can have an easier time making mine.

I've been working in Japan for 2 years now and am looking for a change.

Cheers,

Gautsch

[denise]

I hate to give you the ol' fallback answer of "it depends," but really, it depends.

Of the countries on your list, I can comment on the Czech Republic and Japan. Both have their good and bad points. I won't bore you with my take on Japan, since you're already there.

If you're an American, then getting a visa will probably be more of an issue in the CR. They only recently joined the EU and I think you can still get a visa there, but there is a bit of paperwork.

The salary there is not terribly high, especially if you are hoping to save, pay off debts, or travel extensively around Europe. Still, on the salary you can live comfortably, go out a lot, and travel within the country.

Based on the location and the appeal of the country itself, I would chose the Czech Republic over Japan. I loved Prague and pretty much everything else that I saw while I was there. But of course, there are more factors than merely enjoying yourself...

d

[ls650]

One teacher's Heaven is another teacher's Hell.

There are far too many factors to say which country is 'best'; it depends on what you're looking for.

[naturegirl321]

AS far as money goes, I think that Taiwan, the Middle East, and South Korea, and Vietnam win there.

Working, living conditions depends on your employer. I have had good and bad ones here in Peru.

Same goes for visas. Some places in the EU won't get you a work visa and only allow peopel from EU countries to work for them. Others go the extra mile and get you a visa.

Fun, well, that depends on your ideas of fun.

AS people say, it depends. For example, I'm making a decent amount of money here in Peru, but working three jobs and studying on the side. I would like to go to China in a couple years and raise a family. HOwever, many people think China's not a good place to raise a family, whereas I disgree.

It all boils down to opinions.

[Gautsch]

[naturegirl321]

[spiral78]

American girlfriend (assuming US passport only) is going to restrict you to the 'new' EU member countries or Eastern Europe. Assuming that you mention her since she's going with you. Also assuming that you don't plan to marry her so that she can also work in EU member countries.

[MELEE]

Might I suggest Mexico?

Depending on your academic qualifications and the ages and levels you want to teach, you can find the whole range from very good to crap working conditions and pay. You can find jobs that will give you a very good local standard of living--but you lose if you want to convert it into Euros or Dollars, the key is to spend it all here!

The students are generally respectful and outgoing and willing to work with you--again it depends on the place you work. Upperclass Mexican teenagers have got to be some of the worst students in the world. I teach working class uni students and love working with my students.

Visa paper work is not as complicated as many places, but neither is it a breeze.

It's a beautiful, varied country with great food, world class beaches, historical sites (even one of the "new 7 wonders") arts and crafts, friendly locals, tourist infrastructure as well as "undiscovered" places and outdoor adventure activities.

But as others have said--it depends on you and what your looking for. If Mexico sounds interesting, come over the the Mexico forum and have a read...

[naturegirl321]

It seems like you're interested in Poland , Czech Republic, Japan, Thailand, France, Spain, Italy, and Vietnam. Why don't you spend some time reading some of the posts from these forums and see what you think?

[QatarChic]

Out of the five or so countries I have taught in, Spain wins hands down; great night life, friendly people, there's history, culture....lots to do...shame pay is so poor though

[naturegirl321]

[denise]

[naturegirl321]

[spiral78]

Denise, good point. I don't have the slightest idea regarding the legalities of Swiss nationals working in the EU member countries. It's pretty rare to encounter a Swiss national wanting to teach English as a second language (at least in my personal experience and on this forum).

[naturegirl321]