Job Discussion Forums

donfan · Joined: 31 Aug 2003 Posts: 217

I'm wanting to head overseas in January but have no idea exactly where I want to go. What advice would you give to somebody with my qualifications and experience?

- Trinity College TESOL certificate
- Master in Applied Linguistics
- Graduate Diploma in Education
- five years overseas teaching experience

I have taught previously in Russia and loved it but need to go somewhere where the money is. I also taught in Taiwan and wouldn't mind going back there but don't just want to get a cram school job. I am not particularly interested in the Middle East as I don't know if I could handle the lifestyle there. Any suggestions welcome.

dduck · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 422 Location: In the middle

Ever considered a change of profession?

Iain

donfan · Joined: 31 Aug 2003 Posts: 217

What makes you say that? Shocked

dduck · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 422 Location: In the middle

Perhaps, you're uncertain about what to do with yourself because your not enjoying the work your currently involved in. You've become interested in the money, and you're getting fussy about the locations and work your want. I read into that that you're not fully connected to your work. Perhaps, you'd feel more fulfilled by venturing off in another direction?

Feel free to ignore my phsycobabble, but you did ask Confused

Iain

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

If you rule out the ME, the only places left where you could earn a living wage would be Japan or Taiwan.

I assume you have ruled out Korea as being a danger to one's mental health.

donfan · Joined: 31 Aug 2003 Posts: 217

Fair enough - you're probably right in some respects too. But after being in the teaching profession so long it's hard to see myself doing anything else. Crying or Very sad

dduck · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 422 Location: In the middle

Steiner · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 573 Location: Hunan China

Maybe scot47's been reading the Korean Forums here at Dave's. I've picked up the same impression.

Dave Kessel · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 49

You have not tried the ME, so why are you already so set against coming here? Here is how it works in this field:

Great country, friendly people, great culture/social life-=low salaries ( Russia, Indonesia, Morocco).

So-so country, so-so people, so-so social life=so-so salaries. (Japan. Taiwan, Korea, HK)

Difficult country, not very friendly people, bad social life=great salaries ( Saudi, Qatar, etc).

Try a moderate ME country- the Emirates for one. Or maybe Oman. Bahrain. Even Kuwait. You will find that with a bit of effort you will be able to live in an environment not so different from the one you are used to living in.

Then, when you make your money and have it invested somewhere so that it grows, you can take a job in lower paying countries. How about that?

I am in Saudi now and it is OK. Plus I get all these vacations where I can travel and see what I have missed during my working months. Sometimes you need to sacrifice a bit. Delayed gratification is the name of the game.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

In my years in this game I have met many teachers who have been in many different countries, including South Korea. I also read the Korea Forum here when I am feeling too cheerful.

These two together have combined to make me believe that South Korea is not a good place to be an EFL teacher. I am open to any who can convince me that South Korea is a good place to teach.

Meanwhile I will stay in my cushy number in the Arabian Pensinsula.