Job Discussion Forums

sly1139 · Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 36

Hi, just wondering if there was some information on Laos, ie. Jobs, salaries, locations, all that.... I have searched all the websites I could find and Laos seems pretty rare if at all. Thanks...

BigGuy · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 34

Not a lot of jobs in Laos and not a lot happening there. I suggest you try elsewhere.

sly1139 · Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 36

hmmmmm... Big guy, that's eaxactly opposite of what I have heard, what's your experience... Check out friendoken's posts...

BigGuy · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 34

Well, yeah, if you look at how many posts kendofriend's has (how do you find him), you might get a good idea of how vibrant Laos is for jobs and for living.

BigGuy · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 34

I mean friendoken's; ..... yawn...

Steph44 · Joined: 27 Jun 2004 Posts: 11

Hi,

I lived and worked in Laos for 2 years, from 2003-2005. I loved it, but it is definately a laid back lifestyle. I worked at Panyathip Bilingual School. The website is www.pbslaos.com There are some other schools and institutes in Vientiane, but I think you need to be there to get work. I got my job at Panyathip from outside the country. PM me if you have any other questions about living in Laos. It's not for everyone, but I wasn't the only teacher there who loved it.

friendoken · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 41

Thank you for the support BigGuy. Have you ever even been here?

I too, am employed at Panyathip Bi-Lingual School, where I teach Grade 6 English, math and science. I came to Laos in August 2006 and it is my home now. I shall never live in Canada again.

Contrary to what BigGuy offers, there are unlimited ESL opportunities here, and dozens of school to choose from, with more opening regularly. If you have a degree you will be offered a job in the better institutions. I teach 17 classes a week (50 min each) and clear $1000/month salary. Paid vacation/sickdays/holidays. I am finished at noon M-W-F and teach 2 90 conversation classes at LOGOS Academy from 5-8 pm. I finish T-Th at 2pm at Panyathip. The LOGOS job pays $10/hour (normal around here) with none of the aforementioned benefits.

You can have a very good life here making the $1300 or so a month I make, and it is totally stress free. Everything is very inexpensive and the people are the nicest I have ever met; I have travelled through some 40 countries and lived on three continents, so I have a fair base to judge from.

I would recommend Laos to someone who wants a great life and wishes to be treated with respect, kindness and generosity. That is all the Lao wish in return as well.

Every teacher here I know loves it. Plus, the American Ambassador let's us play softball on his private field whenever we want too, and he supplies all the gear! We regularly play a round robin tournament between the foreign teachers, Korean people and Japanese people who live here. Loads of fun!

Do not let anyone tell you Laos is a dead end. It isn't, it's merely a quiet cul de sac. Besides, insanity is all around us and easy to find Laughing

sly1139 · Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 36

allright... so what's your advice on getting a job... Is it going to Laos and looking???

friendoken · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 41

sly1139 · Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 36

I am currently in South Korea. My contract isn't up until February. I was wanting to travel a bit in March, and could add Laos to the list to look for a job. I am definately willing to go and look if you think it would be easy to get a position within a few weeks at least. Thanks for your help...

sly1139 · Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 36

Oh, and also I have a B.A.A.S. in applied arts and sciences, and have 1 yer teaching experience, but no tefl cert. do you think this is vital for Laos?? I could get a cert in the next few months...

friendoken · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 41

There should be no problem finding a job if you have a timetable the measures in weeks.

Legally you need no special certification to teach here at all. Your degree puts you at the top of the food chain; I don't think getting a TESOL or some such certification will enhance your CV, although it doesn't hurt. You have a degree and experience. If you have the time and the cash, havinbg a TESOL is cool too. I have one and a BA.

I taught for one year in Korea and couldn't wait to get out. Laos is paradise compared to that place.

The_Hanged_Man · Joined: 10 Oct 2004 Posts: 224 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

Any word on the the international school in Vientiane? They are recruiting for a number of teachers this year, and am wondering what is the word on the street.

sly1139 · Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 36

Yeah, I'm feeling the Korea pain at the moment. Especially with the exchange rate going down the tube... If you don't mind, I will keep in touch so that I can get some more info around Jan., Feb. time. Thanks again for the info... I'm actually a pretty decent softball player... lol

friendoken · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 41

I have heard good things about VIS. They hire native speakers and pay a salary not hourly. I assume benefits would be higher (paid vacation/sickdays/holidays) would be better too. Likely similar or better thab PBS where I teach. Their standards are higher than most of the private schools, thus a degree and some experience is essential. Not a good location for the backpacking crowd to try to seek emplyment.

sly1139 you can PM me if you wish. We can communicate via regular email channels. P.S. we have a game this sunday on the ball field. It really is quite cool and a lot of fun. We (the foreigners) take it easy, but it's always nice to watch the Japanese and the Koreans play each other Laughing