Job Discussion Forums

Johaun · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 26

Hi all, long-time reader, first-time poster. i'm a recent graduate from ohio state with a BFA in English. currently pursuing an online TEFL certificate. i know, i know, largely useless. BUT, i figured it's better than no certificate at all; and, i'd like to take advantage of their job-searching resources. from what i've read on here, in terms of housing it looks like the way to go is to find my own, rather than the provided accommodation. regarding that: how easy is it to find a English-speaking realtor? assuming i have to pay my own utilities, how exactly are those paid (cash, direct withdraw, etc)? i've heard a couple horror stories about dealing with landlords/deposits. i assume that most transactions are done in cash, and basically am terrified that i pay a deposit/rent in cash and somehow get totally screwed. help!

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

Um, if you stick to government schools or universities here in Asia then you usually end up with reasonable accommodation. Sometimes you have to do a clean up after moving in however. A lot of accommodation in Asia is paid up six to twelve months in advance. The main problem is getting neighbors that are quite.

The way that you want to go is to stay in a hotel and then get help from locals at where you end up working to help you find a place. Bonds can be hard to get back sometimes.

hollysuel · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 225 Location: Connecticut, USA

What country are you in or hoping to go to?

The answers to your questions really depends on the country that you are going to... (or are currently in.)

Johaun · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 26

oh sorry, neglected to mention that. looking to teach in China. i'm Chinese-American and have family there as well. looking to teach in a major city (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.). but to reiterate, is everything paid in cash? i'm hesitant to front that much cash to some landlord, unless there is some sort of viable contract/record-keeping.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Why don't you post this in the China forum?

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

Ah: You get help, school, stay hotel. find place, live! Nice and short and suited to local use huh?

mictweety · Joined: 11 Apr 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Texas, U.S.A.

Whoever hires you should give you some pointers and things like that to help you set up. If you are aiming for the bigger cities, I would think you'd be okay with finding nicer accommodations.