Job Discussion Forums

[bmillstein]

I've been reading the job forum, and can't find any information on teaching positions for older adults. I tried to submit an application the other day, but they asked for your DOB, and the drop-down menu only went up to 1960!!! My husband and I are in our 60's and would like to get paid positions teaching in SE Asia. Which schools will accept people our age? I have some teaching experience, and we both have advanced degrees. We'd prefer a school in Indonesia.

[sojourner]

Hi,

Re Indonesia, I vaguely recall coming across an item on one of Dave's fora, some time, back that mentioned that the govt has imposed an age limit of 60 for work permits - however to be sure, what don't you post a message to Dave's Indonesia forum;or, better still, contact your nearest Indonesian consulate.

I've heard that people in their 60s have obtained EFL jobs in Thailand - great place, but the salaries are not the best - also, the sorts of goodies one expects in places such as China (eg air-fare reimbursement, free flats, etc) , are usually not provided.

I've heard that Laos is a great place to work - but haven't heard if there is an age limit .Check out the General Asia forum for recent postings re Laos - also, the Vietnam and Cambodia fora.

If you are unable to find work in SE Asia, you might want to consider China. Although many job ads might specify an age limit of 55 or 60, you should still apply - many colleges and schools might be far more impressed with your (advanced) academic qualifications (and work experience) rather than your (advanced) age ! I have heard that many provincial governments have age limits for the issuing of Foreign Expert Certificates - but, you shouldn't be too worried, as such regulations are not always strictly followed.For example, the regulations stipulate that foreign teachers must have a minimum of a BA degree - yet, even at tertiary education level, there are many FTs who have only completed high school !

If interested in China, obtain the names/www addresses of colleges/unis by doing a google search on "China University Rankings". If you have a business/mangement/admin background, consider teaching subjects such as Business English, Management, etc - don't just focus on Oral English !

Feel free to PM me should you have any queries about teaching in China ( I've been here 6 years, and am in my early 60s !). Anyway, I hope that that you land a job somewhere in SE Asia. Outside Jakarta, Indonesia is certainly a fascinating place ! But the other ASEAN places also have much to offer.

Regards,

Peter

[bmillstein]

Does anyone have info about teaching in Laos or Cambodia for older teachers in their 60's. I've spoken to several agencies in Thailand, but no one has told me if it's possible to get jobs there at my age.

[naturegirl321]

I've heard that Cambodia is pretty flexible. But you might want to consider retirement visas, cost of living is probably cheaper than where you live now. Or look into volunteering. I just PMed you as well.