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toastnbananies
Joined: 28 Nov 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Washington, D.C.
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 Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 10:58 pm Post subject: Newbie trying to figure out where to go |
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Hello all, as I stated in the subject I am new to these boards trying to gather some information and figure out where I might like to try to go and teach. I did some browsing and was quickly overwhelmed, I saw how quick everyone seems to respond to these posts so figured...might as well post one myself.
About me... I am a 22 year old American. I have recently graduated from college with a B.A. in Environmental Policy. I have not done any teaching in the past but have taught English reading and writing skills to Sudanese refugees. I have been in the process of applying to be a Peace Corps volunteer for about 7 months. The medical expenses are adding up so I am looking into teaching abroad instead.
I have done a bit of traveling in Western Europe, South Africa, and Australia. Of the places I've been to I loved Scotland and South Africa-- I love mountains and places that feel alive with cultural heritage. My love for natural beauty in particular mountains will be very influential in choosing a country to apply to teach in. Natural beauty and breath-taking views are more important to me than night-life. That being said I do not want to be totally isolated. I need a balance, I would be overwhelmed in a bustling croweded city but want some aspect of community, social life.
I have applied with Knowledge Source to teach in South Korea (anyone have any feedback about this company?) mostly because the organization is supported by a reputable university in my state. I do not know much about South Korea, I did not put any preference for any particular region (any suggestions of areas that meet my desire for natural beauty with a bit of a community/social scene?)
I'm not set on South Korea I'm very open to suggestions. I'm also not limiting my choices to Asia. I am looking for a country with mountains that has a more mild climate (South Africa again is a perfect example) because I do not really like cold. I could probably learn to deal with it though for beautiful enough scenery.
Thanks in advance for advice  |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 12:17 am Post subject: |
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| Lots of mountains in Peru. And if you head up north, you can avoid the cold. See my PM |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:01 am Post subject: Re: Newbie trying to figure out where to go |
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| toastnbananies wrote: |
| I have been in the process of applying to be a Peace Corps volunteer for about 7 months. The medical expenses are adding up so I am looking into teaching abroad instead. |
Forgive me, but what is the connection here? Did you get sick working for the PC?
Check out the JET Programme for Japan. Most jobs are in public schools in rural areas. Problem is, deadline for Americans is deadly close, if not over, for 2009-10 year. |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 12:25 pm Post subject: |
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| I think he means the medical exams and tests in order to be accepted into the PC: |
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denise
Joined: 23 Apr 2003
Posts: 3419
Location: finally home-ish
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie trying to figure out where to go |
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| Glenski wrote: |
| toastnbananies wrote: |
| I have been in the process of applying to be a Peace Corps volunteer for about 7 months. The medical expenses are adding up so I am looking into teaching abroad instead. |
Forgive me, but what is the connection here? Did you get sick working for the PC?
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Having applied for and withdrawn my application from the Peace Corps, I think I understand the point. The process can be quite a hassle--I never even made it as far as the medical exams, since I was applying from abroad and the PC had no clue how to deal with me! (You'd think they'd be more accustomed to overseas applicants...) It's far, far easier to find a job on your own than to go through a big bureaucratic process.
If you like mountains and don't like cold, I can recommend Oman, although it goes way too far in the direction of "not cold"!
d |
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toastnbananies
Joined: 28 Nov 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Washington, D.C.
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| Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 8:43 pm Post subject: |
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That's correct I'm in the process of completing medical forms for Peace Corps and am having a great deal of difficulty doing so. Largely because about 6 years ago I was seen by a therapist to deal with self-esteem issues (when I was 16/an awkward teenager). Peace Corps has proven to be quite close-minded about mental health. I am anticipating having to appeal decisions. My application with PC began in May. I am waiting until the new year then considering other options.
Oman seems interesting. Is it quite conserative in regards to women (I'm female), dress, alcohol? I have always wanted to learn Arabic... Do people speak French there as well- I speak a bit. Does one need higher credentials to teach there?
I had a conversation with a co-worker today who lived in Japan. She somewhat soured my opinion of South Korea, telling me that when she visited she encountered were quite unfriendly and there was snow. I know everyone has their own opinion but it can be quite influential when you know a person and she/he tells you of their experience.
I still a bit of a loss... I should pick a region and go from there.... I am thinking Asia...Middle E/North Africa....okay I'm being incredibly vague, someone just pick for me |
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Chris Westergaard
Joined: 14 Mar 2006
Posts: 215
Location: Prague
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| Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:34 am Post subject: |
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| As an owner of a course I come into contact with a lot of people. I've heard nothing but good things about Vietnam from the people who have gone there. You might want to check that out. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:04 pm Post subject: |
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| toastnbananies wrote: |
| Peace Corps has proven to be quite close-minded about mental health. |
Can you blame them? They would be smart to consider balking at hiring someone with a history of mental disorder for jobs so far away and in such remote locations.
| Quote: |
| I had a conversation with a co-worker today who lived in Japan. She somewhat soured my opinion of South Korea, telling me that when she visited she encountered were quite unfriendly and there was snow. |
Uh, snow? This soured you?
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| I am thinking Asia...Middle E/North Africa....okay I'm being incredibly vague, someone just pick for me |
Bad request. Pardon my boldness here, but grow up and make your own life decisions. People here and elsewhere may tell you how wonderful a situation is, but you need to get all the information you can before agreeing that it is right for you.
Come to Cambodia!
Come to the UAE!
Come to Kraplakistan! (Austin Powers reference)
Your response should be, "Why? What does it hold for someone in my situation? Am I qualified, and what do I need to know to survive and thrive there?" |
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toastnbananies
Joined: 28 Nov 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Washington, D.C.
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| Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:19 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Can you blame them? They would be smart to consider balking at hiring someone with a history of mental disorder for jobs so far away and in such remote locations. |
Well I was seen by a therapist per my parents' request. As a 16 year old I had no right to refuse, by law. I was dealing with becoming a teenager poorly and was not mentally unbalanced. You are incorrect to say "history of mental disorder." I reported that I had been to a therapist because the PC is a quasi-governmental agency. This is privileged information I would not consent to give out if the organization was not such.
This is the stigma anyone who sees a therapist faces and it is a very sad fate. In the Peace Corps, if you went to a counselor after a death in the family or for marriage counseling you would be in the same situation as me. I happen to find this policy extremely judgmental. If I had diagnosed schizophrenic, bipolar, even ADHD I could understand these concerns but none of these labels were ever stuck on me.
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| Uh, snow? This soured you? |
If you had read my original post I stated that I was not fond of snow. Therefore yes, snow soured my view.
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| Pardon my boldness here, but grow up and make your own life decisions. People here and elsewhere may tell you how wonderful a situation is, but you need to get all the information you can before agreeing that it is right for you |
I was being a bit facetious, I guess it did not translate well. Trust me, I know that one person's opinion can be quite different from another's. I spent a boring, expensive semester in Australia during college. That being said, the sheer enormity of where one can go is overwhelming. People's opinions can prove influential. It is impossible to know whether not one will like a place without going there but I do not have the funds to do that first. I am trying to figure out a location by these criteria: Will I like the geography? Will I be safe? Will I earn a decent living? Will I be reasonably comfortable? If you had any other constructive criteria I would gladly use it in my decision making.
I don't mean to start an argument but the stereotypes placed on the mental health community are terrible. I am of the belief that everyone can benefit from therapy. |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 1:06 am Post subject: |
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| toastnbananies wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Uh, snow? This soured you? |
If you had read my original post I stated that I was not fond of snow. Therefore yes, snow soured my view.
Will I like the geography? Will I be safe? Will I earn a decent living? Will I be reasonably comfortable?
I don't mean to start an argument but the stereotypes placed on the mental health community are terrible. I am of the belief that everyone can benefit from therapy. |
There's not snow everywhere.
About the other things, generally, in most places where you teach English, remember, this is in general, it's pretty safe. Provided you blend it and don't serve yourself on a silver platter to theives. Decent living, sure, you'll get more than the locals, but if you want to save, you have to budget.
I agree about therapy. I'm depressed, Lima is gross, but therapy comes in many forms, sleep, reading, music, etc. |
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