Job Discussion Forums

[Meagan0813]

Hi all,

I am a 34 year old woman, BA in psychology, 1 year of teaching conversational english to 2 business men from Germany here in the states, 1 semester of teaching a class in undergrad, and trained professionals on and off in my old job on health issues and fundraising. I have 10 years business experience.

I would like to teach English abroad for one year, maybe two, send money home, have a good experience in the new country (not suffer through it just to make money), really dig into the teaching aspect of it, live somewhere the isn't overly polluted, possibly a train away from the big city (or car) but a little out from the hectic life of a major city, but where there will be other expats. I may be bringing my cat as well (please don't come down on me - I just need some facts). If you don't know about the cat feasibility - no prob.

Would you please recommend some city and countries for me?

I would very much appreciate it.
Thank you in advance,
Meagan

[Glenski]

JET Programme.

Leave your cat at home with friends and family.

[parrothead]

Hi Meagan,

Culturally, is there somewhere in particular you are interested? Is there something you would like to learn while you live there? Finding a reason to live in a country makes a big difference in what you get out of your experience. A lot of teachers on these forums go to, say, Korea, for the money, but seem to be unhappy the whole time they are there.

I'd second the JET recommendation specifically, and extend it to Japan generally. With your qualifications, Taiwan or Korea may also allow you to net a small savings after a year or two.

[roadwalker]

Have you been/lived overseas? What did you like, what bothered you? Do you have any interest in foreign languages? Do you have any particular interest in any foreign culture?

You would like to send money home. Do you need to send a minimum amount for a loan, credit card or similar? If so, you probably eliminated Latin America, and China, unless it's a small amount or you get lucky. Korea's Won has dropped versus the dollar but you would still most likely have a higher salary than China and could send some home. The Yen in Japan is still strong, up in fact over last year.

What is a reasonable work week for you? Teaching twenty class hours and having free time? Teaching and office hours over 40 hours per week?

[englishmaster]

I would recommend Columbia Language Consulting in Taiwan (can't remember the web address offhand). I had an interview with them once, and nearly took a job. It's a pretty sophisticated outfit in which you do a lot of one-on-one teaching with adults. The pay isn't too great, as I recall, so if money's an object you might not want to go with Columbia.
Nevertheless, I encourage you to check out the website.

Good luck.

[Solar Strength]

[gajackson1]

Dear Meagan -

Ok, let's work with what you gave us: 34 woman, possibly w/ cat, suburb or striking distance of a city, send money home, good experience.

That still leaves a number of options open for you. I think I may have to side with the others re: the cat. I have 3, and brought them from South Korea here to Brunei - it was a VERY difficult, expensive, frustrating experience. I would suggest not doing it if you don't have to.

But if you decide you will, send me a PM, or read up about my adventures here in other threads.

You did not say if you wanted to teach youths (and what age range) or adults. South Korea does provide still some of the best money/opportunities/savings potential in Asia, but it can be a hard, hard place to live on many (I was there 10+ years; I know!).

If you are not a USA citizen, and a certified teacher (from your post, I am guessing you miss both of those criteria), I would have suggested researching Brunei.

Japan is an option - and I think you are too old for the JET Programme (unless they changed it; when I first came to Asia, I was 28, and almost 'too old' - but maybe they relaxed the requirement??? In Japan, you would also have more flex for sideline work than in Korea, where virtually all of it is illegal.

Taiwan is nice for living, if you can get out of the metro area (fun to visit!), and the lifestyle offsets the lower earning potential. You didn't mention travel, but it is slightly cheaper/easier from Taiwan, as well.

Note that with your age & background, matched with the right 'polish' to your resume & refs, you might just be able to get into a uni lecturer position of some sort - even without teacher's cert or a MA. The pay is fair, # of hours generally low/reasonable, big swaths of free time to actually go & explore the country/region you are in. Worth a thought!

Best of luck to you!

Glen