Job Discussion Forums

JulieC · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 5

Hi I'm new to the world of ESL I'm a primary school teacher with over 12 years experience. I have been offered an interview in January with ISTEK English schools in Turkey I am wondering if anybody knows about them? (have also posted this onthe Turkey board)

Also considering Japan, China, Vietnam and Borneo- does anybody have any advice on where is a good place to start teaching

Last question is I have a loan to repay of about USD$900 a month which country would offer the best lifestyle with being able to do some travelling and have a decent life.

Last consideration is that I'm 37 single and wanting to meet people over there hopefully a partner so wanting a country where I can socialise with people as well!

Hope this isn't too many questions!!

Cheers Julie

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

perfectweapon · Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 8:29 am Post subject:

As Glenski pointed out it would be extremely hard to get that kind of money even in the higher paying jobs. The only place that you might reach your goal is Saudi, and you have to be very careful of who is hiring you. If you decide to look at Saudi then the best way to go is direct hire although one company that is up front is Bell. They do not pull the wool over your eyes as they tell it how it is, and they are an agency. I don�t think you will make that kind of money to pay of your debts working in Japan or the other countries that you have mentioned. But who knows keep looking there might be something out there, as you have 12 years primary school experience. I hope that you get something.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

You could also look into Oman--not as high-paying as Saudi, but easier to realize your goals of socializing/dating (with other foreigners--not with the locals). Your experience is far better suited to international schools than to EFL, though.

d

perfectweapon · Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 9:55 pm Post subject:

The only problem with Saudi is that it is very strict, so the social side is not good. As pointed out Oman is good. Try Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE they are not strict, so just go to the forums and talk to the guys there OK.

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

That's infuriating how tuition costs have been able to increase in an out of control manner because of the easy credit that has existed since the '80s. Same with housing prices. Anyway, as some of the other posters said, you could pay this off easily with a job in Saudi. Some military contractors (like Raytheon) pay quite a large salary. As for the social life, you can hang out with a lot of the expats but must limit this to the compounds. Oops! I just noticed that you're female so that would limit your opportunities in Saudi but not in other Mideast countries.

Hope this helps,

Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

runthegauntlet · Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 1:31 pm Post subject:

Besides the international circuit....

You considered Korea and read through the Korean board? Hard not to save 900 bucks a month even without your qualifications.

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

runthegauntlet · Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 2:25 pm Post subject:

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

runthegauntlet · Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 3:18 pm Post subject:

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

runthegauntlet · Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 3:42 pm Post subject:

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

have you thought about intl schools? With 12 years experience as a primary teacher, you could make about 3K a month, plus benefits. Look at www.tes.co.uk