Job Discussion Forums

[mlj8888]

Hi,
My name is Matt and I'm looking for some advice/perspective. I have included a brief background summary and what I'm looking for below. I hope it is not too much information but from my reading it seems the more provided the better the advice offered. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks much,
M

Professional Background:
Education:
Master of Public Health
Bachelor of Arts: Economics; Philosophy
I am not certified or trained in TEFL

Work Experience:
~7 years at federal/state/local government positions (policy development; internal business solutions)

"Teaching" experience:
While I have no "actual" teaching experience - I do believe some of my experience lends itself, for example:
Native English speaker
Training and experience in facilitation with various groups
Countless presentations through school/work to varying audiences/demographics/etc
Trainer in diversity/social justice/racism education/training
Very good communication skills
Evaluation/assessment experience
Trained/education in equity/social justice/racism issues

Personal Background:
Age: 29
Single, heterosexual, Caucasian man (not sure if this information is needed or relevant).
Total debt: ~$9,000 federal student school loans

Looking for:
Legally work in country (no hopping boarders)
Laid back lifestyle/culture
Ideally - no additional education/training on my part (or minimal)
I don't plan on necessarily coming back to the US.
I don't necessarily plan on restarting my current career path.
I'm looking to break out America's culture and ideals and values. (I don't dream of ever owning a house or a car or living the "American dream". My values seem to fall inline more with Buddhist/Hindu culture/values.)
Ideally - working 40 hours a week or less
Specific Geographical areas I'd be potentially interested in include (trying to keep open mind and solicit input/advice)
(Thailand, Taiwan; Vietnam; Korea; China; Japan; Costa Rica, Columbia, Equador, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires; Argentina)

Questions:
What type of position (teaching or otherwise I guess) can be achieved with my qualifications? And where?
What type of country might best offer what I'm looking for in terms of a laid back mentality to life?
What salary/income range might I expect?
Is there any recommendations regarding paying of my student loan debt before moving overseas - or can it be managed? (this question is may be related to salary/income expectations).

Any advice or additional perspective would greatly be appreciated. I understand that there are no absolute answer - just looking for perspective/thoughts. I've done a lot of researching/reading already - and am looking for any additional perspective.
I'd be happy to provide additional information if it would be useful.

Many thanks for your time and help,
-Matt

[Glenski]

Japan. Starting salary: 200,000-250,000 yen/month (you do the exchange rate math; it changes every hour) with basic necessities encompassing 125,000-150,000 per month. That leaves plenty to pay off loans if you live reasonably frugally.

Expect your qualifications to make you eligible only for entry level teaching jobs like ALT or conversation school. I highly recommend you get some TEFL certification.

Be very careful how you word your "teaching experience", as you are aware it is not exactly what it should be. I won't pick apart each item, but you have to look at it from the standpoint of an employer.

I'm curious. You don't plan to return to the U.S., and want a laid-back lifestyle of teaching, but prefer not to get additional training which you would need to survive the long run (anywhere, not just Japan). I suggest you reconsider.