Job Discussion Forums

[Antsea]

...

I've done lots of research and still a bit baffled about which country (ies) would be best to find work in. Maybe if I tell you my situation and preferences, someone will be able to help.

I'm 30, British (so EU). I got a poor degree 10 years ago and have quite sketchy work history, lot's of different casual jobs although I can account for my time ok. I have a CELTA, and have just done 2 months in a nice voluntary position in Guatemala. I am inexperienced as a teacher, but improving and hard working. I look the part: relatively young and professional looking Caucasian male...shouldn't matter, but it does in some places.

I'm looking for somewhere to teach for at least 1 school year. Saving isn't my priority, but I can't afford to spend lots travelling and looking for something either.

My preferences as far as work goes roughly in order of priority:

To have decent working conditions, prefer relatively chilled out to high pressure at the moment, although I do put a lot into my students and improving my teaching practise.

To have a decent living situation, not extravangant by any means but to be able to afford an ok room, healthy food and public transport around town.

To be somewhere where there is an ok job market rather than pinning all my hopes on one job offer that may or may not work out.

Somewhere where there is a decent community of english speakers and travellers.

Somewhere fresh beef and or lamb is available.

Somewhere warm.
------
I realise I may have to compromise on some things of those things, so don't hold back if you have an idea!

I did think of Thailand, but apparently it is a lot harder to get anything this year.

Thanks for your help.

[Antsea]

To be clear, when I say not 'high pressure' I would like it if I had motivated students and there was pressure to do well and raise my game.

I'd just rather not work with not enough prep time, boss piling on additional work etc even if the pay was good.

[Mr. Ed]

CHINA

[Sadebugo]

[nickpellatt]

Although my part of China is often knocked for having some of the lowest salaries around, it does satisfy your criteria in a number of areas.

I teach small classes of adults in a fairly relaxed environment. I only take 2 x 90 min classes a day, and the school is fairly well equipped with a multimedia room and computer room for teachers. Information and schedules are well organised too.

My living situation is very comfortable. Housing which is safe and secure (although basic) is provided bill free, and I dont have to watch my pennies, yet can still eat out in decent restaurants for every meal.

There are also a number of similar private language schools in the town, and finding a job with your credentials should be fairly easy if the worst came to the worst.

Yangshuo is also something of a mecca for travellers, in honesty....there are too many Westerners here for my liking, but that does make living easy as we are well catered for.

I normally eat good Chinese beef dishes daily, I actually had lamb instead last night.

And although its a bit chilly at the moment, the warmer weather is far more common, and will last the majority of the year.

The only thing that may be a downside, is this early in your teaching career, China may not be the best place for professional development. The focus tends to be more on conversation classes, which means you will have less chance to develop your language awareness and skills as a teacher when presenting grammar based lessons etc. Although I do enjoy a lot of freedom in class in terms of what I present .... I do find the shortage of really qualified and experienced teachers to get tips and ideas from frustrating.

There is a decent website called www.yangers.com which will tell you more about where I am. Wages are lower here when compared to some places in China, but like I say...I am very comfortable in terms of lifestyle here. It might not be the case if you have debts to service back home, or if you were looking at long term savings etc.

Ill pm you details of my school if you want to try and contact them.

[Antsea]

Thanks for the replies. Yangshuo looks nice Nick, would be great if you pm'd me the address.

[kathrynsandoval]

I taught in Ecuador, in Quito. It is called the city of eternal Spring. I found that to be a bit optimistic, but I know the Brits love the sunshine there, especially in the valley very close to Quito.
Lots of jobs there. Politecnica paid the best, I believe, and had the best job situations. Classrooms, rather than getting on a bus for each class to go to a jobsite. Curriculum and books provided. High school age, and adults as students. For the most part, a very supportive administration, which isn't always the case. Your having a CELTA is good.
Housing is easy to find. As is the food you want. I'm not crazy about Ecuadorian food, but there's lots to choose from.
You can find all kinds of advice, roommate boards, trip companions, trivia pub quiz nights, etc., at the South American Explorers Club, and good conversation in English at The English Bookshop.

[Antsea]

Pretty cool. Can I ask when you were in Ecuador?

[kathrynsandoval]

I was in Quito, which is the capital. Easy and cheap public transportation, just watch your stuff!

[kathrynsandoval]

From June08 to Oct09. During that time I spent 4 months in Banos, a wonderful place. ESL jobs are slim pickings in Banos, so it's best to find a bigger city like Quito or Cuenca or Riobamba to teach in, and go to Banos for the thermal baths and on the way to the rainforest.

[Antsea]

Thanks.

[Mr. Ed]

Yangshuo, Guangxi, China is a great place for the first 3 days.

[Antsea]

Why did it get old?

[khmerhit]

Lots of beef and lamb in




























C A M B O D I A
try it and see