Job Discussion Forums

[Sudz]

Hi guys

I'll be studying at Nottingham University just outside of Kuala Lumpur next year. I have around 6 years of experience teaching mainly levels K-9, as well as a TESOL certificate. These qualifications enabled me to enter the MA TESOL program through the 'non-standard' route.

I'm currently teaching in Vietnam, and make a fairly good salary. However, I don't think my savings will allow me to study and stay for a full year (or year and a half more likely), and I'd like to find some part-time work while there (in KL).

Would someone in my position be able to find some type of work? I'm not interested in full-time.

Thanks

[KayuJati]

Yes, you should be able to find part-time work. PT work, however, does not come with a Work Permit, thus, you would probably be working illegally. (Many foreign students work....some never even attend class.)

A lot of public school teachers offer "tuition" at night, which can pay better than their public school salaries. You could advertise English tuition yourself, and being a foreigner can actually help you attract students, especially the Chinese ones. But, you would have to "teach to the syllabus" for the particular exam for which the students will sit.

[Sudz]

Thanks for the reply

Just out of curiosity, would someone in my position even be able to obtain a work permit?

[Sudz]

Also...one I HAVE my MA TESOL, would I have reasonable job opportunities in Malaysia?

[Sudz]

'once I have'

[KayuJati]

[Sudz]

Sounds good. So this is despite me not having a BA?

[KayuJati]

[Sudz]

Trying to find a nice, not too expensive place to live while studying. The cost factor is making me think twice about KL...

Would PT work be obtainable in a place like Ipoh? Keep in mind, I have experience, a TESOL certificate, but NO degree.

[KayuJati]

You have two posts on basically the same topic, so I will try to answer your question in this thread.

Ipoh or Taiping would both be cheaper for living expenses than KL. But, the study options will also be more limited. If you are going to study at the Nottingham University branch campus near KL, then you probably want to live near there, right?

If you want to live in Ipoh or Taiping, there are some private colleges, but their academic credentials (and degrees/diplomas/certs) will not be as highly regarded as those of Nottingham University.

It's a tradeoff. My suggestion: stick to KL. You can find cheaper lodgings on the outskirts of the bedroom communities rather than towards the high-rent city centre.

[Sudz]

Thanks for the reply.

One thing about this Nottingham class is that there are very few in-class lectures. From what I've seen, there are basically 3 or 4 lecture days in a row every 3 months. Since Malaysia's not that big of a country, I wouldn't mind doing the commute once every three months - staying in a hotel/guesthouse while there.

Any knowledge on what a cheaper room in KL might cost?

[Hod]

[Sudz]

Hmmm how are the prices in Penang compared to KL? Would there be much in the way of ESL work there (this is a potential factor as well...not sure if I'll have enough to live there on my savings alone).

Thanks

[Sudz]

Oh and 600Rm would be reasonable, though I wouldn't want to go much higher. Actually I'm a little surprised it's that inexpensive - you'd be pressed to find a nice apartment room in Ho Chi Minh City for that price

[Sudz]

Would anyone know if there are many teaching options in Ipoh? Keep in mind this would be for a student STUDYING for his MA TESOL, lacking a BA, while having 6+ years experience and a TESOL.

I realize it's tough to get specific info on Malaysia, but any feedback would be appreciated!