Job Discussion Forums

[AdamtheJohnson]

This is my biggest decision at the moment. Without looking at salary, lets consider what might be best for me.

Just out of college
No TEFL or CELTA at all
Bachelor's Degree in un-related field
No teaching experience (Well, I'm currently substitute teaching at my local district, but havent actually done it yet)

Which would be a better place for me to seek out a job?

[Laurence]

better = easier

or what?

[AdamtheJohnson]

[MisterButtkins]

Pretty sure you need real teaching qualifications to teach in Japan.

Having said that, even if you could get a job in either country, your question is a bit too broad and I'm not really sure what kind of answer you're seriously looking for. It isn't like you're asking what kind of computer is better or which shopping mall is better to go to. Do some research and make your own decisions. "Quality of life" is different for different people. Personally, I'd rather live in a shitty apartment that's conveniently located than a nice apartment that isn't, but other people will differ. Or, I'd rather live in a poor area with nice people, but other people don't care how nice strangers are and want to live in a clean, modern area. Who am I, or the 'other people', to say which constitutes a 'higher quality of life'?

[xi.gua]

Adding on to what MisterButtkins said,

Each city also varies. You could get a really awesome city in Japan, or you could get a complete crap hole, the same with China. I researched for a month before I left, I suggest you do the same as no one here knows you better than you, so you'll be able to make the best decision based on what you want.

I wouldn't shoot for the easier option though, people who do that always end up unhappy.

[AdamtheJohnson]

Well, yes I certainly do know what I want. But I really just want the emotions of others, free of my own prejudices.

Mainly I'm curious the opinions of others on a better fit for a first time TEFLer - the 40-hour week, hustle and bustle of Japan, or a slower work week with more time to travel in China?

[GHammer]

I have to also concur with MisterButtkins.

I've never taught in Japan, but I have several friends who have, and whether you decide on Japan or China is simply a matter of doing your own soul-searching and making your own decisions. What matters most to you? What kind of person are you?

As for me, I enjoy China. I've spent alot of time in Hong Kong and Shenzhen and I was raised in Los Angeles, so I understand how to get by in a fast-paced environment, but I get tired of the "rat race" and I prefer working and teaching in smaller cities in mainland China.

My life in China is very relaxed, low-key and not too stressful. I'm able to do some traveling, but at 6' 1" I generally dislike long, painful trips on sleeper buses and I try to avoid them at all costs. If the conveniences of "modern" travel are important to you, you might want to consider Japan or the bigger cities in China. If you want to live a more "rustic" lifestyle, then by all means come to mainland China. There's alot to see and do here and I genuinely like it here.

Finally, I took my time making the decision to come to China. I did alot of research and tried to find as much information as possible before I decided on my first school. I've since moved on to a smaller city (roughly 300,000 people as opposed to 1.3 million) and I'm enjoying myself even more. I originally thought I would teach in Japan, and also researched that very thoroughly.

It's definitely a matter of choice, and what you're looking for in life.

[AdamtheJohnson]

[The Revealer]

"...I'm currently substitute teaching at my local district, but havent actually done it yet..."

Huh?

Perhaps you could apply for a Texas Teacher Fellows program like others?

Take it outside. That's true.

Sometimes it is nice looking from the inside. I know of a job available.

"...lets consider what might be best for me. ..."

Why should anyone care about you?

ME???

I'm 5'6". Ha Ha!

PS - The best I've ever read on Daves - "....I do that alot here but it's obviously not getting me anywhere"

So, come to China and go places. ??? Someone must have spiked my drink.

Join the Army instead.

[GHammer]

[shenyanggerry]

I take the train whenever possible. Soft seat/soft sleeper beats the busses hands down. I'd even consider hard seat/sleeper over a bus.

[Laurence]

The food and the air and the ground are all far cleaner in japan.

Japan 1 - 0 China

[YAMARI]

[AdamtheJohnson]

[7969]