Job Discussion Forums

[dog8food]

I see the forums here full of opinions about teaching in certain countries, but would you say there are countries that get less "complaints" than others?

From what I perceive, Japan is an overall desirable place, as well as some European countries.

What is your opinion? Or better yet, if you've taught in more than one country, what is your experience?

[denise]

It depends entirely on what you consider desirable. Money? Nightlife? Local culture? Dating? Scenery/climate? (etc., etc...) I've taught in places that were good in some of those areas, but I have not been anywhere that has all of those things.

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[spiral78]

There's also the issue of where one can legally teach. Spain, for example, may feature everything an individual thinks is needed to be a paradise, but if he/she can't teach there legally, then it's a moot issue. Without a degree, some Asian countries are off the map. Withough advanced degrees and experience, the ME is usually out of bounds....

As for Europe, if you can work legally, it's great from most standpoints EXCEPT pay, benefits, and ease of finding work. It's also harder to land jobs here than in some other regions even if you have the vital EU member citizenship - there is just a lot of competition on this job market. Not a market where jobs are normally found from abroad, either - start up costs are required....

Overall, I think newbies need to start by narrowing down their options based on where they can legally teach according to their nationality, qualifications, and experience, and then choose from that short-list.

[Glenski]

Perhaps the name of this thread should be "The best country in the world to teach is ___ because..."

[dog8food]

Yeah, I just want YOUR personal opinions, based on your perceptions, likes, dislikes, biases, etc.

[Zero]

[denise]

[Phil_K]

The best place to teach is probably somewhere I haven't been yet!

[coledavis]

To teach: Siberia. Adolescents as well as adults who want to be taught, respect an educated person and are generally open-minded. Whether or not you would like it as a place to live is of course subjective.

[Nevpraguetefl]

It's a very subjective question of course.
For me personally (coming from Europe), if I was starting out with a bit of savings behind me I'd probably choose Brasil.

[Edmond]

hey....
i think best country for teach is....
USA
there are many benefits due to teach there..great pay and other facilities

Apartments Scottsdale AZ

[sistercream]

The most motivated students I've had were in a small city in western China. It was also a place with great cameraderie in the small expat community. OTOH lots of items like dental floss, cereal and non-instant coffee weren't available locally, winters were extreme, and the air was permanently full of sand and coal dust.
I remember the great food in Taiwan, but was stuck in the dreary confines of Taipei City for 99% of the time, so didn't get much of a chance to explore the fantastic natural beauty of the island.
Hong Kong has an almost palpable energy, it's easy to get around in English, compact & with great public transport (you can get from downtown to wilderness trails in 40 minutes), good availability of imported products, and a large expat population. But a lot of people don't like the tropical summers, nobody likes the pollution (worst in winter), and if you teach in a smaller school or a language centre (as opposed to an international school or in the NET programme) then you won't have much money left after paying the rent.

So, as previous posters have noted, it depends on what you are looking for.
The one place I do not want to live/ teach in again is Romania.

[denise]

[oxi]

[hollysuel]

I went to Finland for a nine month contract and stayed for 11 years, so I would say that it is a great place to be if you don't mind low wages and six months of dark winters. I really did love it!

Really, I would say that this answer differs for every person!