Job Discussion Forums

[Kipling]

Hi Everybody,
I have tried the search options for these questions but the site keeps directing to log in for some reason

I am thinking of working in Malaysia. I have a MA TESOL, Cert and BA
almost 18 years experience teaching and (currently) managing under/post - graduate EAP courses. I have also taught all levels and ages in Thailand, Turkey, Indonesia and EAP levels in China.
First what should I aim for as regards a position which is decent-universities or others???
Second, my son is 8 and Speaks fluent Mandarin, English is his F1 and he can get by in Bahasa Indonesia (My wife is from Java). I cannot afford Intl school fees ....what would be the best options over the next 2-3 years?
Third I am 58 in Sept, will that present any problems.
Thanks in advance for and advice.


Every Day
I am Mr K

[wailing_imam]

Fair play to your son!

If you can't afford Intl school fees, your son could attend public schools in Singapore, which are very multicultural and would offer him the chance to further his Malay and Mandarin studies.

[KayuJati]

Your academic qualifications are sufficient to find work in Malaysia at:

public universities (very politicised)
private universities
private college-universities
private colleges
state-run colleges, which are similar to private colleges

You should check out some of the threads below which discuss the jobs available for teacher-training positions. The gov't is gearing up to hire ~350 English teachers, mostly to train Malaysian English teachers in the public school system. With your academic and work background, it seems that you would look like a good candidate for that.

If your son is fluent in academic Mandarin, there are national (government) schools in which Mandarin is the primary language, and English the second language. Those students also have Malay classes, since a Pass in Bahasa Malaysia is required in the national SPM examinations (for school-leavers). The Chinese-vernacular schools are highly regarded for education and extra-curricular activities.

Check out Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Baru as they would have the largest choices of jobs and schools for your children. Still, even a smaller city, like Kuantan (where I live), there are options for both work and education.

The Singapore poster suggests that city, but you will find that it is a VERY expensive place to live. Still, if you can land a high-paying job there, and don't mind apartment-blok living, then Singapore might be interesting for a couple of years.

PM me if you have any further questions. I have been in Malaysia, working and schooling my children, for 15 years now.

[Kipling]

Thank you for your suggestions.
Best wishes
Mr K

[KayuJati]

For anyone "thinking of Malaysia" consider this article:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/8/nation/20090708144354&sec=nation

On efforts to emphasise the learning of English, the number of English teachers would be increased by 13,933 -- retirees would be hired, as well as foreigners if need be. - The Malaysia Star online, 8 July 2009

Funny how they would throw out such a precise number: 13,933! Although that was back in 2009, the government is still making such statements about hiring more English teachers.

[clsc]

What if you have just a Bach degree, no teaching experience but with working experience? What's the likelihood of getting a teaching job in Malaysia?