Job Discussion Forums

[Sofie]

Hello all,

What an interesting world I am entering! Didnt know there was sooo much on offer.

I am 31 y. from the Netherlands, and have a BA. as Social Trainer and a MA. in Social Cultural Sciences. Work experience with children and teenagers in grouphomes and coaching families, but not as (English) teacher.
I am travelling 2 years now, of which 1 in Australia. My English has approved these years. To contribute to my experience I would love to teach English in a rural/natural, non stressful environment and be able to cover my expenses. I am willing to do a TEFL in class course on site (I guess my English is not advanced enough to do CELTA, its also veryexpensive!).
I would like to teach in Asia or maybe South America, starting (a TEFL course) in May.
-Is it possible for me to get a working visa in Asian countries as non-native speaker?
-What would my chances be?
-Any recomendation?

Thank you heaps, and keep up the good work!!

Sofie

[tttompatz]

In some places like China and Thailand, if you can speak well enough to get past the native speaker doing the interview and know what you are talking about you can get a visa and a job. This is especially true in the very rural parts of the countries (but the pay won't be much more than basic living expenses and may not cover airfare).

In places like Korea and Taiwan you cannot get a work visa (passport is not from an anglophone country).

In all cases, chances are not in your favor.

.

[1st Sgt Welsh]

Hi Sofie,

Not sure if you saw it but there was a fairly similar situation to this a little while ago with another poster and there was some good advice on that thread.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=86164

Sorry don't really know anything about South America, but in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos the work really is centred in the main cities. However, if you are prepared to work as a volunteer in these countries than that's a very different matter. I have also heard the same as tttompatz about opportunities working in smaller communities in China and Thailand - so that may definitely be an option

Good luck to you Sofie.

[Sofie]

Thank you so much for your information! Very helpful to know bout the work visa (im)possibilities.

Ill check the other similair threath,sorry had not seen it before).
I might just head off to Chiang Mai and do a course there and see if i can volunteer.. but then i wont get a work visa i suppose.. but sure life will take care one way or the other.

Sofie

[Glenski]

You would have a very hard time getting a work visa in Japan.

[deir84]

Hi,

I've read the different post on this topic since I'm in a similar situation though slighlty different. I was born and raised in the Netherlands, I was raised bilingual though I consider Dutch my first language. I have an Irish passport (Irish father and very Irish name), I have a master degree from the UK and I've lived in Belfast for one and a half year. And another master degree from Amsterdam. Do you think my Irish nationality would improve my chances of getting a reasonably well paid job in South East Asia? (I'll have to pay off student loans). Thanks!

Deirdre

[naturegirl321]