Job Discussion Forums

[crestofawave]

Hello,

I have just joined this forum so apologies if this topic has been discussed many times before

I am considering teaching English in Asia, I do not have a TEFL certificate but I am a native english speaker with a degree. I am in the process of weighing up different potential countries and their pros and cons with regards to teaching, countries I have been looking at so far include: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, China, Korea, Japan (any other suggestions are welcome).

After travelling in SE Asia for 6 months a while ago I became enamoured with Thailand and the thought of spending some time living and working there is very appealing. However, doing some research made me think that Thailand may not be the most practical place for me at the moment, though I haven't given up on it entirely. The main reason that Thailand is out for now is that unfortunately I will be setting off with a more limited budget than hoped for.

So I have been researching countries that are supposed to be somewhat more financially rewarding, these seem to be China, Korea and Japan. I believe that there are teaching opportunities in these countries where a return flight is included as well as payed for accomodation and reasonable wages. I am thinking of ruling out Japan due to high cost of living, Korea is tempting but I have read that this is not the most beginner friendly teaching environment, which leads me to China.

My reasoning is that if I go to China I will be more financially stable and after having spent some time there I should have more flexibility to move on to other countries in the region at a future date should I choose.

Are my assumptions accurate regarding the different countries?

Also does anyone have any recomendations with regard agencies, schools or universities?

Any advice would be very welcome.

Thanks for reading

[naturegirl321]

China's a good place to start. Try the Chinese forum, you'll find more info there.

[nickpellatt]

Hello

After reading your post I went trawling a few other sites and checked google for recent regulations regarding TEFL certification. Forum chatter has suggested that many provinces now require applicants for legal working visas to hold a degree, two years work experience AND TEFL certification. I didnt find anything definitive, but be aware that this 'may' mean 'some' employers in 'some' areas 'may' not consider your application due to these rules.

Do also note that China is rarely a country where rules and regulations are absolute. Even if the above is now the letter of the law, you will always find places that will still offer you employment. A 'needs must' philosophy often trumps law there.

I would also suggest considering a recognised certificate program. You dont mention any relevant experience, so what makes you think you can teach effectively? One thing about China, is you are VERY unlikely to be given any real on the job training, and in many environments, especially University or public school, you will get little to no support either. It is not uncommon for a new teacher just to be pointed in the general direction of a classroom and told to 'go speak English to them'. Taking a course doesnt prepare you for all eventualities, but it does prepare you for some, help you do a far better job from day one, and make the whole experience far less stressfull and far more enjoyable.

Many jobs in China do offer housing, and may also include utilities. These are very likely to be of a standard far lower than those you are used to though! Return airfare on completion of a 12 month contract is also quite standard. Teaching hours are also quite low in many jobs, which means you can enjoy all the excitement of being in a new country too! Not so sure that salaries are high, typically I would guess that someone with minimal qualifications and no experience would be looking at salaries in the range of 4000-6000 RMB (about �400-600), but cost of living is low, so one can enjoy a good standard of living and possibly save. Bear in mind savings may still be minimal when converted to your home currency though!

I cant personally recommend any employer to you. My old employers wouldnt consider you due to lack of experience. Another thing to consider when asking for recommendations is that China is a pretty big place, with lots of different types of work. You need to narrow things down a little to give people a chance to help. Are you happy teaching kindergarten? Can you live with Arctic winters? Would you be happy in a rural area or do you want a 10 million people + city?

Head over to the China forums for more help. Im sure people there will poo poo the idea of training, but IMHO, your students deserve it, your employers deserves it, and it makes like a heck of a lot easier for you too!

[AGoodStory]

Very well said, Nick. Thoughtful, balanced advice--as usual!

[crestofawave]

Thanks for the replies, I'll head over to the China forum