Job Discussion Forums

[rafaella]

As someone who has taught in Europe and is considering teaching in Asia, I'd be interested to get opinions from teachers who have taught in both regions. What types of differences have you encountered? I'm thinking about matters such as students' behaviour and expectations, learning style and appropriate teaching methods, etc. What types of problems did you have? Did you have to adopt new methods?

[Glenski]

Depending on which Asian country you talk about, you might face a lot of shy quiet students who expect the teacher to talk a lot (you shouldn't, of course), and who expect a very teacher-oriented class (don't, but you will have to get them used to it, too), and who don't want to speak (certainly not volunteer!) for fear of making a single mistake, especially when called on in a crowd.

Don't know how this next point compares to Europe, but despite what you may have heard about places like Japan having such a high tech environment, don't expect that many students to know how to use a computer or even how to type! Cell phones (and therefore their thumbs) rule.

[bulgogiboy]

I've taught in a few Asian countries, as well as in Europe.

Thinking of other matters to take in to consideration, apart from students' characteristics:

The really nice thing about where I worked in Europe, for me as a caucasian, was being able to blend in with the locals and not have school kids shouting hello or people staring at me/pointing at me while I walked down the street. There was at least one other teacher who had worked in Korea who said the same thing, that public 'anonymity' was a major plus for them.

The money is generally pretty rubbish in Europe as a whole. You'll make enough to get by, but not much more. That was quite a downside for me.
In Asia there are countries where you can make enough to live comfortably as well as save a decent amount of money each month. Korea is definitely in this category. On the other hand, if you go somewhere like Thailand you'll be in a similar situation to Europe, financially speaking.

In my experience, the easier the place is to live in the lower the salary you can expect, and vice versa. No doubt there are exceptions to this rule, of course.

[deniserita]

What would be the easiest place to live in Asia Bulgobiboy?

I would prefer to teach in Europe, but seems like it's much easier to get into an Asian Country.

I don't need to make loads of money, I have 12 years teaching experience, 2 master degrees in Education and an endorsement in ESL. But only an American Passport.

Thanks

[naturegirl321]

[deniserita]

hmmm good questions nature girl....I guess easiest way of life- getting around, communication (internet, phones, computer access) stuff like that.

[Sadebugo]

[wiganer]

Asis vs Europe in simple terms.

The job is easy but the living is harder in Asia and vice versa for Europe. That is how I found it anyway. South Korea is a modern country with all hi tech mod cons but... it was a hard place to live in. Asia being the huge continent that it is though, there will be something to suit everyone so like anything regarding entering the ESL world - research, research and research some more - that is my advice for all noobs. (Not the OP)

[Mrs McClusky]

I have only worked in the UK and Greece in Europe and in Thailand, Sri Lanka and China in Asia. Also in Kazakhstan which covers both but it's Soviet influenced more than anything else.

A good gig in Thailand or China is amazing, a bad gig in either is soul destroying.
For social fun nothing beats Bangkok and there is some nice work there too.

UK work was far more organised, Greek students were lazy (good prep for Asia huh ), Chinese work was terrible at first till I got my head around it, then it was cool. I didn't leave BKK for 5 years so that should say it all. I never never really taught kids except in a bit of under the table, but I can say Thai kids are really cute, adorable and very respectful of teachers. The teenagers I wouldn't touch with a barge-pole and university gigs are like modelling agencies.

I would say do it mate. It's a great continent and as long as you are presentable looking you should get work really easily.

I sometimes pine for the organised cultures of Europe. As for a language problem. Be prepared to learn but if you are in Shanghai, Bangkok, Beijing or Tokyo (only been there on a holiday mind) there are thousand of ex-pats, especially in Bangkok (no sex-pats jokes please, keep it clean folks), teaching English and thousands of English speaking locals too. Just get a GF translator and you will fine.

Sri Lanka was.............. well............... no comment

[rafaella]

Thanks for all the replies which certainly give me some things to think about.

I'm torn between staying where I am (great place but terrible from a financial point of view) and moving to Asia which would be such a different teaching context. I've travelled in Asia but I'm well aware going somewhere on holiday and living/working there are not the same thing.

Mrs McClusky - why was China terrible at first? What adjustments did you have to make? I'm trying to get an idea of how different it would be teaching, say, Chinese students as opposed to Spanish or Italian ones.

[Mrs McClusky]

[sabina]

[JZer]

[rafaella]

Sabina wrote:
What do you mean by uni jobs being like modeling agencies?

I took it to mean that a person was likely to be hired based on whether he/she looked the part rather than on experience and ability.

[spiral78]