Job Discussion Forums

[pinkfloyri]

I am thinking of becoming CELTA certified in Vietnam, possibly Thailand (somewhere where the cost of the course and cost of living is cheapest), but thereafter will probably look for work in either China or S Korea. I'm not finding clear information as to which Asian countries require you to apply for a work visa in your home country versus which countries will allow you to apply at the nearest consulate or embassy, regardless of the country you are in. My fear is that I will find out that I have to return home to the USA just to obtain a work visa. Does anyone know where I might find credible information regarding these processes?

[tttompatz]

[naturegirl321]

Usually, not always, you can get a visa from two places
the country where your passport is from
the country where you have residency (with proof of it with a residency card)

I got a work visa from Korea in the latter and a friend of mine got a work visa from China here in the latter too.

Your best bet is contacting the embassies directly.

[choudoufu]

you could contact travel agencies located in whichever countries
you want to apply. they can often do things mere mortals are
unable to. sometimes it's the only way to get a visa, work or
tourist.

check recent posts on the china forum for info on how to apply for
a work visa in other countries.

[pinkfloyri]

Thanks all - seems like there must be a way to obtain work visas without traveling back home. After all, there are ESL programs all over the world and I can't imagine they expect graduates (who aren't currently teaching) to return to their home countries and start a job search from there. Seems like the whole point of taking an ESL / CELTA course in a foreign country is to stay there afterwards to teach. Making a run to Hong Kong or Bangkok is certainly do-able, I'm just trying to make sure this is even an option when looking for work in China or Vietnam.

[naturegirl321]

[tttompatz]

[naturegirl321]