Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tiger Beer]

[huffdaddy]

[Travelingirl68]

Hey Huffdaddy - were you there in 2001, or in 2004/5? I have acquaintances from both of those groups who ended up doing abbreviated stints do to unrest, etc.

Tiger Beer, I may have already replied to this question in the general forums, but I did two years in Peace Corps in Kazakstan, about 3 hours north of Almaty. I loved being there and would do it again in a heart beat for the right compensation. Almaty is an expensive city, and apartment rental costs are skyrocketing for what you get ($1,000 a month for a one bedroom?!)

I would recommend to anyone going to Kazakstan that they study some Russian first, and learn a few Kazak greetings as soon as possible as that will take you a longgg way in building good relations! In other countries, Russian is not taken so well (Uzbekistan for one), but it is still the Lingua Franca of Kazakstan.

Get used to having the KBG tapping your phone lines, your students questioned about your classroom topics, and the occasional person trailing around after you.

As a man in particular, build up a tolerance to cheap vodka, and be prepared to drink at every occasion. (Women too, but the pressure is not as bad.) Also prepare your stomach for the national drink 'kumiz' - fermented mare's milk, not my cup of tea, but beloved as a cure all by the locals. (Kumiz for Kazaks, vodka for Russians)

Be prepared for a certain cold distance on the streets, but VERY warm welcomes into people's homes - lots and lots of 'ghosti', particularly if you live in a smaller city or village area.

I wouldn't trade my time in Kazakstan for anything, the people really are great and there really is something to be said for experiencing the vast, cold, steppe!

[huffdaddy]

[lastat06513]

One question I would have to ask:

When do the schools/institutes do their hiring?
How stringent are the visa regulations?
How common is it to find a well-paying position(at least $1500/month w/accomodations)?....if possible........

I had been to the CIS forum and there a good mixture of people there who either seem to like it or who warn people away from Russia/CIS because of the amount of violent racism that a person might encounter (IE, neo-NAZIs).......is the amount of racism in Russia/CIS equate to the 'quiet' racism found in Korea or in other Asian countries?

[Tiger Beer]

[Julius]

I'm intrigued by Mongolia or Kazakhstan.

Not the sorts of places I'd work for a year though!!! Maybe just a holiday..

[Ukon]

[lastat06513]

I feel that when travelling in Russia, like in Korea, it is good to know someone there who can not only show you safe places and how things are done, but who can introduce you to people you can turn to if a person has some kind of problem.....I always say that networking is a great way to get acquainted to a place.

[huffdaddy]

[*wanderlust*]

I lived in Ukraine for a bit in a small town close to Lyviv. I was there doing volunteer work and did some volunteering at the local university tutoring english and teaching conversation classes.

Ukraine is an interesting country, alot of history and culture. I wouldn't expect to make much money teaching there judging by the positions I was offered, however one involved free housing in a huge double story brand new apartment. Cost of living is very low, but be prepared to bribe people if you want anything done. This includes the jobs they are paid to do.

If you have any question about the country feel free to pm.

[Tiger Beer]

Speaking of cost of living, and just costs of restaurants, hotels, a beer, etc.

What was it for those people who'd been to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, or Kyrgystan?

[huffdaddy]

[Tiger Beer]

Thanks Huffdaddy! Very useful.

How about Travelingirl68 with Kazakhstan? Prices there?

[nicholasheltzel]

I lived in Kyrgyzstan for 2 years with the Peace Corps and loved it. The trick is finding a job that will sponsor you for a visa and pay enough to make it worthwhile.

Kyrgyzstan is the cheapest of the Central Asian countries to live in, but prices are on the rise. If you have any questions about it feel free to pm me.

I was just married in Uzbekistan (Samarquand), I only lived there for 3 months so my experience is limited, but I can say for sure that today's prices are much higher than the prices quoted for 2005. Hotel rooms (with water) are all around $50-$100 depending on the season in major cities (Tashkent, Samarquand, Bukhara, Khiva, Urgench, Nukus). My wife tells me that apartment prices skyrocketd over the last 2 years and rent for a small soviet style apartment is around $300/month in Tashkent (if you can find a free place). BUT, getting a work visa for an American/Canadian citizen is next to impossible. I tried and tried, found many schools willing to take me, but none could secure a visa. Kyrgyzstan is a safer bet. Again, pm me with any questions.

Russian works in both Uzbekistan and Samarquand, even in small towns.