Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jenesis]

Hey all,

My girlfriend and I will be finishing our second public school contract six months or so from now at the beginning of September. We've been thinking (dreaming?) about spending six months (say, September-February) somewhere in SEA or Latin America. We don't want to work during this time. We don't want to travel much either. We've done quite a lot of travelling and just spent winter break in Cambodia and Vietnam.

While we both enjoy travelling, what we really want is six months to just be. We'd love to read, write, paint, hang out etc. for an extended period of time in a lovely (and fairly inexpensive) place. We'd also be working on grad school applications at the time. Has anyone done this sort of thing?

I'm thinking little house, maybe near/nearish water, private and peaceful but not isolated etc. Cambodia? Maybe...

I'm also thinking (with the wonderful current Won-USD exchange rates) about 14-15 000 000 won or 9000-10 000 USD.

I know it's been asked before, but what would you do?

Any input would be sweeeeeeet.

J/




Somewhere [/i]

[twaddle]

Budget might be tighter nowadays but I have some friends who did that in Costa Rica a few years ago. Take a look anyway.

[ttompatz]

If you stay away from the tourist traps you (a couple) can live comfortably for US$200-300 per month in the Philippines.

$500 per month is "quite" comfortable - gets you a 6 month lease on a small (2-3 room) house close to a beach with all your living expenses..

A nice 3 bedroom apartment with maid will run $500 per month in Cebu (if you want to be in the city with all the comforts of home) and a total budget that still runs under $750 per month.

.

.

[Tiger Beer]

This is very easy to do...almost 'standard'.

SE ASIA would be best as it sounds like you guys are real eclectic and would probably want to be close to money-centers like Northeast Asia when the money begins to dry out.

I spent 10 months in South America...and its a totally different vibe...more language-study focus and completely different fish. Sounds like if you just want to hangout and study, read, write, and paint...you are better off with SE Asia.

South America is great, but you need more wits and more adventure/out there types of stuff...rather than just the 'hang out' mentality that seems more endemic with SE Asia. By this I mean, South America has more potential for violence, and being robbed. More hiking and mountains or jungle stuff...and the few that are hanging out are only stationary to study the language at language schools. Not really a Thailand vibe continent whatsoever.

Both are good though, but sounds like you and your girlfriend would be better of flying into Thailand and going from there.

[jenesis]

Many thanks for your thoughts.

ttompatz: How would one go about arranging said house near the beach in the Philippines? I've never been but it's one of a few places that have crossed my mind as possible destinations for this trip/stay. Is there something that could be arranged ahead of time or would it be best to just go and arrange from there? What's your advice?

Also, what about a Visa? Is it even possible to spend six months in the Phillipines (or Cambodia etc) if one is not going with a job arranged and thus without a work Visa?

[jenesis]

To add to the above, which areas would you recommend looking at in the Philippines? Somewhere outside of the "tourist traps," though somewhat connected, safe, nearish to a city/town, internet access is important etc. After spending a good part of the afternoon looking around I'm getting very keen, especially on what look like some sweet little (and very affordable) places right on the beach.

J/

[jenesis]

ttompatz: I did a little research (stopped being lazy!) and answered the Visa question myself. It seems that one can apply for an extension of stay every two months up to 16 months.

[ttompatz]

[Robot_Teacher]

[ttompatz]

[VanIslander]

[ttompatz]

[VanIslander]

[ttompatz]

[ttompatz]