Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Holyjoe]

Just received this email by chance, it's from a Taiwan-based recruiter trying to persuade folk to go and work there.

Below he lists "characteristics" of other Asian countries you could work in...

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Comparison with other Asian countries:



If you want to go to Asia, Taiwan is the place to go. I'll tell you why by listing the characteristics of some of the other countries here.




JAPAN: Japan has by far the highest salary base, but it's mostly eroded by one of the highest cost of living cultures in the world. Food price is about 10 times of Taiwan's because lots of fresh items need to be imported. Economic recession makes many language school owners to shut down their stores. Lots of " Sensei " are forced to leave school. It is not easy to get jobs and high pay now! Japan's college graduates' monthly salary has been lowered about 30-40% for the past 3 years.




KOREA: Korean schools offer free airfare, if you really don't have a penny in your pocket. But the schools could call police to stop you at the airport if schools think you did not full fill your duty to the school and are trying to leave the country! There is really no free lunch in the world! Sometimes free airfare means there is no room for salary negotiation. If you do not finish one year contract, then the return ticket is null and void.




THAILAND: Buddhist country.Very nice people with a tremendous respect for teachers. There is a low cost of living, but virtual starvation wages except in Bangkok, where the cost of living is very high. Paradise for retired western people after working hard all their life. Food is excellent and quite affordable plus the most beautiful girls in Asia.



CHINA: China is good for short term teaching post! There are low wages and lots of nationalist! It still has many rules and restrictions towards Western people. After all, it is still a communist country. But people treat foreigners with full hospitality. ESL teacher is called " Expert" with an Expert booklet. China should be a perfect place after another 5 years before Olympic game hosts in Beijing.




INDONISIA: A Muslim country with the some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. It has some of the best spicy Asian food and wonderful vacation areas. But the threat of suicide bombings hurts this beautiful 1000 islands country�s reputation. Good place to escape if you get vacation. Not too many ESL teaching positions available.



Hong Kong: It is a English speaking area for it has been British colony about 90 years. Good city for teachers who have strong financial education background. Also it is best for shopping luxury items because of free tax duty. The requirements for teacher's English proficiency is much higher than most of countries in Asia. Living and housing expense is still very high although it had been returned to China by British governemnt.




MALAYSIA: A Muslim country with rules and restrictions on daily life. (Some female teachers were sent back home because they had worn mini-skirts.) Wages are poor, but it is good place to take a vacation. Many volunteer ESL jobs.




PHILLIPINES: The only Catholic country in Asia! It has very beautiful beach and nice looking girls, but the salary is low and there are lots of illegal guns and bombs. It is not easy to get ESL jobs here because it is a English speaking country! Kidnapping in this country is not uncommon. Civil War is going on in Southern area.



SINGAPORE: Also another " City " country! It's citizens' English proficiency is among the top of Asian countries for it is used to be British colony. Very strick government laws! This country claims it has its' own unique Asian democracy. Penalty for violating government law is very heavy( e.g. littering will be fined US$200 at least ). Chewing gum is only availbale from early this year after many years' protest from some western countres' governemnt & manufacturers. Never paint anything on this country's cars! The result of doing so is " Ivy Cane Slash on your butt ".




TAIWAN (ROC): A similar salary base to the U.S. with a cost of living that's 5-10 times lower. Foreign teacher's salary is 2-3 times of local college graduates! You can live in luxury here. Foreign teachers like to take vacation in Thailand if they have a long vacation. It is 2-3 hours flight from Taiwan to Thailand, 40 minutes to Hong Kong (shopping), and 3 hours to Korea and Japan ( Hot Spring vacation ). Taiwan is in the center of Asia. Taiwan is the only country in Asia, which has never had a war with any western country. Taiwan has been rated as the country where you could save the most money in Asia. Enjoy the delicious Chinese food! Bona petite!

[Tiger Beer]

[kylehawkins2000]

That cost of living thing is total BS. I believe the cost of living in Taiwan is not significantly less than here.....which maybe 10~20% less.....but in Seoul I doubt even that....

[Zed]

Short pithy analyses playing off stereotypes particularly Singapore.

Doesn't mention Vietnam.

[chronicpride]

[Moldy Rutabaga]

[Ilsanman]

I disagree. I have been told Taipei's apartment costs are close to that of Gangnam, in Seoul. High. Food is cheap though.

I dont want to work for hourly wage, only salary. They can cut your hours then.