Teaching English in Asia

Opportunities

• Learn new language and culture

• Experience personal growth

• Travel while earning money

• Asia is great place to teach English

• Demand for English teachers is high

Experience New Culture

• Asia is great place to teach English

• Demand for English teachers is high

• Gain international experience

• Make a difference in lives of others

• Interact with new and interesting people

New Experiences

• Combine work and travel opportunities

• Participate in fun and rewarding experiences

• Support yourself

• Travel to interesting destinations within Asia

Locations

• Opportunities to teach English exist in the following locations:– China– South Korea– Taiwan– Thailand– Vietnam– Japan – Indonesia– Singapore

Regions of Interest

• Choose area or region that is of interest to you and find out everything you can

• Research before choosing country:– Type of government– Religion– Language– Cost of living

• Research job opportunities

Research Before You Go

• Visa requirements/immigration policies

• Travel restrictions

• Vaccinations

• Ease of travel within country

Choosing Employment

• Consider and enquire about the following:– Monthly salary/benefits– Hours worked per week– Health insurance– Housing assistance– Travel expenses/return air fare included– Vacation/sick leave

Job Requirements

• Research the following:– Contract requirements (12 months)– Bonus upon completion – Visa/work permit needed– University degree or TEFL certification– Native English speakers only– British or American English

Latest Information

• Search for latest information concerning:– Immigration laws– Salaries and exchange rates– Visa requirements– Education/experience mandatory

• Information changes frequently

Contact Employees

• If possible, contact current or former employees via website or blog– Their experiences may be invaluable to you

when making a decision about where to teach– What kind of support were teachers offered

once hired?– What are the positive and negative aspects of

teaching there?

Types of Teaching Jobs

• Variety of teaching possibilities:– Public or private schools– Government schools– Language schools– International Schools– Corporate training

Requirements

• Look for detailed job requirements

• Education/Certification necessary– TESOL certification increases chances of

getting hired

• Previous experience

Prepare for Interview

• Perfect your resume• Be prepared for interview

– Practice answers to possible questions concerning your background, education, experience, educational philosophy

• Do your homework concerning institution– Know what they are looking for in employee

• Dress for success if interview is in person– First impressions are important

Teach and Learn

• In addition to teaching, you are also learning about:– different cultures– new languages– yourself as you experience personal growth

Travel Destinations

• Travel destinations and sights vary from:– tropical rainforests– beautiful islands and beaches – resorts – ancient temples

Explore New Lands

• Besides visiting sights you will:– sample local food– meet and develop relationships with locals as

well as expatriates

Be Prepared

• Be prepared to face possible problems and disappointments that may arise because of:– difficulties with the language– misunderstandings due to differences in

culture– adjustments to be made to new surroundings

and job

Expect Unexpected

• Expect the unexpected

• Realize you are in a different country with different ways of doing things

• Be adaptable and keep an open mind

• Understand you will experience culture shock and that it will pass as you adjust

• Keep a sense of humor

Adjustment Period

• To ease adjustment period try to do the following:– Learn local language

• Even basic language skills are better that none at all

– Learn your way around the area– Make an effort to make friends– Try new foods– Stay in touch with family and friends back

home

Adjustment

• Give yourself time to adjust; be patient

• Learn all you can about local customs, beliefs, religion, and be respectful

• Bring small gifts or souvenirs from home to give away as gesture of good will

• Remember you are a guest in the country– you are not in Kansas anymore

Advantages

• Remember the advantages of living and working abroad greatly outweigh the disadvantages

• Experience gained working in another country results in cross-cultural understanding and adaptability

Eligibility

• Depending on the institution, employers seek:– recent graduates– employees who seek to change careers– experienced adults who want to work abroad

before retirement

Conclusion

• Working and living conditions are different from one country to another

• Conditions vary greatly between big cities and provinces within a country

• Be informed before you make a decision where to live and work

• Have a sense of adventure and try it