Category Archives: South East Asia
Sights and Sounds: Vietnam
Ha Long Bay Sunrise, Image by Buzz Hoffman via Flickr
Teaching English as a Second Language gives you the opportunity to live and work in a multitude of different cultures and cities. The country and city you live in play as important a role in your teaching experience as the school you work for. The sights and sounds series aims to give an insight into life in these possible TEFL destinations usually from local residents and film makers.
Vietnam is becoming more of an attractive destination for ESL teachers as the country is becoming more open to the rest of the world. The majority of teaching positions are available in Ho Chi Minh City and Hà Noi however more opportunities are becoming available in other larger cities.
Vietnam has a rich culture and breath taking natural beauty. It is also home to two UNESCO world heritage sites Halong Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Vietnam has something to offer almost any traveler, and is great for the beach bum and city lover alike.
Watch the video below to see some of the beautiful scenery Vietnam has to offer.
Vietnam Sights & Sounds from vinceslas on Vimeo.
TEFL positions are becoming a lot more common in Vietnam as a whole. The levels of compensation are also fairly good with the majority opportunities being for experienced and qualified teachers.
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- Sights and Sounds: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (seemoreplaces.com)
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Sights and Sounds: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Image via Wikipedia
Teaching English as a Second Language gives you the opportunity to live and work in a multitude of different cultures and cities. The country and city you live in play as important a role in your teaching experience as the school you work for. The sights and sounds series aims to give an insight into life in these possible TEFL destinations usually from local residents and film makers.
This edition of sights and sounds focuses on Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Formerly known as Saigon this city is the largest in Vietnam and has experienced drastic changes over the past decade as the country has opened up o the rest of the world.
The featured video shows some of the cooler aspects of Ho Chi Minh City showcasing its bustling streets and thriving night life.
To find out more about Ho Chi Minh City visit its Wikipedia page here
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The 5 Most Popular Travel Destinations in Thailand
Image via Wikipedia
Travelers who are planning a trip to Thailand will be able to choose from a wide variety of wonderful travel destinations. There are many beautiful Thai islands from which they can select as well as other type of travel destinations such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Tourists can choose to visit the North of Thailand which has beautiful mountains, magnificent flora and fauna and unique hill tribes. Those travelers that have a preference for a nice relaxing beach holiday can choose to stay at one of the popular Thai travel destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin or Koh Samui.
Thailand has something to offer to all travelers which is why Thailand is such as ideal tourist destination. If you need help in deciding where in Thailand you should spend your vacation then be sure to consider the following 5 most popular travel destinations in Thailand.
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and nearly all travelers going to Thailand will pass through this popular Thai travel destination. Although Bangkok has a bad reputation due to the bad traffic problems and the air pollution, Bangkok is definitely one destination where every traveler should spend a few days during their vacation in Thailand. Bangkok has many great attractions such as beautiful Buddhist temples, a variety of spectacular shopping malls and unique activities such as the floating market.
Phuket
One of the most visited travel destinations in Thailand is Phuket. This popular island is in fact the largest island in Thailand and Phuket has many attractions to offer its visitors. The beaches on Phuket are among the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and there are plenty of excellent Phuket beach resorts from which travelers can select. Many travelers choose to visit Phuket on vacation because of the world famous Phuket nightlife and the many great Phuket bars. Other popular tourist attractions on Phuket include the Phuket Fantasea Show, the Simon Cabaret Show and of course a number of world class golf courses. A number of different airlines offer multiple flights a day from one of the Bangkok airports to Phuket International Airport.
Pattaya
Pattaya is the beach resort area which is closest located to Bangkok which is why many local Bangkok residents visit Pattaya during weekends. The beach at Pattaya is actually not very impressive when compared to the beaches found on Phuket or Samui however the beach is not the primary reason why Pattaya is one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand. The biggest attraction for many visitors is in fact the lively nightlife which can be found in Pattaya. There are thousands of beer bars and other type of Pattaya nightlife venues where tourists can mingle with the lovely Thai girls that work in these establishments. The fastest way to reach Pattaya from Bangkok is by car. A taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya will cost you around 1200 THB.
Samui
Samui is a beautiful tropical island which is located off the east coast of Thailand. The beaches on Samui are even more beautiful then those found on Phuket. The most popular Samui beaches are all located on the east coast of Koh Samui and are Chaweng beach, Lamai beach and Big Buddha beach. If you are looking for a resort area on Samui which offers plenty of activities and plenty of nightlife venues then be sure to book a hotel or resort in Chaweng beach. Both Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways offer several daily flights from Bangkok to Samui.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers travelers a different type of holiday experience then what those travelers visiting one of the beach destinations experience. Chiang Mai is located in the mountains in the North of Thailand. Chiang Mai is a great destination for those travelers that would really like to experience Thai culture and the cultures of the hill tribes. If you enjoy the nature then Chiang Mai is a great choice as there are various great attractions in and around Chiang Mai such as trekking, rafting, elephant riding and visits to the nearby hill tribes. A number of different airlines offer several flights per day to Chiang Mai from either one of the Bangkok airports. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during Song Kran which is the Thai New Year festival.
James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket guide which includes an excellent section on Phuket jobs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Bukovsky
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Exploring the Top Five ESL Destinations in Asia
Image provided by http://www.flickr.com/photos/laszlo-photo/
If you’re considering teaching ESL in Asia, then congratulations! You’re about to embark on an exciting new journey in your life – one that will reap major benefits in terms of your future career, finances and overall perspective on the world.
The hard part isn’t over yet though; in fact, deciding which Asian country you want to teach in can be one of the most challenging aspects of applying to the best ESL jobs. Don’t just choose a country based on the number of ESL jobs available -instead, you should narrow your search down to countries where you’ll get the best experience possible from your teaching position.
But if you’re worried that selecting the right Asian country for you boils down to simply pointing your finger at a map of Asia, not to worry – we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore the top five ESL destinations in Asia based on previous teacher experiences, availability of employment and benefits offered.
So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and relax – you’re about to learn which ESL destination in Asia is perfect for you!
1. Korea.
Korea is by far the most popular ESL destination in Asia for many reasons – one of them being the incredibly rich experience that teachers discover here! Korea boasts some of the best ESL job opportunities, with teachers free to pick the size of school and number of students that they’ll have to teach to.
Additionally, the availability of jobs in Korea means that you’ll be able to pick where you’d like to go. For fans of the big city, Seoul is a metropolitan paradise: with a population of over 12 million, this bustling city offers a huge range of unique cultural experiences, including shopping, museums and a glowing nightlife. Although an ESL salary doesn’t stretch as far in this city, many teachers find the diversity of Korea’s largest city to be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Plenty of jobs are also available in the warmer climates of Daejeon, Gwangju and Busan. English is moderately spoken in Korea, and most public transport and food stores contain information in English, allowing teachers to acclimate without risking severe cultural shock.
2. China.
The most populous country in the world is also one of the biggest providers of great ESL jobs – in fact, many ESL teachers report feeling as though they had their pick of work thanks to the vast amount of schools in this massive country.
When considering an ESL placement in China, try looking beyond Beijing and Shanghai to cities that are just as fascinating but will give you a true taste of Chinese culture. Warmer climates and gorgeous beaches make Southern and Eastern China a delightful treat, although Northwestern China should be limited to the adventurous as it isn’t as developed as other areas of the country.
China does come with its own challenges when applying for ESL jobs, especially when it comes to work visas and permits. Always check to see if the school or university where you’re working has the proper credentials to hire foreign teachers, as many ESL job placement agencies warn that phony school scams have been reported here.
3. Taiwan.
Taiwan is truly a teacher’s market, as there’s a huge demand for ESL teachers all year round – and with an extremely low cost of living, ESL teachers often report leaving their posts with as much as $8,000 in savings!
Taiwan is a gorgeous island district with a fast-growing economy, which is why the demand for English teachers is so high. Taiwan also boasts major school chains that can help initiate and train ESL teachers for life in Taiwan, which provides a great support system for those who might experience some culture shock. The most plentiful ESL jobs here are for kindergarten teachers at chain English schools; if you have a MA, you’re qualified to teach at universities, where hours vary.
One important note is that Taiwanese classrooms are much more regimented than that of their Chinese counterparts, so expect to have your daily lessons subject to approval. Additionally, a large emphasis is placed on memorization and recall, and you’ll be required to cover certain subjects by the school.
4. Indonesia.
Although teaching positions aren’t as plentiful as in China or Korea, Indonesia is a great place to teach English as a second language, particularly as English is part of a national curriculum. This means your students will already have experienced some form of English teaching. Indonesia boasts some of the best weather in Asia, along with a delicious cuisine that’s extremely popular among ESL teachers. Additionally, ESL teachers can expect a low cost of living (get ready to sharpen your bartering skills!) in a culture that’s genuinely fascinated by English speakers – in fact, you’ll make plenty of friends with the locals! As a teacher, you’ll live in a middle-class neighborhood in a house with other English teachers. The most job vacancies will be on the islands of Java and Sumatra. According to previous ESL teachers, it’s difficult to get a job on Bali, as they prefer to hire people from within the country.
5. Japan.
Japanese culture is rich, exciting and full of energy – and now has never been a better time to teach English in Japan!
There are plenty of ESL chain schools in Japan, which means that it’s relatively easy to find work within the 3 months of your tourist visa. However, it’s recommended that you find your teaching post before landing in Japan, as the cost of living in this economic powerhouse is quite high; in fact, Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world. With that said, picking where you want to teach in Japan is crucial, as there are huge difference between the big and small cities (and it isn’t just size!). Jobs are more plentiful in Tokyo and Osaka, while smaller cities will help you to stretch your salary and give you a more authentic Japanese experience.
With the wealth of ESL jobs available in all of these Asian countries, you’re bound to have the journey (and career training) of a lifetime!
Story by Shane Phair. Visit http://www.eslherald.com for more information on teaching English abroad.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Phair
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TEFL Jobs in Asia
With travel becoming cheaper and the world getting smaller, it might be tempting to think that there are no new experiences to be had. Well, we have news for you: this definitely isn’t the case in Asia! It’s one part of the world that has managed to keep the flame of its ancient traditions burning brightly, despite its gleaming, modern side. Its history, diversity and great respect for tradition are amongst the things that Asia is famous for. There’s also an abundance of sights worth seeing: the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Sunkakuwan Bay, the Tubbataha Reef, Mt.Kinabalu and the industrial hubbub of Tokyo are just the tip of the iceberg!
Though it is a veritable feast for the eyes, Asia is much more than a tourist destination. With so many interesting things to see and experience it’s no wonder that people flock to Asia, but you can still find areas untouched by the tourist boom.
Working in Asia will give you a completely different perspective, as you’re not just going to lie on the beach (although you’ll be forgiven for relaxing by the sea on your days off!). Rural areas are often less-visited and are also where English teachers are scarcest, so you’ll see a way of life entirely removed from your own as well as some stunning scenery. In the major cities, living amongst the people you’re teaching will give you a chance to try your hand at the local language as well as finding everything from the best street food, to the best place to buy a Kimono and the best place to hear traditional Sitar playing!
Culture
Not only does Asia have the largest market for English teachers, it’s absolutely huge (breathe in…): Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen… phew!
With so many countries, it’s no wonder that cultural diversity is one of the things Asia is so well known for! From riding an elephant in Sri Lanka, to fishing with the locals in Mongolia, sipping green tea in China and surfing the waves in Taiwan, everywhere is open to exploration!
Educational standard
Asia countries are famed for their advances in mathematics and medicine, hundreds of years before the West began to develop, and many countries in Asia are still very forward-thinking. Japan and China have experienced massive economic growth and education is considered a vitally important part of maintaining prosperity, with English language as an important part of both lower and higher levels of education. Countries such as South Korea are improving education and emphasising the importance of the English language and the use of modern technology. In fact, they were the first country to provide high speed internet access to primary, secondary and high schools!
Unforunately, some poorer areas haven’t benefitted from the commercial success of the cities and when an education is costly it is all too often forgone. Kerala is the only Indian state to have achieved anywhere near full literacy in primary education, while Bihar struggles with less than half. Learning English is hugely beneficial in these poorer areas, but many have to rely on volunteer work.
Teaching opportunities
The most popular areas for English teaching are Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, China, South Korea and Vietnam. Increasing populations and expanding economies have created a high demand for the English language and the growing middle classes view education as essential for both children and adults alike, so you’ll have a wide range of pupils! There’s also a great variety of places to teach in, including primary schools, secondary schools, language schools and private schools.
With their increasing appeal to English teachers some countries, have tightened up entry requirements. Japan, Taiwan and Thailand are amongst those where it is now a visa requirement to have a degree if you want to teach English. If you’re volunteering, it may not necessarily be an issue but one thing’s for sure: any paid work requires a work or working holiday visa, so doing your research is worthwhile.
The Indian subcontinent offers less pay but lots of entShusiasm and appreciation for your hard work. Though paid opportunities can be limited to the more affluent areas, poorer countries have no less to offer culturally and the experience is rewarding enough in itself!
Facilities
Accommodation in Asia can be as varied as the climate, which ranges from glorious sunshine to chilly snow capped peaks. Wealthy countries have higher standards of accommodation which also reflects the cost of living. Japan is famously expensive but the placements are usually well paid: US$1000 per month on average. Homestays and shared accommodation are kinder to your budget and are more likely to be find when working in the South, where pay is less but so is the cost of living. When a meals costs as as little as 50p, there’s not much room for complaint!
Chris Soames – Online TEFL courses with over 20,000 course graduates each year, international accreditation and certification recognised by schools worldwide.
To Teach English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world and immerse themselves in new cultures. Whether you’re a trained teacher or a complete beginner, a TEFL qualification is your ticket for the journey of your life.
Contacts: For interviews, images or comments contact: Chris Soames – Marketing & PR
Email: chris@i-to-i.com
http://www.onlinetefl.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Soames
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