Category: Asia

Feeling sad…

Jemma Jones

Hey everyone, I hope that you are well! I am currently feeling sad! I have had no response from the Portuguese applications; nothing, not a peep. I have been looking at other places. I am also waiting to heard from my current “part time” job to see if they are willing to take me on full time and as the Duty Manager. We have had a chat but they cannot say “yes” or “no” to me taking over the position – this is the reason why I am sad – I will have to hand in my resignation to my current “full time” employer on or before July 31st; which is only a month away. I have the letter ready; as I have done since last year as we were going to be made redundant – which never came to pass; all I need to do is change the date on it. That will not take me that long to do…

Also, I have been thinking should I start looking for a place to work that starts in September or January. If the job is a September start; it will not give me enough time to get the flights, visas etc. ready in time. However, a start date of January could be more viable – especially as I have been looking for places where they pay for the flights – for example: Korean Horizons. There is an allowance amount; if your flights is less you keep the cash but if it is more you pay the extra. To me that sounds reasonable. I have been doing some research though; I saw an advert on the I-to-I TEFL Job Boards for Korean Horizons and with any advert that says “Recruiter” I do a quick internet search. There were some interesting and helpful reviews of KH and its staff’ However; there were a few that made me a little nervous.

Has anyone got any experience of using a Korean recruiter or have used KH in the past?

I really need to get myself sorted not, as I am starting to hate what I am currently doing…

Supportive Family?!

Jemma Jones

Today I have been talking to my family; it is my sister in law’s birthday and we were spending some time together, about about doing the internship with i-to-i TEFL to Thailand. Firstly, they were all happy for me that I had *finally* (in their eyes) a decision. Then they asked about how I would get into the internship…I explained the process and the price. This was when they thought that i-to-i was not a legitimate company because I was paying to go on an internship. I directed my brother to the website; as I do with any inquiry about the company or any of the programmes that they have created. He saw the price for the current intake for Thailand and was shocked. I explained that I would get a reduced rate as I was already qualified (I am hoping that is still the case?!). I would need to pay the price given time and then I would need to organise my flights.

This was when he began to fully understand what was happening. However, my mum not so much. All she had to say was that I needed to pay off all my debts before I went! What does she think I have been doing for the last four/five years while I have been studying?!

On a brighter note; I have given up on Vinted as nothing was selling. I am going to donate all the items I had on there to a local charity. My Starbucks card collection is slowly going; which is a relief as it was taking up too much space (there are still some cards there if you are a collector?!). I am now reading more as it is now the Easter holidays here in the UK. I want to read as many books as possible and then I can sell them on (or BookCross them on, I haven’t decided on that yet!).

Also on April 1st, the first Camp NaNoWriMo of the year starting. I have currently decided to write more of my novel that I started in 2011; but recently I have been thinking about creating a book or resources for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Has anyone else done this? I have looked around on Teachers Pay Teachers and seen what people have created and what they charge – it could be a possibility in the future. I will need to do some more research.

I just want to know that dates for the October intake now for Thailand. So, I know how much I need to get sorted as I don’t want to be rushing at the last moment!

Common Practices in Thailand and a bit more…

Jemma Jones2 Comments

I have been in contact with a Thai Language school about joining their ranks; I was very excited as I had been “staking” them on Facebook for a while and noticed that there were getting new teachers – welcome pictures etc on their feed. I asked if there were looking for staff this September; as this will be the only time I can get out to Thailand. He would only take people who were willing to go through his “programme” and be unqualified. I asked if I would take me as a fully qualified TEFL teacher with some teaching experience on; sadly he said no. I felt quite upset by this. I am wondering if it common practice for language schools in Thailand, to turn away willing and enthusiastic teachers? Has anyone else had any problems like this when applying abroad.

Today, I am at school “supporting” a student with her coursework – currently she not need me; so I felt that a post needed to be written. The joy of having internet access at your place of work. I have also downloaded the Talkman app onto my Android tablet. It is amazing! It is only the Starter Pack but I am enjoying what I have got. I am wondering if it worth getting the whole course; I’ll keep you posted with that.

I am still listening to Jackie’s The Budget Minded Traveller podcast; I am catching up slowly. Jackie is so inspiring. I am so happy that I have found her blog, podcast and Facebook group. I have found many ideas for my budget while I am in America, this summer. It is only 160 days to go! I am very excited! I have even signed up to Workaway; which I can do when I first arrive in Thailand (China or Vietnam) – it depends on where I go! Sadly I cannot go on the China or Vietnam Internships as they both start on 20th August; the day after I come back from America. I would have to land in the UK and fly straight out. It may be a little impossible, so Thailand it may be. I am waiting for the new intake dates for October to be released. The May Internship for Thailand is still in the processing/applying stage. I am working on the date of October 17th that I will need to be in Thailand. Becoming a Workawayer may be a good idea if I can get into Thailand earlier.

Teaching in Malaysia?!

Jemma Jones1 Comment

This week I have been away with my Guides at our County International camp. It was fab! I met some ‘old’ friends and made some new ones! There was a large contingent of Guides from Malaysia. I found that their English was very good – they were all aged between 14 and 17 years old. I had a thought…what would teaching in Malaysia be like? Is there any schools looking for teachers? What is life like for a TEFL teacher out there?! I know that I could join the Guiding movement out there…well in the Penang area anyway!

I am wondering if there are any people in the TEFLing world who are currently teaching in or have taught in Malaysia as I would love to hear about your experiences.