I need a big change in life and TEFL/TESOL questions

[Seks]

I try not to reveal too much about myself but I guess this kind of discussion needs some background info about me.

Single, 40 (old), never been married, no family commitments other than parents and siblings and nephews up in Edmonton. Have a six figure job in the health field, own a townhouse. So yes, a simple life in Calgary and of course having the typical Asian mom always hounding me on the phone when I'm gonna get married.

Borned in SE Asia eons ago but came to Canada when I was little. I was contemplating on moving overseas to Asia (not to the country where I was borned though) a few years ago but that idea fizzled.

But lately, I've been thinking more and more seriously moving overseas again to Asia. I thought life would be dandy and I would stay put when I move from Edmonton to Calgary 5 years ago. Well not anymore.

Been to a bunch of countries in the past. Thailand seems to be top of my list right now. I haven't looked at what it takes, if it's even possible, to have the same career over there as here. So that's why the idea of TEFL/TESOL popped in my head.

Has anyone register for a TEFL/TESOL course? If so, with who and what sort of teaching jobs overseas did you manage to snag and how was the experience? What sort of expectations should I not be looking for when taking these kind of courses? And yes I have a bachelor's degree.

[Type_S1]

Bachelor Degree + medical = nursing? If that's true there is tons of nursing jobs overseas.

[jacky4566]

It sounds like you are burned out with Calgary, if you have the opportunity and means to make a change then I say do it! You only get one life, so make the most of it.

If you need inspiration to travel just go read Dan's Blog "The Road Chose Me"

How likely is your crazy mother going to follow you in another country? HAHA.

[Kloubek]

I have no help with your course question. I know nothing about it.

But you are in a position many would envy - whereby you have nothing holding you down. So if you feel you need a change, don't just contemplate it - DO IT. Change can be frightening, but there is really no reason not to other than the fear - which is probably unfounded. There is absolutely no reason to be discontent with your life... it is short as it is. So if you feel this might lead you to the kind of life you want to live, then absolutely do it.

Thailand would be a good choice, I think. Just keep in mind how hot it can get there. I would also suggest the Philippines should be on your list. (Just not the South region). There are areas where it is as picturesque as any postcard you've seen, and the people are generally great. In any case, if you are even remotely concerned about finding a significant other and settling down, I'm sure you'll receive plenty of interest overseas. I feel quite average here in Canada, but on my trips to the Philippines I had women basically throw themselves at me. Naturally, you just need to weed out the ones who are just interested in your money.

Personally if I did what you are considering I'd run a business over there. Something that just requires your investment, but allows you to work as much or little as you like. But that's not for everyone, obviously.

My parting note to you: If you're going to teach English over there, you should know that it is "born" and not "borned".

Good luck.

[Seks]

Originally posted by Type_S1
Bachelor Degree + medical = nursing? If that's true there is tons of nursing jobs overseas.

You are referring to travel nursing. I searched a little about it but nothing concrete specifically in terms of working as a nurse in Thailand. There were a couple of articles about how knowing the thai language is essential to work as a nurse in Thailand unless you can find an international english-based clinics to work in (US military?)

Originally posted by jacky4566
It sounds like you are burned out with Calgary,

Very likely so. It seems like everyday is a drag. Didn't go snowboarding the past season. My mountain bike has been sitting idling for the past 3 years. Hiking season is here but been bowing out of them whenever my co-workers organize an outing. And for work, I'm only PT but I do pick up shifts to FT. Not that I want to work: I do have bills to pay.

How likely is your crazy mother going to follow you in another country? HAHA. [/B]

She doesn't have to. Skype/FB Messenger video/Whatsapp video would be bad enough.

Originally posted by Kloubek
I have no help with your course question. I know nothing about it.

But you are in a position many would envy - whereby you have nothing holding you down. So if you feel you need a change, don't just contemplate it - DO IT. Change can be frightening, but there is really no reason not to other than the fear - which is probably unfounded. There is absolutely no reason to be discontent with your life... it is short as it is. So if you feel this might lead you to the kind of life you want to live, then absolutely do it.

Thailand would be a good choice, I think. Just keep in mind how hot it can get there. I would also suggest the Philippines should be on your list. (Just not the South region). There are areas where it is as picturesque as any postcard you've seen, and the people are generally great. In any case, if you are even remotely concerned about finding a significant other and settling down, I'm sure you'll receive plenty of interest overseas. I feel quite average here in Canada, but on my trips to the Philippines I had women basically throw themselves at me. Naturally, you just need to weed out the ones who are just interested in your money.

To be honest, I actually came back very recently from a Taiwan/Cambodia/Thailand/Korea trip. Oh ya, Thailand was hot and humid. Second time in Thailand but first time in Bangkok. I rank Bangkok up there with Seoul (which was my 4th time there). Unique culture, very nice Thai locals for the most part. Women-wise, beautiful (and I'm referring to the cute naive ones, not the hot ones). I would rank them up there with the Korean women.

Personally if I did what you are considering I'd run a business over there. Something that just requires your investment, but allows you to work as much or little as you like. But that's not for everyone, obviously.

I was in the Silom area as I was curious about the night life there. Met a thai guy on the street who worked for one of the gogo bars and his job is just to get customers into the bars. He actually showed me the ins and outs of the gogo bars and the girls. Took me to a few and showed me how the bars and girls operate. Damn, this whole escort/prostitution world in Bangkok was an eye-opener (and am not talking about just looking at the girls). His advice: if you want to open up a business in Thailand, open up a gogo bar. But I know my conscience wouldn't let me do this kind of things. Exploiting women wouldn't be cool but I guess it's consider normal in Thailand.

Some of the women are actually going to universities, trying to earn $ to pay for tuition, living expenses, etc. Feel sorry for what they have to do to have a better future.

My parting note to you: If you're going to teach English over there, you should know that it is "born" and not "borned".

Good luck.

Read up on this:

http://www.ajarn.com/ajarn-street/ar...-go-in-bangkok

Doesn't look promising if you want to teach in Bangkok. Dunno...maybe just work hard here in Calgary and then fly off overseas for 2 or so months at a time and rent a place and immersed myself in the foreign culture.

[G]

As for teaching English I heard that if you're not white it is significantly harder to land a job in a decent school.

[max_boost]

Good luck. If things don't work out the way you want it to at least you have gained the experience. You can always come back to Calgary.

[Power_Of_Rotary]

I totally feel for you man. I moved to HK 3 ish years ago after being fed up with the boring calgary lifestyle. I have no regrets with the transition.

I was not as fortunate as you with a 6 figure job back in YYC, therefore, the change/risk was worth it and now I make more than double my job in calgary (similar field). I moved to HK without a job lined up so I taught english to kids to cover the rent during my job hunt. Not something you would consider a career since the career path is quite narrow and ceiling.

My suggestion to any who is hesitant on taking the leap of faith; just do it. If you dont like it, you can go home at anytime.