Anyone here worked abroad? Especially anyone who's working/has worked in Asia...

[Fassa Albrecht]

I'm just looking for some general advice on this sort of thing and I was wondering how many people here have done this sort of thing.

Basically the jobs market here is (to put it mildly) absolutely terrible. My city is among the worst for unemployment in the under-25s and it seems to be getting worse.

Now I've been told that China, India and other 'emerging' countries are desperate for English-speaking people to go and work in those countries, not just teaching English but also other jobs in factories, businesses and even in Government positions, and they especially like graduates.

It sounds great for ONE problem- the idea of moving to another country long-term and working abroad absolutely petrifies me. I'm scared that things will go horrifically wrong or I'll not fit into the culture or not learn the language or something ridiculous like that.

So I was wondering if any other TBers have worked abroad and how they found things such as fitting into local culture and the like. Also, what's working in a completely different country actually like?

[Deluge Of Sound]

I've known a few people who've gone to China for work.


But I've never heard from any of them again.

[DigMe]

I lived in China for a year and taught at a small college there. Fantastic experience. I recommend it.

Fitting in? Forget about it. You will be stared at a lot but you won't fit in. Disconcerting at first but you get used to it.

Working there is different. You just have to be flexible and accept that things will be done differently. An easy-going personality will do well in the environment IMO. I thrived there and loved just digging into the culture and customs. South Korea also hires a lot of western teachers. You can have a higher standard of living in China though as thngs are far cheaper there than in Seoul.

You can use teaching to get a foot in the door and if you are looking for them you will certainly find business opportunities in China.

bc

[crockpot2001]

My wife and I are from the States. South Korea has offered my wife and I some unique opportunities. She is an architecht specializing in sustainable (green) building constrcution management. It's made her THE person in Asia to go to for this rapidly expanding market. It's also a great place to travel from as we can get to (escape to) Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan which is georgeous, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Thailand etc..
For me the opportunities are different. I am a tall white dude with a degree and licensure in human nutrition and good looks. You MUST have a degree of some sort. Biochem and nutrition makes me a great English talker and spellerer, rite? All they want me for it to teach Engrishee. This can be good money for a short amount of work. I know people making about 35-40 USD / hour and working only 4-5 hours / day. They get their housing and airfare taken care of. it sounds good but you have to be at one with babysitting, pretentious mothers, kids sleeping in class due to exhaustion, and the fact that you are only a pawn. Your ideas and culture are not appreciated and you will be the LAST to know about everything that impacts you. I no longer do it. I found a nice little job teaching guitar and bass at a local International school.

South Korea can also be a hole to lose your money in. Lots of people come here and blow their money on crap beer, dating and travel. If you are cool with that it could be good to tide you over for a few years. There is also an OK music scene if you live in Seoul. I live in Incheon and it's horrible. Seoul to Incheon is up to 2 hours by subway and requires a $50 return cab fare as the subways close at 12:00 AM. Dumb!

[crockpot2001]

Some added thoughts after re-reading your post;
- You will not get many chances at any other types of jobs in South Korea than teaching English. There are some special engineering jobs and work as militarycontractors (unusally in engineering). Due some research on the "Hermit Kingdom" and you will better understand the xenophobia that exists here. They may hire us to provide advice and listen politely but they will end up doing it their way then firing you when they find out you get paid more to travel to their country and provide your experience. I know that sounds horrible but I speak from experience.
- India can be a hell hole. I've hear little good about it from a social, environmental, and work accomplishment standpoint.
- I'n not sure what the air qulaity is where you live but if you fancy a larger city in Easter Asia prepare for smog and even stuff called yellow dust. Not every day but it can go on for weeks. I can here a a VERY fit bike racer and now miss a good amount of riding due to poor AQ. Again, that's mostly in the larger cities like Shanghai and Seoul.

OK, so all that sounds horrible, the reality is that there are some massive perks to living in Asia. It is THE financial growth center for the world right now and my wife and I have no plans on leaving. We've met GREAT expats and some very cool local in every country we have visited. We Scuba dive, mountian bike, play music, and eat in places we never would have dreamed of. My advice to you, DO IT!