I live in the US and even beyond the current stuff going on, I’ve just become so depressed living in a place that feels like it doesn’t care about people. I’ve been watching videos about some other countries, in particular Vietnam and China, and I’ve thought it might be nice going somewhere that’s more committed to making life better for people. At the very least going somewhere that’s building a bunch of trains would be cool. (Yes I’m autistic, how could you tell? /s)
I don’t know if I’d actually end up doing anything because it’s tough for me to get anything done at the moment, but I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts or experiences to share about living in other places, especially if you moved there. What’s your pitch for why it’s a nice place to live? What problems does it have?
If you moved there, what were the challenges in moving and adapting to the new place? Did you learn the new language? Was it tough getting used to the local foods? (This is something I worry about a lot because I’m kind of picky) How did you meet people? Etc.
Outside of college, I’ve lived in the same place all my life. I’ve only traveled outside the US twice and it was to other western or westernized countries. (France, Amsterdam, and Japan.) I’m relatively introverted and socially anxious, but it is nice to try to get to know people I could be comfortable around. I have a college degree but I haven’t had work experience due to my depression, so I’d be kind of starting from scratch in that regard. (I’m maybe about to get some treatment which might help, fingers crossed.) So all around it’s hard to say if I’d be able to move anywhere, but maybe at some point I can work up the energy and courage to make the leap and it would be helpful to have some ideas of how to approach that. Maybe I’ll try to slowly learn the language as I can.
I’m not sure. I think I’d probably do better around children than adults. I’m pretty ok with my younger cousins at least. I have had someone suggest that I might be a decent teacher, but I’ve never looked into it. I’ve got some CS skills from taking various classes in college and I did well at them although I didn’t end up managing to get a degree. I do sometimes wonder if I’d ever go back to finish that if I sort out my health issues. But perhaps teaching could also be a route to look into.
That’s a good indication.
However in reality, a degree is required to teach in China, and to get a valid work permit to do so, as a foreign professional.
Without a degree, schools or kindergartens will offer other visas, such as a business visa, which is illegal. No matter how well established the school is, teachers have been busted for doing so.
How about travelling there? China offers 30 day tourist visas. Then you can settle on whether you want to work on that degree and work in China.
I visited Japan to consider whether to work there and while I enjoyed travelling there, I very strongly felt I wouldn’t want to work there. China spoils us teachers on relatively low hours, low living costs, and good pay!
Edit: you were about to complete a degree in CS. A few teaching jobs are available for CS. Completion of the degree will open up these jobs, especially if you can show distinct proof of tutoring in CS (as an example) one year (which they can exaggerate to two years in the visa application). Otherwise use English teaching in China as an in-road to teaching CS at a high school level. It could kickstart a teaching career. 😉
It might be nice to try traveling there, but I’m not sure how much I can gather from that as a tourist. Like when I went to Japan on vacation it seemed like a nice place, but that’s because I wasn’t exactly going to check out the salary men/women working themselves to death in an office.
Thanks though. You’ve given me some things to think about.
Great! Make sure you’ve read my edit. CS is quite a recruitable teaching role. The degree is essential, and I’ve been in a spot of bother not completing my degree before as well. It helped me to live with my family for a bit to complete it!