Thread: Hello I'm the new guy. Nice to meet you all!

Hi to all forum members who enjoy helping out the newbies.

I'm from South Africa - Cape Town. Where are you from?

My story is just like every other average Joe who was born and raised to do what society expects of us.
My life has had a major focus on business success by achieving the optimal school grades allowing me into a top University affording me my Bachelor of Science Degree in Property development. During that I realised the world is an amazing place which can offer me Happiness and lust for life which most people fail to realise and enjoy. This fuelled my decision to get out of average Joe's rat race and discover new lands and cultures through teaching.

Many of you feel the same way based on my initial visit to this forum

My adventure requires a start and it seems that a list of unanswered questions is my firing gun. Fortunately for you, my fellow breakaways, I consider myself a resourceful internet user who understands that a question is, in escence, a search for answers. I will detail my enquiries and I would greatly appreciate any personal advice you have to offer. But rest assured I will be searching this forum, other forums, blogs and general google for answers.


First off I am interested in Teaching. I've privately tutored pupils ages 9 to 18 in subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, Accounting and my one of my countries many native languages Afrikaans. Personally, I enjoy helping one find a means to succeed in tasks which were previously frustrating and seemingly impossible. So if there is need to be teacht English then I will happily oblige especially considering it will offer me a new outlook on life.

Secondly I would like to talk about location. I am trying to get as far away as from the western world as possible. Things which obviously limit me are finances, my partner and the fact that I am new to this. I first considered Indonesia which would have offered me an authentic experience off the beaten track, legendary waves which I may surf and a natural landscape and wildlife which I can enjoy as I am an outdoors person. Then I sadly discovered that the only option for South Africans to work there is through illegal means as we are no longer considered english native speakers. South Korea came up looking promising as it is legal for as well as being financially positive. Pro's include free flights, accommodation, good pay and better integration. But I've recently realised that South Korea will not offer me what I truly seek which is teaching in a beautiful tropical land of surf,sun and sand. So as you are aware Thailand seem to be the best land for me.

The courses, jobs and living.

This is where I am at currently. I do not know which course to take. Where to find jobs and how to make sure I don't end up spending a year dealing with smog in an inland city. I must admit I do have my reservations about teaching Bangkok but maybe that changes? There is also alot of risk in That I must travel to Thailand THEN find the job. I would like to attend a course in Thailand as it offers real training which will help overcome any cultural uncertainties I may have. But that means a month of no pay for accomodation purposes, food or transport. Then the worry of finding a job and the cost of traveling to a different area of schools. It all seems like abit too much risk considering That if I go it means all support from family members will cease to exist as their hopes for me to conquer the world of property will have been destroyed by me.. worrying about my own life and apparently on the side of selfish. I've saved enough money as a pizzaboy/waiter/tutor for a considerably startup but not enough to fool around with...

To avoid that risk I've considered looking into teacher placement agencies. I'm aware of all the bad stories so now I'm interested in finding only those who are reliable. Luckily the easiest thing to find is complaints on the Internet so I will start finding an agency or person with the a good ratio of positive to negative personal experience.

My search continues and thanks for allowing me to say Hello again

Hi Don Ho thanks for the posting.

I do want to do it and as tomorrow I will start by applying for my SA passport. It apparently takes 6 weeks from application till I receive it.
She, my partner, is still coming to terms with my decision all the while still being very supportive. Luckily She has a qualification in hospitality which allows her to apply for most 5 star hotel management positions. I originally believed that she would have been ecstatic about working abroad in a tropical paradise but know that it is a serious consideration she seems fearful due to apparent "lack of structure" in the decision. Any advice as to how I may make her feel more comfortable with the notion of leaving the only way of life she knows? I honestly did not think that she would reject the idea and it may lead to a long distance relationship which everyone know is difficult. However I will still be following my path with the greatest of hopes that she may begin to feel inclined towards a more rewarding, riskier life with me abroad.

Also on that note I think its important that I try find work in a tourist area which will offer her more opportunity with hotels. Phuket being 1st choice I suppose. Hows the teaching market there If I am hoping to find a job after courses are done around Nov/Dec?