Often, myself and others on here have warned that teaching English in Asia in only good for established and financially secure Western men over 40 years old.

And you say that as if it's factual! Awww, bless.

It's arse gravy of the highest order!

The only reason you are saying young people shouldn't go to China is because you don't want the competition for the affections of the girls you went their to hunt!

There are plenty of opportunities in China for both men and women. I went for two years to experience teaching in Asia and to experience life in China. I did both successfully. I know many young men and women in China who went, fell in love with the country and their job and have decided to settle. Which they have done successfully.

Of course you shouldn't turn up in any foreign country with completely empty pockets and you should always have a back-up plan, but depending on your reasons for going, you certainly don't have to be what Silverboy considers to be financially secure!

If you are going to gain teaching experience before settling in your preferred country to continue your teaching career, then China is a good place to do that.

SB: The big problem with your post is, as usual, that it is predicated on your opinion that ESL teaching isn't a real job. But it is and it is for a lot of people. But those are real teachers and you don't know what real teaching is. For you, China is simply a prostitute filled playground and the education of the students there simply a means to an end to keep you in the country. People like you shouldn't be given a visa to teach, you're one step away from being outright sex tourists... Looking for any way to keep out the younger, more virile competition!

This is a board is for teachers, Silverboy. Instead of attempting a veneer of credibility with a thread designed to keep people away from your hunting ground, how about actually trying to discuss teaching methodology or professional development? Oh that's right, because you've proved time and again you can't. You're much more comfortable discussing prostitution or steering teachers to cities and jobs that aren't teaching or China!

To conclude:

Teaching ESL in China will allow you to save money (if you live sensibly) and gain valuable teaching experience that will allow you to continue teaching anywhere in the world.

Teachers need to gain experience somewhere and while reputable schools in Europe often require 3+ years experience, China and other Asian countries can provide that experience as there is such a demand for language teachers they will hire just about anybody (as evidenced by Silverboys continued employment). This allows a newly qualified teacher to gain experience and save money with which to then go on to settle where they choose... Be that Europe or Asia or anywhere they want.