Newbies,

Just search any major ESL forum and you will find many reasons NOT to teach in China and Korea. Not only are those people NOT to be trusted, but they do not have a clue as to how English as a Second Language should be taught. Granted, there are a few success stories out there. But, it is not the norm. Most people who claim to have a good experience are those who allow themselves to be treated as a doormat, drowning away their sorrows at the bar after work. For those who have an idea of what they are doing and have a passion for the job, they are usually the ones who end up leaving....mainly because they can't deal with backwards, intolerant and ignorant mindset of their environment.

The only way to make a statement is to keep spreading the word and making sure that newbies (the ones who really care about themselves and what they do) are aware of what they are getting into.

eslguy

Yep, I agree, esl guy. Don't do it. Stay home, - all of you. Unless, of course, you have the following circumstances, character/personality disorders and lifestyle needs.

If you are lazy, uneducated beyond high school, but you know where China is, and you are able to spell TEFL, TESOL, ESL and can use other impressive acronyms conversationally, are able to obtain a fake degree online, unemployed - and running out of benefits, can't spell, don't know grammar, can't write a decent letter, never had a real job and don't want one, are unable to function outside your bedroom or local barroom, can't make a lesson plan or have any idea what it is, have yellow fever, are anti-social, never been gainfully employed for more than any one six months period in your life, completely unaware of your responsibilities - socially and professionally as a guest in a foreign country, an alcoholic, you don't have enough money to return home if things don't work out for you, you're a leech and continually bum money, beer and favors from your compatriots, don't know how to use a can of bug spray or change a lock, can't load and unload a pack-pack blindfolded within five minutes, a chronic whiner, always in need of advice, shouldn't have left home without your baby sitter and/or mommy, can't be a team player, know-it-all, like to dance, because you are white believe that Chinese should kiss your arse simply because you are, well, white; forgetful, have no language skills and/or are unwilling to learn Chinese, are confrontational, mundane issues - like keeping your passport and your visas up to date don't concern you, and, further, of course, you have to be able to shout loud enough to drown out voices of dissent on Internet forums.

Yep, if have all or any of these liabilities, come to China and join your friends. Many are already here. It's almost like you never left home.