I've been lurking on this forum on and off since I first toyed with the idea of moving to Phnom Penh a few years ago. I was initially drawn to teaching in Cambodia due to the low entry requirements as I don't have a BA (I was studying towards one when my dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness, dropped out and after the tuition fee hikes and my age I feel I have missed the boat)
So here's the deal, I'm 26 year old woman with plenty of experience of teaching. Until recently I worked at a multicultural children's center with a mix of kids from variety of nationalities. It's the best job I've ever had and took to teaching like a duck to water, prior to this I was tutoring an after school art club and prior to that working as a photographer/airbrusher(Very well payed but left for a minimum wage tutor job because I hate the industry)
I'm not a money motivated person and I have a desire to genuinely help people but after reading a few articles that Cambodia is regarded as 'the last refuge of the fuck-ups' I'm a bit concerned about meeting other like minded people. I've also heard there's a ton of gossip among the expat community which is something else I find highly undesirable. Also a lot of forums/articles I've read seem very male orientated and soon turn into a discussion about getting laid.
So here are my questions:
1. What kind of salary can I expect? (I'm a young looking, moderately attractive, blonde hair blue eyed 26 year old. I know that shouldn't matter but after speaking to friends who've traveled Asia this is apparently important. Could I try for a higher salary based on this?)
2.What does your average working week look like for an English teacher? How many hours in the classroom/planning etc.. what time do you start/finish, how many days do you get off from work?
3. What are the schools like? What kind of classroom set up can I expect.
3. I've heard Cambodia is safe for women, but is there any women out there who have moved here alone and can share their experience?
4. I'm a frugal person and the idea is to save while in Cambodia. I'd eat at the local places or cook for myself. I've seen rooms with aircon for about $300 including bills. Does that sound about right? I feel I could get by on $600 a month but are there any other expenses I should take into account?
5. What is the best month to go to find a job?
I know these questions have probably been asked/answered a thousand times, but I think I'd feel a bit more confident about the situation by having a direct dialog.
Thank you
