In the Spirit of making Lemonade out of Lemons I'm expanding my job search outside of the country. Because after going back to school, drawing more loans, then acing the praxis to get a Certificate of Eligibility to teach in NJ that has only provided me with something to wipe my ass with, then being disqualified by the Coast Guard and Navy because I was diagnosed with Asthma after the age of 13 (despite the fact that since I started surfing my lung capacity has increased and I haven't showed symptoms for years and basically having to lie about my education on applications. Ya, so rather then go manage a Mcdonald's I'm going to teach English overseas in the Pacific rim somewhere where there are ideal surf conditions. I always wanted to see Asia and there is no time like the present. I did teach ESL back in the day in Eastern Europe by just applying when I arrived although this time it looks like I'll be using a recruiter. So if anyone has experience using a third party recruiter overseas any and all info as to reputation and what have you would be greatly appreciated...anyone heard of 'Footprints Recruiting'? But most important is Surf: My research is showing that Taiwan looks ideal with conditions, cost of living and proximity to accessible beeches, although Thai women might help the fourth month flat spell most annual models show for Thailand not seem as bad. Japan is too expensive, and surprisingly water in Indonesia gets cold...Not sure about that last one but several sites say so. Anyway just wanted to post this in case anyone has some sage words of advice, personal experience, or heard stories or anything that I can benefit from with regards to the areas I mentioned. Or suggestions to ones I haven't? Pura Vida
cold as in 70 degrees or as in 40? I doubt that it gets much lower than mid-70s. You might want to reconsider. I think I remember reading that surfing in Taiwan can be very tough as the govt/police do not allow you in the water when a typhoon is generating swell...I think there is a surfline article on it. Anyway, you could potentially face jail time if you don't abide by the law.
Just wondering since you were interested in working on ships if you considered working as Merchant Marine. The Coast Guard issues you a Z-Card which is like a driver's license to work on US flagged ships. There is no shortage of work here, companies are aways hiring or you could always go the union route. I work a 28 on 28 off seclude which gives you ample time for surf travel, the pay is VERY good, and I can live anywhere in the county or out for that matter. Let me know is you interested in getting anymore info. P.S. You will not have any problems passing the maritime physical it is not like the military.
