Post: #1

First, I'm a just turned 40 year old Professor, that stepped away from a pretty amazing career in the States because of the 'been there, done that' factor, and being nauseatingly close to finished with the feminist American women. I started teaching as a professor in Poland and Ukraine as an exchange type gig 3 years ago and of course I've loved it, but as usual I have the itch for something new and wild. I want to do something even crazier in the next year or so and live in Asia. But where, after perusing through the threads it sounds like Japan may not be the best destination because of the shyness of the girls and overall expense. I have ex students in Vietnam, Thailand, China, Phillipines, Taiwan, and South Korea. I can easily teach in any of these countries as well. For you well traveled Asia gentleman, what place do you recommend for most fun, most attention for being anglo, etc.?

Post: #2

There are like 1000 threads about Asia...

If you read some of them, you will figure out what is the best place for you.

Post: #3

Your financial situation is the missing piece of info. Academics in Taiwan or South Korea can probably survive on salaries, but in poorer countries they have to focus more on side hustles than teaching or, god forbid, reading. (Even though their libraries are trash, they should be reading.)

Post: #4

Can you write?

There's always freelance.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #5

Who would have thought...It would be the Philippines..

Before the internet....It was the Olympic medal countries or main stream countries like US, Russia, UK, Germany, China, India etc etc...While growing up...I always thought main stream countries would offer solutions to the problems in my life, never imagined it would be a tiny island in South East Asia that was never on the radar for much of humanities history.

Philippines has emerged out of over 200+ countries when Internet came, in-spite of all its negatives as the place to be. No country is perfect but Philippines has perfected on women.

Its another dimension from rest of the world in terms of women and fun.

No one can guarantee that If I go to America...I can get a good job and after few months become a millionaire and live American dream or go to Europe and get the best. Philippines guarantees women, fun, beach, exotic experience....something that was never taught in high school.

No country has lived up to its ideal for an outsider, I believe Philippines has. That's why so much buzz about it.

For Philippines, Its the women and fun for most of us and it guarantees it.

As you are a professor with more intellectual background. You know the score already. Just go to Philippines. That's it.

Attention and fun....hahaha.....That's putting it mildly...Philippines will take you on an another level.

You are crossing dimensions now. Philippines is on an another dimension.

Good Luck...Prepare to be amazed.....

Post: #6

Pretty silly to paint the Philippines so one-sidedly. I've been living here for years and it's not all roses. Not to mention the lack of job opportunities.

OP- Assuming you have a PhD and decent work experience, Hong Kong or Singapore could be very nice options for a university professor.

Post: #7

Vietnam and specially Saigon could be a great place: tons of opportunities, fantastic women, low cost of living, delicious and healthy food.

Great beaches a stone throw away.

Big and growing expat and entrepreneurial community.

Very fast Internet.

Huge cafe culture to rival Paris.

Last but not least, friendly and easy visa regulations.

Can't really go wrong with Saigon.

Post: #8

If you want to make money and still enjoy serious novelty, a hybrid approach, such as a friend on mine will begin next year, really could be best. I'd also point out that this is yet another thread for which my Grid Project would be very helpful (I cannot even count how many threads are asking these types of questions, so if you want to help me with that project, please PM me).

/thread-34126.html

My friend has been hired in Hong Kong now, to teach at two different universities. He has his PhD from HKU. He lives in Shenzhen, on the Chinese side of the border. Hence, he has the benefits (and the drawbacks) of living in China, with low costs, novelty, some WGF, and non-jaded girls, particularly immigrants from other places in China (as well as Filipinas and other imports). He also has food safety issue, rude neighbors, etc. But he's spending in yuan and earning in HKD. If you're not location independent (I am, and earn in $$ and spend in yuan), this is perhaps the next best thing.

Conceivably this could be done for Malaysia and Singapore (but much less attractive option because of Malaysia, unless you're married, in which case perhaps its net neutral, and you could check out Malaysia's "My Second Home" program").

Post: #9

Interesting that you mention staying in Shenzhen, which agreed could be a great option from what I've heard. Question regarding visas:
What visa would be required if you say live in SZ but work in HKG? Is that even possible?

That would be an ideal situation.

Regarding your Grid Project, I'm surprised it hasn't taken off as it is a very helpful project. I do remember reading about it, but not sure whether you created a thread about it. If yes, time to refresh it amigo!

Post: #10

Hey VP always good to hear from you.

You'd need to get a work visa for HK but I imagine your job would help with that. Not difficult anyway, for westerners. I think that also might entitle you to a HK resident card, especially if you set your work up as a business. You'd only need a tourist visa for China (class L I believe) and thats cake to get. In fact, if you have a HK resident card, you might be able to get by without a China visa, and just enter China on the card. Need to check that though. With the card, the border commute would be a lot shorter too. Lines tend to suck on the HK side actually, not on the Chinese side (for foreigners at least).

Look at this, which would cover the China side (for Americans, sorry not Canadians).

/thread-32925-...#pid799799

Post: #11

(08-06-2014 01:23 PM)Mike OBrien Wrote:  There are like 1000 threads about Asia...
If you read some of them, you will figure out what is the best place for you.

I realize there are a 1000 threads on it, which is EXACTLY why I'd rather just ask and get a quick answer that's to the point over 1000's of hours of reading.

Otherwise, all great suggestions guys. I unfortunately do not have my Phd, I have two master's degrees. However, I'm a decently highly decorated professor so finding work shouldn't be that much of a hurdle. I've had a few people suggest Chinese cities to me, but I'd rather get a bit more informed globally [of Asia]. My Chinese friends stateside told me I might be the only white person a chinese person ever sees in some cities. I like that idea. hahaha

I'm checking out the grid project tonight as well....

Post: #12

(08-06-2014 07:56 PM)MrPositive Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 01:23 PM)Mike OBrien Wrote:  There are like 1000 threads about Asia...
If you read some of them, you will figure out what is the best place for you.

I realize there are a 1000 threads on it, which is EXACTLY why I'd rather just ask and get a quick answer that's to the point over 1000's of hours of reading.

I don't wish to be disrespectfully, but that really isn't how it works here. Many members, especially the Asia contingency, are always happy to answer questions. But answering the same questions again and again doesn't really do our community a service.

First, reading through the other 1000 threads will not be something you regret.

As I'm sure that anyone with a research degree would appreciate, sometimes knowing which questions need to be asked can be the challenge itself.

There are tons of tidbits, cultural notes and little asides that you don't want to miss, even on threads that don't relate perfectly with your question. Moving to Asia for a year or more will be a life changing decision for better or for worse. You absolutely want to be as informed as possible when pursuing such a choice.

Second, there are threads here that actually do answer your questions very well. While, the question of working as a Ph.D. is probably not covered here at all, the other threads about living conditions, game and other considerations cover the countries you've listed very well. Those threads should help you narrow down your decision to fewer than six very different countries.

We don't like confusing users by having duplicate threads, so while you may have questions you need answered after you have read through the detailed information presented on existing threads, doing so first while probably help you ask even more questions that haven't been covered here and will ultimately provide future users with even better and more varied content.

Quote:Otherwise, all great suggestions guys. I unfortunately do not have my Phd, I have two master's degrees. However, I'm a decently highly decorated professor so finding work shouldn't be that much of a hurdle. I've had a few people suggest Chinese cities to me, but I'd rather get a bit more informed globally [of Asia].

Without further narrowing down your options, it's hard to say specifically, but Asian institutions tend to be fairly regimented and there is no guarantee that two Masters will do for you what one PhD will.

Status tends to be very important in Asia and an institution that is willing to shell out the money necessary to tempt a foreign lecturer/researching will probably also want the distinction that comes with having a foreign PhD on staff.

Of course, I guarantee anything for certain, but do please consider this in your approach.

Quote:My Chinese friends stateside told me I might be the only white person a chinese person ever sees in some cities. I like that idea. hahaha

Most people enjoy this for the first month or so. After that, the majority of people won't enjoy it. If you really are living in a city where other foreigners are that rare, you'll likely have trouble finding stimulating friendships.




Right off the top of my head, Hong Kong should be a strong contender, but I'm not sure what interest you'll get if without a PhD. The only way to find out might be to apply for some employment opportunities and see what the response is.

Read through the Hong Kong threads and see what you think.

Post: #13

(08-06-2014 12:42 PM)MrPositive Wrote:  First, I'm a just turned 40 year old Professor, that stepped away from a pretty amazing career in the States because of the 'been there, done that' factor, and being nauseatingly close to finished with the feminist American women. I started teaching as a professor in Poland and Ukraine as an exchange type gig 3 years ago and of course I've loved it, but as usual I have the itch for something new and wild. I want to do something even crazier in the next year or so and live in Asia. But where, after perusing through the threads it sounds like Japan may not be the best destination because of the shyness of the girls and overall expense. I have ex students in Vietnam, Thailand, China, Phillipines, Taiwan, and South Korea. I can easily teach in any of these countries as well. For you well traveled Asia gentleman, what place do you recommend for most fun, most attention for being anglo, etc.?

Korea is a good option - you have your PhD and lots of experience right? You can get an easy uni job with decent pay $3k a month and lots of holiday 16weeks+ to use travelling SEAsia

Post: #14

(08-06-2014 10:59 PM)Suits Wrote:  Without further narrowing down your options, it's hard to say specifically, but Asian institutions tend to be fairly regimented and there is no guarantee that two Masters will do for you what one PhD will.

Status tends to be very important in Asia and an institution that is willing to shell out the money necessary to tempt a foreign lecturer/researching will probably also want the distinction that comes with having a foreign PhD on staff.

Of course, I guarantee anything for certain, but do please consider this in your approach.

My Chinese friends stateside told me I might be the only white person a chinese person ever sees in some cities. I like that idea. hahaha
Most people enjoy this for the first month or so. After that, the majority of people won't enjoy it. If you really are living in a city where other foreigners are that rare, you'll likely have trouble finding stimulating friendships.

Right off the top of my head, Hong Kong should be a strong contender, but I'm not sure what interest you'll get if without a PhD. The only way to find out might be to apply for some employment opportunities and see what the response is.

Read through the Hong Kong threads and see what you think.

Ya, I realize the PhD thing is far more coveted outside of the US than in. I live in Poland now, and just 3 years ago I won a massive presitgious professor of the year award at a school with 60,000 students in the US and in Poland they could care less if you don't have Phd behind your name. Arghh. Which is beyond ridiculous but that would take me pages of text to explain. However, I was offered a position just outside Beijing about 7 years ago teaching my discipline and I actually turned it down basically because I was a beta bitch, scared of leaving my safety zone. One of my top 3 regrets in life up to this point.

I have 15 years experience teaching 3D simulation graphic arts for movies, video games, arch viz, science viz etc. for the guy above me. So technical artist which really helps in Asia of course. I guess if worse comes to worst I could teach English for a while until I find something, which my Chinese friend suggested.

Thanks, and I'll check out the Hong Kong and Korean threads as well.

Post: #15

Personal opinion is to skip the 'cheap tier' of Asia for now, that means no Thailand, Phils, Malaysia, Indonesia or Vietnam. You're 41 and seemingly with good credentials. Those countries will be there for you when you're 50+, actually you will get better value for money when you're older. I would check out Taiwan, China (Beijing, Shanghai,maybe Shenzhen), Japan, first because being a uni professor in those places will be more of a professional challenge and will also allow you easy access to good social circles right away.

Post: #16

(08-07-2014 05:22 AM)MrPositive Wrote:  

(08-06-2014 10:59 PM)Suits Wrote:  Without further narrowing down your options, it's hard to say specifically, but Asian institutions tend to be fairly regimented and there is no guarantee that two Masters will do for you what one PhD will.

Status tends to be very important in Asia and an institution that is willing to shell out the money necessary to tempt a foreign lecturer/researching will probably also want the distinction that comes with having a foreign PhD on staff.

Of course, I guarantee anything for certain, but do please consider this in your approach.

My Chinese friends stateside told me I might be the only white person a chinese person ever sees in some cities. I like that idea. hahaha
Most people enjoy this for the first month or so. After that, the majority of people won't enjoy it. If you really are living in a city where other foreigners are that rare, you'll likely have trouble finding stimulating friendships.

Right off the top of my head, Hong Kong should be a strong contender, but I'm not sure what interest you'll get if without a PhD. The only way to find out might be to apply for some employment opportunities and see what the response is.

Read through the Hong Kong threads and see what you think.

Ya, I realize the PhD thing is far more coveted outside of the US than in. I live in Poland now, and just 3 years ago I won a massive presitgious professor of the year award at a school with 60,000 students in the US and in Poland they could care less if you don't have Phd behind your name. Arghh. Which is beyond ridiculous but that would take me pages of text to explain. However, I was offered a position just outside Beijing about 7 years ago teaching my discipline and I actually turned it down basically because I was a beta bitch, scared of leaving my safety zone. One of my top 3 regrets in life up to this point.

I have 15 years experience teaching 3D simulation graphic arts for movies, video games, arch viz, science viz etc. for the guy above me. So technical artist which really helps in Asia of course. I guess if worse comes to worst I could teach English for a while until I find something, which my Chinese friend suggested.

Thanks, and I'll check out the Hong Kong and Korean threads as well.

Sounds like you've got a very solid resume, but remember that an instructor who doesn't speak Chinese is going to be more than useless at many Asian universities if they are teaching in your field.

However, the elite and the forward thinking ones often have courses in English. This is about 50% in Hong Kong, less so in Korea, but there are some established English-taught degrees in Korea, from what I understand.

Mainland China has been starting programs like that at select schools, but I can't speak to the quality.

Post: #17

Solely on the basis of your field and potential relevant univ. teaching positions, I'd take a close look at Singapore.

Post: #18

I would suggest Singapore. English is very common, the girls are smoking hot, and it's the easiest city to get around in I have ever been.

Are you dead set on being a college professor?


It seems to me that your resume would translate to the private sector pretty well in a place like Singapore.

Also, like suits said, the existing threads are going to give you a lot more detailed information than the TLR answers you're looking for here.

Plus they are fun to read you won't regret it at all.

Post: #19

(08-08-2014 10:03 PM)Fisto Wrote:  I would suggest Singapore. English is very common, the girls are smoking hot, and it's the easiest city to get around in I have ever been.

Are you dead set on being a college professor?

It seems to me that your resume would translate to the private sector pretty well.

Also, like suits said, the existing threads are going to give you a lot more detailed information than the TLR answers you're looking for here.

Plus they are fun to read you won't regret it at all.

F:

Great post today at ROK, Fisto...

Post: #20

Indeed smashing post Fisto!
Should be made mandatory reading/teaching to every male from the age of 16 in the western world.

OP,
With your credentials don't look at that decision 7 years ago not to teach in BJ as a regret. Look at it now as a more mature, more attractive guy professionally and a man to go there now and get an even better gig. Which with your credentials, should be easy.

Getting on that plane to China/ Asia will be the hardest thing to do. Yet the most important step.

Post: #21

(08-08-2014 10:05 PM)Quintus Curtius Wrote:  

(08-08-2014 10:03 PM)Fisto Wrote:  I would suggest Singapore. English is very common, the girls are smoking hot, and it's the easiest city to get around in I have ever been.

Are you dead set on being a college professor?

It seems to me that your resume would translate to the private sector pretty well.

Also, like suits said, the existing threads are going to give you a lot more detailed information than the TLR answers you're looking for here.

Plus they are fun to read you won't regret it at all.

F:

Great post today at ROK, Fisto...

Thanks, I had no idea it was up today.

Post: #22

I'm a Technical Artist working in the film industry as a Technical Director/Fx Artist for the past 5 years. I've also been investigating teaching opportunities like this that I can take advantage of in the near future. Currently enjoying a long vacation in Japan, I can say that you'll need advanced Japanese (written and oral) to teach here. Japan is a long term investment to integrate into the culture before you start reaping the benefits with the women. However the focus for VFX studios is shifting from LA and California in general to places like Singapore and Shanghai (DreamWorks animation has now set up in Shanghai) so opportunities for you may be the best in these areas.

Post: #23

Singapore Polytechnic
http://www.sp.edu.sg/wps/portal/vp-spws

Post: #24

Is the lifestyle so great in Singapore? Really? Come on guys.

Post: #25

(08-07-2014 11:25 PM)The_CEO Wrote:  Solely on the basis of your field and potential relevant univ. teaching positions, I'd take a close look at Singapore.

This is also what I was thinking. Singapore (and KL) airport is the gateway to the rest of Asia. If you worked there you could visit each of the surrounding countries in your breaks.

I found first hand that following the advice of others can't compare to going to the country yourself, and 'tasting' it. I've heard so many sweeping generalizations about countries, that upon actually visiting, turned out to be completely false or unfounded (and some that turned out to be true).
Take Korea for instance. LeightonBlacktock, who lived there for a while, said 'it is very hard to get girls, and ONS is very rare'. I also bumped into an English teacher from Korea (plain looking dude), who was working there around the same time, who dismissingly said 'ONS with Korean girls are extremely easy'. Those are polar extremes - how can you reconcile those reports? You have to visit.