Thanks for all of your advice - super helpful! I'll definitely check out the ESF as I hadn't heard of that before and I think Hong Kong is definitely worth researching a bit more!

Hi,

I'm hoping to get some advice on whether or not I would be likely to get a job abroad (particularly Japan) and just some general advice about different places in Asia!

My background: Am currently a teacher at a girls secondary school in the UK teaching IB Biology and ESS and am in charge of the Environmental Science department (this is my second year teaching - have QTS). I have experience teaching largely IB for 6th form (haven't taught MYP), GCSE and also a bit of A-Level. Before returning to the UK and becoming a qualified science teacher, I was teaching English in Japan for about three years. I'm also female and in my mid-late-20s, not sure if that's useful info or not!

I've always longed to go abroad again and I am hopeful of returning to Japan, but having looked online, it sounds like it's quite competitive. I know I've missed the boat on being hired this year as it's far too late, but am wondering what are the chances of being hired for next year? I wondered if having an English conversation background would be an advantage or disadvantage, and whether I should try a different place (perhaps Seoul, or Hong Kong).

Should I contact the schools directly or is it better to go through an agency like Search Associates? They seem quite professional from what I've heard?

Also what are your thoughts on Tokyo vs. Seoul vs. Hong Kong? What are the main differences in terms of salary/living standards/how easy it is to settle in etc.

Sorry for the many questions!