Home  Applicants Description of PiA Teaching Posts
Description of PiA Teaching Posts
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Teaching Fellowships |
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 All of our teaching fellowships provide a livable salary, assuming a modest lifestyle, as well as housing or assistance in finding housing. Airfare is generally not included. Teachers in Japan, Korea, Laos, and Singapore may actually have significant savings at the end of the year, but all other posts are “break-even” posts. PiA provides medical insurance for fellows otherwise without coverage. The usual term of commitment is one year. Teaching English in Asia is a fabulous opportunity to get to know the culture while at the same time providing a meaningful service to your community. The work itself, however, is not without frustration. The classes can be large, the students reticent, and the teaching materials substandard. But in the end, the students make the experience worth the effort. PiA’s program in Singapore and Korea also offers teaching positions in fields other than English.
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Cambodia |
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Cambodia: 1 Fellowship
Phnom Penh. 1 position in the English Language Support Unit at the
only national, public university in Cambodia. The fellow will be a
part of a very dedicated staff comprised of Cambodian and international
teachers who teach scholarship students who are expected to go back to
their home villages and teach both science subjects and English. Excellent mentorship, high quality teaching, and eager
students are hallmarks of this position. A small stipend is provided.
The position begins in early September.
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China |
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 China: 19 Fellowships
China is one of the most dynamic, rapidly changing countries in Asia. However, slow bureaucracies and crowds are also very Chinese. Low teaching hours give fellows lots of time to explore personal interests in language, local culture, or business. And remember, Beijing is a great city, but is not the only — or necessarily always the best place — to experience China. All teachers receive a livable salary, housing (generally on campus), and in some cases, assistance with airfare. Unless otherwise noted, all fellowships begin in late August.
Beijing City: 3 positions at an international affairs college in Beijing. Considered one of the best teaching posts in China, the students are very motivated and have a good command of English. The college prefers teachers with backgrounds in American politics, history, or literature. Competition for Beijing posts is usually quite stiff. Applicants must have an excellent academic record and previous teaching experience.
Guangdong Province: 2 positions in Guangzhou at one of the top high schools in Guangdong Province. Located on the coast of the South China Sea and only 182 kilometers away from Hong Kong, it is China's largest southern city with the dynamism and hustle-bustle of a major metropolis. Despite its size, Guangzhou is not a tourist city and is well-known for its cuisine. It ranks first in the number of restaurants and tea-houses in the country. Living stipend is modest and housing is provided.
Hunan Province: 2 positions at a teachers college in a relatively remote part of Hunan Province. This region, which is home to many people of the Tu and Miao minorities, is one of the most underdeveloped in China. The city (population 300,000) is located 60 miles from a major nature preserve. These positions offer a wonderful opportunity to work with minority students from one of the poorer regions of China and make a real difference. Applicants should be prepared for tougher living conditions than those found in major Chinese cities.
Hubei Province: 2 positions at a polytechnic university in the capital, Wuhan, an industrial city with a large student population. Compared to the major coastal cities, Wuhan is the “real China.” It is not as slick and prosperous but it has seen rapid change of late. Wuhan’s climate is challenging due to its hot summers and cold winters without central heat. The fellows teach conversational English to undergraduate and graduate students.
Liaoning Province: 3 positions at a major science university in Dalian and 2 positions at a teaching college in Shenyang. With its clean environment and small foreign community, Dalian is probably one of the most livable cities in China. Shenyang is the former Manchu capital and is now an industrial city. Located on the south side of the city, the university campus hosts an institute specializing in American studies. Candidates with English degrees may have the opportunity to teach literature classes. History and finance majors may also have the chance to teach specialized courses in English.
Xinjiang Province: 2 positions located two hours outside of Urumqi in Shihezi, a small Chinese city with blue skies, access to sprawling mountains, and an environment unlike the majority of mainland China. This post offers a gateway into Uigher minority culture and the historical Silk Road, as well as an unparalleled opportunity to immerse and study Mandarin. Candidates should be prepared for cold winters and for more isolation than other posts. Teachers will have an opportunity to teach English, literature, and possibly some specialized subject courses. Modest stipend and housing will be provided.
Zhejiang Province: 3 positions at a major technical university. The city, Hangzhou, is a short distance from Shanghai. However, it is vastly different from the major metropolis. Few foreigners reside here, making it a great place for practicing Mandarin and making Chinese friends. Comparatively clean air, a smaller population, and beautiful park scenery (including the famous West Lake) make it one of China's most attractive sites.
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Hong Kong |
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Hong Kong: 2 Fellowships
 Two English language instruction positions at a small college in Hong Kong with a commitment to bringing academic culture to the underserved. The college maintains first-rate facilities and a strong family atmosphere and friendly staff. There is much room for creativity and independence in the English language curriculum. PiA has maintained a long-standing relationship with this college. The views from the newly-built apartment — perched up above Hong Kong Bay — are worth millions. This college is about a 20- minute ride into Central Hong Kong and is situated at the foot of some of Hong Kong's best hiking trails. A perfect base from which to explore the city. A very livable stipend and housing are provided. The positions begin in August.
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India |
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3 Fellowships: 
Tamil Nadu: 1 post at a private school for elementary through high-school aged students. The fellow will be instructing art and ESL (other subjects areas are occasionally required) in this tightly knit community. Located in Southern India’s Palani Hills in the town of Kodaikanal, this post provides a scenic and idyllic backdrop to teaching in a small town in India. Fellows have significant opportunities to travel, learn Tamil, and explore personal interests like taking Table lessons. Fellows live at the school and a modest living stipend is provided. Position begins in early July. Gujarat: 2 positions at a public high school in a remote village in Gujarat (about 4 hours by car from Mumbai). The fellows will teach ESL and work with the school to develop the English curriculum (and possibly computer science). The English program at the school is administered by a not-for-profit organization in the US, and the fellows will be that organization’s representatives on the ground as well – duties include developing marketing and fundraising materials as well as curriculum. The school is also a boarding school and extracurricular programming with the borders is encouraged. Fellows are the only foreigners in town and live on the school campus in a house owned by the principal. Conditions are slightly isolated, but the full immersion in the community produces an incredibly unique experience. A larger town is only a short bus ride away, and offers a curious mix of traditional Indian and outside culture. Food, housing, and a modest stipend are provided. The position starts in early to mid June and continues until the next April, with breaks on school vacations.
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Indonesia |
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 Indonesia: 1-2 Fellowships
With its 13,000 islands and hundreds of languages, the Indonesian archipelago offers ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity. Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country and Bahasa Indonesia is one of the easiest languages in the world to learn. Although most amenities are available in the bustling and modernized commercial districts, many parts of Indonesia haven't lost their kindler, gentler, smaller community feel. Indonesia offers an unparalleled opportunity for cultural immersion and exploration amongst warm and hospitable people, stunning landscapes, and the crucial geopolitical backdrop of being the world’s largest Muslim nation. Yogyakarta: 1-2 positions at a private university in the cultural crossroads of Yogyakarta. The language department is a tightly-knit, family style affair and previous PiA fellows have played a large role in writing departmental standards and developing curriculum. Classes are typically in the afternoon and evening and leave fellows plenty of time for the study of Bahasa Indonesia, batik, Javanese dance or puppetry, or just walking across the rice paddies and sampling the city's excellent, cheap street food. A livable salary and housing are provided. Teaching positions start in August. |
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Japan |
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 Japan: 6 Fellowships
High-speed trains, ultra-modern technology, and a high cost of living are characteristic of this island nation. Consequently, PiA’s host institutions in Japan tend to be generous in terms of salary allowance and housing subsidies, but don’t expect a lot of square-footage in your apartment. Hours on the job are also significantly higher than in some other PiA countries, weekend commitments are common, and vacation time is limited. Japanese students of English typically read and comprehend well, but lack speaking confidence. All positions in Japan begin in late August.  Kurashiki: 1-2 positions at a private Catholic girls’ high school (and junior high) in a medium-sized city with access to Osaka. Kurashiki is a quiet location without a lot of night life. Fellows generally find good opportunities to become involved with students through participation in extra-curricular activities such as coaching the school debate team. The school provides housing, a generous salary, and return air-ticket.
Yakage City: 2 positions working with kindergartens and elementary schools administered by the Yakage town council. Duties include teaching in the morning and returning to City Hall in the afternoon to write a brief report of morning activities. The salary is generous and housing is provided. Yakage is a small town with numerous opportunities to become involved in the community. Some Japanese language experience is preferred.
Tokyo: 1 position teaching at a Buddhist temple school. The fellow lives on the grounds of the temple (in a modern building) and teaches kindergarteners at the temple school. The stipend is modest but liveable, and the position offers a great perch in the bustling center of modern Japanese culture from a living environment that few westerners have a chance to experience. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming in the family-run temple school.
Chiba: 1 English language instruction position at a family-owned Buddhist temple school a little over an hour from Tokyo. This is the sister school of the Tokyo Buddhist temple. Expect hundreds of little shoes and kids jumping all over you at recess. You will be teaching young Japanese children and in some cases their mothers. This position is well suited for someone who has a background in early childhood education and loves children. Chiba is a very modern, very Japanese city. A modest living stipend and housing are provided. |
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Kazakhstan |
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 Kazakhstan: 2 Fellowships
This ex-Soviet republic is considered the gateway to Central Asia. Kazakhstan is the most politically and economically stable country of the region and is attracting significant foreign investment. The capital city of Almaty is known for its amazing natural scenery and is a great match for people who enjoy the mountains and skiing. There is a thriving expatriate community, ranging from oil businessmen to Peace Corps volunteers. The dominant language in the country is Russian, and Almaty is a great place to begin or continue language studies.
Almaty: 2 positions at the country’s foremost Business School in Almaty which offers BA and MBA/MPA programs. Fellows teach English in the foreign language department and students range from undergraduates (16-17 years old) with basic English skills to more advanced graduate students. There are also plenty of opportunities to become involved in student extracurricular activities. The institute provides a livable salary and the option to live on or off campus. Positions begin in mid-August.
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Korea |
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 Korea: 2 Fellowships
The Korean peninsula offers incredible natural scenery and four distinct seasons. Fellows enjoy a lifestyle which is a blend of modern conveniences and traditional Korean values. It is reasonable to expect to live comfortably and save money as a teacher in Korea. However, teachers in Korea tend to work more hours than teachers in other countries.
Kwangju: 2 positions at a grade school teaching math, science, social studies, or history. This is a special school for Korean children in which all classes are based on a US curriculum and conducted in English, so Korean language ability is not necessary. Fellows teach middle or high school and often lead extra-curricular activites like sports teams or the school newspaper in what is a tightly-knit community. Round trip airfare, a good salary, and accommodations next to the school are provided. Kwangju is a lovely city with few foreigners, and it is rich in cultural opportunities. Positions begin in late July.
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Laos |
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 Laos: 1 Fellowship
Think Thailand 20 years ago. Laos, with a very low population density, is one of the least developed countries in Southeast Asia. Vientiane often feels more like a frontier town than a national capital, with a mixture of 4WD vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, pushcarts, and livestock that share its streets. Even from the middle of downtown Vientiane, it is only a five-minute walk to rice paddies. Buddhism plays a major part in people’s lives, and this is an excellent post for people interested in learning more about this religion.
Vientiane: 1 position at a private college affiliated with an Australian University. The faculty for the English program are all foreign (English, Australian, etc.) and many of the students are on scholarships from the government or work for the UN or NGOs. The students are quite motivated, and the school has excellent facilities (class size of 18 students). Faculty work together on curriculum planning, and this position is best suited for someone truly interested in education. A comfortable salary is provided.
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Malaysia |
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Malaysia: 2 Fellowships
 Malaysia is considered by many to be the “best kept secret in Southeast Asia.” While the dominant cultural force has undoubtedly been Islam, the country is a melting pot of diverse cultures — Malay, Chinese, and Indian. With this diversity comes an amazing array of food, festivals, and cultural traditions. It also has some of the region’s best beaches and rainforests, and is a wonderful location for adventure travelers. Malay is a relatively easy language to learn, and fellows can take classes at the university.
Penang (Pulau Pinang): 2 positions at a national science university. The students tend to have a relatively good command of English and are quite motivated to learn. The English department is comprised of a very diverse staff and a welcoming environment. Penang is a city of contrasts — it’s an island, a bustling metropolis, and home of one of the most traditional old style Chinatowns in Asia. The salary provides for housing, daily living costs, and savings for travel. Fellows live off-campus and typically depart at the end of May.
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Mongolia |
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Mongolia: 1 Fellowship
 Sandwiched between China and Russia in Central Asia, Mongolia is one of the world's oldest countries. Under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his successors, it was the world power in the 12th and 13th centuries, controlling nearly all of Asia and Russia. From the 17th century on, however, Mongolia's fortunes became increasingly dependent on its two giant neighbors, China and Russia. In 1924, with the establishment of the Mongolian People's Republic, Mongolia became the second communist country in the world. The country was a Soviet satellite for many years, heavily dependent upon the U.S.S.R. for military and financial aid and dependably sympathetic to the Soviet Union in matters of foreign policy. Since the collapse of communism, the country has turned to the West for aid in an effort to balance out the overwhelming economic influence of China, with whom it shares a border and whose business interests are already well-represented in Ulaan Bataar.
Mongolia has its own language and script, which though difficult to learn to write, is manageable to learn for basic speaking purposes, in 3-6 months. Russian is also widely spoken, as is English. The capital, Ulaan Bataar, is growing rapidly and starting to sport internet cafes and ethnic food restaurants. Despite the burgeoning of the capital, almost 65% of the population still lives as nomads and dwells in gers (circular tents also known by the Russian name, yurts). A fellowship in Mongolia will be memorable —full of incredible Mongol hospitality, near frost-bite experiences, and heavy on fermented mare's milk.
Ulaan Baatar: 1 position in English language instruction at one of Mongolia's leading universities teaching in the English and Cultural Studies Department. Teaching may include English language as well as content such as English/American literature and cultural studies. Teaching hours are roughly 16-18 per week amongst a friendly staff that includes young Mongolian faculty members and several other foreign teachers. Students are very eager to have contact with foreigners. The position includes a living stipend and housing provided by the university. The post begins in August/September.
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Singapore |
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Singapore: 7-15 Fellowships
 Singapore is a booming Southeast Asian city-state with wonderful foods, parks, and tropical weather. This clean, orderly, safe city with easy access to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other colorful locales is a lush crossroads for many Asian communities. Some Westerners complain that it is difficult to find “Asian Culture” in this rapidly developing Tiger on the tip of the Malaysian peninsula, but it actually offers one of the richest multi-cultural experiences in Southeast Asia.
4-8 positions at a Polytechnic (similar to a community college). Fellows teach in the departments of engineering, business, computer science, mass communications/film studies, biology, Spanish and economics. These positions offer an excellent opportunity to teach your subject area and get a true sense of the challenges of a teaching career. The school has outstanding facilities, excellent teaching resources, and fellows are very involved in departmental activities. The excellent salary and generous vacation time make Singapore home to PiA’s most traveled fellows. On-campus housing and airfare provided. Start date: early May or early Oct. Contracts strictly run for 1 full year rather than an academic year.
3-7 positions as an International Teaching Fellow within Singapore’s Ministry of Education. 2007 is the inaugural year for this innovative pilot program that places humanities teachers in secondary schools throughout Singapore. PiA was honored to be asked to work with the MOE to provide teachers for this challenging experience and excited to give more lucky people the chance to try roti prata! Significant effort is made to match the interests and the skills of the teaching fellows with the educational strengths of a particular school and their extracurricular activities. These positions offer a very unique opportunity to be immersed in the daily rhythms of life in Singapore and to become an integral part of a local community and school staff. Strong local support and training is provided. Fellows work long hours and receive an excellent opportunity to develop strong teaching skills. Fellows are provided with an excellent salary, subsidized housing (on the campus of the Polytechnic mentioned above), and airfare. Start date: early June.
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Taiwan |
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Taiwan: 4 Fellowships
 Taiwan provides an interesting blend of modern conveniences with traditional Chinese language and customs. It is an island known for both its massive urbanization and its lush natural scenery. Although it is located only 100 miles southeast of mainland China, Taiwan’s political, social, and economic policies are much different and offer a complex and fascinating world for a foreign teacher to explore.
Taichung: 2-4 positions at a secondary school affiliated with a university. PiA fellows are full members of the department, teach English classes and participate in extra-curricular activities for the students. The hours are long, but an excellent compensation package provides airfare, housing, great salary, and bonus. There is ample vacation time to travel in the region. Language study is built in to the fellowship. Positions require a two-year commitment and begin in early August.
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Thailand |
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 Thailand: 20 Fellowships
Thailand is a country full of contrasts and wonder. The cosmopolitan city of Bangkok offers a rich nightlife and most modern conveniences. Bangkok’s traffic and pollution are in stark contrast to the other face of Thailand, which includes Buddhist temples, relatively unspoiled villages, beaches, and beautiful countryside. Thai people are often
described by our fellows as being extremely generous and friendly. Comfortable housing is generally provided, but airfare is not usually included. Significant vacations between semesters allow for travel, but salaries are generally not enough to pay for extravagant adventures outside of Thailand. The Thailand teaching positions begin in late May/early June.
Chiang Mai: Thailand’s second largest city is located in a beautiful region. It is generally a more livable city than Bangkok, but growing quickly and developing its own traffic and pollution problems. Chiang Mai offers easy access to rural Thailand with many of the Western amenities available in Bangkok.
2 position at a prestigious national university with a relatively relaxed approach. Usually fellows must use a set syllabus, and students are bright and tend to be better than students at private universities in Thailand. This university is well located and has plenty of trees, grass, and open fields. The English department is quite large and nearly half of the teachers are Westerners.
2 positions at a private college's undergraduate English department. Teaching hours are kept low; however, additional office hours are required. The administration is cooperative and supportive, and the face time in the office creates a family-feel. The students here are generally well-to-do and the campus is well maintained. Applicants with Comparative Literature or English majors are often able to teach literature courses and design their own courses.
1-2 positions at a private elementary school that serves grades kindergarten though 12th grade. Fellows can often teach in both a lower grade and a higher grade classroom for a true sense of the challenges of a career in elementary education. Fellows are responsible for implementing a local curriculum as well as using creative teaching techniques. The teaching environment is very professional but also tightly knit among the staff. Previous teaching experience or a strong interest in education preferred.
Chiang Rai: 3 positions at a government-funded university where all courses are taught entirely in English. The school is located on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, a small, very livable city. Chiang Rai appeals to applicants who love the outdoors — you can be riding your mountain bike in the hills within minutes of finishing class.
Khon Kaen: 5 positions at a national university set in northeastern Thailand (Isaan), three teaching in the English program, one teaching English to public health and science majors and professional, and one teaching in the business English program. Isaan is the least developed region in Thailand , and sees the fewest tourists. It is changing rapidly, but it still proudly retains its distinctive subculture. The curriculum is structured but gives the fellow opportunities to design lessons creatively and fellows are involved in numerous extracurricular activities. The students are eager and fun-loving learners. This is a very good position for someone who wants a somewhat quieter, less-westernized experience than Chiang Mai offers. Khon Kaen's location allows easy travel to Laos and Bangkok. 1 position with the English program begins October 1, all others begin in late May/early June.
 Nan: 3-4 teaching positions at an elementary school in Nan. Located in the rural North, close to the Lao border, Nan is one of the few towns in Thailand to retain a great deal of old-style charm. It is, however, quite remote, and the fellow must be able to find enjoyment in the peacefulness of the town and the beauty of the natural surroundings, rather than the night life, of which there is very little. There are few foreigners in the town, so the fellow would be living in a traditionally Thai environment. The fellow would probably want to take an introductory Thai language course before starting work, and he/she would need to be comfortable living in a fairly isolated setting.
Phang Nga: 2 positions teaching at a Thai elementary school in the tsunami-devastated region of Khao Lak. The students are ages 5-15, and there is plenty of room for creativity and flexibility in planning curriculum as well as special activities for the school. These are service posts that are supported by national and international donations for tsunami victims with numerous additional opportunities to volunteer in the region on behalf of those in need. Accommodations are basic and living stipend is very modest. Did we mention that you will be living two minutes from some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world? One position starts in mid-May, the other in early October.
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Vietnam |
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 Vietnam: 4 Fellowships
Vietnam is one of the most exciting countries in Asia — an intriguing North-South cultural dynamic, a complex history, and a diverse geography. It is also one of the least developed countries in Southeast Asia and living there requires a great deal of patience. But Vietnam is a great choice for people wanting to get off the beaten path, avoid McDonald’s, and experience a country at a critical crossroads. The colleges provide housing, and PiA provides a stipend to cover other basic living costs. Positions begin in August/September.
Can Tho: 2 positions in a major city in Vietnam. Can Tho lies in the Mekong Delta about five hours from Ho Chi Minh City and is a good place to witness rural Vietnamese life. The people of this region are some of Vietnam’s warmest and most hospitable. In Can Tho, fellows can expect to teach between 18-20 hours per week at the university level. Fellows have also been involved in teaching American history courses and developing specialized courses.
Rach Gia: 2 positions in a Delta city right on the Gulf of Thailand. Located two hours from Can Tho and six hours from Ho Chi Minh City, the city is busy with bicycles and motorbikes that bustle around the many round-a-bouts and large city squares. The main part of the town lies between two rivers and offers a gorgeous view of the islands in the distance. PiA fellows are some of the few foreigners in the city, making this a total immersion experience. Teaching hours are 16-18 per week, and fellows live in the school building and eat many of their meals with Vietnamese teachers and students.
Rach Goi: 2 positions available in the small town of Rach Goi, just 25 minutes from Can Tho City. This post is sure to inspire your Vietnamese language skills as you will be the only foreigners in town. Rach Goi is what native Vietnamese people refer to as “the countryside." Fellows can look
forward to a complete and total immersion experience, with all the
warmth and curiosity that comes with life in a small town. It offers spectacular views of delta life and it is a unique microcosm of this beautiful country. Leisurely strolls along the canals and bike adventures are inevitable. The teachers are friendly and make every effort to make you feel at home. The position gives fellows an excellent opportunity to teach a pretty elastic curriculum to both beginner and intermediate students, as well as teachers.
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