Teaching English in Mongolia

The following comments are from teachers who have taught, or are currently teaching, in Mongolia. If you are a teacher and have some advice to share, please add it here.

Dan on 25 February 2008

quote There are lots of schools in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital city, unfortunately not many of them advertise on the Internet. The best way to find work in Mongolia, which I've learned through experience is to get a tourist visa, for Brits you can get a 30 day tourist visa (ENTRY EXIT), for US you can get a 90 day visa free. If you find a job, the school organize the visa for you - this is advice I was given by a few ex-pats living in Mongolia and it worked out fine. They had a good time working and teaching in Ulaanbaatar. The schools are screaming out for English teachers and they will welcome you with open arms.

BEWARE of schools that offer you employment and send you a LETTER OF INVITATION for your visa, these schools often only provide you with a one-way entry only visa and because you travelled on their invitation you can't leave the country again without their permission, which means possible hefty fees, that shouldn't exist. Or they ask for money you don't need to part with.

The English Pub which you can find in the Lonely Planet is a good place to ask about teaching jobs and Dave the owner is generally quite helpful and if he doesn't know of any jobs, he'll definitely know someone who does!

Some schools:

No. 3 Joint Russian Mongolian School (state school) recommended by most people that have taught there, most of whom stay so jobs can be tough to get. $1000.

Success School of English - a new private school, the director is very friendly and helpful and can offer part time positions. Varies according to hours.

The American school of Ulaanbaatar (Canadian Curriculum!) - good and bad reviews regarding hours of work. $2000.

Hartford Institute (from Singapore) - same as above $2000.

Santis - I was warned about by a lot of people, Brits, Americans and Canadians, as the hours are not dissimilar to Hartford if more but pays less than half as much.

It's a bit of a culture shock and even though it is a 'developing country' it is non the less Third World.

Mangawhio on 15 April 2008

quote Be aware that Ulan Bator is the most impatient city in the world! Mongolians have no hesitation in jumping queues, will sound their car horns incessantly if their way is blocked (they don't brake for pedestrians even on a zebra crossing), and will push you in a crowd if it isn't moving fast enough. They will also just rush onto a bus without waiting for disembarking passengers to get off. Hazards include open manholes (where on earth do the covers go?), drunks, drunks, drunks, stray dogs, pickpockets and muggers. Many of the pickpockets are surprisingly well-dressed. Don't stroll alone at night. Perhaps the nomadic history of the people has resulted in a culture that seems unaware of pollution by trash - rubbish is just thrown outside, the city streams are sewers, and vodka bottles litter the countryside even. There are no gardens as other countries know them, and trees are regarded as almost a nuisance. I lived here half a year and never saw a flower. Indoors, Mongolians are hospitable, kind, and friendly - just don't expect smiles and courtesy in public places.

Anonymous on 15 August 2008

quote I am currently living and teaching English in Mongolia, but not in Ulaanbaatar. Ulaanbaatar is not the place to work in Mongolia - it has all of the usual big city problems - lack of safety and 100% pollution. Just 3 or 4 days in this city will affect anyone's eyes, sinuses, breathing etc. However, other cities and even small towns in Mongolia desperately need English teachers, and these towns are safe, friendly and although not clean, they are tolerable. I currently teach in the second largest city and it is totally safe. The people are friendly, and although third world, I am able to find most of what I need here.

Andreas on 8 October 2008

quote Most English teachers need a visa renewal after 6 months, and this requires a few days in Ulaanbaatar with this sh**** foreign office. What do they think - there's no social insurance to rip off. Ulaanbaatar is terrible in the winter, people seem to burn rubber from car tyres and rubbish... The best place to stay and teach seems to be Suhbataar, or even Darhan. Erdenet has some open-earth copper mines, and a lot of dirt from mining. Deep in the west, Khovd is a nice city to stay - green and rather clean. Bayan Olgii is also nice, mostly a marketplace and as cold as Lhasa.

Anonymous on 20 April 2010

quote More English schools in Mongolia have websites now. I work for Talk Talk English (http://www.talktalkenglish.mn) now and I've been very happy working here--but your mileage may vary. I think talk talk is a good compromise between schedule and salary. The American school is probably the best employer if you're only interested in how much you can save. They provide a pretty good salary and accommodation.

Dave on 17 June 2010

quote If you come to Mongolia, teach outside Ulaanbaatar. You won't make as much money but you will spend much less and have a better time seeing what Mongolia is really about.

Nico on 1 December 2011

quote I was in UB last winter for a week and the air pollution was the worst i have seen anywhere and i woke up every morning with a sore throat. But since my girlfriend lives just north across the border in Russia, i wanted to give it a try. I met a Mongolian on the plane who recommended Selenge, Mongolia but i can't even find it on the map. Can anyone recommend a better place to live and teach English in Mongolia than in UB? It has to be large enough to have a vegan restaurant. Thanks!