Good afternoon, and we're delighted at this very substantial turnout The TV cameras in the back out number of the people in the room, but that's all right We'll I'm sure Kurt is used to seeing all that attention And it's clear from this unusual arrangement with the the panel seated off the the riser here We need a bigger space which in a few months. Hopefully we'll have Let me just say that We're particularly honored to have Assistant Secretary Campbell here. He has one of the greatest jobs in in the State Department And one of the things you learn in any of these jobs is that The muse of history will almost always trip you up and give you Issues to work on that you really didn't anticipate. I mean just before I was sworn in in the job Tiananmen occurred So I was out of the China business even though That's what I had worked on for many years and became the assistant secretary for Cambodia Chris Hill took the job and he ended up being the assistant secretary for Pyongyang so we're going to hear something about the agenda that a Very interesting region these days is presenting secretary Campbell East Asia is probably in the most dynamic period in terms of Shifting power relationships Great challenges the nuclear proliferation being one but economic relations and not with not only with China But with the region more generally larger strategic relationships India is now Sort of looking over the shoulder of the region. So we're going to hear some I'm sure some very interesting Perspectives on what's going on in the region I'm also very appreciative that we have a great panel state Roy a member a former member of our of our board here at the Institute An ambassador to everywhere great colleague Priscilla clapp also a long-time colleague and and friend who knows Burma particularly Well, but knows knows the region and our John Park whose focus has been on North Korea and finally Having Marvin Kalb is our interlocutor Marvin presided over a very interesting Program we ran out in San Francisco in July called conversations on war and peacemaking and He he quizzed former secretaries of state George Schultz and Madeleine Albright in the Roughly the format we're seeing here today. So Marvin is a member of the family that is Helping us with these important public events. So with that Marvin the podium is yours Secretary Campbell to start with the obvious. This has been a very active summer. I Mean we could start with two secretaries Clinton and Gates being in Korea at the same time Having discussions with the South Koreans everything Clinton in Hanoi secretary Gates going down to Jakarta and one could have the impression of a neatly coordinated American policy toward Asia and the Pacific It all could have been an accident to in travel plans But what I'd like to hear from you is whether in fact it was the first stage of the Unfolding of a new kind of policy. What can we look forward toward in the immediate or near future? Thank you first off. I could just say a few Welcome words. It's great to be with Marvin again when I was a young graduate student and also a Professor we all looked up to Marvin at the Kennedy School and it's great to see him here and say thank you to the panel and to Dick Solomon who's led this wonderful institution Every day when we drive into the State Department, we all wish we could take a left instead of a right because the new building is a Marvelous wonderful architectural compliment to the State Department and we look forward to having you join us in the neighborhood and we Thank you for all the good work that you've done not just on Asia, but on a range of issues as a whole Marvin to directly answer your question Obviously the United States is deeply engaged in a variety of areas and ways right now and and primary focus has been on The challenges that we're facing the immediate challenges in Afghanistan and Iraq and others in South Asia But I think the truth is that this century the 21st century will belong to the Asian Pacific region this is the Most dynamic area in my view and it's not just because I'm responsible for this region this is going to be a defining arena for American power and purpose in the 21st century and I think there is a deep recognition in the Obama administration That the United States has to sustain an extremely high level of engagement and activity and Purpose in the region as a whole and I must say I'm very blessed to have not only a very strong player But a very good friend really at the helm of the White House in Jeff Bader Who is our really primary architect on what we're trying to accomplish what you saw this summer? Really is just what the region demands now Marvin No less. This is the this is the tempo on which we must sustain a very strong position in Asia, but a position that either through other challenges elsewhere or Changes in the region itself Requires constant nurturing and attention. What would you say are the two most pressing challenges for the US in Asia now? I Couldn't limit to two, but I will try to be very short in my answer There are a number of critical challenges that we face obviously deep uncertainty on the Korean Peninsula That is something as as Baster Solomon has indicated and it makes a lot of our time and attention We have major challenges associated with The rise of China which I think is primarily an opportunity We're working closely to sustain a very high level of engagement and working together on a broad range of issues There are the challenges of building a new architecture in the Asian Pacific region one an architecture set a series of meetings and Engagement with which we seek the United States playing a very active role current in all my years looking at this I've never understood the use of the word architecture. Yeah, what do you mean by that? Well, let me let me just conclude then I'll come back to architecture the other issue that I'd like is not to forget We have a tendency to focus on the near-term hard challenges But the truth is I would argue that some of one of the biggest longer term challenges in the Asian Pacific region is actually climate change And it poses enormous humanitarian and frankly I would argue national security issues on top of already issues of terrorism and his Fundamentalism in parts of Asia as a whole so it is the full range of challenges. I share your concern I was at a interview once and someone said, you know, what do you mean by architecture? Are you you know building a house? You know the and in fact what what it is meant to connote is A collection of countries that that they need to meet together to work together on a range of issues What's what we see in Europe for instance over the course of the course of the last 30 years are very deep Very stable institutions like the EU and NATO and others that have served as a mechanism to deal with disputes to manage complex financial and Political matters and essentially to chart a course for now some of those institutions have been imperfect But they've played a vital role in The sort of the political topography of Europe what we see in Asia is Frankly numerous institutions, but all with relatively shallow roots And one of the things that we think is going to be necessary with the course of the next generation is A deeper commitment not just on the part of Asian friends But on the part of the United States to building an architecture that allows for greater cooperation and Consultation on the critical matters that confront all of us in the 21st century You didn't mention specifically Japan and one of the issues that comes up with the Japanese now quite regularly and In an unusual way is the rapidity of political change in Japan now which might throw the State Department a bit and Secondly the rising tension on the issue of American bases in Japanese areas How are you dealing with this? Are you any closer to finding a reliable? Routed Japanese political entity with which you can establish a relationship First of all if I could just underscore we have a deeply reliable strong partnership with Japan and I would underscore that Over the course of the last year Marvin there has been enormous reporting on one issue and almost one issue alone a Difficult base deny undeniably a difficult base Situation Okinawa, but unfortunately what we have not seen is commensurate reporting on a range of other issues so for instance Japan is the second largest contributor to civil reconstruction and humanitarian projects in Afghanistan a commitment made during this particular government Japan has provided Very real resources to deal with some of the challenges in the aftermath of Copenhagen climate change related matters They are Supportive of our efforts Japan stepped up and said we want to join with the United States and the international community on sanctions against Iran without us asking that's a very major step and we've seen a very strong commitment on the part of Japan in dealing with piracy issues around Africa and more recently what you will have noted is That it's not just the United States working with South Korea to ensure that we're closely tied together to deal with the outrage the Provocation of the Chonan. It's the Japanese with us and so I I think unfortunately the story that has largely been missed Is how closely we've worked together during an undeniable, you know It's a seismic change in Japanese politics a new government coming to power our consultations have been close And we have very real confidence about what we're going to be able to accomplish in the future But you don't see any instability then in the relationship at all given the rapidity of the political changes I see that there is a deep dialogue and a sharing of views between the United States and Japan then in many respects as long overdue and a lot of questions are being asked on both sides and a lot of issues are being addressed in a way that I think is Actually fundamentally very healthy and helps lead to a regeneration of the Alliance We're joined here by the Chicago Council and foreign relations friends here are Talking about their new study on on attitudes They have done some extraordinarily important work about attitudes in the United States about some of our key allies One of the things that we find over the course of the last year or so is that we have Unprecedented levels of support in Japan and the United States for the US Japan Relationship so I would say that among many things to worry about in the Asian Pacific region The US Japan relationship is not one of them But what about the base problem which is after all not a new problem. It's been around a long time now But there does appear to be More tension in the relationship caused by that problem. You certainly see it in the Japanese press You see it in commentary all over the place So what how does that stand? Look, this is an issue that we've been working on for years Yeah, the United States has a very strong commitment to do what we can to ease the burden on the people of Okinawa But also we have a dual responsibility to maintain a very strong deterrent and Military capability nation Pacific region and our forces for deploying Japan are a critical probably the critical part of that Overarching objective. How many how many American troops are in Japan? Oh? You know the total numbers are you know airmen soldiers sailors and Marines It varies on a regular basis the general way to think about it Marvin is about a hundred thousand four deployed troops give or take in the Asian Pacific region and Probably coming up on half of those or more are in Japan at any one time I would simply say that we have a process underway Between our Department of Defense and our State Department and our Japanese interlocutors We've made a lot of progress over the course the last several months and Prime Minister Kahn stated very clearly when he Assumed the position of Prime Minister of Japan that he intended to go ahead with the agreement between the United States and Japan So we Look there are between allies there are often Challenges I'm proud of the way we've worked on these challenges, and I think we'll be a successful I really don't want to push you on this But it would be interesting to find out Your judgment of somebody deeply involved in the process right now whether what are we a couple of months away from an agreement? Look, I wouldn't want to speculate. I would simply point out that the process associated with a major set of steps associated with Okinawa began in 1995 I was actually in the Pentagon started that process in 1995, and I think I've learned during the intervening periods not to hold my breath So it could be quite a while yet before you get a deal No, I look I would also suggest to you that this is going to be an ongoing issue We have a long-term commitment to making sure that we're a good neighbor in Japan and particularly in Okinawa Well, one of the ways in which you're a good neighbor with Japan is in terms of measuring trade Japan is all over the American market, for example Perhaps not as much as it used to be but certainly still there, and I'm wondering what New ideas perhaps as the Obama administration Advanced to try to help Increase trade in a very profitable way for both sides, but certainly the US could use that right now Well, let me Just answer that question a broader context says you suggest between the United States and Asia as a whole one of the strong points that I think President Obama has underscored is That over time there's going to need to be a rebalancing of our economic relationship between The United States and Asia in which Americans are going to need to save more and over time Asians are going to have to spend more and they're going to have to buy products From the United States and elsewhere now there are complicated mechanisms associated with it My wife is the undersecretary of the Treasury I am on a regular basis Schooled in the fact that I'm not to talk about macroeconomic or trade issues. I will not I will not hear today I would say Kennedy School. Yeah, I would I would simply say that We are deeply engaged in a variety of efforts in Asia The president has underscored his commitment to move forward on the career free trade agreement I think this is an important strategic commitment of the United States There obviously will be some details and issues to be worked out Those are not my responsibility better the strategic level. It's very important for our two countries We've also announced strong intention to move forward with the Trans-Pacific Partnership involving a number of key players In Asia it is clearly a 21st century Trade initiative I think one that could set the scene for a broader and deeper engagement of the United States In the region as a whole and I think overall you will see in a range of US government departments a desire to increase American exports ultimately that's going to be An important measure of our overall success overall success in Asian Pacific region What is it that the US can do now to advance the prospect for this kind of an end result? What kind of initiatives can the US lay out on the table to make it more attractive for Asian markets? To come to the US the US to go there to make it Easier for the United States to cope with the economic problems that we now have look there are a number of initiatives that Are being undertaken and that are underway I would also say Marvin just in fairness the level of economic engagement between the United States and Asia Over the last 20 years dwarfs anything compared to the rest of the world So there's already been a substantial success and that you will find that there is a very successful Market penetration in a variety of areas aircraft high technology Services medical and other things in the Asian Pacific region. We sent we seek to replicate that add to that Going forward. I think the truth is the last couple of years have been tough economically in the United States the most important Contribution that we can make to a strong and stable US policy in the Asian Pacific region region is a strong and stable American economy And one of the ways I suppose that we can get to that kind of end result Is somehow to persuade the Chinese government to be less manipulative perhaps in the way in which it deals with its currency? How are you managing that you as China relationship right now starting with the economic perspective? I'm gonna try to artfully dodge that you got a hunt.  So I I'm not gonna play that later I'm not gonna I'm not gonna speak about the economic or macroeconomic issues right now I will say I think there is a broad and deep recognition in the Obama administration That it is essential to have a strong stable constructive relationship between the United States and China I think We are committed to that you will have seen over the course of the last several months a Stepping up diplomacy. There have been some major interactions between our two sides those Diplomatic double deliberations cover the full range of issues before us I think there is a understanding between the leadership of our two countries that We have a much better chance of Dealing with the major challenges before us if we work together Work together as well on this currency issue. I'm just really not gonna not gonna go there Okay, well, let's go somewhere else but still stick within the China sphere because China is a subject that comes up in almost every conversation and I read just the other night a report by Linda Yacobson who is a China specialist and did a paper for a Cypriot in Stockholm in which he raised a very interesting question Because from the outside China looks as if it's this mammoth Country run by the Chinese Communist Party with the Chinese Army and Air Force and avid kind of on the side exercising influence the depths of which we don't quite grasp at the moment and Linda says there's a whole new wave of leadership Types arising on the Chinese horizon that are now demanding more space more time More power and I'm wondering how are you at the State Department see this? I think at the root of your question is a recognition That for our diplomacy to be successful with China Requires not just the kind of very high-level White House to the senior official State Department to senior officials, but a much broader and deeper engagement of the kind that To be perfectly honest we spent a lot of time on I'll give you a for instance one of the things that President Obama Launch and Secretary Clinton is trying to carry is Initiative is an initiative to increase the number of American students who study in China by a hundred thousand over the next four years Through grants through working with other foundations with other educational Institutions we think one of the most and what we've seen is a substantial increase in Chinese students who come to study the United States We believe that there needs to be a much larger group of Americans who understand not just China, but Asia as a whole and we're seeking to Promote that sort of people to people diplomacy which you know sometimes is viewed as an afterthought But when one looks back on that in time it turns out that those initiatives in fact Were as or more significant than some of the very high-level stuff that goes on. I'm curious Kurt How are you doing this? Are you is the government now providing more? Scholarship money for students going to China. How are you encouraging the study? Among the American students of the Chinese language culture. How are you doing this? I don't I won't go into it in great detail, but it doesn't work. It doesn't involve currently More resources on the US side frankly in the current environment, you know, we don't have it But what we have seen is a commitment on the part of the Chinese government to provide 10,000 Scholarships which was made a few months ago to American students and the idea here is not just to allow Students from elite universities, but to actually reach into the heartland places people and places who may not have had as many Opportunities to engage in Asia what we've also tried to do is make Institutions and people aware of existing monies and existing scholarships turns out There's a lot of this that people were not aware of and frankly, you know, there is a little job-boning going on as well We're trying to encourage Chinese and Asian entrepreneurs to invest in efforts to bring Americans to China and to Asia as part of a larger sort of overarching Initiative and American foundations. I think increasingly are responding to the challenge of Asia, which is the defining current I'm fascinated by that and it's very interesting and Does the department have a? new appreciation perhaps of the Balance of power inside of China today and I raised the question within the context of many many more stories suggesting a rise of an old-fashioned kind of Chinese nationalism which you find among to my surprise anyway among many students It's not necessarily anti-americanism But a rise in Chinese nationalism Followed by a belief that hey China is the Middle Kingdom and people ought to bow down to us a bit more Number one. Do you find that to be the case in your dealings with the Chinese and what do you do about it? Let me say particularly in the last couple of years it is undeniably the case in our interactions with the government and the intelligentsia and Key players who are interested in China's role in the world There's a recognition that China is playing a larger role on the international scene and they want the respect indeed That that that that coincides with such a role And I think it is incumbent on the part of the United States and other key players to provide China with that recognition. I think one of our challenges is to make clear one of the hard things about About being a global player is that not only are there great privileges associated with that But there are responsibilities associated with that. So we've been trying over the course of the last many months to work closely with China on a range of initiatives that we think are both essential for maintenance of peace and stability and for Global economic issues that you referred to I think I'd allow others to speak about it but clearly the cooperation between the United States and China and other Asian countries played a critical role when the the the global economy was teetering to Year and a half or so back What you've seen is very close coordination between China and the United States on initiatives associated with North Korea the culmination of UN Security Council resolution 1874 after the Nuclear tests close work on issues associated with Iran and on non-proliferation Issues in the light. So so I mean I I think Striking that balance is going to be a critical part of American foreign policy Well, you mentioned Korea a moment ago. And so I can't resist asking you About former president Jimmy Carter's article which appeared on the up a page of the New York Times today In which the former president says flat out that as a result of his visits and talks with the North Koreans and the Chinese He believes that North Korea is now open and is positive about a Deal of a broad-based deal with the United States South Korea and on the issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and I'm wondering whether when you picked up that The time-stay and you took a look at that whether you were surprised did that coincide with your view of the North Korean policy, thank you. Let me just say that first of all we were grateful for the role that President Carter played in achieving the release of mr. Gomes who had Gone into North Korea and was under some duress and the fact that he went there on a humanitarian mission to help retrieve him We are quite grateful for As President Carter indicated in his op-ed and his comments He did not carry message for us. He was not involved in any A Diplomacy orchestrated or initiated by The United States government let's assume he couldn't resist Let me just say that I think some of the messages and the the The specific language that the North Koreans use are well known to us and that we have seen those statements over a period of years We currently have Ambassador Sun Kim and Ambassador Bosworth returning from consultations with South Korea Japan and China And also they'll do subsequent discussions with Russia about the way forward on the Korean Peninsula I would simply say that It is our view that the United States is prepared to sit down to work with our other six-party compatriots and partners on A six-party Negotiation with North Korea under the appropriate circumstances We need to see a Re-engagement between North and South after what we have seen vis-a-vis the Chonan And I think we need to see some signal from the North Koreans that they are truly serious About fulfilling the commitments they have made in terms of Steps towards denuclearization in the 2005 statement and otherwise and I think Some of the actions that we have seen Call into question whether they're prepared to take those steps the secretary Clinton has suggested that that we Will keep that door open as the president have as well and we are committed to do that and We will work very closely with our allies to try to have a united front in Presenting an option for the way forward with North Korea Could I've listened? I think carefully to what you've just said and I think you're saying that The US government does not share the form of presidents Generally optimistic view of the relationship now Yeah, I'd rather not characterize. I don't know exactly President Carter's thinking he did come in and brief secretary Clinton on this And he wrote his article so he's briefed you when you know it. Yeah, I mean do you share it? I mean is he saying something that you didn't know? Yeah, I think in terms of how he laid out the position of the North Korean government We those points are well-known to us, but I must say in recent years. We've seen a series of actions nuclear tests other provocations including the sinking of the Chonan which have raised very serious concerns about The ultimate goals and ambitions of the North Korean Leadership we remain open to the possibility of moving forward, but we don't want to return to a Way of doing business with North Korea where they Secretary Gates has said, you know for the same commitments receive New commissions new new support. We we seek to break that pattern And we're prepared To be patient towards that end, but we also are along with their allies committed to Committed to a process of diplomacy With North Korea when and if they're ready Is it possible Kurt that what it is that the North Koreans and the Chinese? told Jimmy Carter is a signal Of a positive nature that they hope the State Department would pick up I think it'd be fair to say that we're very Secretary about a Ambassador by the North and Ambassador Sun can arrive home this evening And we will be looking to sit down with them to get a sense We are seeing some signs of a renewal of Humanitarian assistance from South Korea to North Korea The North Koreans released the fishing boat that They had taken a Month and a half back So there are some signs, but I think we're still waiting to see the ultimate Direction going forward. I will say that What you see is a very close coordination between the United States and South Korea at at the outset But also with Japan and we have shared very closely our views with Chinese friends about the appropriate way forward What is this thing has been going on Kurt an awfully long time the the problems with the North Koreans Really go back obviously to the Korean War and there have been so many diplomatic efforts and Presidents and ex-presidents have tried to manage this thing. We always appear to be Roughly at the same point. What has to break the ice at this point in order to move it forward A new leadership in North Korea, perhaps, you know potentially, you know, it's difficult Marvin to speculate on hypothetically no, I appreciate obviously This is a very delicate time on the Korean Peninsula and it's important for the United States to be deeply engaged And we're seeking to do so so in all of our conversations in Northeast Asia Topic one generally tends to be developments on the Korean Peninsula I think it'd be fair to say we are trying to be prepared for every possible conceivable Direction over the course of the next the coming months and I think you said earlier that in your dealings with the Chinese You're getting a more cooperative Chinese Understanding of the complexity of the Korean problem that you're more or less seeing the same things together Look, I think the truth is that China has a complex calculus on the Korean Peninsula and that is just Undeniable there are we at a strategic level. We share many common interests. I think we want to maintain peace and stability you know, we worry about some of the consequences of the revert of something else happening on the peninsula we we we seek to prevent proliferation and we seek to Create nuclear free Korean Peninsula, so we have broad strategic areas in common And we have been able to work together. I think it is not a secret that during the period after the sinking of the Chonan we had some very Challenging diplomacy at the United Nations The president indicated as much in some of his statements in Ottawa earlier this year But overall we are committed to if anything Having even more dialogue with China because we recognize that we have extraordinarily important responsibilities with respect to the the way head on the peninsula, you know early around you you said Kurt that the Asia-Pacific area is the area in the 21st century that the US will be deeply engaged in and I've heard some of our former colleagues at the Kennedy School speak about the problem of trying to see the rise of China as a Challenge to be concerned about or a challenge that somehow through clever Smart diplomacy the United States could take advantage of and try to hook up with China in the fashioning of the New Asia How do you see this as a challenge an opportunity? You know anyone who works on the diplomacy of Asia Recognizes that it is simultaneously both really. Yes, and like most things in Asia. It requires balance, so I'll give you a a Wonderful little accidental anecdote. I remember in the 1990s I was working in the Pentagon and a group of Japanese friends came in to see me and They'd never been there and the Pentagon is pretty imposing if you've never spent much time there and they walked in and you know The meeting was a little bit curtailed and the translator was just very rushed and so my Japanese interlocutor kept talking about the balance of power in Asia, but The interpreter kept getting it wrong and kept talking about the power of balance Which which in reality is really unintentionally wise and in fact in fact if I could say one of the most important things Marvin for the United States is to maintain that balance and that balance means to recognize that we have to have a deep diplomacy in Asia Towards China with China, but it also means working with other key countries You will have seen over the course of the last several months We've talked primarily about Northeast Asia Japan and South Korea, but also a deeper engagement with Indonesia With Vietnam with Malaysia and I think most importantly one of the most important elements that we've seen in Asia Over the course of the last several years is the arrival of India not just as a South Asian player But India as an Asian player and so that element is going to be important and I think the truth is as you think about You know crafting a strategy for China there has to be elements that involve deeply a Desire to cooperate and work together But also there has to be a recognition of the challenges. We have a different system of government I think in many respects a slightly different ambitions and how we manage those are going to be extraordinarily important History is littered with challenges of hegemonic transitions gone awry The good news is that I think the strategic leadership in both countries appreciates the challenge are Attuned to that challenge and are trying to address it in constructive helpful ways. So the idea of Military confrontation between two superpowers like China and the US is not even on Near horizon for consideration. I can't imagine anything that would be more to stabilize it In global politics than such a clash and I think we need to do everything possible to build greater trust and confidence Between our two sides one of the things that we have been working on Very hard of late is in an effort to build and rebuild stronger military to military ties between the United States and China Not simply just to get to know each other But also to create the kinds of shall we say rules of the road for how our Two forces need to work together Not just you know on the high seas and in the air, but also in increasingly working together, hopefully in UN peacekeeping situation and humanitarian matters and This is of a cooperative nature that the military on both sides That is its inspiration. Yes Let me ask you an impossible question as we end this part of our dialogue and go to our panel of questioners What are the Impossible things to predict for the United States dealing with China What are you not preparing for what can possibly pop up? You're gonna see why didn't I think of this? Let me just say that a good friend of mine that who had served in this job before Told me at the outset when I took over he said try to avoid two things You know, don't talk about currency. We've achieved We've done very well. We've achieved that so far, but the the day is still young So that's number one and number two is is really try to avoid answering hypotheticals I think the truth is that we think a lot about Unintended and unanticipated outcomes and developments in Asia From the Korean Peninsula to Developments in maritime matters to other big issues that we confront I think It is critical for the United States to maintain that flexibility And to recognize that history rarely is written in linear lines, and I think that's A point that we need to underscore constantly in our diplomacy. Thank you very much We're now shifting over to our panel and we have three Experts here and I will call upon them to ask Kurt Campbell a question Ambassador Stapled in Roy who's the director of the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for scholars mr. Ambassador Secretary thank you for your very good comments so far. I would like to pick up on a on a point that You and Marvin have already touched on China's behavior and its attitude over the past year Suggest that many Chinese have concluded or believe that China's status in the world has risen as a result of China's rapid recovery from the Global financial crisis while the United States status has declined What are the implications for? US-China relations down the road If in fact Beijing has included that the United States is a declining power and that China is now in a position to assert its interests in East Asia more strongly and The add-on to that would be if China has concluded that we're just planning power. It's possible that others in Asia See us in the same light Including possibly some of our allies. So I mean there's some potential enormous implications for our foreign policy in the region I'd be interested in your comments First of all, let me just provide a little anecdote. I I'm a Political appointee, so I'll be in the State Department for a relatively short time and our civil and foreign service Officers are gracious enough to you know treat you with respect for the short time that you're there state Roy is Probably among a handful of two or three people that are the most respected Asia hands Who have served in the department over the course the last half century that long? So when his name comes up, I notice that you know Junior officers stand up a little straighter and they sort of focus their gaze on some distant sort of thing So it's a it's it's a it's an honor to be with him today, and I appreciate the question Look Stay I would take slight issue with the positioning of the question. I am finding increasingly in Chinese intellectual discussion a recognition that only at once peril Do you count up the United States and what we see? increasingly is a recognition that there was commentary about American decline in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War and In 1989 at the end of the Cold War only to find the United States because enormous advantages the just the massive ingenuity capabilities of our educational system the innovative qualities of our government and essentially the staying power that that in fact those that kind of Belief turned out to be both short-sighted and wrong And so I see more and more in Asia a recognition that the United States is going to be a dominant key player in Asia for at least the better part of the next 40 or 50 years, and I think that is a stronger view now in Asia As a whole and so and so I think that is more the animating feature of US China interactions a recognition that yes China's role on the global stage has Grown much larger in recent years But the truth is the United States has never left the stage and we're going to be a main actor on that stage For decades to come now. We need to fulfill that We need to take the kinds of actions that Marvin underscored at the outset And we need to make sure that our economy our diplomatic and military steps are in close in close conjunction with that ultimate goal You want a quick follow-up you got two minutes, okay? Okay, we're still a clap the former chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy in Burma, please For the past 20 years US policy toward Burma has centered on the National League for democracy and on the legacy of the 1990 elections The 2010 elections this year this November will close the book on 1990 and have caused the NLD to disband as a political party My question is how will the US policy how will the US policy adjust to these realities are threats of further sanctions and prosecution of the generals in an international court and effective policy and If so, how can it be rationalized with the engagement policy you have pursued for the last year? Thank you Priscilla First of all just a little background my way very much appreciate a question on Southeast Asia We're you know too often when we talk about Asia policy spend most of our time talking about Northeast Asia I would say one of the most I think innovative directions of Foreign policy and national security of the Obama administration has been in Southeast Asia both Commitment to the US ASEAN process appointment ambassador to ASEAN signing a treaty of Amity and cooperation and a variety of bilateral steps to build stronger relationships When the Obama administration came to power, I think there was a desire to look closely at what our Approach has been to Burma After an extensive review in which we consulted stakeholders and nonprofits inside governments in the region as a whole I think we came to the conclusion that both the kind of open engagement strategy of ASEAN without any particular downsides for failure to make adjustments and the sanctions only policy of the United States had Failed to accomplish its goal of Change inside the country so with the full support of the administration. We have embarked upon a Dialogue with North Korea excuse me with Burma on a range of issues. I think it would be fair to say to date That dialogue has been disappointing and it's been very challenging for so you know much better Than I do We have sought some specific steps in terms of political prisoners on Song Soo Chi tried to convene or support a domestic dialogue in advance of the elections scheduled now for November and also tried to receive some Assurances from Burma about its Certitious relationship with North Korea now. I think it would be fair to say that in almost every arena We have been disappointed in what we've seen to date We did say at the outset that however that we did not expect this to be a short-term process It was going to take a long period of time and what we've tried to do Priscilla is not Overpromised and underdeliver. I think at every stage we've tried to be honest about where we are in the process I've been able on my trips to To Rangoon and a padat to meet on song such on such a G She has supported our overall approach and our engagement as have many other elements inside the country as a whole We were faced With a predicament. I think everything we've seen to date Suggest that the November elections will be without international legitimacy. No observers none of the internationally acknowledged steps that one would see before an election have taken place at the same time that we regard this path as as Lacking Necessary credibility. It is also the case that the period after the election might create new players new power relationships New structures inside the country. So we think we need to stand by and See how that plays out. And so we've been in close consultation with all our friends in the region About our intentions, which are to keep the door open to try to work Towards a comprehensive dialogue With the regime and its follow-on Successors with the recognition that that is among all the difficult options the best possible way forward We think that it is going to require a combination of some pressure and also some rewards if Progress is made and we are prepared to act in both cases given developments on the ground But quick follow-up. What is it that you think the Burmese leaders want? What do they want from the US? Marvin it would I Probably have spent as much time thinking about two things. What does the North Korean leadership want? What did the Burmese these are two of the hardest cases in terms of trying to glean and fundamentally understand the motivations and the objectives In my first meeting with Don Sang-su Chi we spent a better part of 30 minutes discussing why Initially the leadership wanted to relate wanted a dialogue with the United States and neither of us were Entirely sure and frankly, we're still discussing it going forward Ultimately, however One of the few benefits of this effort has been a Better dialogue with the rest of Southeast Asia with the rest of ASEAN about Burma We are now able to say look we're trying we need more help from you and It allows us to have a fuller diplomatic engagement, which I think is in the best strategic interest of the United States in the region So well last panelist John Park who is the director of the Korea working group here at the US Institute of Peace Thank you very much. Thank you very much secretary Campbell. Thank you We've been seeing a lot of movement with the Communist Party of China Interacting with the Workers' Party of Korea and it looks like Within this period of the accelerated leadership succession process in North Korea the Communist Party of China is investing Considerable amount of political capital as well as economic development assistance to the rising generation of the Workers' Party of Korea That's something that has been reaffirmed by both President Hu Jintao and Kim Jong-il and Changchun at the end of August Yet all of this is happening with no Chinese references or linkage to denuclearization by the North Koreans So my question is what are the implications for the US's denuclearization centered North Korea policy? When we see China going further down this path this two-party path First of all, I think that China is Attempting to do several things currently on the Korean Peninsula The first is to deepen its dialogue with the United States and to share perspectives on the way forward The second is I think they have decided to try to build deeper Personal connections and institutional affiliations within North Korea Given the changes that are currently underway or potentially underway as you described I think third they are seeking Quietly to reassure South Korea that they still want a strong relationship with South Korea And that is an important foreign policy political and economic goal And then lastly I would differ slightly with your assessment I do hear in all our discussions with Chinese interlocutors including Ambassador Wu Dewei who was in Washington two weeks ago a strong and steady commitment to the return of to six-party talks and a Reaffirmation of the key principles associated with denuclearization So I think what you're seeing generally is a multifaceted strategy on the part of China that reflects their very deep national interests in Developments on the peninsula as a whole Well, you know our time is up. I'm sorry to say it. I want to thank you very much Secretary Campbell for taking the time and visiting us here at the US Institute of Peace And I think all of us in the audience can show our respect Thank you very much to our panel as well


In Utah, we use all kinds of snow removal equipment. We have to. There are so many different situations. Plows take care of a great deal of the snow, but we also need dozers, loaders, graders, and blowers to clear off the shoulders when the snow begins to build up. But removing the snow is only part of the job. We need to sand, too, because even a small amount of snow could become treacherous if we don't. There are several types of sanders in use. This one's the most common, and it's the one we'll concentrate on in this program. It runs by hydraulic power and is temporarily mounted in the dump box of a truck. Basically, it's all hopper. The sander carries about 15 tons of material. Inside the hopper, there's a conveyor to carry the material to the back of the sander. Here, the material passes through an adjustable discharge gate. From there, the material falls into the spinner so it can be thrown out onto the road. Finally, deflectors at the bottom of the spinner regulate the width of the coverage. To get the best use from the sander, you'll need to know how to hook it up. Check it out, operate it, clean it, and store it. OK, let's start with hookup. Basically, all you have to do is back the truck in under the sander. Raise the dump bed, disconnect the front chains, lower the bed, and disconnect the rear chains. But the trick is to get the sander centered in the bed. If you don't, the weight won't be evenly distributed. And besides, you won't be able to hook up the tie-down devices. So if you find that the sander isn't centered, try gently pushing it with a loader. OK, once you've got it centered, hook up the tie-down devices. Make sure they're secure. And the sander has its own lights. So make sure the sander is connected to the truck's electrical system. Now, as I said earlier, the sander runs off hydraulic power. So the last step is to hook up the hydraulic hoses. There are three of them, one to the conveyor motor, one to the spinner motor, and one return line. Be sure to wipe off the hydraulic fittings before hooking them up so you don't force dirt into the lines. And that's it for hookup. Now, daily checks. The first thing you should do is check the hydraulic oil level. The reservoir will be under the bed, outside the frame, or inside the frame. And remember, whenever you raise the bed to check anything, be sure you block it. Next, check the oil level in the auger pump. Some of the pumps use different types of oil. So be sure to add the right type if it's low. The wrong type of oil can blow the seals out. Check the spinner shaft, plates and bolts, and hydraulic hoses. Make sure everything's tight and secure, and look for damage or excessive wear. You have a couple of adjustments to make, too. One for the amount of sand you're placing, and the other for how wide you're placing it. For the most part, the deflectors are set the same. That's because you're normally sanding one traffic lane. So you won't have to adjust the deflectors very often. It's different with the discharge gate. You'll change the amount of sand you're placing, depending on the type of road and the conditions. The specific setting to use is basically a matter of experience. For a starting point, though, ask your supervisor. One more thing before you start up. Check the hopper for any buildup of material, and clean it out if there is any. OK, now turn on the conveyor and the spinner. Make sure the conveyor is running smoothly, and check the spinner shaft to see if it's bent. Look over the hydraulic hoses, too. Make sure there are no leaks. You have to let the truck run for 15 minutes or so to let the hydraulic oil warm up. And that warm up period is a good time to do your regular daily checks on the truck. Keep in mind that the sander has its own lights. So check them as well as the truck's lights, and clean them off, too. They don't do much good if they are covered up. OK, that's it for the daily checks. Now let's look at operation. You'll find two control knobs in the cab for the sander. One for the conveyor speed, the other for the spinner speed. By adjusting both controls, you can increase or decrease the amount of material being placed and the width of the placement. Sound familiar? It should. As I said earlier, the discharge gate and the deflectors control the amount of material placed and the width of the placement. You'll also remember that the amount of material you place depends on the road conditions and the level of service you're giving the road. So by having a control for the speed of the conveyor in the cab, you change the amount or the coverage without stopping and getting out. One more thing, sanders are calibrated at the beginning of the year. There should be a sticker in your cab to tell you how much coverage to give. If there isn't one, find the proper settings and write them down so you'll know next time. Well, that's how it works, but when should you sand? Well, normally you should sand whenever you're plowing. The idea is to get rid of the snow with the plow and to give the surface traction with the sand. You should also sand if there's a snow pack under the snow you're removing. Sanding's the only way to free it up so you can plow it. Of course, there are always exceptions. For instance, if there's heavy drifting across the road, the sand most likely won't do much good. As you can see, the snow is blowing across the road. Sanding here would catch the snow. So instead of blowing across the road, the snow would build up, making a worse situation. Here's another example. When there are two of you plowing, you should both sand unless the rear truck is directly behind the first truck. That only makes sense. You don't want to plow off the sand that was just put down. So a lot of it will be a judgment call on your part. Keep in mind, though, that if putting down sand will help give traction, then by all means, put it down. Well, that's just about it for operation. Just a few more things. First, keep an eye on your rear view mirror. Make sure the sander is working. Second, when you've used all the material, be sure to disengage the hydraulic pump. There's no sense in running the sander when there's nothing in it. And third, when you get back to the station for another load, get out and check over everything. A problem with the sander could start any time. Now let's look at cleanup. As you know, the material used in the sanding operation will tear up the equipment in no time if it's not cleaned out. Of course, at the same time, it doesn't make much sense to clean out the sander while it's still snowing. But you should clean the sander and the truck as soon as possible after the storm is over. Here's the procedure. Basically, all that's involved is hosing it down. But there are several things you'll want to make sure are clean. First of all, the conveyor and spinner. The best way to get them clean is to keep the whole system running while you're cleaning it. And second, be sure to hose down the brakes thoroughly. If the salt gets into the cylinders and hardens, you won't have any brakes. So turn the front wheels so you can get a clear shot at them. The last step is to lubricate the conveyor. Just pour some rust inhibitor over the conveyor while it's running so you get the whole conveyor. Get the sides of the hopper too. OK, now the last item on the list, storing the sander. Just reverse the procedure for hookup. Be sure you unhook everything. All the hydraulic hoses, the tie-down devices, and the electrical connection are a few points that you should lubricate too before putting the sander in storage. There are two on the auger pump and one on the spinner. Of course, always wipe off the fittings before greasing so you don't force in dirt. Be sure to grease the conveyor sprocket too. It's between the cab and the sander, so you might find it easier to get to after the sander is unhooked. Back the truck in. Raise the bed. Hook up the chains in front, hook up the chains in back, and lower the bed. But before you drive away, double check to make sure everything is unhooked. And that's it. You can be sure the sander will be ready the next time you need it.


The 15 Most Asked Questions in a TEFL Interview Learning how to answer common questions in an ESL interview is easy if you've researched and prepared in advance even if you've never had a formal job interview before. Before we head into answering the top 15 most asked questions in a TEFL interview, there are a few things to check off your to-do list before interviewing. Find a quiet and well-lit spot for your interview.  Be online 15 minutes before your interview starts. Make sure you dress to impress. Nonverbal communication is important. Smile, make eye contact and remember that your body language says as much about you as your words do. Remember that you must communicate well. Answer your questions efficiently and effectively. Make sure you answer the questions you're being asked and don't stray off on other subjects. The 15 Most Common ESL Interview Questions 1. Tell me a little about yourself. This is an icebreaker question that gives you the opportunity to sell yourself. Be positive and tell the interviewer about your good points, especially the parts of your personality that make you a good teacher. Learn why you are interested in moving abroad to teach and focus on the care and attention you will give to your new job. You can also talk about previous travels, previous work experience or talk about your personality and some of your favorite hobbies. 2. What do you know about the country you are moving to and why do you want to teach there? Make sure you have done your homework in advance and you've researched the country you plan on teaching in. In places you'd like to see but don't spend too much time talking about travel. You want to touch on what you know about the country you're planning on teaching in but never leave the interviewer with the overall impression that your number one reason for moving abroad is to travel. If you've been sent information in advance, make sure you've read it. 3. What kind of teaching experience do you have? This is the type of question that you can expand on even if you don't have teaching experience. Babysitting experience, summer camp experience or any other kind of experience that has had you working with kids or adults can be useful in an ESL job interview. You can also talk about helping your siblings if you have nothing else to fall back on for teaching experience. 4. Have you ever lived abroad before or have you been exposed to different cultures through travel? Obviously the best answer to this question is that you've lived abroad or studied abroad but if you haven't and need to talk solely about travel, make sure you mention where you have traveled and some of the observations you made while traveling. Your interviewer will want to know that you are somewhat familiar with the ins and outs of moving through another country. 5. How would you say you'd like to order some food or buy train tickets but you don't speak the language yet? How would you tackle these tasks during your first months abroad? Most interviewers will ask something like this to determine what you're like in certain situations. This is your opportunity to be creative and talk about how you might accomplish tasks in a different language. Your answer will also illustrate that you understand what your own students might be going through in your own classroom. 6. What do you hope to learn from your year of teaching abroad? This question depends on your goals for your year abroad. You'll want to base your answer on your motivation to teach. Do not use this question as an opportunity to talk about traveling to other places or learning the local language. Talk about how you want to improve your teaching skills with a certain age group or how you want to develop your professional teaching skills. 7. What is your favorite age range to teach and why? Be specific about which age groups you love to work with, whether they bolster your creativity as a teacher and why you feel that the age group you are interested in would be fulfilling to teach. You can always express that you're interested in all age groups if you genuinely don't mind who you teach but be specific about any favorite age groups. If young learners make you happy because they give you an overall feeling of satisfaction by watching their learning skills develop, then say so. 8. What would you say are the most important qualities an ESL teacher needs to have? There are many answers to choose from for this question but most schools will want to hear a mix of the following. Good communication skills with a clear and concise voice, time management skills in class, creativity, passion for working with young learners or adults, patience for new language learners and a sense of humor are all important qualities to mention in your interview. 9. What is your greatest strength as a teacher? What can your new school expect of you? This is important because your school will want to know what you excel at or what you think you do best. Whether it's being creative or being adaptable or knowing how to manage your time in class, be ready to impress your recruiter or interviewer with at least one strength that highlights your strengths as a teacher. 10. How would you describe your teaching style? Most teachers have a good idea of how to answer this question, especially because they are prepared for it in their TEFL course. The best way to answer this question is to review the advertisement for the job and focus on the qualities mentioned in the job description. If they ask for creative and positive teachers, mention your creative and positive and then give them personal examples. 11. How would you go about teaching a specific lesson to a group of young learners? It's not uncommon for interviewers to ask how you'd teach a specific lesson to a group of kids at a certain age level. For example, you might be asked how you'd go about teaching IT professions or going to the store to a group of five-year-olds. Try not to fall back on using flashcards in class to teach words or sentence patterns. Interviewers hear this all the time. It's not an original idea and will not gain you any points in your interview. Prepare a mini lesson in advance that you can adapt on the spot in your interview. 12. How do you maintain discipline and control in your classroom? How do you handle kids with behavioral issues? In many ways, this question can be one of the most important parts of the interview because schools will want to know that you know how to handle a group of 15 to 25-year-olds in class. There is bound to be one student in your class that acts out and it's impossible to keep an eye on all students at all times. Draw on your experience and explain effective ways that you've used for classroom management in the past. From pairing students together to finding the root cause of their behavior, there are many ways to address this question. Talk about your lesson plans and how they are designed to keep students busy, engaged and focused on the lesson. Make sure to ask about the school's policy for dealing with students that are behaving badly in class. How do you deal with kids that learn at different rates to other students in class? Schools will often create classes for students of the same age but they don't often take into consideration that the students can have a range of English speaking abilities. Your TEFL course should prepare you for this question but an easy way to answer it is to match students with poor English speaking abilities with a student who is more advanced. Your advanced student will love the opportunity to be a helper and your student who is having challenges in the classroom will receive extra attention from a new friend. 14. How proficient are you with technology in your classroom? It's important to stress that you are proficient in technology in the classroom if you have these skills. If you don't, don't try to sell yourself on a position that you might not be able to handle. If you are technologically proficient, talk about the experiences you've had using audio and visual aids in your classroom and mention whether or not you are familiar with using a smart board. Be sure to mention using hardware such as tablets and computers, specific software apps and online education sites to strengthen your lesson plans. Use successful examples from past experience. Ask your school what kind of technology they use in their classrooms so you can be prepared to teach there. 15. Do you have any questions? The worst thing you can say to this question is that you have no questions. Interviewers will cover a range of topics but try to have at least one question to ask your interviewer to show your interest in this position. You can always ask about working environments, teaching resources, the kind of responsibilities you should prepare for, what managers are like in the country you'd like to teach in or what to expect about a curriculum to follow. These sorts of questions generally aren't covered in an interview but it gives you a chance to stand out and let your interviewer know that you are the perfect teacher for their school. Now you are ready for your adventure. A little anxiety is normal when interviewing for an ESL position but it's all part of the journey. Being well prepared for your interview is key to landing your dream job.Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months. Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad. Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today. It's a how-to guide to prepare for your teaching job abroad. So, you have been thinking about going abroad and are trying to figure out a way to support yourself while traveling and seeing the world. Teaching English as a second language is certainly a solid financial option for native and non-native English speakers as well as a career that is high in demand around the world. Anyone that has a love for travel and wants to learn about other cultures while also helping people should seriously consider teaching English as it can fulfill all these desires. Here's a helpful how-to guide to preparing for your teaching job abroad written by our TEFL alumni Jen who documented her journey from TEFL certificate to receiving her job offer in Spain. 1. Choose your desired location. The first step on your teaching English journey is to find out where in the world you want to go. If your heart is itching to go to Europe, South America or Asia, it is very important to do the necessary research on your desired location. You never know, based on your research, you might change your mind and end up going somewhere else instead. 2. Does the country you want to teach and require a bachelor's degree? Some countries, but certainly not all, require teachers to have a BA degree, while for others the minimum requirement is simply a TEFL certificate. To work in many Asian countries, as well as some in Europe, you will need a degree, but do not worry as there are plenty of great places where you will not need one. Popular European destinations with no official degree requirement include the Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, Spain and Turkey. In Latin America there are also many options, such as Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Nicaragua. It is important that you research the exact requirements of your chosen destination before you make too many plans. 3. Research the hiring seasons and contract lengths of your desired location. In some cases the time of year that you start planning to teach abroad might determine where you end up teaching. In many European countries the main hiring season is from September to October. Most teaching contracts in Europe also include a minimum of 6 months to a year. In South American countries the hiring season generally starts in January. In contrast, many Asian countries like China will be looking to hire English teachers all year round. While researching, you can also figure out the typical salaries that different countries offer to help you decide where you would like to go. 4. Now get the TEFL certification and enroll in your TEFL course. There are plenty of schools out there that offer TEFL courses for your certification. Definitely do your research and make sure that they are in accredited school that will make the teaching process informative and easy to follow. International TEFL and TESAL training offers affordable courses where you can either go to your desired country and get certified there within a month or take their online courses where you are able to get certified in about 3 months. 5. Visa requirements and interview process. In some countries you are able to travel around freely on a tourist visa and work particularly in South America. However, working in Europe, you will usually need a specific work visa or you can apply for a student visa to be able to work legally in some countries. In many Asian countries, you can start work on a tourist visa and then obtain a work visa later. Applying for visas can be a long process and it often requires a lot of paperwork like background checks, proof of funds, proof of your enrollment at a school, required signatures and translations for the country you are applying to. You might also need to provide proof of financial stability, like paying for your studies in full, paying for your accommodation while studying abroad and proof of a legitimate amount of savings in order to survive in that country. All of these requirements will need to be researched in advance and you will probably be mailing a lot of documents out and waiting for them to come back. The good news is that when applying for a visa, you should get all the information that you need in order to provide the necessary documents. Each country should have a consulate near where you live, where you can go to apply and provide all your documents. I would recommend starting to gather your visa paperwork at least 4 to 5 months in advance of your departure date because you will want to apply for your visa at least 3 months ahead of departure. It might take a month or more just to get all your documents in order. It is also important to do your research for the interview process. A lot of countries in Europe and South America like to do interviews in person. While other countries are okay with doing interviews via Skype, when you start applying for jobs it is important to pay attention to the hiring seasons so you know when to start sending out resumes or when to arrive in the country with enough time to have interviews in person. Congratulations on your journey to becoming an English teacher. Safe travels ex. Are you ready to teach English abroad? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months. Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad. Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today. 6 Tips You Need to Know About Jobs Teaching English Abroad If you are considering teaching English abroad, you will no doubt be aware that there are many things to think about when planning your adventure. You might also be a little overwhelmed by the whole prospect of packing your life into a suitcase and heading off overseas. Whatever stage in the process you are at, do not panic as tens of thousands of people have been just where you are now and have gone on to have a successful and enjoyable time teaching English as a foreign language. The following top 6 tips should help you focus on the most important things to consider and set you on the road to a new chapter in your life as an EFL teacher. 1. Get TEFL Certified The number 1 tip for anyone who wants to teach English abroad is to complete a TEFL certification course before you start looking for work. During the course, you will learn all the essential skills that you will need once you enter your own classroom. Having these skills will not only ensure that your students receive a high standard of tuition, but it will also ensure that you have confidence in your own ability and knowledge to plan and deliver your lessons in a new and unknown environment. Although having a TEFL qualification benefits both the teacher and the students, it is also an actual requirement in many parts of the world. In some countries, a TEFL certificate is needed when applying for a work permit or visa, and many other individual employers also expect their job applicants to be qualified to teach in their classrooms. Essentially, if you want to give yourself the widest choice of available jobs and access to the best paying positions, a TEFL certificate is a must. 2. Allow plenty of preparation time. While you are probably keen to get on the plane and to get your new life and career underway, it is recommended that you allow plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements. Before you head off there will be a variety of things to take care of, including completing your TEFL course, making travel arrangements, and ensuring you have an up-to-date passport, etc. The process of job hunting, applying for positions, bonus Skype interviews, and arranging work visas can also be very time-consuming. In reality, you will need a minimum of three months to get everything in place, and in many cases, this could be six months or even longer. 3. Do plenty of research. If you already know where you want to teach English abroad then you should find out as much about your destination as possible before you leave home. The information you should look for includes potential accommodation options, wet-a-pack, and what to leave at home, where to find expert groups for advice and help with settling in, to name just a few. However, if you are still unsure of your preferred destination, your research will also be aimed at narrowing down the potential locations to the ones that suit your preferences. Everyone has different motivations for teaching English abroad, whether it is to earn the maximum salary possible, to learn a new language, to explore a certain culture, or to provide invaluable help as a teaching volunteer. Whatever your own motivations, research is the key to making the right choices for you. 4. Keep an open mind and be flexible. If you are a highly qualified EFL teacher with several years' experience teaching overseas then you will be able to pick and choose the jobs you want, where you want them. However, for the majority of EFL teachers who are looking for their first job teaching English abroad, the choices might be more limited. The key to finding the right position is to be flexible in your choice of location and open-minded about countries or regions that you might not have considered before. Although the Middle East is where you will find the highest-paying positions, as an inexperienced teacher your chances of securing them are very limited. Instead, you should consider heading elsewhere to gain experience, to put on your CV resume, so you can confidently apply for your dream job at a later date. Similarly, many people dream of living and working in one of Europe's major capitals such as London, Paris or Rome. While this is certainly possible, even for those without experience, the high cost of living and strong competition for the best jobs means you might struggle to earn enough to live a comfortable lifestyle. By choosing a destination with a lower cost of living and less competition such as Prague, Budapest or Warsaw, you will ensure you have plenty of disposable income to enjoy all the cultural and social opportunities that these great cities have to offer. 5. Be aware of visa regulations. Before making any final plans for teaching English abroad it is vital that you are aware of the visa situation in the country you have chosen to teach in. The rules and regulations regarding work visas and permits vary greatly from one country to the next, so you need to research the latest requirements to ensure you are eligible. In some countries, you need to apply for a visa before leaving home while others require you to enter on a tourist visa and then apply for a work permit once you are in the country. You should also be aware that in many countries, particularly in Asia and Europe, a four-year degree is required to qualify for a work visa. Certain countries also restrict teaching jobs to native English speakers only. Once again, by conducting plenty of research you can narrow down your options to those where you can realistically live and work as an EFL teacher abroad. 6. Be aware of the hiring process. Once you have researched your preferred destinations and are aware of the visa situation, you also need to establish what the hiring process is in that particular country or region. If you are looking at one of the largest Asian markets, such as China, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan, the standard procedure is to hire teachers in advance before they leave their home country. While in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Western Europe, it is more common for employers to only hire via face-to-face interviews. In these situations, you should also be aware of the local hiring seasons so you can make sure you arrive in the country at the best time of year to secure employment. Are you ready to teach English abroad? By following these six tips you should be able to focus on the most important aspects of the planning process and get your new life teaching English overseas up and running with the minimum amount of stress. At ITTT we are fully committed to helping you every step of the way. Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months. Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad. Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today. How to find a job as an English teacher online In our modern age, where working online has become a common way to make a steady living, the opportunities for qualified English teachers have further branched out into what we call the virtual classroom. There are countless online platforms and providers that offer English lessons online with native speakers allowing students from all over the world to learn how to speak English from the comfort of their home. Here is our comprehensive guide on how to find a job as an English teacher online. How to get started teaching English online Teaching English online is a great way to supplement your income while already teaching abroad or when in your home country. Learning English online also helps new teachers to gain valuable teaching experience before embarking on their adventure abroad. If you choose to get started as an English teacher online, the setup procedures are quite straightforward and not that expensive. Your first step should be to complete a TEFL certification course. The course will provide all the skills and knowledge needed to be a productive teacher, plus it gives you an edge when applying for teaching jobs online or when looking for students. Once you hold your certificate in hand, you should make sure that you have a computer or laptop equipped with a webcam and a microphone. Depending on which platform you work from, you will also need some form of communication application, often Skype. On top of that, a PayPal account is usually the most convenient way to get paid for teaching lessons online. The best employment options for teaching English online. There are two main options for online English teachers. The first option is to set up your own teaching website. This allows teachers to be completely independent and free to set their own hours. However, it can take quite some time to find regular students and setting up a IT professional looking website requires of certain budget and time commitment. A much more popular alternative, especially for those new to teaching online, is to work for an agency or an online platform. These tend to already have a pool of students with a set schedule. They also conduct their own marketing and promotion campaigns to recruit extra students. However, they often require their teachers to be TEFL certified and to undergo an application process which may include a mock lesson in front of some of their teaching staff via webcam. How much can you earn teaching English online? This figure depends on a variety of factors including your qualifications, experience and the organization you work for. A typical hourly rate for online English teachers ranges from $15 and $30, however, an agency will take a cut of this as a fee if you work through a platform. The most popular teaching platforms for teaching English online include MagicEars. Provides fun, interactive and efficient online English learning experiences to 4-12-year-old children in China. MagicEars offers compensation, which is 30% higher than the average market value and you can earn between $18.26 USD per hour. VIPCAD focuses on teaching children in Asia. All lesson plans and teaching materials are provided. Applicants need to be U.S. or Canadian citizens and possess at least a bachelor's degree and have a stable internet connection. Pay is $18 to $21 per hour with average earnings of $2,000 per month. Kamlee offers conversational lessons in an informal setting. Students come from all over the world. Pay is $0.17 per minute or $10.20 per hour, paid through PayPal every Monday. Kids open to teachers in Canada and the U.S. must be able to commit to 6 hours per week. Pre-training and all coursework provided. ITUTER. Open to teachers from the U.S., Canada and the U.K. with a degree. Hiring process is very quick, within 3 days of registration. Pay is between $16 and $25 per hour. Continuum Education Services Recruitment Agency that payers teachers with companies that require English services. Teachers offer base pay and flexible schedules. English native speakers only with a TEFL TESOL certificate. Everlitz has offices in 70 countries worldwide. Pay is $14 per hour. English and hires tutors for virtual lessons with Japanese students. Teachers must have a TEFL TESOL certificate. Teachers work between 8 and 12 hours a week. Pay is $14.50 per hour. The curriculum is provided. Global Mate New York targets South Korean learners and is only open to U.S. citizens. Are you ready to teach English online? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months. Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad. Email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today. What to watch out for before signing your TEFL contract in China? Signing any contract can be daunting. However, if you know what to look out for as you go through the papers you have no need to be scared. We have compiled a checklist for you to keep with you as you read through your contract. Is the contract written in English and easy to understand? Is the name of the school the same as the one you were told during interviews and has it been spelled correctly? Is your name and passport on the contract and are they correct? Is the salary the same as that promised to you in interviews and is it written down correctly? Are the start and end date written down correctly? Please note. These dates may not be the same as your arrival and leaving dates to China, but they must be there nevertheless. Go through the package details carefully. Is everything with regards to your package, accommodation, medical etc. written down in the same as previously agreed upon? Are your work hours stipulated correctly? Are the following details with regards to the contract stated? How to terminate the contract early and the penalties for doing so? How to extend the contract and any benefits for doing so? The offenses which may lead to your dismissal and contract termination. Does the contract specify how you may go about voicing any grievances? There's more. Those are the most important things you will need to look out for. There are a few things you should also keep in mind when signing your contract. Even after going through the contract with the checklist above, get someone you trust to read through it before you sign it. You will sign two contracts, one before you leave for China and one when you arrive in China. Please make sure that these two contracts are identical and that no facts have changed. Now you are ready for your adventure. If there are any discrepancies with the contract, contact the school or ask your agent who will contact the school for you. With the help of these guidelines in your recruitment agency, you should have no problems at all. Sign now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months. Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad. Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today. Preasons to choose a recruiter when finding a job teaching English abroad Using a recruiter to help you find a teaching job abroad can be a rewarding and satisfying experience for many, provided you choose the right recruiter and you know what to expect and which questions to ask. Teachers use recruiting agencies for many reasons, including relying on a recruiter to find a legitimate contract that offers a fair salary package. A recruiter will work with you to help you find a position that meets your requirements for a teaching position and they'll help you break down the application process step-by-step. Recruiting websites should have plenty of information about the job application process and they should be able to explain this process to you in clear and concise terms that are easy for you to understand. A recruiter's job is to help you through the visa process and ensure that you have a smooth arrival in your chosen teaching destination at a school you're going to love. Some people still feel uneasy about working with recruiters, but the fact is that for certain programs, such as the Epic Program in South Korea or for many teaching programs in China, a recruiter is exactly what you need to help you through all the complicated steps of applying for a position and ensuring you have all the correct paperwork. Recruits can save you time and money by simplifying the application process and by leading you through the steps of securing your visa and work permit. Here are several tips to keep in mind about working with recruiters. 1. You should never have to pay a recruiter for their services. If a recruiter is asking you for money, stop working with them. 2. Reliable recruiting companies have faces and names behind their recruiting team. Choose a recruiting agency that doesn't offer a team page or show more information about your recruiter's work and their successes over the past few years. Look for recruiters that have experience and that are open and honest about this experience. If you are looking at a recruiting website that doesn't have visible faces or individual names on their website, we strongly recommend that you do not work with that agency. Only reputable agency will be forthright about who you're working with and how much experience they have. 3. Testimonials are important. Look up reviews and teach your testimonials about the agency you intend to work with. The general rule of thumb is the more testimonials an agency or an agent has, especially testimonials and reviews across websites and social media platforms, the more reliable the agency. There are some great reasons for working with a recruiter, application advice, it's typical to have questions about application forms as these forms differ from program to program. Additionally, the types of paperwork that you're asked to collect for a job application can be hard to track down on your own. Your recruiter can tell you exactly what you need to do, how to do it, how long it will take and how to make you stand out amongst the competition. Application advice is coming from experienced people who know the teaching landscape inside out, you can't go wrong with adding a recruiter to your hiring process to simplify things for you. 3. Free job assistance. It doesn't cost you a thing to work with a recruiter and gain access to their knowledge. 4. Visa advice. The visa process for many countries can be difficult. A recruiter can walk you through the entire process from start to finish, they can help you fast track certain documents and they can make sure that all of your visa requirements are in order for the application. Personalized service. Reliable and honest recruiters offer a personalized service that includes time spent in screening applicants and preparing teachers by putting them through mock school interviews to get them ready for their real interview with potential employers. An agency's success in placing teachers is illustrated by the number of reviews you can find online about their recruiting services and through retention rates with applicants that should be available online for viewing. What is a good recruiter? A good recruiter will not only take care to screen their applicants, good recruiters also carefully screen their schools to ensure they are up to employment standards. Great care should be taken in informing the teacher applicant about reputable schools, fair salary packages and workplace ethics. Your recruiter should be working to create a great working relationship for both the school and the teacher. Another sign of a good recruiter is an agency that provides pre-departure information packages and organizes call times to prepare teachers for their year abroad before they leave home. Pre-departure information should cover everything from tax laws, vaccinations and medical insurance to resources for life abroad in a foreign country. Your recruiter should also provide support and assistance throughout your year abroad if you need it. Whether it's with assistance in booking your flights, helping you navigate cultural issues with your school manager or even if you're wondering how to deal with a particular student in your classroom, your recruiter can assist you. A good recruiter will know the ins and outs of things and can help you before things go wrong. They can also help you develop a new support network and meet new friends by introducing you to other teachers that are in the same area as you. As your deadline for departing for your new country draws closer, you'll find your to-do list for your teaching position growing as more questions come up. Have you thought about what you need to do for your visa in your home country? Do you know what happens with the visa process after you arrive in your new teaching destination? Have you thought about where you want to live? Do you know where to look for apartments or housing if your school is not providing you with accommodation? Do you know what you need to have in order to pass your health check? Do you know how to secure a letter of experience or get a national criminal background check? These are all questions that can be answered simply and easily by your recruiter rather than wasting time online looking at outdated information for teaching positions. All of these questions and more are covered by recruiters during their hiring process with you. You gain from using their expert knowledge to ease some of the stress of moving abroad. Who pays the recruiter? Recruiters are paid a hiring fee from schools who are relying on the talents of a recruiting team to help them with their hiring needs. Smart schools and education programs employ recruiters so that they can focus on what they need to focus on running their school while relying on dependable recruiters to complete their hiring needs. What kind of schools use recruiters? Reputable schools can be very specific and selective about what they want in a teacher. This is where recruiters come in. Schools often send their teaching specs to recruiting agencies to narrow down the choice for applicants and to select a match. Most schools do not have the time or resources to do this kind of work on their own, so using an agency allows schools to do what they do best from their school. Recruiters also reduce the need for schools to have a bilingual HR staff. What makes a good recruitment agency? I'm sure you're asking how to know if a recruiting agency is legitimate or not. A legitimate agency is important. Make sure the company you're working with is legal, has a professional website with an English speaking recruiting staff that offers information on the individuals you'll be working with. Look for hidden charges in your contract. A legitimate company will never charge you for a position or take a portion of your salary. Look up agency reviews and listen to your friends who are teaching abroad. Your recruiter should be able to answer basic questions about contracts, as well as providing information about the exact location of the school, the total number of teaching hours, and provide you with contact details for teachers that they have already placed at the school you are considering. Your recruiting agency should recognize the value of their teachers having a great year abroad. One of the longest standing and most reputable ESL placement agencies on the market today is Reach to Teach recruiting. It's not hard to find their reviews and testimonials online. Their Facebook page shows over 200 reviews from teachers over the past 10 years and they come with outstanding reviews on many other ESL platforms as well. Reach to Teach comes highly recommended by its teachers and schools in a number of countries around the world. You can read Reach to Teach testimonials here. Apply for a teaching position with Reach to Teach on their job board today and find out why they are known for being one of the best recruiting agencies in the ESL industry. Are you ready to teach English abroad? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months. Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad. Let us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today.


Do narcissists know that they are narcissists? Do they know that they are narcissists? They do know that they're doing something wrong. They understand that. And that is why sometimes they will try to hide their behaviors. Especially if there is an authority figure or someone who is in a position of power and they are in their presence. Then it's like you will see them becoming completely different person. They may even play the victim. They may blame you or someone else. They may start making false accusations. Anything to take the heat off of them. Because they know that what they do is wrong. They understand the effects that their behavior has on other people. They know that it makes you uncomfortable. But when you question or confront them on it, they have no decided to change it. Or they act like they don't know what you're talking about. They deny it.  They shift the blame onto you. They do all of those things and it's not because they don't know. It's because they don't care. And that's something that I want you to remember. Whenever you are interacting with a narcissist. Whenever you're trying to get them to understand something. Whenever you're trying to get them to change their ways. I want you to remember this. It's not that they don't know narcissists specifically. Because maybe they wouldn't know the term narcissist. Although they may recognize that their behaviors are toxic. But now narcissism has become mainstream. It's everywhere. Everyone knows what it is. So it's likely that the narcissist that you're dealing with is now aware of what a narcissist is. And they will recognize their behaviors in that. Although I think it's also important to note that there is some confusion about what a narcissist actually is. Some people think that. They think that they're God's gift. They love themselves. But it's actually much deeper than that. They may not be fully aware of it. In some situations. Because as I said there is some confusion. About what a narcissist actually is. Not everyone is fully aware of what it is. Although they may have heard the term. Of course they know that something is wrong with what they do. And that's all you really need to know. And I'm sure you see that yourself. The way they try to hide their behaviors. Whenever certain people are around. Then suddenly they act differently. You see a completely different person. They go from trying to intimidate you. To then playing the victim and blaming you. And that should really reveal to you. That they do know. They have certain skeletons in their closet. That they've hidden away for years. And people just never know about it. At some point people may find out about it. Especially with the overt narcissist. They can hide it for a very long time. At some point it may come out into the open. So yeah as I said. It's not that they don't know. It's that they don't care. I'm at the beach today. Perfect time to come to the beach. Sunset. But yeah it's pretty cold out here. So I'm going to wrap this one up. Thank you all for joining me today. And if you enjoyed the video. Please give it a thumbs up down below. If you'd like to book a one-on-one session with me. You can go to my website. Snarksurvivor.co.uk And please share this video as well. If you can to support our community. Again thank you all. And I'll talk to you very soon.