Laos forum

Hello Everyone,

I am hoping someone out there in the ether can provide me with some information. My partner and I are currently contemplating a long-term move to Vientiane. An Aussie citizen, she was recently proffered a two-year position and I am currently scouring the Internet for jobs so that I may join her. As some of you may have already gathered, my search has not been especially promising. I have a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in history, both from Temple University in Philadelphia. I am also contemplating enrolling in a three-day TESOL certificate workshop conducted by the University of Pennsylvania so as to make my candidacy for a teaching position more attractive. So, does anyone have any suggestions regarding a job search conducted from the United States?

Barring a successful job search from the U.S., does anyone currently in-country or with work experience in Laos know the ins-and-outs of the country's visa policies? For instance, were I to travel to Vientiane on a tourist visa with the hope of finding a job while on the ground, is it possible - though perhaps not easy - to switch said tourist visa to a work visa? I've been informed that jobs abound in Vientiane, but one probably needs to be there to take advantage of the opportunities.

Any advice/suggestions would be much appreciated.