Planning to move to KL from UK

Hi..I am local malaysian. .my advice to you if you looking for job in here is you can buy our local English news paper "the star" on Saturday when you are here. .about expenses is was more then enough £2-3k bangsar is 1 of most highest living cost place in kuala lumpur

Because you have no local language skills you will not be considered for any jobs that need communication skills. Teaching English perhaps but you probably won't get a employment visa. Don't waste your money.

I agree STAY AWAY until you get a job.

It is highly unadvisable to arrive in KL looking for a job. Especially as you are not a professional in any normal expat role. The only (two) expats I ever came across that had roles that you could possibly work for were sent by large multi nationals for short contracts. And they had tonnes of experience.

For tefl do a CELTA and then go to south Korea, china, Japan or Thailand. Although china and Japan you need to get jobs first for visa reasons.

And if you are a single woman I know one (real teacher) who was told at interview "you wont find the man of your dreams in kl" and lots of single expat woman end up hating kl as the pickings are lean and scrawny! All the good ones are taken 

I say this as the biggest single reason why multinationals send male single expats is this issue. Seriously! I know quite a few who lasted less than a year.

Hi I think things are a bit brighter than what the others suggest! You can get jobs teaching English, but they are right that a CELTA is a much better, reputable option. I would suggest do a CELTA before you come and apply for a job from overseas - you will be paid much better.

Alternatively, you can do one at the British Council here - check out their site - if you do well, they may employ you. There are heaps of language teaching jobs advertised in Malaysia, esp on the 'Asia teaching jobs' website, and they'll organise a visa. Some colleges will also employ you on a freelance basis.....not sure how legal that is.

Apart from coming with a company, teaching is about the only way in.

Language schools are more interested in "trailing spouses" as they already have a visa and dont need immigration support. But there are definitely jobs teaching English.  The problem of getting a job that does not offer an independent and personal work permit (employment pass) with a minimum salary of RM5k per month, is that Brits have to leave Malaysia every 90 days and at the moment, they are likely to only get a 14 day additional stay in Malaysia when they return as immigration is getting tough and asking "why are you coming back?". I recently read that the new regime is that only 2 entrances into Malaysia will now be allowed per year - like European immigration.

Thank you all for your informative responses. The teaching idea was an interim thought as my specialisation is elsewhere but I will look into CELTA to support my other teaching qualification and experience in case i ever choose to do that.

I must admit I know ex pats in Malaysia who have had complete opposite experiences to those you have mentioned but it is important for me to hear both sides of the story and I was never under any illusion that coming to work in Malaysia would be easy.

I am also looking at internships- this might be a good way into an environmental consultancy etc.

The additional problem is that there are lots of restrictions on hiring foreigners to do the type of functions for which you are qualified. Most Brits who end up here tend to work outside their area of specialisation and dont usually last that long before the dosh runs out. Ask your friends about the minimum age for qualifying for a work permit. Its 27 and at least 2 years employment.  So an internship sounds a reasonable option.  Contact  AIESEC for current opportunities.

I'm 28 and have 5 years experience but am happy to do an internship to get a foot in the door Thanks for your link I will have a look!