Job Discussion Forums

[Symphany]

I've read a lot of information from this board and from other sources on teaching English in China over the years and I've seen a lot out there that says that the pay is really low, generally speaking, but with the right connections you can be paid amounts similar to those at home. That said, I would love to go and teach English in China;the reason being the culture and the experience sounds fascinating. My concern is also whether I would last. I have taught overseas before, for a little over a year in Japan, and I realize China and Japan are two different cultures, however I do have overseas experience. I think that would help to live and adjust to life in China. I'm just not sure what to expect. I would also prefer a mid-sized to large-sized city, as I prefer living in an urban environment.
One concern is that if teaching English becomes something that I "outgrow" for one reason or another, are there many other expat job opportunities in China? For example in Japan there were lots of other job opportunities that seemed to open up to seasoned professionals with Japanese experience, like jobs with offshore Western companies, legal firms, publishers, etc. Is it the same for China?
Another concern is that I have a stable job at home and would I be leaving it for something much less comparable? I know that nothing really took my interest like being immersed in a completely different language and culture. The pay again is a concern because I'd like to make enough to retire comfortably on (in a Western country, likely back home in Canada) once my teaching days have come to an end. I know money's always important but there's surviving and there's living. I also would need a contract that would allow me at least two months worth of vacation per year. ( I worked at a company in Japan that only allowed 2 weeks worth of vacation per year and it was a nightmare. )Any thoughts from those in China right now?

[Non Sequitur]

'I would love to go and teach English in China;the reason being the culture and the experience sounds fascinating'

This is the key. Most posts are about money and there's very little about other motivations and satisfactions.
I've tried starting threads on the teaching task and they limp and quickly splutter out. Even the few here who are certificated teachers in international schools seem more interested in telling us how much money they're making rather than sharing insights about the teaching job.
One of the avenues for life here beyond teaching is being a 'local hire' for your diplomatic post. Find the Canadian China representation site and you'll see local hire jobs from time-to-time.
If you got some Chinese ability so much the better.
Local hires are not remunerated at the same level as home country postings who tend to be career diplomats.
A former student works for a foreign consulate and mentions different conditions for home country v local hires. Things like size of airconditioner etc.
Entrpreneurial activity usually means a Chinese partner ie a language school.
Call centre companies advertise for voice coaches from time to time and there's an old thread about 'getting from teaching to entrpreneur'.
I'll bump it if I can locate it.

[CNexpatesl]

It's nearly impossible to get a working Z visa these days, and now they're going to start classifying foreigners into categories and only letting people in they deem worthy of living in China.

So, no, it's not worth it anymore.

[The bear]

[Symphany]

Thank you very much for your thoughts Non Sequitur, I think you have brought up some very important points. Thank you also for your comments The bear. Thatsforsure I added the avatar a while back so I don't quite remember. I think the picture is from a site like photostock or something like that.

MOD EDIT: IF YOUR AVATAR IS NOT IMMEDIATELY REDUCED TO PRESCRIBED DIMENSIONS, THE TEMPORARY BAN WILL BECOME PERMANENT.

[OhBudPowellWhereArtThou]

[Symphany]

OBP, the job that I do is not a teaching one, however I completed a university-level Post-graduate certificate that I took on a part-time basis. It was the equivalent of one year of full-time study. The cerificate course ended with a practicum where I volunteered to teach ESL students. I finished that course a few years ago.

[mike w]

[OhBudPowellWhereArtThou]

[Tazz]

'volunteer' and 'China' a dangerous combinasi....

[brnrd]

My 1st teaching gig in 1993 paid 1600 RMB(600 in FECs) ,but back then, you went elsewhere for money, China was off the beaten track...China? There were only so many places you were legally allowed to go.Beijing was pretty cool back then.The pay is massively better,and Saudi is massively worse! Korea was good cuz you could work multiple places,and won wasn't devalued...China is one of the better paying places.....NOW!

[BruceLeeWannaBe]

[Tazz]

Where is it extremely difficult to obtain the Z visa? Met 15-20 new arrivals here down in Guangxi,with various qualifications and levels of experience, all being processed for the Z visa with ease........

[Alien abductee]

[Alien abductee]