Job Discussion Forums

[prks]

Hello,

I looked through the thread and couldn't find an answer to this question. I am a non native teacher with CELTA and a bachelor's in education, native level of speaking, 4 years spent in USA, but I am from a non native speaking country. Is it possible to get a job in China? I mean legally of course?

Thank you

[Non Sequitur]

Ethnicity may be a factor.

[Shroob]

I know non-native teachers in China who work legally, so it's definitely possible.

[prks]

Ethnicity? I am caucasian. I heard about the racial things in Asia... oh well...

[seamallowance]

When I taught there, I had a teacher buddy (from a nearby town) who was from Slovakia. His English was very good, but he still sounded a bit like a Russian to my ears. His school was sorry to see him leave when his contract ended. They begged him to stay, offered to "up" his pay. He went home anyway.

(And me? My school found a guy who would work for even less money)

[Non Sequitur]

Don't be discouraged OP it's definitely do able.
Play up your time in the US and emphasise that you have an American accent.
Anglicise your given name ie Mikael becomes Michael.

[Babala]

You may want to skip some of the more popular cities as some have changed the visa regulations. In Suzhou now you cannot get a working visa for teaching ESL unless you are from a native English speaking country. I interviewed a great teacher but when we checked into getting him a visa we were unable to because he was from Holland.

[prks]

Thank you for your input. I would really love to go and teach in China. I realize this might be a bit too much to ask, but can you give me some advice on how would I go about doing so? Where should I start? What websites? I looked through the thread, but it's all very specific. No information for newbies to the China job market.

Again, I appreciate your input very much. I am very glad to hear I stand a chance in China. I had a chance in Hong Kong, but not enough time, or luck.

[kev7161]

[Babala]

It could be different for international schools. I know this is the new regulation for training centres. I'll look into it.

[Kipling]

In China I have known Dutch, French, Romanian, Indonesian and Phillipine teachers who had no problems at all. The dear old finger wagger is 'non native' and not qualified but gets offers all the time. She's currently teaching a Chinese boy privately. So as some taxi driver once said 'If you don't ask the answer is always NO!!!!'



Mr K

[Babala]

Kipling, I'm a little unclear about your last post. Where you referring to me? If so, you have me confused with someone else. I do not teach privately, I am Canadian and I am qualified.

I am not at all trying to discourage the OP. I have taught before with non-native speakers and know of several working here legally. I am trying to be honest with the OP about some new visa regulations here in Suzhou (which may or may not apply to all schools). Hiring is one of my responsibilities and we have tried to put through a teacher who was not a native speaker and were turned down and told of the new rules. We were also unable to renew a contract of a very good teacher for the same reason.

[kev7161]

[bruce_0701]

Hi prks. I teach in an International Department (high school) within a Chinese school in southern China. We have fifteen foreign teachers working in kindergarten, primary school, middle school and high school (Grade 10). Including myself, there are only five Native English-speaking foreign teachers (Canada, USA, Australia). The other ten foreign teachers come from Romania, Ghana, Nigeria, the Philippines, Brazil, Poland and India. So, it's certainly possible for you to find gainful employment in China. Good luck! Bruce