Job Discussion Forums

MsBlackcurrant · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 77

Denim-Maniac

You may well be right, but can you explain to me why one sees so many job adverts, on supposedly reputable websites, that say a degree isn't necessary?

I can't see why a degree in Drama wouldn't be suitable for a job teaching nursery school children! And those jobs seem to pay very well, too.

RPMcMurphy · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 90 Location: Australia

thatsforsure · Joined: 11 Sep 2012 Posts: 146

no , they dont. you are probly thinking of the word " laowai" . that is two caracters, one for old and one for outside. that "outside' dont mean "outside the country ". it means outside the chinese race. so no matter where you are, your going to be outside the chinese race. it dont translate to foreiner the way you think of that word. it translates as "nonchinese person ,

fred13331 · Joined: 20 Feb 2012 Posts: 108 Location: Southern China

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

MsBlackcurrant · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 77

My understanding was that almost any degree was sufficient to embark on a career in EFL, if you also have TEFL training. Some degrees may be more obviously relevant than others, but it seems rare for a school to expect a BA in Linguistics/TEFL. But as it happens, I have actually seen a couple of adverts for summer schools that use drama as part of their methodology, and therefore require teachers that have studied drama.
So I don't agree that Drama is a useless subject in TEFL. But if you think that's a ridiculous idea, I'm not inclined to argue with you about it.

I accept what you say about the $$$.

Trinley · Joined: 29 Apr 2010 Posts: 144

It's been 5 years since I worked in China so things may have changed, but here's my experience. I worked for 2 schools in Nanjing -- a college and a language institute. Both were willing to hire black teachers. I do know that there is racism against blacks in China, though, so I can't say that it will be as easy for you as it is for white teachers to get hired. An African colleague told me about the racism he encountered from other schools when looking for work.

Second, you do technically need a minimum of a bachelor's degree to get a foreign expert's certificate. I only had an associate's degree (2 -year) and a TEFL certificate, but I got hired very quickly. I had no previous experience either, except a few weeks of volunteering. I later learned that my school had made a fake BA for me so they could hire me. Both of my schools had hired teachers without degrees, as had many other schools I knew of, both universities and language institutes. These are not prestigious schools or anything, but they were fine and I was treated fairly.

My opinion is that you should get a TEFL or CELTA and volunteer a bit -- not only to help you get hired but to give you some experience teaching. It's only fair to your students that you actually know what you're doing. Then look online for jobs. DEFINITELY get your WORK visa before you go to China. Don't come for work on a tourist visa. Any work contract you sign without a work visa would be void.

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

Alexus22 · Joined: 19 Aug 2012 Posts: 12

Regarding the race issue I'm of Pakistani origin and I've gotten on average 3 job offers a week since I started applying around Asia. During a Skype interview one of them asked me:

"Your name is of different origin, what is your ethnic background?"

"My parents are from Pakistan."

"Oh Pakistan ok".

"Does it matter?"

"No it's no problem so long as you are not Asian (meaning East Asian)."

She went on to say that some parents didn't want their children to be taught English by an East Asian teacher.
Rolling Eyes

I've no idea how they would take to Somalis though.

Pilot82 · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 150

I taught in China for 4 years with my TEFL and Associates.....started with an english school then I went to teach public schools....Being Black didn't affect me from being hired....They just wanted english speaking AMERICANS....QUALIFIED OR NOT!

In fact I think being Black enhanced my experiences for the better...got alot of compliments and friends....now obviously of course there was racist jerks but I didn't let them deter me of my fun...they aren't worth my time and definately not worth yours....if anyone was curious about me...

I was more than friendly for them to know me better. The better of my chinese friends had my back.... Knowing some chinese helped...I was complimented for my teaching methods and my experience was a mixed bag of everything....everybody is different in hw they handle things...but I had thick skin...and found myself to be above those of racist mindsets....how they hire and enforce laws vary from region to region....so to sum it all up for....get your credentials and go for it!