Job Discussion Forums

[nabeelh09]

Hi guys!

Hope everything is going wonderful. I have some questions but first a little about myself.

I will be graduating UC Santa Barbara this spring with a degree in Economics. I am also a permanent resident in the U.S (got it a little more than a year ago), and I am an immigrant from Sri Lanka. I've been in the U.S since 2002, and completed all of high school and most of middle school here. I guess you could say I have no immigrant accent (nobody ever guesses that I was an immigrant). I'm as Californian as they come.

First of off, English is my first language. I am EXTREMELY confident in all facets of my English writing and speaking abilities.

My main motivation for trying to teach English for a year in China is as follows: I dont want to work in a corporate environment just yet, I want to explore, I want to learn some Chinese, I want to make new connections and lastly I would genuinely like to take on the challenge of trying to teach English to foreign kids.

Like I said I am an economics major and I have little to no teaching experience (only tutored occasionally here and there for Econ/English) but I really want this opportunity.

Now my questions for you guys are: how can I go about giving myself the best chance to land a job like this? I don't have any teaching certifications but I see that the biggest requirement is a bachelors degree...which I will receive soon. Also I noticed that some job offers will teach you the basics on instructing and teaching a class and even have you certified before you start actually teaching. Also since I am Sri Lankan and have a Sri Lankan and not an American citizenship (not yet at least), I feel they might judge me for my nationality? Are these valid concerns? Again how can I give myself the best chance land a job like this??

Thanks for taking the time to read this! I would really appreciate your input!

[Miles Smiles]

Your best bet? Apply to the U.C. Santa Barbara graduate school for a TA position and work toward an MA.

You immigrated to the U.S. for a better life, right? Why not maintain your standard of living in the U.S.?

[nabeelh09]

I don't want to pursue a masters unless a company pays for my MBA.

For me this has nothing to do with maintaining a standard of living. I feel I am still young and want to try something challenging and new. I want to experience another side of the world for a year.

I don't mean to sound like a douche by the way, but you haven't really answered any of my questions and I feel like asking about my motivations and life choices isn't really moving this discussion. I am pretty serious about trying to teach in China, I would really appreciate some short term advice at least.

[Javelin of Radiance]

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

In order to legally work in China as an English teacher, you need to be a passport holder from the US, Canada, Ireland, the UK, Australia, South Africa or New Zealand, unless you have a Chinese green card.

And then, you have to have 2 years' experience.

And then, skin colour is a large factor in how schools hire their teachers.

Don't shoot the messenger...

[hippocampus]

Yes brother nabeelh. The sad and unfair truth is that as a southern Asian and a non-Caucasian it is extremely unlikely you would be hired as an English teacher in China, or any other East Asian country. Then even if some enlightened school director did hire you, the students would constantly complain and doubt your ability. It unfortunate, but true. Stay in America.

[hippocampus]

[doogsville]

It would be tough, but not impossible. Sadly however the schools that are likely to hire you would do so because they would be paying you less money than the teachers from one of the countries Whiner listed. My current employer has Philippine, German and African teachers, but with the exception of the German, the others are paid less for the same hours. They also don't get to teach the children and teenagers, only the Kindergarten and adults because the parents complain unless there's a white face in the classroom.

It's horrible but it's true. That's not to say you can't come here and have a great year, learn a lot about teaching, China and yourself and go home with a few stories to tell.

Send you resume and information out there and see who bites. 'Who dares wins' and all that. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[nabeelh09]

Thanks guys I appreciate the honesty.

That is unfortunate but I had a suspicion that it would be a little tougher for me to land a gig. Nevertheless I will still apply and see what happens. Ill definitely be hanging around here to let you guys have an update or if I have anymore questions.

Thanks!