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Genthree
Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 14
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Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 2:58 pm Post subject: Finding a Reputable School in China |
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I'm looking to teach in China this upcoming year and have a bachelor's degree and several years experience working 40+/hrs per week in a university setting. I do not have a TEFL or equivalent, however. My primary reasons for teaching are because I like working with (jr. high/high school) kids and I want to improve my Mandarin.
I've spoken with a few different schools and all give off a sketchy vibe. One school Skype "interviewed" me for 5 minutes, didn't ask any questions, then sent me a contract. I understand that there are some cultural differences involved in the hiring/contract process, but that still seemed a little extreme to me.
I don't mind a relatively lower paying job or a 2nd/3rd tier city so long as it's stable and reputable, but how does one separate the legitimate schools from the scammy ones.
Edit: I should mention that my background is in science/math education, so that would be ideal, but I am also comfortable teaching English. |
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nomad soul

Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Genthree
Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 14
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Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 3:45 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks. I'll definitely check things out over there. I just didn't want to bother them with a newbie question.  |
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Denim-Maniac
Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238
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Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 8:42 am Post subject: |
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My experience is in China, and TBH, I think most schools will give off a sketchy vibe. Possibly/probably more so at jr high/high school level as I dont really think you would be viewed as much more than an 'edutainer'. Chinese students are under a huge amount of pressure to pass university entrance exams and oral English is really going to be a low priority in most places.
For that reason, I think a decent looking CV, and a short Skype interview to check accent and appearance will be pretty much normal. Language schools might be different as some operators in the private sector may be looking for more than a public school employer. (note - not all, some may also just want a white face to bring in the students).
I worked in a middle school for a short time teaching senior high students. Think big classes, not streamed by language ability and a mandate of 'just speak English to them', and you have a typical middle school setting. I wouldnt do it again TBH...but thats just me, and Im sure not all schools are the same.
When you do find something that appeals, you need to get some contact details from other teachers. Ask them, and get a better feel by their responses, remembering that schools are probably only going to give you contact details for the happier FTs! |
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timteach
Joined: 21 Jun 2012 Posts: 13
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Andrew Jordan
Joined: 25 Sep 2011 Posts: 26
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 1:16 pm Post subject: |
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Keep looking, Don't settle for a school that feels sketchy. A few years ago in another country I took I job with a sketchy school because I loved the city it was in. That was a BAD situtation. Don't work for a school you are not comfortable with.
A few months ago I got my first job in China. I interviewed nearly 20 schools, only a few gave me a good impression. Most interviews went the same; "hello nice to meet you. <standard description of school and job offer.> Do you have any questions" I always had some questions prepared and schools that just repeated the non-responsive information from the intro I told I was no longer interested. 3 schools gave complete information and responded to all my questions and those were the only schools I considered.
Notice I said I interviewed the school, none of them asked any questions of me. It was assumed that they would offer me a job as long as I spoke without a heavy accent and didn't say something really bad. Every interview that I did not end early, ended with a job offer and I am not much more qualified than the OP.
The job I went with offered to set up an interview with current teachers and followed through on questions I asked that they could not answer right away. I have been here 4 months and am very happy with my choice. |
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