Job Discussion Forums

[Jeremycraig]

I was hoping to get some counsel in what I need to be thinking about while I approach pursuing teaching overseas. A little about myself- I have been to China on 3 different occasions while attending school. I would like to move to the Yunnan province, though am not hung up on that. I will have a Bachelor's degree in August, and hope to obtain a credible TESOL certificate soon afterwards. I am a white guy, 35 years old, married, and with a 4 year old.

A few questions- Is there any alternative to the CELTA which is still reputable and can be done in a one month intensive setting? What is the likely hood of being hired at a University? I am thinking that a University might be less risky than some school I know little about, and have appreciated the university environment; not close minded to other options. How much money do I realistically need to be prepared to take, as in start up cost(s)? Will I have problems obtaining a visa for my wife and child?

What else should I be considering? I appreciate your help, and plan on staying engaged with this forum.

[Non Sequitur]

I have such a cert from Teach International. They have courses in many centres.
It will depend on the school whether you get a visa for your family group.
A state sector uni or vocational college is certainly feasible for you.
Aside from everything else, a 16 to 18 contact hours pw set up will give you necessary family time.
Be really searching about the accom on offer, as your family will have to live in it while you're working.
Heating and A/C should also be discussed depending on location.
Best

[Jeremycraig]

Thanks. Would it be better to do certification in China, or does it not make a difference? I was wondering how likely it is to find employment while there, as in through networking. And, how does one begin to know if a school is legitimate?

[GeminiTiger]

A white guy from Texas with a BA, can find work in many Universities. A certificate is useful and recommended, especially as you apparently don't have the required two year work experience in teaching. It will be easier to find private schools willing to hire you if you don't have any experience, however I would think you could manage something in a Uni.

The visa aspect is the worst part of working in China and I'd imagine it's a hassle/nightmare for a family. You might want to consider a new thread to ask all your 'bringing family to china' questions if that is your intention.

ps- A school is legitimate if they can provide you z-visa paperwork. Do not, do not, do not come on a tourist visa.

[Non Sequitur]

The last line on G-Tiger's post should be tattooed onto every newbies forearm.
You won't be considered without an ESL qual as you have no exp.
It follows that your ESL should be obtained before applying or traveling to China.
Although Delter and other high profile names seemed to be favoured, pretty much any ESL qual will do as long as it has some class time and isn't all online.
I found mine more a personal confidence booster than any particular help in class.
Your family situation is a bit of a liability, so my advice would be set this up as a project for 2013 and seriously get applying from late March for 1 Sept start.

[The Edge]

White
Native English Speaker
Can smile a lot

The job's yours.

[Denim-Maniac]

copied from your other thread ...

As far as salary, there are a few people stateside that might like to help us for a few years.

This does concern me a little ... I have met a few American teachers in China that benefit from some financial help from their church. Please tell me you aren't coming as a missionary / teacher.

[fat_chris]

[The Edge]

Hope he's a Mormon and coming to where I live.
It would be a laugh a minute.
The dude wouldn't last 20 minutes.
Especially if he wore one of those little black rectangle badges.
Can you imagine a Mormon walking down your local 'Bar Street' or Jeifang Lu with a bunch of Latter Day Saints books under his arm?
Not sure about you lads, but I'd p1ss myself laughing.

[Jeremycraig]

I am sure that there is some reason(s) for such reaction. In my estimation those who have done things under the heading of religion have often harmed not helped. I would think in the teaching arena, many times, there might even be divided interests where sub-par work might be seen. Of course, the flip side is that humanitarians, missionaries, etc. have often provided an immense benefit to the surrounding peoples, and while we might not agree with the philosophies they represent, we have to admit they have provided for others needs in ways that governments and individuals have not. Apparently it might be a mistake to lump them all together, though obviously certain reservations are best.

I happen to be a Christian, though not with any mission organization. I am certainly not a mormon, nor even a distributor of religious magazines. I also believe that my life should be devoted to God, where ever I might live. Would my mere presence harm society? I think not, particularly considering that there would be a framework ( whether you agree with the propositional presuppositions is irrelevant) that would regulate behavior; as a result excellencies in the work place and all relationships would be at the forefront.

Does the word missionary apply if I happen to be a Christian and go to another country? Or is it reserved for what is perceived to be some measure of zealousness? Are not we all enthused about something which we tell others about? Is the problem telling others, the manner in which it is done, or the subject which it relates to?

[GeminiTiger]

A missionary (IMHO) is simple a person who breaks the federal law applied to all foreigners living in China.

Thou shall not promote religion with the locals.

A lot of us who have been in China for a while have seen quite a few missionary types of various degrees of annoyance, if I meet a missionary in a school setting I will likely report them to the school and government in various anonymous ways.

[The Edge]

In China...

Having Faith = No Problem.
Missionary = LOL.

Hope this helps.

[Jeremycraig]

I appreciate the sentiment, and do not intend to promote something ( which I take to infer marketing some idea) at the same time I would not deny certain things either.. Certainly there needs to be some tact in the way that one might communicate what ever they believe, and I think that is provided for as well in government stances.
Again I appreciate the reservation on your end, given that you have seen possible annoying behavior. I also understand that you would not some wackos behavior putting your job and such at risk. I cannot help though but wonder if there is some other thing that fuels such annoyance.

[The Edge]

Sounds interesting.
Can you please tell us more?

[Jeremycraig]

Tell you more in reference to?