Job Discussion Forums

gdn35 · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 23

In order to teach at a Public School or at a University in China, do you need teaching experience? Quite often, advertisements for jobs will state that 2 years of experience is required. Also, I realise that most jobs are found in September, but are there positions throughout the year too?

I am limiting myself to Public School and University jobs because I won't work on a Sunday. I don't mind a lower salary. Could someone please enlighten me on this? Thank you very much.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Techically, two years experience is required, but.......

Just keep looking, you'll get something.

gdn35 · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 23

Thanks for the reply. Do they hire for starting dates in December and January?

Or would I need to wait for a February start date?

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

February. Good time to start looking is late December. Actually, you can start looking now, at least get your name out there.

gdn35 · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 23

Thanks for the information Smile

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

It depends on the individual university. Most will ask for experience, but will probably be willing to accept novices.

Although there will be less openings for the February semester start, I reckon you'll still have to be selective in where you work. Remember, always ask to speak to current/past foreign teachers!

gdn35 · Joined: 07 Dec 2011 Posts: 23

That makes perfect sense, thank you.

Any recommendations on where to look for University jobs? Or would it be a case of looking through all the job boards on the web?

I've had offers of jobs without wanting to interview me; so I smell a rat with companies like that.

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

Just so you know... even if your normal work days at a uni are Mon-Fri, you might have to work the odd Saturday or Sunday to do make up classes for holidays. It's weird to most FTs, but it's pretty normal in China.

.

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

chinatimes · Joined: 27 May 2012 Posts: 478

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Everywhere I've ever had to teach Saturday and Sunday, they were make-up classes; mid-week "Sports Day" events and things of that nature when a class was cancelled. I'd usually find out about it when I showed up for class and nobody was there. Another uniquely Chinese custom. Tell everybody about the cancelled class except for the teacher.

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

It is a strange thing, the 'make up lesson'. You get a holiday, but you must work extra hours before or after the holiday.... So not really a holiday in my opinion.

I once had a lesson cancelled by the class monitor, only they didn't tell me. They were also upset when I said I wouldn't reschedule the class! Their stupid fault for not telling me, I turned up with a lesson prepared, too bad they didn't go.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

mnguy29 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 155 Location: USA

No, you don't need experience to teach at a public school or Uni in China. My Uni in a very nice southern city just hired a couple from the USA with no experience and no TEFL. I also know about a very good high school who will hire without this.
Yes, if they don't require a personal interview, DO NOT accept! There is a reason for this.