Site Search:
 
Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today!
Teach English Abroad and Get Paid to see the World!
Job Discussion Forums Forum Index Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Working in China

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> China (Job-related Posts Only)
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
nickf85



Joined: 08 Nov 2012
Posts: 9

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 4:25 am    Post subject: Working in China Reply with quote

Hi!!! I'm new to the esl world and want to teach in China. I want to teach in a big city and start relativity soon. Most of what I read online for both schools and recruiters is some good but mostly bad...has anyone had a really positive experience with a school or recruiter over there?!

Thanks!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Ariadne



Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 960

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 5:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have worked for three universities in China. The positives far outweigh the negatives.

Deal directly with schools. Avoid using a recruiter. Decide where you want to work, research schools in the area, then submit applications to the schools that interest you.

Before you make any applications, spend some hours reading the China forums here on Dave's. You will get a feel for salaries, conditions, possible problems, and an idea of what life is like in China.


.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
twilothunder



Joined: 09 Dec 2011
Posts: 442

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 5:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ariadne wrote:

Deal directly with schools. Avoid using a recruiter. Decide where you want to work, research schools in the area, then submit applications to the schools that interest you.

Before you make any applications, spend some hours reading the China forums here on Dave's. You will get a feel for salaries, conditions, possible problems, and an idea of what life is like in China.


All good advice.

I strongly recommend (although some posters disagree with me) choosing a large city that is reasonably easy to get to and from from your home country. If there's an emergency and you need to get home you don't want to be stuck in the backwoods of Xinjiang or Heilongjiang. People would also be less likely to come and visit you. There is less exposure to the Western world and although some people think that they may like 'the real China' the reality can be quite different when you find yourself stuck somewhere with no lifeline Western products, few possible friends and few English speakers around you.

Choose somewhere like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Chengdu, Xiamen, Wuhan (the latter three now recentlty have direct routes to Europe and lots of FDI therefore plenty of foreigners and easy availability of foreign products).

If you want the 'real China experience' you can check it out and move somewhere more remote and authentic later.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
twilothunder



Joined: 09 Dec 2011
Posts: 442

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 5:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Btw, I did note that the OP said he wants to teach in a big city, but Lanzhou and Urumqi are 'big cities' that could be hellish for the China firsttimer.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
it'snotmyfault



Joined: 14 May 2012
Posts: 527

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 5:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you've had a bad experience you're more likely to talk about it. Hence the seemingly endless negative reviews.

There's plenty of people here enjoying their jobs though, both in the public and private sector
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
chinatimes



Joined: 27 May 2012
Posts: 478

PostPosted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 9:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
has anyone had a really positive experience with a school or recruiter over there?!


Yes, there was Jim Bob. He talked to Betty Ray. Now they have a hoot. I am sorry, what were you asking specifically? Wink
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> China (Job-related Posts Only) All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group

Teaching Jobs in China
Teaching Jobs in China