Job Discussion Forums

[nellychess]

I have been trying to figure it out by doing some online research, but I don't reallu understand entirely what they are for, and what goes on at them.

I am a tennis coach, and would love to teach English and tennis somewhere. It would help me to at least understand this a bit.

Cheers

[dean_a_jones]

As far as I know they are universities whose main focus is on sports and sports science, although they will offer a range of majors (and students will be learning English). This seems to be the way Chinese universites are generally set up, as around here there are "normal" universities (teacher training), "science and technology" universities, "agricultural" universities etc.

The advice you received in previous threads was pretty good. Most schools will be looking for an English teacher, and it will be harder if not impossible (even at a sports uni) to find full-time work teaching tennis officially. But picking up some lessons part time etc. should be possible, espeically with private students (either university students, or simply those who want to improve their game). You might find this is easier at a sports university as the facilities should be better. Once you are at a place like that other opportunities might come about, as many things are done here by word of mouth.

So you might start contacting these schools now with your CV and cover letter if you are hoping to start in September. I would highlight information that makes you qualified to teach English as they might ignore you altogether if you lead with the tennis stuff, so write your CV accordingly. Here is a list of some of the sports universities in China:

http://www.at0086.com/rank/en-us/20081220155350578.html

[doogsville]

But be aware that there is a difference between learning English and learning in English. Is your Chinese good enough to coach tennis in Chinese? I think it will be difficult to find a university that coaches Chinese students in English, and I would think that most sports teachers are probably going to communicate with each other and the university hierarchy in Chinese too, though that's pure conjecture on my part. Perhaps you could find an International school that needs a tennis coach.

[nellychess]

Im definitely patient with the tennis, and know that my main focus needs to be English. I have taught ppl who don't speak English before. After some time, I think I could get it.

If I get a job at a Uni, and am willing to work hard, should I be able to pick up extra work teaching English or something else?

I just want to figure out how I can beat Korea money, then I'm all in with China.

[nellychess]

Axtually, for a while, even a year or so, I'd be happy just to teach English and just play some tennis. It would give me time improve my Chinese, and then there are many types of places I think that I could start a tennis program. I have developed a great system for teaching kids here in the US as young as 3, and I don't need a real tennis court, just some space.

I train coaches here as well. I don't really want to teach tennis full time. I am actually very excited about teaching English, and getting good at it.

[hilena_westb]

Reading the rules and regulations regarding foreign experts, you would find that teachers/instructors for a thing like tennis is not covered under the FEC process. China has more than enough sports teachers of its own. It's non-native things like English that requires foreign experts.

For what possible reason would you give up the supposed perfect life and gig in the U.S. to come to China and make nothing teaching tennis? Multiple threads you tout your qualifications, but it seems a bit odd to me. For me, I came here as an exchange program with my employer university in the US with a Chinese one.

Seems making $200 an hour teaching tennis should be no issue back home.

In my opinion, you're barking up the wrong tree on this goal.

[LarssonCrew]

PM Sent..

[nellychess]

[dean_a_jones]

Don't sweat it OP--just a quick glance at pretty much every post they have ever submitted is a variation on the same thing--patronising, with an air of superiority and a general waste of time in terms of construtive feedback, wrapped in a tone of general smugness and "I know better" homespun wisdom that allows them to shrink back into the anonimity the internet provides when questioned about said tactics.

You are not "barking up the wrong tree" and you understand that you will be coming here primarily as an English teacher who, perhaps in their spare time, can also cultivate or make the most of another hobby/skill. Plenty come here with that idea and find success, so if you keep doing your research and avoid making common mistakes for first timers here, am sure you can make a good go of it.

[nellychess]

Thanks, I know. I'm not sure she is just trying to be difficult, I just think she is one of those people who has to put everyone in a box. I can understand that type of thinking, but I find it shocking that someone who has lived in another country, and experienced a completely different culture, would not allow their mind to grow, and open up to the possibility that we are all unique, and complex individuals, and that NO ONE"S path is exactly the same. I would dare to say that those who are as stereotypical as you can get as far as ESL teachers, all have unique lives, pasts, and so on.

I really feel sorry for someone who can't see that. My response hopefully will help her see that, because she too has a unique life that I would have no idea about, so I don't hold any ill feelings towards her, or others like her on these forums.

[nellychess]

[Non Sequitur]

[NoBillyNO]

[choudoufu]

[Non Sequitur]

Have also PMd OP