Job Discussion Forums

lemke2020 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 36

Hello everyone, I've gotten some great advice from some of the members on this board. I have a question I'd like to ask everyone though: Is it too late to get a job at a university? I am particularly interested in working in Zhuhai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen areas I believe. I have a BA, tefl, and 8 years of experience.

Also, I looked at other options, namely institutes, but they don't seem nearly as good of a deal. If it is indeed too late for a university, can anyone recommend a language school that's halfway decent in the areas I mentioned? I responded to an ad at Meten, a business English school, but I read some reviews that basically said to steer clear. I'd like to work 20 hours or less at my 'visa job' and get some privates on the side.

I pray none of the comments above will spawn any hateful reproaches, slander, or ill-will. Thank you citizens of the world.

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

It's not too late, but if you get a job in a week's time, it may be a bit of a rush to get your criminal check, invitation letter etc in time for the start of September.

There won't be a lot of Uni jobs out there. I don't know what the percentage of unis that still need teachers will be. I'd guess about 1%. You've also got the problem that even at those Unis that still need teachers, the key staff may all be on holiday at the moment. You have significantly missed the boat for getting a job, but there will be teachers who have dropped out at the last moment somewhere.

Don't restrict yourself to adverts. Get a list of Unis and apply to all of them, sending them copies of your degree / TEFL cert, passport, photo. If you restrict yourself to just the 3 areas you mention, then there's a good chance you won't get anything. You don't have time to apply to a few and then wait and see before casting your net wider. If this is what you want I'd suggest applying for a few hundred Unis in the next couple of days.

Generally speaking using recruiters is a really bad idea, but it could be a good option here. Just bear in mind that there will usually be a reason why there's still vacancies at that uni, and it will probably be bad. You'd be more likely to get an enjoyable job if you waited till next Feb.

lemke2020 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 36

Thank you Vike. It sounds like pickings are slim. You say February would be a good time to look for uni jobs. Would that be to secure employment for September?

rioux · Joined: 26 Apr 2012 Posts: 880

Posted today:

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/index.cgi?read=29313

Toast · Joined: 08 Jun 2013 Posts: 428

lemke2020 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 36

Aha, thanks for that info. I also read some reviews about that link that was posted on this website http://www.tefl.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=2328&start=520 It sounds like it's basically 2 hours from civilization. Beggars can't be choosers though.

So, I could start the job search within the next couple of months for unis. You mentioned the areas I am interested in are most people's first choice. Are there any tier-2 cities you'd recommend?

One other thing- is it possible to begin at a language school and then seek employment elsewhere or must the term of employment stated in the contract be completed? Not sure how strict they are about that.

GuestBob · Joined: 18 Jun 2011 Posts: 270

lemke2020 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 36

Yes, good point Bob. Hmmm, sounds like I should wait a couple months to begin my job search.

mwaltman · Joined: 07 May 2013 Posts: 78

nathrodgers · Joined: 20 Aug 2012 Posts: 19

I found a job in September, and started at the end of October. Rather unusual arrangement for a university, but things went ok. My uni in Wuzhou (4 hours west of GZ) is still after teachers...I'm guessing others are too...Apply directly to the school, and ask some recruiters what they have. I agree though, the best unis in the country are long gone...but it depends on what you are after- the experience, or a career building opportunity..

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

My uni in Fujian is hiring.
Send me a PM if interested in more info.

MozartFloyd · Joined: 12 Jul 2013 Posts: 66 Location: Guangdong, China

There are still quite a few Uni jobs around China. Sure you could wait until February, or you could do a year in a smaller city, and gain a year's experience while you're sitting around hoping for the big bang to happen at home. More likely than not, the really desirable jobs won't be available in February as teachers holding them are less than likely to give them up.

You can live in a smaller city or rural area and save a lot more money than you might in a big city like Guangzhou. And come spring and early summer, when the universities start looking for teachers, you'll be in-country with a year under your belt. Don't sell the smaller gigs short. Many are better than the "big gigs" and the quality of life is not to be missed.

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

Though I returned from China last year, I still watch the market and have seen public university jobs available year round. The ones that still have openings in October might be better left alone. They don't have teachers for a reason.

I don't endorse the following website, but to get an idea of what's available throughout China, visit abroadchina.org. It'll give you an idea of what's available and where as well as available pay scales and amenities.