Job Discussion Forums

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

Hi. I am a licensed teacher in the states; I teach History and Science. I am looking to teach ESL in China. I know, I know, I can teach in int'l schools, and I am somewhat open to that. But I am looking to downgrade my stress levels. My job here has become intolerable with ever multiplying expectations, paperwork, complicated and draconian evaluations and, of course, student misbehavior. I'm just not paid enough to deal with all this bull****. From what I've gathered, intl schools are usually also extreme high-pressure. I want to slow down and enjoy life some before I die. With my qualifications(BA in Education/History, 7 years experience), what does anyone here think my prospects are in China? Do I need a MA to teach at a uni? (I don't have one) I'm reading more and more about esl teachers there have good experiences and saving money. Maybe not universal, but that seems to be the trend from what seen in this forum. Am I misinformed? I would appreciate any input. And for God's sake, be nice! I was taught that if I don't have something nice to say, to remain silent. I am mortified by the piling-on and hating that goes on here. Many nice people offer great advice and for that I, and I'm sure others, am grateful. But the barbs, insults, and character-assassination just isn't necessary, and makes everyone's life more negative. So, please, show some love or move on. Best wishes.

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

BA + experience + US passport = unlimited job opportunities.

you can find tens of thousands of stress-free university positions,
14-16 hours per week/4 days per week. basic oral english.
pay 5-6K rmb/month, accommodations included, 10K airfare.
might get higher pay if teaching subjects.

probably too late to get a good position for the fall, but spring is doable.
you're qualified to teach in all provinces (some have more stricterer
rules), so spend the time and do some research. cities, climate,
pollution, transportation, and so on.

you can save money; how much depends on your lifestyle. our
resident hermits can live on 1000 rmb/month; the playboys need
7-10K.

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

Really? Wow! I am looking to do this next summer, but want to get my plans together soon. A few questions, if you will, and I know they are probably already answered somewhere here on this forum. I apologize for repeating them.

1. So, what documents do I need to gather?
2. What's the best way to go about finding the job? Recruiter? Job boards? Just coming?

I guess that's it. Maybe I'll think of others. Much gratitude.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

What he said. You'll need a copy of your diploma and that's about it.

It's not really a deal-breaker, but are you white?

There are some good recruiters, sometimes they're actually preferable; if there's something in the contract you don't like, they can do the haggling for you.

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

Lol, yes, I'm white. Sad, but I guess that does make a difference.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Yeah, this ain't the US. Occasionally one encounters sex discrimination as well. Both sexes. Kind of unusual, but it happens.

This is teacher hiring I'm talking about, people.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

MrWright · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 167 Location: Arizona

Thanks. I'm looking at the China job board, and it seems to be mostly language schools (mills?). Are those as problematic as they are in Korea? Money seems good, but there must be a catch. For public schools, unis or subjects, should I focus my efforts with recruiter? If so, can anyone recommend a good one(read reputable)? Last question: with my teaching license, is it still necessary to get a tefl certificate? I'll get one if needed. Thank God for this site and all of you! Can't imagine trying to do this without so much help and support. Go you guys!

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=103790

New term starts in a university or college job. Joy oh joy ... it isnt just training centres that can be problematic. In fact, Id never swap my training centre / language mill job for the classroom conditions described above. But thats just me Very Happy

Legally you dont need any sort of TEFL certificate ... but if you do want to take one, you need to look at CELTA / Trinity or SIT qualifications. Something that includes observed teaching practice with real EFL students. Anything online is a waste of time really and isnt likely to teach you anything. From a purely academic standpoint, your qualifications absolutely trump a one month CELTA course ... but there is a simple difference. A month long CELTA is job specific ... and teaching English, in English, to non-English speakers is not the same as teaching history to English speakers. Im sure you are streets ahead of some of us in classroom management and other elements of teaching ... but can you identify the difference between 2nd and 3rd conditional? Can you explain the functions of present perfect progressive? Can you identify the rules for the intruding sound /w/ in /aɪlaɪktuːwiːt/ ?

Some (or even many) will say you dont need to know such things to teach English in China ... but your students may know such things, be confused over such things, and ask questions about such things. Investing time, money or a combination of both in learning how language works is never a bad idea for a language teacher ... and learning common methodology and language awareness isnt a bad idea either. It may not earn you more money ... but it will benefit your teaching and benefit your students too.