Job Discussion Forums

[MrWright]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[johntpartee]

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]

[MrWright]

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]

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

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.

[MrWright]

Wow! Thanks for the guidance. You know what, I don't know those aspects of English. Would I learn that level of detail from a TEFL course? Is it something you pick up along the way, through experience? Self-study? What you said makes total sense. I think there are many things from my education and experience that will help me be a good ESL teacher, but most of the skills related to the technical side of language pedagogy are definitely absent as of now. I am confident I can acquire them with time and effort, but still would like some advice as to where and how to do so. Thanks all!

[Denim-Maniac]

Most people dont know such things ... and many teachers in China also dont know such things. A CELTA introduces language awareness, common methodology and things like IPA transcribed speech ... but to really learn and know such things you need to continue learning and studying after the CELTA. Advanced qualifications like MA and DELTA explore grammar and language awareness a lot more.

An author I like is Scott Thornbury. He has a number of books in a 'how to ...' series which detail how to teach grammar and vocabulary. I also learnt a lot from my textbooks (I use Face2Face) as grammar points, target language, and features of connected speech and sentence stress are all part of their learning program.

We always have debates on the forum about the usefulness of such knowledge ... there are a few current debates actually, look for a thread about 'a candid view of EFL in China'. A few of us support the idea of learning more as teachers and having a greater understanding of how language works ... the majority probably feel thats not their job, but the two really cant be separated in my opinion.

I should also add ... it would appear you have a preference for the university sector ... that sector isnt the same as back home, with university work often being the least skilled and often more likely to be the oft discussed 'dancing monkey' routine. Academic support is minimal, classes are too big and rarely streamed by ability. Materials supplied may be inadquate or absent and the mandate is often just 'make em speak'. Many training centres also have their own problems ... but the likelihood of manageable class sizes and usable materials is far greater, especially if you focus on adult students. Hours of work are considerably worse though, and the demands of more contact hours and being more responsible for in-class performance may be more stressful than university work.

[Non Sequitur]

If you're looking for something different from what you are doing now then your bog standard uni gig is for you.
Did you consider my questions on timing ie Sept 2014?
If you're ready to rock n roll by December then consider a Feb start gig.
Only you know why you're selling a house but it clearly signals a new start!
That being the case go for a position with the least downside to start with and then branch out from there.
On the Dalian v Qingdao thread currently running, a poster mentions Dalian Maritime is still advertising.
I enjoyed my time there and if you are likely to be available sooner rather than later it could be worthwhile starting a conversation with them.

[BlueBlood]

NS, I'm still smiling! I actually didn't start this thread, nor have I posted on it (until now, of course). Nonetheless, the OP almost sounds like he could be me in many ways.

Yes, I've thought of the timing a great deal, and just learned I may not be able to bolt as soon as I had thought. We'll see. My fear is getting "caught" without a place to live for a long period of time Stateside after my house sells, and before I can get a gig in QD. That's life.

As I read on, the language mill circuit reminds me of my life (about 500 years ago) teaching English in Taipei. Definitely not what I'm looking for. Decompression, that's the ticket for me, even if pay is low and academic support is nonexistent.

If I can swing a visit before the big move, I'd love to meet up with many of the posters here. Indeed, if any FT reading this comes by Portland, Oregon, a pint's on me--and we know our beer here!

[Non Sequitur]

[MrWright]

I'm in a contract for this academic year, so it would have to be next summer. I am looking for a lower stress scenario. But I don't want to be paid peanuts either. I'm considering Epik, but am looking at all my options now. I have considerable tattoos, although they can be covered up by long sleeve shirts. I guess they actually ask on the Epik app if you have tattoos. I don't think it's a deal breaker, but it could be. Also, China just seems like a nicer country to live in, for many reasons. All of this is speculation of course, as I've never taught in either country. I do want to teach my students well, and for them to learn, but I've had my fill of running around with no head. I'd like to find a happy medium. Sounds like the language schools in China tend to be better than Hagwons in Korea. Again, speculation.