Job Discussion Forums

yuuzan · Joined: 20 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

Hi all,

I'm interested in teaching in Shanghai. I have a CELTA and a Master's but I'm a non-native speaker (i.e. not from Canada, US, UK, OZ, NZ, RSA).

Is it actually possible for me to work in Shanghai legally (on a Z-visa)? I know many people teach on an F-visa but I'd really rather do things on the up-and-up.

Would love to hear from non-native Teachers in Shanghai!

Cheers!

Shanghai Noon · Joined: 18 Aug 2013 Posts: 589 Location: Shanghai, China

It depends. What did you major in at university?

yuuzan · Joined: 20 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

Shanghai Noon · Joined: 18 Aug 2013 Posts: 589 Location: Shanghai, China

Hmm... That's tricky. As of January 1st, 2013, SAFEA requires that native English teachers hold both a bachelor's degree (in any discipline) and some kind of TESOL certificate (a CELTA would be totally fine). Non-native speakers need to have majored in ESL education in their home country. However, a school might be able to convince SAFEA to grant you a Foreign Expert Certificate for you to work as a subject (non-ESL) teacher, though I can't imagine that there is much demand in Shanghai for Asian Studies. If there is something teachable in your bachelor's degree, maybe you could try to sell yourself to a lower tier international school; the kind that specializes in sending Chinese students to study abroad. There are many of these all across China.

Best of luck! Smile

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

Shanghai Noon · Joined: 18 Aug 2013 Posts: 589 Location: Shanghai, China

yuuzan · Joined: 20 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

Shanghai Moon: Thanks for the replies. It's a shame that nationality is more important than actual qualifications. I'll see if any opportunities present themselves but it looks like countries other than China would offer better options.

Choudoufu: I hold a Dutch passport. English is my primary language though, but unfortunately the regulations don't recognize the existence of native-level English speakers outside of a select group of countries.

Shanghai Noon · Joined: 18 Aug 2013 Posts: 589 Location: Shanghai, China

The tricky part of your question is the master's degree. I don't know if that changes anything. My school has a non-native with a master's who got an FEC, but he did it some years ago in another province.

yuuzan · Joined: 20 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

Tricky is definitely the right word. I've sent out some applications and am getting the impression that it's possible - but not easy - to get a position. Should I be lucky enough to secure a position in SH, I'll be sure to post about it here.