Job Discussion Forums

[xaile]

hi forum folks,

first of all about myself in a nutshell: I have a degree, tefl certificate [in-class], years of working expreience [not teaching], ...BUT... I am not a native speaker and nor have the right passport [ I mean uk, us, au..etc]...however, I am white European and hold an EU passport, if it counts at all.

I'm planning to teach in China from next year and a bit confused in which provinces I should try to apply with my qualifications. I understand that restrictions vary from province to province or even city to city but which ones are less strict when it comes to nationality or passport origin. And which ones I should definitely avoid?

Any experience and respond would be appreciated!

[Piper2]

[Piper2]

OP, I have heard conflicting information about not having a passport from those 7 or so countries UK, USA, Australia, etc.

Some posters say any nationality can be employed as an English teacher in China but the process is more complex resulting in schools tending to avoid the additional hassle. Other posters claim regulations that have always been in place are being more strictly enforced in some regions e.g. the bigger cities. But no-one can possibly tell you what your actual experience will be because the Chinese love to bend and break rules. If a school wants you it will go to the effort of obtaining your paperwork.

And thinking about it why would a school not get your paperwork, provided you can speak clearly? Being a non-native English speaker has many benefits including you probably spent years studying the language and have a far better understanding of the grammar and can actually explain why certain language is used -as opposed to many native speakers who may or may not be able to highlight correct usage and may e.g. have a thick accent and tend to use dialect. Indeed, holders of those particular passports might not be native English speakers or even speak English well.

The current focus on those 7 passports is possibly an attempt to increase the odds of obtaining a "better" English teacher. However, though odds may be improved, only a combination of qualifications, proficiency and experience come anywhere close to ensuring what a school gets is an effective English teacher. And an effective English teacher can be of any nationality.

[conwaypk]

[Chinahere]

Hi Op,

"And an effective English teacher can be of any nationality." - Piper2

"My advice to you is just to try..." - conwaypk

These are sound pieces of advice. Bear them in mind.

Don't listen to people who tell you their personal preferences as the general truth about working here in China.

I am not a native speaker but I have been here for a decade now and I have been teaching in reputable and decent government unis and Foreign Languages government high schools legally. Also, I get the same benefits, salary and perks with the native speaker teachers.

So my take, try applying because it's very possible for you to get a teaching job in China legally.

Good luck.

[Shroob]

[Chinahere]

"That doesn't make it impossible for other nationalities, just that they aren't the first pick for jobs usually." - Shroob

You are right. I see this at play in job markets. But my point is it's still POSSIBLE for the OP, given his/her qualifications, to land a teaching job in China.

When I said PERSONAL PREFERENCES, I was referring to posters in this forum imposing their personal preferences as the truth. We are all foreigners here so we have no real control on the laws of China.

After all, the laws and regulations of China are interpreted, imposed and sometimes bended by the Chinese in hiring FTs, not us foreigners.

If my story is probably the exception as you said, then I feel so lucky.

Again OP, Good luck.

[likwid_777]

There were a number of non CANAUSUSUKNZ teachers teaching when I was there. I think the transient ones were teaching illegally, but there was an Eastern European and a Nigerian who had taught there for years. I assume that those two had the proper Z visas. It can be done. As others said, just apply to where you want, and then anywhere else until you get your place. Send a photo of yourself dressed professionally, immaculately groomed, and looking about ten times better than you ever could in reality. Done deal.

[Chinahere]

Another fair advice for you OP.

[xaile]

thanks for the replies guys,
I know I won't be the first choise for many jobs and it will be more difficult to find anything but I'm quite felxible and confident enough about my teaching qualities. and also, I don't want to break any law in China so I wouldn't accept anything if it was illegal. as far as I know the minimum requirements are the degree and two years of work experience, anything else is just a plus in many places.
I'm planning to come around in February just right after the half term, what time should I start to apply for jobs in this case? as I know the very first z-visa should be arranged in my home country, or is that possible to do in a 3rd country?

[Shroob]

[toteach]

[Chinahere]

OP, that's the spirit!

You have a degree and two years work experience as you said then go for it. Try applying. Things are possible especially with a positive attitude like yours.

Let the Chinese decide on your application.

[xaile]

[wangdaning]