Job Discussion Forums

[yamahuh]

Due to work commitments and a race schedule over here in Canada I cannot start any teaching positions until the end of October or beginning of November. Is this going to severely limit my ability to find a job in China?
I have a B.A and Tesol Certificate and some teaching experience (I teach motorcycle rider training at a local college, so not particularly relevant perhaps)
I'm thinking I may be able to find work in a language centre or something but don't know enough to know for sure....

[Louis]

I had a similar problem, I couldn't leave Canada before mid-October. What I did instead was to wait for the 2nd semester (February.) I signed on for a year, so I'm teaching the 1st semester in September. What this means is that I get 2 1/2 months of paid vacation during the summer, instead of the month (give or take) that is winter break. I highly recommend this option.

[julian.d]

In general many schools are looking for new teachers to begin from the middle of April for summer camps and for the beginning of September to coincide with the new school year, but this is only a rough guide. Any number of schools are looking for new teachers throughout the year and you can easily get a position in China at anytime. With your qualifications you won't have any problems finding something at almost anytime.

[Roger]

September is the beginning of the school term at PUBLIC schools; if you arrive later your likely taker will be a training centre. That's significantly different work though you might end up working in public schools, being farmed out to them (which is illegal).

[yamahuh]

[Louis]

It is in fact a private school, though there is no "outside work" (ie. having to teach at different schools); my hours are all done here on campus. The management here is honest and flexible, which is not always the case, be it a private or public school. Best of luck in your job hunt.

[yamahuh]

What, in your experience is the best way to find jobs that are outside of the regular semester system? Because I am looking ahead a few months to a start date, will there be job postings now for November starts?
I talked to a recruiter in Toronto the other day and they were surprised when I said that I couldn't start in September although they said that they would look around for me.
Because I need to get a realistic close date for the house, I also need to know when I can start work, I really don't want to just show up 'in-country' so to speak and take my chances. I'm 38 and bringing my wife so I need a bit of security waiting for me (yup, i'm officially an old fart!!)

All the info is greatly appreciated,

Chris

[lagerlout2006]

You are not old for China...Don't worry you can find something for Nov 1 but I see your point you want to know in advance..."In China" is pretty open..Decide what part of China you want or don't want to be in. And what type school do you want--language mill? College? elementary?

I would suggest this...When you are ready buy one-way or open return tickets...Get 30 day visas in Toronto (they active when you arive)--not a 6 month F visa or you might have trouble..If Hong Kong has cheaper flights you can get the visa there in a day...Contact places and tell them when and where you are arriving
No need of an agent unless he has something you can't find yourself...
You can also get work visas before leaving home but you will be couriering (?) things back and forth and running around with medical papers...Most important thing is picking a good place to work and this is not an exact science ...Good luck.