Job Discussion Forums

[andy afc]

Hi, everyone, excuse me if this has topic has already been discussed, but I couldn't find it anywhere on the message-boards.

I am interested in becoming an IELTS examiner in China, but I am a little confused as to the requirements. I emailed The British Council directly but got a rather unhelpful and patronising reply from their recruitment office.

The job description says a Bachelor degree (I have this, plus a Master's from UK universities - not teaching related) and 3 years full time "relevant" adult English teaching are required. I have worked in Shanghai for 3.5 years, teaching adults full time for Web International English. Does this constitute "relevant" experience? The gist from the British Council seems to be "no", but they were rather unclear about it. If not, then what is "relevant" experience?

Also, I plan to study for Celta, but the IELTS job description says you need one year post Celta certification before you can become an IELTS examiner. Is this true? It seems rather stringent.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Best Regards,

Andy

[nomad soul]

[vikeologist]

Andy - It's a job related to a qualification that they want to be beyond reproach. Yes, it's stringent. Every single part of the job is stringent. The British Council is very stringent.

I don't think working in a language mill would be a disqualification, but I can assure you that the standards for applying are the standards, and not everybody who does meet the standards and applies is successful. It's probably quite tough for them to find enough examiners who can do the job, but that's the way it is.

I was going to say that your OP shows that your OP shows you're not 'examiner material' but you know, there are lots of jobs and organisations that apply their procedures creatively. Trust me. IELTS isn't one of them.

[eihpos]

I recently qualified as an examiner and as vikeologist said, they are very stringent. I wouldn't be surprised if they have robots reviewing the application forms! I think your experience would be fine but they must have a CELTA or equivalent(mine was equivalent) I've heard that they are understaffed in their head offices which could explain why their reply was unhelpful. I had to chase up my application as I hadn't heard anything in 2 weeks. Once I did, they invited me for the interview.

Try the application anyway though as I have also heard that they are desperate for people with the proper visa. I'm going to give it a go at weekends for a while but I think too much of it, along with dealing with the BC, could crack one up!

[andy afc]

Thanks for the advice. The posts don't shed the BC in a great light- it sounds like a pretty grave organisation to work for. Happy New Year to all.

[buravirgil]

[seanophil]

Has anyone been employed in a full time position?

[Bud Powell]

[seanophil]

[seanophil]

[toteach]

A previous colleague took up work as an examiner. When she aged out of China, she was given the opportunity to work as one in North America. She's been with them about 4 years now and continues to enjoy the position.

[seanophil]

[theoriginalprankster]

It's a fantastically tedious job (examining), and some of the strangest people I've met in China work as examiners.

Plenty think they've topped the TEFL pile because they examine.

I walked away from the job (and the nutters), quite happily a while back.

Still certified for another year, so can examine in other countries, ie. a choice of 160 other countries.

Skip if possible. Do if desperate, and have zero personality.

Highlight of the job: examining in Hainan for a weekend, and staying at the Sheraton Resort in Haikou - good fun!

[asiannationmc]

[seanophil]

To be fair though, there are weirdos everywhere in China. And the full time position is 24k for 15 days work. Not to be sniffed at. It would be hard to make that without proper teaching certification in China.