Job Discussion Forums

[eddie-johnson]

would it be possible for both my wife and I to get teaching jobs in China, i have a degree and Tefl certificate but unfortunately my wife doesnt but she holds a Tefl certificate.

[Simon in Suzhou]

Is she white? Blonde hair and blue eyes?

Silly, but yeah, such things make a difference. Is she a native speaker? She can probably get a gig working illegally somewhere (not that I'm recommending anything). As she is probably going to be attached to your visa as a spouse and won't need housing, she should look into some part-time work at private academies near your workplace. I'd look for cash payment every day or at least every week at the beginning until you have a good feel for the employer, as you won't have any legal recourse should they try to screw you over.

[eddie-johnson]

Lol she is fair but not blonde and blue eyes.
But yes she is a native speaker.
Would she not be able to get a teaching position?

[vikeologist]

She will probably be able to be on your visa.

This will make it a lot easier for her to get a teaching job, because employers won't have to get a visa for her.

If you were at a language mill, then it would be very easy for them to throw some lessons her way, and of course very cheap for them,, as they would not have to go to the considerable expense of an extra visa for her. presumably they will also be able to avoid tax.

It would be illegal, and working illegally is a bad idea in China. I would just say that if you are at the same school, it would be less likely that you would be caught.

However the most profitable and safe thing your wife could do is to teach privates. Still illegal, but very likely to remain under the radar.

There's a risk factor, and in case you don't know, that risk includes possible jail time before being deported.

if you're asking if she will be able to get a legal job, the answer is no. (Standard This is China disclaimer. Anything is possible in a country this large and lackadaisical when it comes to laws).

[Deats]

In 2009 my SA friend and his wife went to China. He only had TEFL, she had TEFL + BA. They both worked legally in a kindergarten in Heilongjiang.

Back then it was possible to work without a degree. I think it depends on the province. Certainly there are places advertising that you don't need a degree.

You are in a stronger position than many people as you are a couple. This is highly desirable for schools as they fill 2 places and only have to pay for 1 apartment. Also, there is the advantage that you can cover each others lessons if you are ill.

[eddie-johnson]

Thanks for the advice. I have been told that its increasingly difficult now because most schools want a degree. Do any of you know of any schools or agencies i could contact that would take us or assist. Also i have heard from 1 agency that most schools takes u.s and uk citizens only and seeing we from south africa its going to be more difficult to get in, is there any truth in that?

[vikeologist]

The 7 English speaking countries, in rough order of desirability for the Chinese, are The USA, The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Being from any other country will make obtaining a teaching job more difficult, though not by any means impossible.

South Africa is fine, though you will be at the bottom of the desirability totem pole.

As for Heilongjiang, it's possible (indeed likely) that some provinces ignore the relevant laws. (Most laws are pretty much ignored, or applied inconsistently). I don't know to what extent. ignoring a law is one thing, but I doubt that local government offices advertise their non-compliance. I don't doubt what deats says though.

I also want to echo what deats said. Being a couple is a huge advantage, and far outweighs being South African. All 7 nationalities above should have no real problems because of their nationality.

[Simon in Suzhou]