Job Discussion Forums

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Best to post your questions on the China forum: http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewforum.php?f=9

PittsburghSound · Joined: 27 Aug 2014 Posts: 103 Location: Colombia

The DUI may or may not be a deal breaker. It's best to ask schools you're interested in right up front. You will need to provide a police letter for most jobs it seems.

But if the school really needs you and thinks you're a good candidate otherwise, they might put in a "favor" for you, if you know what I mean. In China many people who oversee the daily operations of schools have ties with the government (this is true both with public and private schools). This can work to your advantage if you're a less than desirable candidate and the school really needs someone.

In any event, it would definitely be better to post in the China forum. Maybe things have changed since I researched teaching there.

Xie Lin · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 731

Ouch! Patrick, that is a pricey course--most Trinity cert courses are around half that, or slightly more than half. I don't know your location--if you are still in the US, check out the Trinity course in Toronto. At $1,000, it's the least expensive that I've come across. Taking a course in the city/region where you will be working does merit paying a somewhat higher price because of the knowledge of the local job market, personal contacts, and networking possible during the course. Just weigh the benefits against the added cost, because in your case that's a steep price bump you're paying to do it there.

.

peripatetic_soul · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 303

Hello, Patrick,

If you completed community service or attended a defensive driving course, wouldn't that make you eligible to have your record expunged? I definitely would NOT tell institutions up front about this offense.

We don't know all the circumstances of your DUI, but best to check your state's statutes and how to eradicate that record, if you can.

There are definitely cheaper programs to pursue in other countries.

As PittsburghSound suggested, it's best to post this on the China forum. I taught there back in the 80s.

Good luck.

PS