Job Discussion Forums

dandy-lion · Joined: 19 Jul 2015 Posts: 9 Location: Australia

Hi all, I originally posted this in the Newbies forum, but realised that it might be better to post it here.

I'm looking to get a year long teaching job in China (more specifically, Shanghai), but I'm a bit worried about the age restrictions. A lot of the job listings have a requirement of 22+ in terms of age (because of the law or something), but I'm only 21 and won't be turning 22 anytime soon.

So I was wondering if it would even be possible for me to find a job, seeing as I'm 'underage' so to speak.

Also, I've been told that there is some discrimination when it comes to selection of employees, as a lot of places would prefer Caucasian over Australian-Chinese (which is what I am), and I was wondering if that would become a big obstacle when going through the whole application/interview process. English is my first language and I also speak basic Mandarin as well as some Shanghai dialect, if that helps.

I'm completing my BA in November and finishing my TESOL in early December.

Any sort of advice would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Hermosillo · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 7:45 am Post subject:

It's better that they spell it out, than waste your time with no intention of hiring you. You can add gender discrimination to the list, also. I see that in a lot of Elementary positions, and that is true in the US, too. I haven't heard of a law in China stating 22, especially since you will have a BA. Perhaps, others will give you a better answer. As far as race...the "white face" seems to be important in the English programs, where the parents are paying a lot. Tons of jobs out there....if they say 22, just move on.

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

To comment on the age issue, this is in place due to the current requirement that one needs to have a University degree plus 2 years of relevant post graduate experience. When this was implemented in 2014 it was 24, but seems to have moved backwards to 22. Still, you currently do not meet the requirements.

Having said that, schools are in a tough bind to recruit teachers and some jurisdictions may be willing to waive this requirement. Your options will be limited, and the semi Sino face will hurt your chances, but I think if you really want it you can persevere.

Markness · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 738 Location: Chengdu

Mr. Lion,

I think you'll be fine. Training schools are the ones who have hiring practices that are questionable, but even they can't afford to be picky as they tend to have people who quit all of the time because of the corrupt "school" owners.

Public schools/universities hire for august term in about may/june, and for the february start they hire around christmas time or just before. I highly recommend going for a public school as you get a pretty sweet package. If you look at mine, my salary is quite good and I only work 4 days a week (and they are only mornings too). I do quite well and have a lot of free time. This allows me to pursue other avenues of attaining income (not like I am hurting), but I mean if you like to play in a band, or have other hobbies you can definitely pursue these if you work at a public school/university and do the job that you truly enjoy.

Oh yes, I forgot, the reason why I mentioned the public schools is that they are usually not racist towards Chinese. They want real teachers (usually), and if you get into a really good one they really don't care what you look like. My school has an African-American dude working there (it's the first time), but the students seem to like him a lot. The only handicap I could see yourself having is if you can't speak any Chinese. It might throw people off, but hey.. at least you won't get stared at all the time by the locals like myself! "Heeelloooooooo!!!!"

3701 W.119th · Joined: 26 Feb 2014 Posts: 386 Location: Central China

Just be clear and upfront with your school/employer - "Can you get me a Z Visa before I leave my home country? Yes or No?". If they can, then you can legally work here. If they're in any way obtuse, move on to the next employer (so many options here).

As Mark said, good schools want good teachers. Simple as that. The kind of places that only hire white faces, I wouldn't want to work there (I'm a white face).

The fact you're Chinese will be great when you're here. I wish I looked Chinese, when I'm walking down the street and everyone is staring at me and taking pictures. It's quite sweet in my small town here, genuine curiosity, but often I kind of just wish they'd just give it a rest. In Shanghai/Beijing, it's actually really annoying. They should know better.

dandy-lion · Joined: 19 Jul 2015 Posts: 9 Location: Australia

Thanks everyone for your advice!

@Markness, I was actually thinking of going for public schools for the exact reasons you just pointed out. However, I feel like the requirements (age, experience etc) might be a lot stricter for schools compared to training centres.

Also, doesn't the school year start in August/September? I didn't realise schools would be looking to hire halfway through the year.

Chroniclesoffreedom · Joined: 13 Jan 2015 Posts: 261

The fact that you are overseas born chinese is actually a good thing. You'll be able to enjoy your time there quite well.

I had a friend who is Canadian Chinese and he told me that after he visited China for just a couple weeks, he never wanted to leave. He literally felt like he was "home".

The rest of us do have some good times, but we also have alot of social limitations on us. It's a good thing for you that you won't have to worry about any of that.

JamesD · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2015 1:19 am Post subject:

hdeth · Joined: 20 Jan 2015 Posts: 583

Teachers drop out midyear or they weren't able to hire enough teachers...so most schools hire somewhat year-round.

The problem with your age is that they will think (and will probably be right) that you are not mature enough. They will also worry if you are a guy about putting you with teenage or college-age girls for long periods of times for reasons that should be obvious.