Job Discussion Forums

[Twizman]

I am a 27 year old student graduating at the end of the year (Grad Diploma in Primary teaching, will have Master by end 2016).

I want to start my career in China. My parents and family friends however recommend getting at least a year of experience in my home country (Australia) first. My mum is quite distressed.

Is Chinese teaching experience valuable for my job prospects back home? Or will it possibly become much harder to find a job after 1-2+ years away? I don't want to harm my future job opportunities in Australia.

UPDATE question: Will my employment chances in China decrease significantly at 30+ years of age, if I decide to get a few years of experience at home first? One of the arguments of my family is that I can do overseas teaching anytime.

One last question- would it be wise to take a short trip to China to see if I like it there? Thanks

[Big Worm]

It depends on what you want to do.

[spiral78]

..and where you want to do it.

If your goal is to teach EFL in Asia, China's an ok place to start out, probably.

However, in the big picture 1-2 years is neither going to make or break your CV regardless of how your mother feels about it

[Twizman]

If I decide to start my career in Australia first, will it become much harder to find work in China if I am at 29-30+ years of age? I am 27 now.

I have heard that employers much prefer to hire younger people, in the business of EFL teaching.

[nomad soul]

[wangdaning]

I would say do what you want. At 27 you are wanting to listen to you mom, my mom has advise, but knows better than to tell me.

[JamesD]

My two cents, do it now.

Scenario 1: You come to China and get some practical classroom time under your belt while dealing while culture shock. Trial by fire.
After a couple of years you head back to Aussieland with cross-culture experience that shows employers you can deal with a variety of issues.

Scenario 2: You teach for a few years and then say to your employer, "This blows, time to realize my dream. Think I'll take off for China for a few years."
After teaching in China you head back home and a school asks you, "Why did you teach here for two years and then take off?"
Your reply..."Just had an itch."

Do it at the beginning of your career rather than later.

As for

[wangdaning]

My brother, who is right about to get Aus citizenship, was listing jobs in his area. Comparable with here, so why leave.

[Non Sequitur]

The best thing to take away from a stint in China is speaking Mandarin.
This isn't to say that lungs that glow in the dark and perforated colons aren't great work stories.
Masters in liberal arts plus Mandarin could be a great entre into the Aust diplo service.
Think about it.
Best

[R.U.SERIOUS?]

I agree with Non Sequitir... your teaching gig in China won't even help you get a job at a kindergarten in Yemen but if you can learn Mandarin while you are here you open doors with law firms, international trade companies, immigration and logistics companies, etc.

[nomad soul]

[Twizman]

Thanks so much everyone! After talking with a vice principal, family and friends I've decided it would be best to first get some experience here. Then I can pursue my China dream.

[nomad soul]

[Non Sequitur]

[nomad soul]