Job Discussion Forums

jaybet3 · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: Indonesia

Thanks to those who responded to my previous posts. Job hunting in China has proven to be more complicated than my previous experiences in Indonesia and Malaysia.

I'm a 55 year old American with a BA in Communications and a 120 hour CELTA.

I also have over 5 years teaching experience (primary to adult) in Indonesia and Malaysia.

In Indonesia, it's extremely difficult to get hired because of my age.

Will I have that same problem with China? I know I might not get the best jobs that could go to a younger applicant, but could I still get a job at a government school or university.

FYI: I do not want to work for a language school. Been there. Done that. Don't want to do it again.

Thanks in advance.

mrenglish2nd · Joined: 07 Mar 2016 Posts: 45

You can work in China at any age; there are no limits though some jerko employers will tell you there are. I hired into my last employer-type job, a high school in Guangzhou (I mostly had my own private tutoring business) at over age 60, and one of the teachers there was 68 when he hired in. I have seen what look to me to be reliable accounts of people still working at 70+ in employer-type jobs.

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

55 years old with experience overseas, a Bachelor's and a TEFL course, you shouldn't have much trouble finding a job at a university in China. Start applying now through April for a September (beginning of the school year) start. Good luck.

happeningthang · Joined: 08 Oct 2003 Posts: 117

There is most definitely an age limit in some provinces - with some degree of flexibility.

60 - is it for the most part.

Beyond that you're not eligible for an Expert's Certificate - therefore cannot live and work legally.

Employers will always prefer a younger candidate, but if some places are struggling to find someone then there's always a chance.

Good luck.

Shanghai Noon · Joined: 18 Aug 2013 Posts: 589 Location: Shanghai, China

You had better get on with it. In Shanghai the limit is generally 55 for new applicants and 60 for renewals.

RiverMystic · Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Posts: 1986

One of the teachers at my last school was 70. The key is the admin had connections with the local govt. And that's the way it is in many places. Certainly, no legal issue with 55. But I've seen ads stating an age limit, and sometimes it's as low as 45. Not sure why. Maybe they think the kids will be scared if they are exposed to grey hair - given that even most Chinese men seem to dye away their grey.

mrenglish2nd · Joined: 07 Mar 2016 Posts: 45

There are no age limits; all claims of such are baloney.

Lucky707 · Joined: 04 Mar 2015 Posts: 11

Age limits are a "by school" thing: one school won't hire you if you are over 50 while the one across the street that struggles to find good teachers will tell their 70 year old veteran "you can stay here until you die if you want".

mrenglish2nd · Joined: 07 Mar 2016 Posts: 45

Precisely; and there are absolutely no laws of any kind in any province against working at any age.

mingdynasty · Joined: 18 Mar 2016 Posts: 20

70 isn't that old. You can still teach at 70.

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, at KFUPM (www.kfupm.edu.sa) - there were many teachers there over the age of 60, and quite a few over 70, and even one who reached 81 years in his last contract.

To 'get into' KFUPM one had to be 'under 60' but then, provided the teacher kept performing well in the classroom, with good evaluations, the renewal of contracts was a formality (two year contracts mostly).

Best job in the Middle East. KFUPM. Location - Dhahran, Al Khobar, Arabia Saudia.

Ghost in China

SH_Panda · Joined: 31 May 2011 Posts: 455

Jmbf · Joined: 29 Jun 2014 Posts: 663

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

"Employers will always prefer a younger candidate, but if some places are struggling to find someone then there's always a chance. "

I generally disagree with this. Age and wisdom are still valued highly in China. Some men dye grey into their hair. Some businessmen at a dinner said I was full of sh*t because I said I was 44 and they thought I was 35. Who the hell in the West lies about being older?

Maybe for a kids school this would be a rule, but not elsewhere.

He would have more of an issue if he were to teach in Japan, South Korea and to a certain extent Taiwan.

I actually think the younger laowai have earned themselves a pretty bad reputation in the PRC, and some employers would prefer his stability.

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913