Job Discussion Forums

[MrJaredGamble]

Alright, folks,

I've been researching, reading forums, watching Youtube videos, and talking to recruiters for three weeks, and I can honestly say that I am more confused about teaching China than I was when I started looking.

I'm an experienced American English teacher with a degree in English, a teaching certificate, 6 years of teaching high school, a couple of published articles, and experience as a university tutor, tutoring both students and faculty. What is the ideal goal for me if I want to teach in China (which type of school), and how do I find a school with an opening?

I'm losing hope here. The discussions of private vs international vs public vs university vs private lessons are endless. The talk of dishonest contracts is endless. The talk of teaching hours and "office hours" is endless.

After reading the China Foreign Teachers Union website and the MiddleKingdom website, I'm so paranoid about getting scammed or lied to by schools that I can hardly find a website or posting that doesn't seem fishy.

Somebody - please help me figure out what I should be looking for and doing.

Thanks,

J

[nomad soul]

[Shanghai Noon]

[MrJaredGamble]

Nomad Soul -

I want to teach EFL.

That's the thing - I could teach either adults or children happily. I really could. I love teaching, and if I'm good at anything, it's teaching. So, I want to do whatever is reasonably profitable and not crazy stressful (had enough of that).

[jaybet3]

MrJared,

I just went through the process of finding a job in China for the first time. I was also very paranoid about all the negative info I've read about. It was a stressful but exciting process.

My approach was this: First I decided where I wanted to work and did some research. I ruled out the bigger cities and settled on either Chongqing or Chengdu in Western China.

Then I decided I wanted either middle school or University. I was in contact with many agents and only worked with the ones who I thought were professional. In less than a month I had two solid offers.

The most important was talking to teachers who were working at the schools. Both people I talked to answered all my questions and were quite helpful.

I initially decided to go with the middle school, but then changed my mind after the agent came back to me with some ridiculous negative comments from the school. I was always a bit reluctant taking this job because of some things I read on the internet, but I fact checked them by contacting another teacher working for the company and discovered that my suspicions were unwarranted.

Finally, I signed a contract with the University because I thought it would be easier working with adults for my first job in China. The man I talked to at the school said the students were glad to help show the teachers around so I figured a network like that would make the transition easier than working at a middle school and being on my own.

Anyway, you have much better credentials than me so you should have no problem finding a job. Do your homework. Research different cities and speak to teachers at those schools.

Good luck

[MrJaredGamble]

Thanks so much for responding.

What agents did you work with? I'm in contact with Footprints right now, and they're pushing a job with New Oriental in Beijing, which is where I think I want to go.

I didn't realize I could teach at a University without previous uni experience or a Master's. That could be cool. If you teach at a uni, are you just doing oral English?

Thanks,

J

[nomad soul]

[MrJaredGamble]

I don't have a TEFL certificate, but I'd be willing to get one this summer if it would help.

I haven't taught EFL, but I've had English Language Learners (some who knew no English) in my classes in US high schools most of my 6 years.

J

[nomad soul]

Others can correct me on this, but my understanding is that by focusing on TEFL (rather than English/Language Arts), you likely won't qualify to work at (true) American-curriculum international schools, which generally require licensure and experience relevant to the teacher's subject area.

[MrJaredGamble]

Nomad Soul - I'm confused by your last comment. I just told you that I don't have any ESL experience, but that I do have 6 years experience teaching English in US high schools. I'm not necessarily trying to get a job in an international school. Like I originally said, I'm just trying to figure out specifically where I should be applying.

[roadwalker]

If you have a bachelors or higher and two years teaching experience (anywhere), then you are qualified for any Chinese university. Of course some universities will have a bigger applicant pool than others, so competition forces higher quals. Your qualifications would be very much welcomed. At most universities, you would be asked mainly to teach oral English. Other subjects include business English (no matter your background in many cases); writing; literature; listening; and a few others. You may be asked to teach English majors, where the level would be probably fairly good (at least good enough that some or more students understand your instructions). You may also / instead be asked to teach English to other majors, where sometimes the level is very good and other times not so much. The work load would definitely be a lot lower than your high school offers, especially after you figure out what to prepare.

The language schools vary widely, so ask about specific schools in specific locations. There will be longer hours with fewer vacation days but some on these boards prefer those jobs over the universities and public schools.

I like the universities, but no school, public or private is without some problems, whether it's the housing, office politics, bosses or colleagues. There will be something to deal with, in addition to living in another culture. Good luck.

[Spatula City]

I would say stop being paranoid, focus on international schools and universities, exercise a reasonable degree of caution... and if there's a problem, deal with it when it comes up. You're more than qualified for a uni and you can definitely get into an international school as well-- they're the best options. My understanding is that the latter will work you harder, but you won't have unprofessional peers, which can be a little demoralizing... especially if the uni thinks they're great because they do the white monkey thing well, and pushes you to be more like them.

There are bad universities and international schools I'm sure, but I think that they are usually much better than a bad private school. I've heard of some sweet setups at high schools as well... but there are no guarantees.

My advice would be to focus on the area you want to live in so that you have a good quality of daily life, and if it goes badly then it's a lesson learned and you can hopefully find something better for the next time.

[Non Sequitur]

University should include vocationals as conditions and students are not much different.
Maybe 'public tertiary' would be a better tag.
My problem with high schools is the impact of the Gao Kao which comes in a Y3.
The only problem OP has if he takes a lowly FT job in a uni or vocational AND THEN wants to move across to an international is a question:
'Why didn't you apply for an international job first up?'
Also what you call 'ESL' will probably be only the Oral English component in the public schools - both secondary and tertiary.

[MrJaredGamble]

First off - thanks for all the earnest advice; I'm start to look at this a little more reasonably.

Second - y'all have great screen names.

Third - Am I too late to apply for Chinese uni jobs?

Finally - a Footprints recruiter told me about a job as a "test coordinator"/"academic counselor" with New Oriental in Beijing. He claims I'll be helping students with SAT and AP applications and prep. They would pay 20,000 rmb/mo. I'm trying to negotiate for housing. It's a new position, so I haven't found much online. The "student enrollment bonus" seems fishy. I know New Oriental is huge, and I don't have the specific school name yet so I can't do any specific research. Thoughts? Experiences with New Oriental? Also, is this a language mill or what?

Again - massive thanks! If I get myself to Beijing, supper and beers on me!

J

[Non Sequitur]

No not too late, but follow quite a few conversations with schools until you have something in the bag.
There is no such thing as a sure thing and in China - double that in spades.
As to the New Oriental job I tend (as others will have noted ), to preach a 'least downside' mantra for your first job.
I've seen too many people who would have made great teachers crash and burn because of too high expectations.
Keep the conversation with NO going, but apply for a few regular uni jobs at the same time.
Best

NS