Job Discussion Forums

conoresl1984 · Joined: 15 Feb 2017 Posts: 21

Hi all.

I'm currently based in Vietnam where I have a little over a years experience teaching in various types of centers and public schools and working mostly primary age with a little middle school age. I'm TESOL 120 online certified and from Canada with a Bachelor of Science
My question is: Would it be possible with 1 years experience to get a job in an international school in Guangzhou teaching English? Preferably middle school but would be open to primary also. Or should I wait until I have more experience to apply to international schools in China?
Thanks for any help provided

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Unlikely.

The bear · Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 483

JoThomas · Joined: 08 Jan 2017 Posts: 148 Location: Canada

Most accredited international schools require you have a teaching degree (B.Ed, PGCE). Without one, you will have a very hard time getting into an international school in Guangzhou. Even for teaching EAL you will most likely need a teaching degree. I know someone at my school teaching EAL without a teaching degree, but has a Master's in International Education, a TEFL and three years of ESL experience in Korea.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

+ several years of classroom experience.
A true international will often teach the International Baccalaureate.

getbehindthemule · Joined: 15 Oct 2015 Posts: 712 Location: Shanghai

Some schools (in SH at least) have both an 'International' department (where all or the vast majority will be Chinese students) and an IB department.
You can teach English at these schools (in the international dept) with a degree, tefl and 2 years experience. With a BSc you could also teach Science (which is much more enjoyable in my experience).

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

The one true International School teacher that I met - Clifton (or Clifford) School in GZ, felt that the big thing was a school of sufficient stature that she could happily put in on her CV and return home to take up her domestic career once again.
My recollection was that she took up China when the relieving she was doing at home dried up.
PS This it - Clifford.
https://www.cliffordschool.org/

JoThomas · Joined: 08 Jan 2017 Posts: 148 Location: Canada

There are many international schools in Guangzhou, but they will not look at the OP if he doesn't have a teaching degree and at least two years of experience. The top schools go to the Search Associates fairs. I have two friends that got hired at two different schools in Guangzhou for August - American International School and Utahloy International School. These are both IB schools.