Job Discussion Forums

[amewupp]

HI all!

I've been reading a LOT of posts and "getting to know" many of you-this is a great Forum!

I posted something similiar on the China forum, but, in retrospect, thought maybe I should have come here first. So here goes!


I'm graduating [officially, anyway-my classes have been over for a few weeks now] in 2 weeks (BA-International Studies) and have decided what I really want to do is teach abroad for a year or two-I'm thinking Asia, particularly China, but am still open to whatever at this point. I've lived abroad before and have a little teaching background, but I have a few questions I'm hoping some of you all will give me some input on:

-I'm hoping to go over in January-is it very feasable to obtain a contract for a year beginning then?
-Is it easy to "pick and choose" what locations you want to live in?
-What is the best way to try to attain a position? I've been reading through all of the posts here and it seems like going directly through a school is the best way, but what's the best way to determine it's legitimacy(i.e.-I've heard that recruiters and language schools are not necessarily the way to go, so I'm guessing making contact with a school and then asking for other teachers emails to chat with them is the best way...maybe...?)?

If anyone has any input, it'd be much appreciated!
Thanks

[go_ABs]

Hi,

I'm a fellow newbie - I've been in China for just nine months now. But I'll help you as much as I can:

My partner and I got jobs starting in December without too much trouble. There were lots of ads at that time. However, the academic year starts in September/October. So the best schools - I would assume - get teachers then, leaving the bung schools to scrap for whoever they can find. We got lucky and found a good little school in a good little city. Of course, it was a major centre of Bird Flu during that crisis, but that was just bad luck!

It's easy enough to 'pick and choose' when there are heaps of jobs. I reckon you'll find something in January if you wanted, but of course your range of options will be cut down because there are less people advertising.

As for the best way to go about it, I'm not sure, since this is my first position. We were recruited by an agent but then put in contact directly with the school. We signed a contract with the school only.

It's also good to be clear on what ages and levels you want to teach, so you can narrow your search quickly.

Hope this helps!

[lagerlout2006]

Actually January is one of the best times to look...1st term -Fall term whatever-finishes for new year and holidays in January..At my first job-a College -- about 10 of 12 teachers were leaving at that point.

I'm talking about China here. As for where to look I wish I knew..There is a sticky on China forum with websites where you could start..

[amewupp]

Thanks for the info

I'm just starting my search, and realize I probably won't be able to do much until mid-September---after the hiring for the fall semester is over. But I figure the more info and time I have to figure things out, the better, right? ( well, except for the incredible impatience I have to go! )