Job Discussion Forums

[rogerwilco]

[Relevant]

[Relevant]

Amazingly, they have been wondering about TEFL courses pretty much non-stop since 2012. Very indecisive.....

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?p=1049045&highlight=#1049045[/img]

[MsBlackcurrant]

I am indecisive, yes. And life has got in the way, so my hopes of going to China remain to be realised - although I'm closer than I was a few years ago.

So no, I'm not a 'recruitment troll', whatever you mean by that. I'm just curious about the different programmes available, and this is a place where I can get information and advice.

I certainly don't mean to cause offense by asking any questions about or referring to any particular company on this website, and no one is paying me anything to do so!

[Relevant]

[MsBlackcurrant]

I'm not inclined to go into my life story, and I don't really think I have to apologise for not sticking to someone else's timescale, but for what it's worth, I've recently completed a TEFL course in Spain, so I shan't be asking any more questions on that topic. I also had some Mandarin lessons last year.

I still expect to ask occasionally about recruiters and jobs in China, if that's okay. If that makes me look like a troll that's very unfortunate, but since there's nothing offensive about seeking information I'm not going to worry about it.

[Relevant]

Congrats on passing your course.

Choosing the right position in China is a minefield first time round. A public school position at a university is a fairly safe bet for a first job, though, as it is an easy intro with plenty of free time to acclimatise, and start getting contacts on the ground for a better job in future or more private students.

If you are thinking of a training centre, then pick a relatively big name one, as it will not be the world's best job, but you will likely be treated fairly and not have to worry too much on arrival.

The "internship" that both you and I posted up looks like a dangerous scam that will likely treat you poorly, and may be a very poor first experience in China.

As an aside, how would a company even provide a legal visa for such a short term position? Would they be able to get a Z visa/ Residence Permit, or would you have to work illegally on a Business Visa?

http://www.paidinternshipsinchina.com/get-internship-visa-china/

I am not sure.

[nomad soul]

What's the big fuss? The ad clearly labels the role as an "internship"; no one should expect it to mean bona fide employment. In other words, the person is an intern and not an employee.

An internship is not so different from the teaching practicum required for many US education-related BA\MA programs. (I assume other western countries have internships and practica as well.) Case in point, my MAT entailed a semester-long ESOL teaching practicum, which I paid for since it was a required course. I didn't receive a cent for my teaching and lesson-planning time. Internships, however, often include a stipend or hourly pay and more on-the-job hours. Internships also may be used to fulfill university credits if related to the person's degree program.

Regardless, the goal of both an internship and practicum is to apply one's knowledge in a short-term, supervised/mentored, real-world situation in preparation for subsequent paid employment. Don't read more into these roles than what they are.

[Relevant]

[nomad soul]