Job Discussion Forums

treis · Joined: 13 Jan 2018 Posts: 1

Hi all, first time post so bear with me. I'm an American with a Bachelor's degree and some experience tutoring ESL during my college years, and I'm looking to move to China to teach English within the year. The region I'm most fascinated with is Xinjiang, I want to teach there more than anywhere else. I understand that it's pretty far out, and I'm having a difficult time finding positions in that region, so I'm just wondering if anybody has any experience there and could recommend some starting points on where to look. This is a new experience for me so I guess any general beginner tips would be appreciated, thanks!

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

Here's a start point:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_universities_and_colleges_in_Xinjiang
There may be special scrutiny of people looking for jobs in this Muslim area.
There has been unrest here over the last several years.

Voyage4life · Joined: 29 Jun 2016 Posts: 6 Location: China

I have seen some companies post on here for jobs in Urumqi, which would probbably be the easiest place to find a job in Xinjiang given its the biggest city there. Keep a sharp eye out for that random job on here that might pay high for its rural and weird location, for example some random small cities in Inner Mongonlia can have randomly high salaries.

Your best bet is following and maybe even getting in contact with this American expat named Josh who runs a blog about living and traveling to Xinjiang. It called Far West China. He regulary posts jobs from his own contacts in the area.

https://www.farwestchina.com/about

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

As you probably already know, China has some new and ever changing requirements that vary by provence. A quick look makes it appear that Xinjiang requires 2 years relevant experience. From what you wrote, you may be a new grad who will not meet this requirement. Generally, they do not consider experience gained in university as being valid. Before becoming dissuaded, you may want to look into this and if a workaround exists like possessing a 150 hour in-class cert. Or maybe you do have relevant experience?

Potential employers and recruiters may know. You may become surprised how many do not in fact know, or will lie to you for a variety of equally unsavory reasons.

Xinjiang is aok in my book. Too bad the Chinese government does not see it that way. You could also look at some of the neighboring "stans" for similar opportunities.

Best!