Job Discussion Forums

[once again]

I see many posts here from people working at Universities. What kind of qualifications are needed to work in a Uni in China? All anwers would be gratefully recieved.

[hubei_canuk]

Qualifications
-----------------
White.
Female.
Young.
Good-looking.
Preferably Blonde.
---------------------
Also preferably a native speaker of english ... but Roumanians, Swiss, French, Fininnish etc can do.
An ability to speak some rudimentary English will also help.

[POTUS]

Oh and large boobs would be great too, unmarried but not too important.

[Minhang Oz]

Any genuine job ad, -take your pick on the net - will tell you what they want: Ph.D., 2800 a month etc. Some places want a photo, guess why, in which case Canuk's advice is spot on. Rumanianianians please apply. In truth, we're cynical. A degree or teaching certificate will help.

[wOZfromOZ]

Canak

with reference to your latest load of misinformed garbage (my opinion only matie - you're a 'bit of a newboy' here (Dave's) huh!

I've got 3 degrees and 25 years teaching experience teaching English, Geography, later Chinese Language and then ESL.

My wife used to teach student teachers here how teach Chinese language and Chinese literature at a Shanghai University. She's a very smart lady!

I gave the 'daily runaround' and 'western teaching bulls.it experience' the big FLICK! Only problem was that I did it 10 - 15 years too late!

Sure, there are 'players' and 'pretenders' at universities here but pal the pretenders are heavily outgunned by those who are into service delivery on a par with the west at any educational level.

I'm by no means the most qualified amongst our 40 odd degree and post graduate degree holders where I am.

...............and mate, how about your status here?....how about your qualifications, experience, connections, present position etc.

You seem pretty keen on us gaining maximum exposure to your 'loads' but pal WHERE ARE YOU LOADS COMING FROM ?

............care to enlighten us...huh!

wOZfromOZ

[once again]

I really didn't want to start an argument here...sorry. But what really are the qualifications needed for a uni post in China? This is a serious request.

[Minhang Oz]

Well you have,but my message stands-bare minimum degree ,teaching qual. can be looked on kindly. Have you looked at recruiting sites yet? It's all spelled out for each vacancy advertised.

[POTUS]

Dea Oz from OZ,
Just curious but isn't teaching ESL a step down for you both financially and professionally? Afterall, they take anybody when it comes to teaching ESL.You speak chinese, can't you get a job utlizing your chinese language skills?

[wOZfromOZ]

A step down ....A step DOWN !!!

Come on ....where are you coming from?

Mate
- I'm happy, happy , happy doing 'my bit'
less stress, happy faces every day, no huge burden of responsibility
and other people's mismanagement and misfortune
I've got more than enough in investments and 'Super' in Aus and now

IT's ALL ABOUT ENJOYING YOUR WORKING LIFE!

wOZfromOZ

[POTUS]

WOzfromOZ
Wow, it seems the Oz is upset. Sorry, didn't mean to upset you. I apologize. Just an observation. Glad you have reduced the stress level. Just interested since you posted it for all to see.
I am coming from Beijing by the way. Keep up the good work and keep those faces smiling.
I didn't think my previous post was ascerbic but it apparently got you wound up.
Sory , sorry sorry

[Roger]

Expats are often only nominal teachers as they mostly do conversation lessons and related jobs.
The minimum quals are:
- Bachelor;
- Master's if you have one, may raise your remuneration package. Apparently, holders of a Master's can expect to be given the coveted "Foreign Expert" title.

It is true, however, that universities and colleges enjoy considerable discretionary power to waive these requirements.

[Minhang Oz]

This idea that ESL [it's EFL correctly] teaching is something you do in between real jobs needs discussion. In Australia-and there are a lot of us in China you may have noticed- its a group of qualified, experienced teachers who head back to uni. and do a linguistics degree to become ESL specialists [yes, in an English speaking country it IS called ESL]. They work with NESB students from reception through to adult. Since the '70s and the first waves of Vietnamese "boat people", many of these students have been refugees, with all the disruption and trauma that involves. ESL teachers are highly regarded and respected across the educational community.

Here it seems to be different. A non language diploma from a cow college, no teaching qualifications or experience, no interest in how people acquire a new language all seem to be favorably looked on. The ability to treat teaching as a trivial job, to stand in front of a class whose names you never intend to learn and tell stories, play hangman and screen DVDs are adornments to your CV. Arriving late, if at all , to class, and then leaving early, are pre-requisites. Can't remember which class it is, what book you're using, what day it is? Doesn't matter: no one expects you to. And then when you get back home, you can regale family and friends with tales of how backward Chinese education is, and how stupid the administrators are [well, they took you on, didn't they?]. Any real teacher knows these users, frauds, imposters. I see them every day.


If you recognise this description and take offence, good. That's what I intended. If you are non-English, non- EFL trained, but respect your students enough to work hard for them, you are definitely not included. If students think you are a good teacher, as opposed to a good entertainer, then you are. Here, perception and reality are the same thing.

To the originator of this thread, my apologies. That's the way things go on this forum.

[Hamish]

[kathleen]

There are jobs, and then there are good jobs! I think to get a good job at a key university, one ought to have decent credentials. If you merely have a BA, you may teach conversation just about anywhere. With other degrees or professional experience, you may qualify for better work and better treatment.

An ESL certificate is useful but, in truth, I have met lots of folks here with ESL certificates who don't speak very good English . They make really obvious mistakes and I shudder when I hear them. And an ESL cert. does not a good teacherr make.

Teaching in China requires a strong stomach, a strong immune system, and a big heart. Like good teaching anywhere it requires patience, understanding, preparation, imagination, and good materials. Decent interpersonal skills and some sensitivity are also useful in navigating the politics.

People in these forums complain about all kinds of things which I have also experienced. I have learned how to deal China as I learned how to deal with New York and Nepal. I've been here for three nonconsecutive years since 1994 and I still love it here. I should say I love my life here. I had a big job in New York City making lots of $ but full of stress. It is possible to live well anddo work with integrity here in China. I love my Chinese friends, the food, and the language. Watching this society change and grow has been fascinating. I think those things keep me going. If one has no passion for Chinese culture, he should perhaps move on.

[chastenosferatu]

Roger, you only need a BA or BS (how appropriate) to achieve the coveted red jacketed passport looking "Foreign Expert" title. But don't let it go through the wash because it will come out totally blank, huh, maybe that's by design... anyway. I should be getting my replacement any day now.
As for OzMoz, please, lighten up, you're starting to sound a bit like some wasp corporate executive burnout. This is all just good "unclean" fun.