Job Discussion Forums

cloudy · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Cologne, Germany

Hello there,
I just wonder if it is possible to get a job as a English teacher in China, if you are not a native-speaker. I am a German Chinese and I know English since 20 years and I had English at school 9 years and at university 4 years.
Does anybody has experienced? I probably have 2 "problems" in finding a job as a teacher in China: 1) I am not a native-speaker and 2) I am Chinese. I do hope that my Canadian passport will help me tough.
so if anybody has experience, I would be very thankful.
greetings,
Claudia

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

Hi Claudia,

I don't mean to be mean but if your writing is an indication of your English level, I would sincerely doubt your abilities and chances as far as securing a teaching job here.

I know of many non-natives who teach in local universities and colleges but their English is usually on par, if not better, with that of most native speakers.

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

It's not impossible but I hope you don't plan to teach writing...If you send cover letters they had better be sharper than your post. Even in China FAO's have decent reading comprehension.

A few things here are relevant...What is your education level...B.A.? Did you do it in English? Can you speak Mandarin? How are your people skills?

I have worked with a few non-native speakers so I will tell you the little I know. One was from the Middle East (sorry I didn't know him that well.) He spoke with a very distinct accent but was easy to understand. What helped him is he was very likeable. People took to him immediately and I am sure he was a poular teacher. Another chap grew up sreaking CXantonese. Later in life he obtained an MA in America. He has no trouble finding work---jsut trouble keeping it. He mumbles a lot-doesn't like students and always gets in trouble.

So I think your resume and interview skills will have an impact. If you want to phone me send me a PM -this would give you a better idea.

Sorry this may not be much help but look on the bright side--it's free. Wink

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Welcome back to China, Claudia...

Do you remember your Chinese English teacher(s)? If so, then you can answer your own question: most students get taught by nonnative English teachers.
Some do a better job than native speakers, some don't.

A word of warning, though: the job market is getting tighter. New graduates have little chance of finding a good position. Your chances are better in business-related industries.

JimmyJam · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 2:52 am Post subject: it's possible

Claudia,

It's very possible... But some factors need to be considered. I have some friends from Germany teaching English in Sichuan Province.. Most FTs teach Oral English, so the first thing you have to consider is the clarity of your speech.. (American and British TWANGs are very much appreciated here.) Teaching loads vary... from teaching kindergarten to high school to college to post graduate students: writing or oral english or other things International Law etc for institutes of higher learning.

I myself am branded as a non-native speaker.. but I've been teaching Oral English to English Major Students in the same University for the last 4 years... I'm asian... as to why they hire and rehire me.. ehem ehem... i'm too shy to post here why. Rolling Eyes

Western people (with fairer skin and golden hair Shocked

different nose,bigger eyes) have more chances of being hired than asians like me... but, I tell you, even if they hire you, they can just terminate the contract as soon as they gather reasons not to like you. (esp. bad temper, alcohol/drug dependency etc..) which I'm sure you don't have..

Anyways, good luck! If you're into surprises.. Come to CHina and teach..

all the best,

JimmyJam Laughing

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

I had a friend teach English successfully although her L1 is Spanish. She did have a Masters and had lived in England for three years. Her English was as good as many natives. She's now teaching Spanish at a Chinese University.

migo · Joined: 04 Jul 2004 Posts: 201

Noodle · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 588

ESL researchers have come up with interesting facts:
The number of L2 speakers of English will more important than native speakers by 50% I think. Most ESL teachers aren't native speakers and as one of my university professor said one day: 'They do a better job than us!'.

migo · Joined: 04 Jul 2004 Posts: 201

Since it's research - source?

Noodle · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 588

Can't recall... I believe I saw that article on the TESL Journal Website or something.

cloudy · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Cologne, Germany

thanks for all your posts.
My English writing is probably one of my weakness Crying or Very sad

, so that`s why probably few people think I would not be doing a good job as an English teacher. But since I would prefer to teach children (kindergarden or school) I don`t think I will do too bad. Wink

But thanks a lot for you postings, I think the best advice is probably just to apply and try out.
Claudia