Job Discussion Forums

Wanderlust13 · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 2

Helloo, my beauties!
I'm looking into teaching abroad, but the whole idea is very intimidating. First, I was hoping to go to Europe, but I soon realized the difficulties concerning non EU persons, so then I turned to China because I've never been there before. I've lived in Japan and the Philippines, visited Korea, but I've never really worked as an English teacher.
I have BA from an accredited Canadian univeristy, U.S. citizenship, and an affinity with foreign languages.
Do I need to have a certificate to work in China?
Overall, what Chinese school/company/university would you consider the most reliable? Which one comes with the whole package-a flat, a job, visa help, and training?
My main concern with working abroad is job security. The whole idea of working abroad and depending on people so much is very frightening, but I force myself to do the things that scare me otherwise I would never go anywhere!
If I decide to go through with all this, what can I do to arrange it all while still in the states?
Any help you can give would be really appreciated!

Guest · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:30 pm Post subject:

The first question that pops into my mind is what age group are you in? Why the need for job security?

The second question is - have you VOTED? It is compulsory to vote in Australia. If I were an American, I would vote to John Kerry - because he has nicer hair - it is great to be a female as you can throw logic to the wind whenever you feel like it!

I had a job in Australia (with the same Boss) for 25 years prior to coming here 14 months ago, and let me tell you I feel more secure here in this job than I ever did in that one.

I have no Degree, no Certificate, in fact nothing - and I simply love the life here and the people.

If your heart is yearing for new adventures, just like mine was - GO FOR IT !

pennylane · Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Posts: 28

If I were her I would vote for John Kerry cos I have no desire to see the world go to pieces anymore than it has..we already have two right-wing neo cons in power in the West we dont need that borderline retarded cunt in for a second term in the US....

Wanderlust13 · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 2

Great. Wonderful. We've established that voting is good. I voted early 2 weeks ago. Yay! Case closed.
Now, back to the topic. I'm 22 years old and I would like to get a job in China. Which Chinese company/university/school do you have the most faith in? Which one hires you and offers the whole package- visa help, accomadation, training, job placement?
Do I need some kind of certificate to work in China or is BA acceptable?
Money is not as important as job security and trust in the employer.
Thanks for any help you can give.
That isn't voiting relating.

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

BA will allow you to work for just about anyone here. No other papers are needed.

There are 1000's of potential employers--you need to look around and find one you can trust. The only security you will have is a 6-12 month contract...Look carefully at the small print. Perhaps when you narrow things down to a city or school you can post again...(You should think about WHERE---rural China big city--tropical south--whatever.

PS--I notice Great Wall of Whiner posted a guide to schools (types) on the Newbie Forum..I'd quibble with some of it but it's a good guide to what to expect. Also there are sticky threads on job sites and visa issues.

PPS---Egad Bush is leading!

august03 · Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 159 Location: Jiangsu, China

You could try CTTR www.china-tesol.org I came to China with this group as I was also worried about job security and I didn�t want to take the chance of finding my own position in a country I had never been to before.

Check out the website and you will find heaps of info about what they do and how they can help you to get a good government school position. They pay of course will be at an average level but like me you could end up with 14 weeks paid holiday for the year, plus fully furnished accommodation, reimbursed airfares and all the usual stuff.

They post you at a school and then you can contact them if you have any queries or problems.

There are many people who post in these discussions that say 'STAY AWAY from recruiters', and yes I agree there are many dodgy ones out there. However if you search these forums, which I suggest is a good start to reviewing any school or recruiter, you will not find any bad reports from anyone personally coming to China with this agency.

voodikon · Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1363 Location: chengdu

monju · Joined: 30 Oct 2004 Posts: 89 Location: Wutaishan, China

Can I add my tuppence worth here?
voodikon's advice is great. I'd like to add that getting a qualification in English teaching is probably a good investment (well it was for me anyway.)
If you decide to come, be very careful. Get everything down on paper first, and try to have some people lined up who can help you if you need it. It's so easy to be ripped off here.
Be prepared for some major culture shock too.

voodikon · Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1363 Location: chengdu

Guest · Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 9:22 pm Post subject:

Voodikon

Where is your sense of humour? I was just messing around.