Job Discussion Forums

[jcaulkins]

I am wondering what the odds are for me finding a teaching job in China in a setting other than a language school? I have an BA in Journalism/English and an MA in linguistics (and years of corporate management experience), but no classroom teaching experience. I would like to gain teaching experience abroad which will translate in to real teaching experience - ie more than just conversation - including grammar instruction, and curriculum development and implementation.

Are there such opportunities in China for people with my type of background?

[hesterprynne]

You could take a job teaching in a classroom in a city you really like, such as Beijing or Shanghai. While there you could get a feel for things and find the job you really want.

[Roger]

Your chances of finding such a job are very slim indeed! I appreciate your interest in a REAL teaching position as opposed to what the majority of us are in for - that is so-called "oral English" lessons, which almost always are dysfunctional and time-wasting.

If you try your luck a little, you might snare an offer from a NORMAL school/college/university. I have had two jobs at such places so far, and in general I taught more interesting subjects including Literature (though how Chinese absorb English literature is incompatible with your ideals too! See other thread), writing etc.
Teaching writing you will have plenty of opportunities to improve their grammar command, but holding oral English lessons you will not be able to do that.

Another option might be teaching IELTS. This is sometimes done by the BC, sometimes by private businesses.


Don't even dream of teaching grammar at a middle school! Such "intellectually-challenging" subjects are only entrusted to Chinese teachers - some with, many without any grasp of English.
Wishing you good luck,

Roger

[sojourner]

Hi JC,

Do a search for those unis and colleges that have schools in journalism, and send them a copy of your CV. It's possible that you may be offered a job teaching something called "Journalism English" ! Even without any classroom teaching experience, you'll probably be able to land a teaching job of some sort - although it may not be too intellectually stimulating enough for you . However, it would help if you have some elementary knowledge of ESL teaching methodology and classroom management. Thus, it would be a good idea to consider enrolling in a reputable course, such as CELTA. If the cost of undergoing such training is too prohibitive in the US, consider enrolling in a CELTA or Trinity course in Thailand, before arriving in China.

Apart fron "Journalism English", you might also be interested in the EAP (English for Academic Purposes) field. Many students in the top unis, here, appear keen to undergo postgraduate postgraduate studies in Nth America, UK, Australia and NZ. Who knows, you may be able to land a job teaching those journalism undergraduates who have their eyes set on applying for scholarships, to do Masters' programmes, at o'seas unis !

With your qualifications, you should focus on getting a job in the uni or college sector. However, many of the unis here don't have very high academic standards - at the best, they are probably equivalent to Nth America's community colleges or Aust's TAFE colleges. If you can't get a job at one of the top unis (eg Uni of Beijing), it would still be better for you to work at one of the others, rather than at a language school ! You may wish to consider teaching "Business English" - far more colleges and unis have programmes in business studies than in journalism.

Good luck.

Peter

[parvati_overdrive]

I would downplay the Journalism thing. Even here in 'liberal' Thailand - the govt is not OK w/ Journalists. In Cambodia, Vietnam, Lao no. China strikes me even more so - not the thing you want to put as a profession on the visit card/visa.

Just apply as Roger had mentioned and let your experience speak as it will.

Once you're in China and can love it or simply live with it - then devise cunning strategies.