Job Discussion Forums

AnthonyA · Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Texas

Hello everyone,
My name is Anthony Aguirre. I am writing this message for a bit of advice. Although I do not have a teaching certificate, I do have six semesters of Mandarin Chinese under my belt. I have decided to take a break from my university work in order to teach English in China--if it is possible. I figure this will allow me to increase my own speaking/writing ability by immersion while also helping others comprehend our language.

The problem is in the fact that all the data is overwhelming! Not to mention the fact that there are scam artists out there.

This is what I've got:
-A valid passport.
-1 full year to spend in China starting August 2005 (I'll be in Australia May, June, July and the very beginning of August.)
-Six semesters training in Mandarin Chinese at Texas Tech University (simplified hanzi)

What I do NOT have:
-much $$$ Mr. Green

I'd appreciate any advice. Thank you.
a

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

tofuman · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 937

Anthony,

Six semesters of Mandarin is a great thing to have here, but without a degree, you are going to have some difficulty securing a good position with a reputable school. You need a VisaZ. To secure one, a special letter is required from your prospective employer that indicates that you meet the conditions specified in Chinese law to be a teacher here.

Since you lack those, a company will be able to hire you only by falsifying your qualifications. If they are willing to do that, they are probably also willing to exploit you in numerous other ways once you get here.

An alternative would be for you to come here as a student of Chinese. You could develop your Chinese and at the same time, find opportunities to teach. It may be possible to get a student visa that allows you to work while you are here. Tuition is about 1200-$1400 a year plus room and board in the outlying provinces

Coming here to work illegally without adequate funds is a bad idea. If you run into trouble and are fined, you may not be able to pay your fine and can not leave the country until you do.

No degree, No money, No experience= potential problems in China.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Not enough sarcasm.

tradinup · Joined: 13 Nov 2004 Posts: 132 Location: Shenzhen, China

Doofus!

With all that training, if you really want to immerse yourself in your daily life, you should work for a business here, not a school. I'm decent in Chinese as well, and I can tell you, if you even try to use a word of it to supplement your teaching the managers will tell you to zip it reallly fast. You will find yourself, 8 hours a day, in an English speaking environment, besides the kid's occasional "给我!!!" and "老师, 想厕所" Aiya.

tradinup · Joined: 13 Nov 2004 Posts: 132 Location: Shenzhen, China

And you avoid the work visa problems by going to Hong Kong and getting a Business type F visa. Dave's members don't like it, but the fact is most people around where I am do it, and to date there is no negative consequences. I have a degree but opt for a Business Visa, the employer has less control over you this way. If you want to leave a contract early, and you have a work visa, be prepared to be punished by them. I know, I started out that way here.

StallionLance · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 31

There are many ways to do the study abroad thing, then pick up tutoring, from what I've learned. This is what I'm planning on doing. That way I can get a student Visa, increase my Mandarin skills, and not be strapped into a regular job. If you get financial aid now, it's easy to use that financial aid for studying/living expenses abroad. Check with your study abroad office. Even if you decide to study for one semester there, many opportunities can arise and lead into a job. You can get credits for graduation, and there are many ways to study. Even hiring a private tutor for a few hours a week counts with my study abroad office! Let me know if you want more details on schools, etc.
Lance