Job Discussion Forums

writpetition · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 213

Wondering if there's a connection between the SARS epidemic a couple of years ago and the acceptance of non-white and non-UK/US/Canada/Australia etc teachers then v/s the near-total ban on such teachers now.

I remember how I had the previlege of choosing the university/school to teach at from the number of offers I got a couple of years ago. In comparison, since the middle of last year I have had almost no offers.

Is this also in part because there are more teachers heading into China on account of fewer openings in their own countries and China offering a reasonable life-style?

It appears now there are so many teachers available in the job-market that the schools/universities have no need for coloured and 'wrong-passport' teachers.

Any thoughts?

Volodiya · Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 7:07 am Post subject:

Can it be that the word about the relative desireability of our lives in China is getting out? Just look at the recent thread, asking, "What's the Appeal". Our posters tried to hold out but, finally, could not help themselves, and began to spill their guts about the satisfactions of life they found here. What can we do?

writpetition · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 213

You're right, Volodiya, about the appeal that China holds. But, surely, not everyone could have awakened suddenly and almost simultaneously to the attraction of China.

If there's a renewed and a virulent outbreak of SARS, will China open its arms again to the blighted community of esl teachers from the under-previleged sections of the world/society?

Volodiya · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 5:47 am Post subject:

Will the "blighted", please step forward

The "blighted" among EFL teachers in the world
are hereby cordially invited to submit their names
to this forum, forthwith; following which, at the next
outbreak of life threatening disease, you will be
formally asked to join us, here, in China.

[I know you meant this to be more serious, writpetition, but you did give me quite a laugh with that one.]

writpetition · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 213

VERY FUNNY!!!

If you've not had the misfortune of such discrimination..please pray that you never do....it might make you a wiser and better person, though!

I know I mustn't be angry....but I am...apologies!

Volodiya · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 7:49 am Post subject:

If you were, or are presently, a member of-

writpetition · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 213

Thanks, Volodiya! I wish you the same, too!

cujobytes · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 8:02 am Post subject:

writpetition · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 213

cujobytes · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 8:41 am Post subject: >

Volodiya · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 8:53 am Post subject:

Looking back, I can see where I went wrong. I assumed, writpetition, that you were in China, and your question was rhetorical. Now, I understand that your not in China but, based on the nice things many of us have said about life and work here, you think you'd like to be. So your question about China opening its doors to TEFLs was a real question, for you, and for us.

OK. Sometime, in open forum or by PMs, you could let us know more about yourself and your qualifications. Perhaps someone will have a worthwhile suggestion for you to follow on how to get here. No guarantees, but there's a lot of folks here, generous with their time and advice.

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

Hello wripetition:
As for your question I don't thinK SARS AFFECTED THINGS FOR LONG. iT erupted in 1st term 2003 but was declared "problem solved " before September.

You do have a point though---China has become the "cool" place to go now for teachers. Despite the gibberish you see here it is not so easy finding work now. The New China and so on.

writpetition · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 213

Hey Cujobytes and Volodiya, I'm sorry if I've not been clear. lemme explain!

I have taught in China for nearly three years between 2001 and 2004. Initially, too, finding a job was difficult for me, as I did not (and do not, still Smile

) hold a passport from the favoured big five. Even so, I did get a number of offers and chose a university because that sounded like the best choice. 2002 and 2003 were easier, what with some experience. However, being a bit of a writer, I chose to keep moving so I could see and learn more about China and to find more material for my work (writing). In fact, in 2003 I was offered a position at a university I had not even applied to, which was quite a surprise (and not so much of a surprise now, as I think back and realise that china was short of teachers then on account of SARS and its aftermath). Post-2004, things have suddenly changed and despite three-years' experience, numerous recommendations, guanxi etc. it has been nearly impossible to land a job in China.

It was in view of all this that I wondered what exactly had changed in China, especially for teachers who are 'coloured' and not in possession of the right passports.

I mean, come on, one day you're invited to a university to teach and around the end of the term, also offered a renewal but come holidays, and no one wants to touch you!

Kan dong le ma?

cujobytes · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 2:54 pm Post subject: >

Kan de dong.

But nothing much has changed, maybe you're just having a bad run.
Keep trying. What is your passport, nationality, colour (Since you bought it up) etc. I know lots of people here of all colours and nationalities working as teachers. Sometimes you've just got to be in the right place at the right time.
If we were all 24 year old white babes we'd all have our pick of jobs, but we aint, that's life my friend. Keep trying and good luck.

bendan · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 739 Location: North China

It might be getting more difficult in Beijing and Shanghai, as so many people want to be in those cities, but I can't believe it's much harder in the provinces. I think the number of jobs in China as a whole is rising just as fast as the number of people who want to come here, otherwise salaries would be falling. There's also an increasing number of Chinese who can afford to pay for private tuition, though it's still a small proportion.