Job Discussion Forums

[d moon]

I would like to pose a question that will draw on the experience of people already working in the PRC as English teachers.

I am dead set on going to China to teach English because of both a personal desire for the experience and a belief that I would be pretty darn good at it.

Although I have no formal teaching experience, excepting volunteer work as a youth leader at a community center in my college days, I do possess a BA in English and have an extensive backround in language.

I'm currently a manager in a software business and would like to take break from office life.

My question is this: Would it be unrealistic to just arrive in say Shanghai, where I have an apartment if I need it, and conduct a search for a position there or should I try and make my arrangements in advance?

In other words without connections would I be hopelessly lost in looking for language schools that could hire me?

Any information would be most appreciated.

[kathleen]

It's so easy to get a job over the Internet and have someone meet you at the airport and arrange for your Visa, etc. Why just wing it?

I suggest you apply to IEN English. Thay have jobs posted on this site and they offer one of the better packages.

Good luck

Kathleen

[Minhang Oz]

Doing as Kathleen suggests is your best bet. However, if willing to wing it, and with a visa sufficient to cover your intended stay, you could arrive and find work the same day. Language centres, legit. and non legit. abound. Check the English teacher ads. on www.thatsshanghai.com or if the link doesn't work, use the mother ship www.thatsmagazines.com If you're working without a Z visa, you'll be part of an illegal but largely unhassled segment of the foreign population. If you want to be legal, you must have a school registered to employ foreigners arrange a visa before you arrive. The choice is yours.

[Count_Fathom]

I would suggest, if you have a place to stay, "fast and loose" is better. Get your L visa, and come. Finding a job (especially in Shanghai) won't be a problem. You'll have a chance to meet the people you will work with, see the campus, the facilities, your living arrangement, and be exposed to a broad range of schools.

Searching on the net lacks the first hand contact with the school that will tell you if you "fit in".

Good Luck!

PS You will, unfortunately, end up making a side trip to Hong Kong once the school has accepted you, offered a letter of invitation and cleared you with the Foreign Experts Bureau. A pain worth taking for the advantages...

[MartinK]

...

[Debalky]

Hey,
I'm just wondering if age might be a factor for you? I think a lot of places discriminate against anyone over 35yrs old. If you are getting up there, so to say, this is something to consider. I hope everything works out for ya.

[Linda L.]

Debalky is over 35 and has been discriminated against because he is getting up there in age.

Does anyone really give a damn?

[kathleen]

There are plenty of older foreign teachers working here in China. Experience is what counts if you want a good job at a good school. There are lots of young people here right out of uni and they seem to have no problem coming over and finding a job. I have also heard plenty of horror stories. I ,being in my forties , and having done this a few times, prefer to have a contract, visa, etc. with a reputable "key" university. I supplement my earnings with private lessons, editing, making tapes, etc. I do quite well. I manage to save more money than I could back in the States making 65K.

I am a dedicated teacher, not in it for the money, but I still have a kid to support and other obligations, so making a good living is equally important to me.

[Count_Fathom]

HAHA!! Debalky, ya old goat.. Not what you used to be, right? (Overlapping thread, esp. personal vendetta style, is discouraged - in the politest way possible)

Sorry d moon... My post is wasted space...

[Debalky]

Hey Count,
If you're looking for the "green stuff", i'd head Linda's way. Linda, I have no idea what your last post was about. Stay off drugs kids....

[Roger]

Actually, Debalky,
there seems to be more 'discrimination' against green-behind their ears youngsters here in Cathay than against old folks. Just read job offers - they seldom have an upper age limit, and some tell me (in my neck of the woods anyway) that fresh graduates from Western countries are, how to put it gently? - too risque!
I can sympathise with some bosses anyway - these youngsters often run away a short time into their contracts! Home sickness?

[d moon]

[Minhang Oz]

Your timeline puts you out of the picture for most schools, which hire on a semester or yearly basis. It is a good time to line up work for the Spring semester, which begins mid Feb. I think, and do what The Count has suggested.
In the ensuing 2-3 months, find a place to live, get some work in a language centre [they"re always hiring], and soak up the city. The "Thats" magazine mentioned earlier on is the best starting point, and you can make some contacts before arriving.
There are no "central places" I know of, but then I'm not looking for work.

[Count_Fathom]

A rough time of year you've chosen.. Might be limited to Language Institutes, they hire year round usually (as someone does the inevitable "runner") Large scale import/expart companies look to train staff all the time, but can rarely offer the Z visa. Private lessons are available, with the same drawback. You can gumshoe foreigners to watering holes and chat them up - the poorer type who aren't on an F or L visa themselves. Other foreigners are your best bet for job leads....

[Bertrand]