Job Discussion Forums

whimzee42 · Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 10

I am about to finish my English Masters. I also have some (limited) experience tutoring a young Chinese student. Basically, I help her with writing.

My original plan was to go abroad for my Anthropology PhD. But, I am a little unsure if I want the academia life.

I am a 30year old unmarried woman.

What are my chances of finding a decent job in China?

Thank you.

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 2:37 pm Post subject:

Since many people teaching in China have no degree at all and you have a graduate degree, in English of all things, I would think you would be a "hot property".

But, that doesn't mean that you know how to teach EFL. It is probably well worth your time to take program to develop your teaching skills.

Just my opinion.

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

I agree with tedkarma.

You may not need an extra piece of paper, but you may need/benefit from the knowledge/training.

You may go about acquiring such knowledge/taining in a variety of ways. If you do not want to pay for a TEFL cert. and you are a good independent book learner, then you might check one out from the library at no cost Idea

If you prefer to attend lectures and participate in discussions and practicums et cetera, then you might do the TEFL or sit in on a linguistics class at the Uni., both of which may cost you a little bit of pasta but...the preparation and knowledge may prove to be priceless Smile

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I agree, too. It's worth it for your own peace of mind.

d

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

tedkarma

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

whimzee42 · Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 10

I guess I can put this argument to rest by saying that I don't have any experience in front of a classroom. Well, years ago, I was an assistant preschool teacher. But that hardly counts! (I do have a special knack for working with little kids. . .they're drawn to me. I must admit, I love the little brats.)

It might not be evident from my sloppy postings, but I am a writing tutor who gets assigned the "hard cases," like those with learning disabilities. My favorite "hard case," however, is not that hard. She is a Chinese exchange student who was accepted to my University even though she never took her TOEFL exam. Maybe it is just because she is bright, but I really enjoy working with her. There is a great depth of thought to her writing, she just lacks the language fluency to adequately express her thoughts.

I am not opposed to getting a CELTA cert. But, I am really not too sure what I want to do. I have been tossing around the idea of becoming an EFL teacher for years. My Chinese tutee is giving me a hint of how rewarding it might be. . .as well as a hint of the potential frustrations.

I have also been accepted to an Anthropology graduate program in the UK. However, that will cost some serious cash and mean lots and lots and lots of writing -- a dreadfully solitary endeavor. I am working on my Master's Thesis now, & I am just not sure I like academic work enough to devote the kind of time, money, and energy needed to earn a PhD.

I think the EFL career offers an opportunity to follow my dream of travelling (my obsession), meeting different types of people, and working with words. I'm just a little nervous about taking the plunge. I'll be 30 soon & I'm not too sure if it will be so easy for me to return to getting a PhD if I decide that EFL is not for me.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

laconic · Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 11:03 pm Post subject: Different

I agree that teaching ESL/EFL is different than lecturing in English.

It probably wouldn't hurt you to go through some sort of reputable Tesol/Tefl training program.

Make sure you decide on one where the trainer actually knows what he/she is talking about and has both the academic and experiential qualifications to function as a trainer.

I do not believe such a course has to be one of the more expensive ones or one of the better-known group. I do believe it has to be one that will serve your needs and give you some of the basics of efl teaching, so that you enter the classroom with some foundation and understanding of where to begin. where to go and where to finish.

There are some fairly good programs out there, and there are some that pale in comparison.

All of them, regardless of their price, title and marketing, IMHO, depend upon the quality of the trainer you will have.

Be careful in your selection.

Good luck.