Job Discussion Forums

[joesgonnago]

Hello all-

I am seeking advice on securing a TEFL position in China. I am a 33y/o male with an Associates Degree (2yr from4yr College), tons of addtional college credits, and extensive teaching experience. I live in NYC and plan to attend a certification course. I want to TEFL in order to experience another culture, learn/teach a new language, and travel in Asia. My intentions are to teach for 1-2 years (though I'd make a career out of it) and then go into business. (here, there- the wind will say)

OXFORD SEMINARS??? 60hr course w/teaching practice...$450

After browsing through Dave's, I've learned a great deal and now I have my own questions. Please reply with any input or advice.

#1. China was my first choice because of the culture and I believe it is a emerging market. However, once I heard that Korea is where I could also bank some cash, it opened that possibility. What I need to know is, will the lack of a BA totally ruin my chances? I want to be honest and not use a fraudulent diploma and get deported. I interview well, have public speaking experience, and can get letters of recommendations. Will this or anything else improve my chances?

#2. I was in the Army. I was stationed stateside and made eye glasses. Will this hurt or help me? I was advise to keep this to myself.

#3. I read that the SE of China is very nice weather wise and good for traveling to other spots. Also, it was advised to stay out of the big cities and stay about a 1-2 hour bus ride from one. Reasons included were pollution and quality of life. Is this true? Can anyone tell me for sure to avoid a certain area? Try to get a location? Limited feedback so far. I do not want a long winter. I narrowed it down to the eastern provinces closest to the ocean. From Jiangsu down to Guangdong

4#. How much money should I bring? Have in a account, assuming I have no bills? I have seen that I should have a Int. banking card that has Cirrius or something. How long will it take before I get paid once arriving?
ANSWERED: ONE MONTHS SALARY

5#. I am very athletic and have coached both basketball and baseball. Will playing sports be something schools will consider a positive? Should I put it on my resume or bring it up in interviews? I plan to secure employment prior to leaving. ANSWERED: Bring it up and put it on my resume.

6#. Can anyone provide me with a sample resume? ONE, SO FAR

7#. What do teachers wear? Should I bring my suits or just a bunch of collared shirts? ANSWERED: YOU DRESS LIKE SH*T

8#. Aside from deodrant, a can opener, screw driver, multi-tool, pictures, and books; what should I bring that I can't get? ANSWERS VARIED but included shoes, socks, pictures, tea, deodrant, and some books. WHAT ELSE??

NOTE: ANYONE HOOKING ME UP A JOB, SCHOOL, GOOD RECRUITER - WILL BE REWARDED!! (a box of what you want/need mailed to you or whatever we can figure out)

9#. Can I bring computer CD's/memory sticks that have pics, video, and documents? What's the computer compatibilty? 100% ANSWERED

10#. Does anyone have any suggestions on what items to bring as small gifts to my students? Fellow teachers? Bosses or administrators? One answer (very good), any more?

NEW Q ->

11#. Is there no mail, are only FEDEX? I have some people who say they will mail me packages. Assuming I'm in a city, what would the process be?

Any help would be appreciated!

Iamgonnago
[email protected]

[susanpink]

Hi - there was lots of info in your post but I can answer one thing. You cannot teach in SKorea with out a degree.

I have read in numerous posts that although start up costs are higher (ie flight out) Japan offers equal savings potential, don't know if a degree is compulsory there. I don't speak from own experience though.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

[joesgonnago]

thanks for your reply. They have been few and far between. Good point about vegging out. I thought/think I want total imersion in the culture.

If you have anytime, please answer any other q's you have knowledge of.

Joe

[Super Mario]

Dress: neat casual goes down well. Collared shirt, tidy jeans. Of course, you can dress like a slob with remains of last Tuesday's breakfast on your shirt and no one will be surprised. They will notice.

Mail: I found it 90% reliable. The trick with packages is that they will often be delivered to a post office, then you'll get a card which you'll have to take with your ID to collect. It varies though.
A good idea is to get some address labels, in Chinese, made once you arrive. Send/scan them home for people to stick on your mail. China Post is actually pretty good, but hand written English can throw them.

Bring: Gifts aren't expected these days. Neither is bowing or tea ceremonies. Depending on your location, many of the other things won't be needed. I'd still go for shoes, socks and jocks though, plus a few favorite pairs of jeans.
I took heaps of books and didn't read them. Other things to do.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

Great idea about the labels. Another thing is to have your packages sent to the place you work. DHL will most likely have the school on its list of regular customers.

Also, dressing like a bum won't go over too well, but think business casual.

As for computer compatibility, I think you'll be fine. Might do well to bring a laptop though.

[max power]

Thanks for posting the answers that you've gotten so far- big help