Job Discussion Forums

[Scribble]

Hi all,

I've recently started looking for overseas TEFL work and am finding the whole process slightly alarming and would really appreciate any advice you might be able to offer.

Boring personal history bit: -I'm in my late 20's and have had just about every job under the sun, sadly I never completed my Bsc but I've 2 years accreditation (counts as a 2 year diploma) and received a CELTA last December and was due to join a friend on an African development program. Unfortunately my Mum died so I got tied up and have only just been able to start looking for something different.

Anyhoo I'm finding myself rather lost among the possibilities. It seems as if contract through a private chain language school might be the simplest approach. But most of the offers I've received from these are in more provincial Chinese cities. Instinct tells me that it may be best for a monoglotal NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) to try to stick to a more internationalised destination.

Any thoughts on this or indeed about good areas (or for that matter nations) to look for work would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks, -Scribb.

PS: Regarding the degree, it's my intention to return to thw whole doctor thang later in life (so I don't want to polish it off now)

[mlomker]

[stillnosheep]

Decide where you want to go (countries that require degrees excepted, obviously. decide on a rergion, or what you wish to do - climb rocks, cycle, visit temples, etc - then ask for advice in the relevant country forum from those in the area with similar interests.

Take back control of where you wish to go. Decide where you would like to be, then look for/ask about jobs there.

[grwit]

Post your resume on this site and other ESL related sites and let the employers find you. I did this and was receiving job offers by the dozens. Also do some of your own job hunting.

I moved to a rural area of China simply because I wanted to experience real chinese culture not the somewhat westernized chinese culture of the modern cities. Have not regreted this at all. I live in a small city (of 2.5 million) and there are only 2 foreigners here including me.

If you are worried about these provincial jobs then post on your resume that you would like to work in or near Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, or Guanzhou. These are all fairly modern with western resturants and bars to spend your free time but also have some great historical sights to see.

Your dollar won't stretch as far in the bigger cities though and from what I have read on this site the people are less friendly (no proof to back this statement up). These smaller provincial jobs will be in cities where the cost of living is considerably cheaper than the big cities and the people may (or may not be) more friendly and helpful.

[grwit]

[Scribble]

Many thanks for your advice.

If I might trouble you a little further; I've received an offer of Work in a Chinese language mill, however they are asking that I travel to them on a trourist visa and sign the contract in the school where travel fees will be reimbursed and visa upgraded to the local working visa.

-In 'normal' life I would insist on signing the contract before undertaking such a radical move but I'm uncertain if this is normal TEFL practice. If so do you recommend acquiescing and flying out to China, or attempting to obtain a more secure situation with either this franchise or another?

Your advice would be enormously appreciated.

Many thanks,

Scribb.

[mlomker]

[Scribble]

[grwit]

Sorry mlomker my mistake.

[KES]

Ask for a Z visa invitation letter and come over legal.

The last year or so has seen a real crackdown on allowing schools to have tourist visas converted to Z visas.

Ask if the school has the ability to hire foreign teachers (ask the License Number).