Job Discussion Forums

kean · Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 3

Any asian teaching english in china?
I have heard alot about employers who prefer to employ the caucasian than a asian.
There is also news about asian who manage to secure a teaching job in china.
Please share about your gateway to teaching english in china for an asian.

Smile

Super Mario · Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 9:43 am Post subject:

Well, I encouraged my school, successfully, to employ an Indian teacher.
But then her English was excellent.

Gorak · Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 69 Location: SW of Khabarovsk

Well, let me add to the 3.6 kilos of postings on this topic by saying that it is like a Caucasian teaching Chinese in Australia. Its all about perception.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Super Mario · Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 7:58 pm Post subject:

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I had a "white" person teach me Spanish in college, so why not a "white" person teaching Chinese? (but I get your point)

stil · Joined: 23 Jun 2003 Posts: 259 Location: Hunan

kean · Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 3

kean · Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 3

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

kean, What is your nationality? Did you immigrate and now want to go back to China?

You may very well hold a foreign passport, but that alone will not qualify you to teach in China. From your 3 posts I have noticed that your English level is not to the same standard as most foreigners, this may cause you some headaches while looking for a job.

In all honesty, I can't see you getting a teaching position with the same benefits as most FT's. First, you are not white, while this is not a big deal it will lead to further scrutiny(?) of your experience and qualifications. Second, are you qualified or experienced enough to teach here? By qualifications I also mean some sort of English qualifications.

You should expect to be treated the same as a Chinese teacher, amybe just a touch better having foreign experience. But you are going to have to prove yourself over and over to get to the same level as the rest of us.

bearcanada · Joined: 04 Sep 2005 Posts: 312 Location: Calgary, Canada

Kean is Chinese, most likely looking for info on hiring Philippinos.

.

Ecosa · Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 1 Location: China

Hey Kean, I am of Asian heritage, brought up in Australia and have been teaching ESL for the last few years.

The school I am working for and have worked for required a Uni degree and/or TESOL and TEFL Certification. As long as you sound like a native English Speaker (US, Canada, UK, NZ, AUST, S Africa preferred) and confident with your English Language abilities, teaching kids should not be a problem.

Teaching kids will require a great deal of energy, the ability to adapt and and be creative so the students are engaged with what needs to be taught.
Perhaps teaching English in an Elementary School is a good starting point for you if you have such qualities.

As for proving yourself - as long as you can show the school that you are willing and able then they will be more than happy to renew your contract. Though you may be teaching kids, you still need to watch out for simple grammatical problems, they need to develop good habits from an early age! (No one expects you to be perfect, we all make mistakes, but if you make too many don't be surprised if your credibility is questioned)

As schools vary in what they are looking for with hiring FT's I can't comment on their preferences. Just be responsive and use some initiative to maximise your chances. Whislt in China develop good relationships and don't burn your bridges.

Good luck!

Damo22 · Joined: 15 Nov 2005 Posts: 74

My girlfriend is British Born Chinese and she is currently teaching English with me in China. Yes, there is some discrimination, but it is still possible to get a good job.

movinaround · Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 202

This might or might not help, but one of my friends was Colombian and she got a job in China. Her English was absolutely excellent and she had a CELTA though.

Disclaimer:
I know the OP asked about asian experiences, I thought this might help though Wink

writpetition · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 213

I'm Indian and I've taught in China for about four years. Most times, it's difficult landing a 'good' job. There are a few that offer low pay, too much work etc. but good university positions are normally hard to come by. And, I'd rather not work for the training centres as some of them can be very bad employers. State-run universities don't pay too much but, all in all, they are much better...and teaching English major students at university can sometimes be a real pleasure.

I have taught two years at the university I am currently at and they're offering to renew my contract but without any increase in salary. That bothers me and I haven't signed the contract yet. They (the FAO people) say my salary is the highest and that's their excuse for not offering a raise (I suspect there are other unstated reasons, too). I admit my salary is higher than the other FT's here (and, in this, my uni. has been quite fair to me...paying me, as they do, more than the two Americans who are newbies to teaching though I'm brown-skinned) but I do have a fair bit of teaching experience and also some published work to my credit in China (including a book of short stories).

I have until the end of the month to say yes and I think I will. A known devil...