Job Discussion Forums

[Smitman]

Hi guys,

I just wanted to know how often or common it is in China to see Asian-american or asian FT's teaching ESL. I've been searching for a job in China for about two weeks now, posting and responding to many job posts and inquiries, but have often received naught. In one instance, I was having an ongoing email correspondence with a Chinese recruiter, until she asked what nationality I was (a photograph of myself was already included in one of my previous emails), to which I replied "American, but Thai in blood and appearance. I was born and raised in the United States, however, so my accent and English skills are flawless." She stopped responding immediately (it's been over 2 days now).

I was already warned in an earlier post of mine about hwo my Asian appearance would affect job prospects, but am now slightly worried about how much of a factor this would be. I have a B.S. from UCI, and have a few years of teaching experience, but no TEFL/TESL degree. I thought that I would be a shoe-in candidate to teach in China, but these past two weeks have left me rather worried; am I going to have to take TEFL/TESL certification classes first? Will it matter? If there are any FT's who may be of asian appearance or blood or anyone who can shed light on this issue, I would very much love to hear from you and appreciate the advice.

[tw]

Hello Smitman,

There are many FT's in China of Asian background. Both myself and moderntime are of Chinese heritage and we both teach at the same university (though for different employers). I'd also met a couple FT's of Chinese heritage a couple years ago in Dalian. So yes, there are quite a few of us around. I've been there before and I can only tell you not to give up. Two weeks is really nothing given your Asian background. The way I see it, Asian Westerners need to apply to around ten times more employers than non Asian Westerners have to in order to secure a teaching position. Recruiters and private language training centres are those who you should definitely avoid, because they 'need' the white/foreign faces for marketing purpose. Stay with public schools. However, given the fact that (1) the school term has started for a month now and (2) the National Day week-long holiday is in a couple days, I doubt you will get a lot of replies. At best, you will probably be brought in as an emergency replacement due to a runner, or because the school, its location, and/or its compensation package is so crappy they can't get any foreign teachers (or they've been too lazy to get their act together near the end of last term).

Either way, don't despair. You have a degree and trust me, that's all you really need. A TEFL is good for people without a degree and with no experience. If they don't want Asian faces, you can get a PhD in TEFL (if such thing does exist) and it wouldn't do you any good. Just don't give up and keep at it. Have you thought about perhaps teaching in Thailand? Do you think Thailand would be as discriminating as China is? Also, if you MUST, lie about your background. Tell them you have Mexican blood in you or something. I've been saying that my mother is Malaysian for the last few months (she is Chinese Malaysian) just so students and the administration would at least consider me a foreigner.

[j552k]

I am going to be a newbie FT also. As a Chinese-American, I was initially worried my Asian face would be a hindrance. However, thanks to advice from tw and others here, I kept at it and have succesfully been placed in a uni in Hubei, which said they didn't mind my "Chinese face". (In fact, I'll be going there next week). The whole process from start of job search to visa processing took me just a little over 6 weeks time. However, being a noob to the China job market, I did use a recruiting company. Overall, the process has gone quite smoothly. Now, as to what conditions I actually signed up for, I guess I'll know when I get there. There may be a reason they hired me so quickly. But, at least know that it is possible to find work. Good luck.

[M109A3]

J,

Which agency did you use if you don't mind telling me? My wife and I are comparing agencies for our move there. Plus we're looking at the island provence right by Vietnam (I forget the names too easily right now) as well as Shaghai.

[tw]

[Smitman]

Thanks for all the great advice and encouragement, guys. I think I may also have to settle for a recruiter, since it may be too difficult to solo this one as an asian. I might go with JourneyEast if I'm accepted, since they seem to have a great reputation and service.

--Smit

[tw]

[7969]