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]

[China.Pete]

Listen to what TW says: "no recruiters." Got that? Okay.

Now, your passport and photo should be about the last thing you give them. I once recruited a Chinese-Canadian for a university position. By the time we got her passport picture, and noticed that she looked a little, uh, Asian, everyone at the university was already sold on her education and experience. If they just want to see your passport photo up front, I wouldn't want to work for them anyway.

Incidentally, in a previous thread you wanted to complete a TEFL certificate in California, because you felt you needed a boost, and now you're all excited because you can't get a job in TWO WEEKS!? Go back and read my posts and others about when schools are recruiting. If you're not gonna read 'um carefully, why ask for our help?

P.S. You may find that some universities or international schools are looking for English-speaking math teachers. Same may go for SAT specialists. They pay better than the basic English-teaching jobs. But you'll have to be patient, as there are relatively fewer of these jobs out there, along with fewer qualifed applicants.

[M109A3]

[WordUp]

[Smitman]

China.Pete wrote:

"Incidentally, in a previous thread you wanted to complete a TEFL certificate in California, because you felt you needed a boost, and now you're all excited because you can't get a job in TWO WEEKS!? Go back and read my posts and others about when schools are recruiting. If you're not gonna read 'um carefully, why ask for our help?"

Sorry Pete, but I thought that I did read the posts somewhat carefully. I quote tw in my previous newbie thread: "However, note that for teaching in China, a degree is enough as far as qualification goes." That gave me quite some confidence, and I felt that maybe I had a shot at getting a job without the TEFL certification (that I could get it during my tenure at an institute, or that their job training would be sufficient while I get my TEFL cert on my own time and money). Anyway, it's �nly been two weeks, you're right, but I posted because I actually got a few replies from employers, and as I have said, email correspondences after inquiring about the job and sending my qualifications. However, upon sending my passport photo as requested, I completely stopped receiving responses from them. I'm not disappointed or overly sad or excited about this, but it opened my eyes to the fact that maybe being asian might hinder my job hunt a little more than I thought, which is why I posted. I mean, I really appreciate all of your guys' help, and I really don't want to come off as ungrateful.

That being said, in response to everyone else's advice, I've come across a lot of jobs that require a passport photo and resume and cover letter up front, and maybe due to my "American professional job hunting" roots, I figure if I don't send them right away then my application is so much closer to not even being considered. I also thought that by getting the photo out of the way I can avoid more of these lame correspondences that get me excited and terminate when they see my picture. Also, thanks for letting me know the "norm" time it takes for schools to get back to you, 7969.

I guess I may also have to start looking harder for International School job postings to teach maths or SAT, which sounds great because I feel I am already qualified for those jobs. English teaching still sounds fun, though, and I am going to continue trying to find ways to do it. However, to get myself over to China and with a working visa, with my foot in the door, I thought a recruiter would be cool. Although I am not afraid of taking risks, and can live or tough out pretty much any situation that comes up, getting there and being able to get to network in China with charisma and professionalism sounds like something I'm more hasty to do than keep on searching until I finally find a school that might pay me even less than 3500RMB a month. Or should I do just that?

[tw]

[China.Pete]

"I've come across a lot of jobs that require a passport photo and resume and cover letter up front, and... I figure if I don't send them right away then my application is so much closer to not even being considered." -- Smithman

They DO eventually need to see your passport and photo to prepare the documentation you'll need to get your "Z" Visa from the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco. Still, employers who demand this "up front," set off alarm bells with me, because I assume they couldn't give a fig as to whether I'm a suitable fit for them or not. They are just so glad to have a live one that they can get started on processing a visa for. Thus, I think that some of your initial nervousness may be unfounded. It should be apparent to you by now that many employers out there simply don't have many of what most Westerners would construe as rational hiring standards at all. That should give you cause for hope of finding an entry into at least one such position.

[TEAM_PAPUA]