Job Discussion Forums

[ShadowEdge]

I will be graduating in December with a bachelor's degree (in history) and hope to obtain a job teaching English by March 2007 at the latest. I've seen many threads comparing Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, but not many comparing Korea with mainland China. There seems to be much more info on the web about Korea than China.

Which of the two countries, in your opinon, would be more suitable for a new graduate, with no teaching experience whatsoever? I won't have a TEFL certificate, just a college diploma. I'm aware that the pay would be much lower in China, but that isn't a huge concern for me. Both countries seem to offer housing and airfare as part of their regular packages. I'm more interested in the experience offered in the country, and the general attitude towards foreigners (I'm an American, if that makes any difference).

Wherever I end up, I would like to teach in a publicly owned, government school, not a private language institute. Is there any equivilant of Korea's G/Epik programme in China? How difficult would it be for someone with my qualifications to obtain such a position in China?

I apologize for the newbie questions, and would like to thank anyone who offers advice in advance. If someone could point out a site wtih ESL China faqs it would be helpful as well.

[2 over lee]

First are you talking about Japan and China or Korea and China. In coming to China, I'm sure you could get a public Uni job. However there is a rule that you need 2 years teaching experience or a TESL cert to get a such a job, whether this would be ignored in an online application I'm unsure.

[WordUp]

I think you'll find that entry to Korea is more difficult but jobs are more plentiful and gainful. With a diploma, you are technically qualified to work in both countries, a TEFL of course can only benefit you.. If making money is important, Korea.. But maybe you want to learn Chinese cause one day we'll all be eating dumplings under the united provinces of China world.. sadly enough..

[ShadowEdge]

[2 over lee]

OK, you may like to edit the title of your post.

[sheeba]

[Shan-Shan]

[sheeba]

To the OP . I think China would be a good experience for you . Universities can be a pretty casual affair giving you time to experience the culture .

[prof]

Japan or China?

It's really apples and oranges.

Going to Japan is the 'safe' choice. The country is developed and the EFL industry is mature.

There's a large group of EFL teachers who have been there for over a decade.

As the industry is mature and gaijin faces are all over, it's a pretty easy experience. Many of the long termers end up marrying local women.

But salaries are limited, as are job opportunities. And more often than not your teaching will be 'controlled.' Follow the book / follow the system. You are another cog, and will never be near the top. Even in universities you are just a temporary worker teaching "English Lite."

China is totally different. The country is developing and the EFL industry is still young. You can earn US$300/month or end up saving US$3000/month, depending on you. You might have to follow a book...or you might be allowed to design each of your classes, choose the texts, and advise the people who run the school.

What kind of experience are you after?

A job or an adventure? (But remember that adventures don't always have Hollywood endings!)

[Steppenwolf]

I would query "prof" on his allegation of Japan's "TEFL industry" being "mature"; what does that mean? But that's his secret; most Japanese do not seem to speak English more competently - in spite of having a "mature TEFL industry" at their service! - than Chinese do!
Maybe "prof" simploy used a chance to vent his personal spite against China?

Anyway, the original poster requested opinions on the availability of jobs "in March 2007"; my answer to this question is:
Public schools are unlikely to hire then because the academic term ends in June/July and the next one begins in September.
There might be a chance for him to be considered after the spring festival ca. mid-February.

He better apply for jobs by the end of this year!

[prof]

What do I mean by "mature?"

The TEFL industries in Japan and in China are at different levels of development.

In Japan, a system exists and the industry is at a later stage (for example, there is union, there is regular overseas hiring, etc.)

It is also more developed in Korea (free airfare, etc.)

In China, the industry is still at an early stage. This can be both a bad and a good thing.


By the way Steppen-roger, don't you have another Chinese ex-wife waiting to beat you up somewhere?

[SIH]

Yeah i'd agree with Prof on this one.

China is still a developing country and still have a few things that they do backwards. But they are changing and there doesn't seem to be the fasanation (spl) to teach in China when compared to Japan or Korea. I think people would prefer to go there because they seem more westernised and safer.

Teaching in Japan and Korea is promoted more than teaching in China. When China wakes up and if they realize that learning English is something important the Market here will soon catch up with Japan and Korea. But not for a while though.

[Sean Smith]

It all depends what you're looking for. If you want to save money, Korea is the best choice right now. But as another poster mentioned, March is not when public schools are hiring. As it seems like you have no teaching background, you could try the hogwan (language school) option and gain much needed trial-and-error teaching experience. Just be sure to do your homework and investigate the background of the school. Get in contact with a few teachers there if that is possible. The downside of Korea is its suffocating monocultural society and palpable xenophobia.

While you'll save less in Japan, there is more to see and do, it is more international than Korea, and in general the Japanese are a more organized, sophisticated people.

While the pay in China is laughable and professional teaching standards apparently non-existent, it is an exciting place to be right now, a country in rapid transition. Also, learning Mandarin while teaching there could come in handy if the Chinese are able to continue their economic expansion. If I were 25 years old and money were not a priority, I think China would be a great place to live and work for a year or two.

[SIH]

That's what i'm going to do.
Already did 2 years in Korea.
Would love to go back but going to try China for a change instead. apparently it's meant to be nicer.

[2 over lee]

I don't think it's worth responding here to someone who names Japan and China in the title and then Korea and China in the thread.