Job Discussion Forums

[jsbankston]

If you teach in one area of the world, such as Asia, do potential employers pigeonhole you as an "Asian teacher" if you look for work outside that region? (The reason I say is I may have a shot at a job teaching English to Chinese business people, but I'd eventually like to wind up in Europe.)

[JZer]

I doubt it but depends. For example experience teaching at a Chinese University probably will not be given much value in other countries. Well at least I don't think that most people would see it as on par as teaching at a university in a western country or Japan.

[jsbankston]

A friend of a friend contacted me last week about a job teaching English to the Chinese employees of a company that's headquartered in America. (This is for an actual business, not a school or university.) Is there much chance I could parlay that experience into a similar sort of job in Europe?

[furiousmilksheikali]

[Henry_Cowell]

Can you work legally in Europe? Why would a company hire you to teach English in Europe? Are there no other English teachers available on that continent?

Just wondering...

[jsbankston]

[spiral78]

You might be offered a job in China because you can work legally in China - and there is a much greater demand in China for teachers than in Europe. Sure, there are teachers, but in China - not enough. In Europe - much different job market.


Your experience with Chinese businessmen would be useful for you in terms of finding out whether you even like the profession, but teaching to Chinese employees of a US corporation isn't going to get you legal jobs in Europe. It's simply NOT a matter of experience, qualifications, or desire. It's a matter of legalities.
If the business you teach for opens a branch somewhere in Europe, and they want to send you there, then you've got some chance. All of the people whom I know who have been successful using this route into Europe from North America have years of experience and post grad credentials in the field, though. The jobs are few, far between, very desirable, and attract the best qualified applicants.

[jsbankston]

[Henry_Cowell]

Marry a European -- sooner rather than later.

[spiral78]

The only countries where you have a legal chance at the moment are the new EU member states and east. Western Europe simply isn't a go.

It is unlikely to become more open over the next few years.

Sorry. There are always people on the forum hoping and wishing for and even demanding some loophole that will open the doors just for them.

Finders are extremely rare, and have almost all taken the chance, gone there, worked hard, made contacts, and gotten very lucky.

This takes time, qualifications, experience, savings, language skills, and commitment, in almost every case. It's not just serious dues to be paid - it's also extreme luck.

All you can realistically do now is find a way to ENTER the profession. There is almost NO WAY you are going to find your mecca from the starting point where you are now (if I remember your situation correctly from earlier threads).

I honestly can't give better news or advice.

[tedkarma]

When I worked in Saudi, I didn't find any bias against us experienced "Asian Hands" - but then again - the ME is SW Asia . . .

[The_Prodiigy]

There are some - but others will advise.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

Erased because this thread had ben dead for a year before the previous poster revived it.

[Henry_Cowell]

Gambate,

You're helping to revive this thread after nearly a year. The OP was a known (and self-identified) troll. I wouldn't bother if I were you.

[Ahchoo]

If you want to give him your views you can contact him here.
www.jsbankston.com
I sure as heck wouldn't want to be working next to this nutcake.