Job Discussion Forums

[eslstudies]

With your inexperience-and there is absolutely no disrespect intended-just flying in and hoping to find a halfway decent job would be akin to going into a department store blind, deaf and dumb, and hoping to come out with what you're looking for.
Also, it would be an expensive and time consuming exercise. Best to do the ground work from home on the net. Having worked in Shanghai for 3 years, its not really a place for beginners, being as competitive as it is. A smaller city, where locals may be more appreciative of a native speaker and less discriminating about qualifications, may be a better option.
A portal such as http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/bestwebsites.shtml
is a handy starting point.
Remember, an organisation that can legally employ you, will arrange necessary permits, will provide housing and reimburse airfare is what you are looking for.

PS I'm always amused when people go to war over the merits of their certificates, online or classroom, one month or one week.
A post graduate TESOL certificate requires this:

[californian]

I worked in Shanghai and didn't have any problem finding employment. I have an AA degree and a TEFL which is more than enough for China. Go to asiaexpat.com and look in the classifieds. Call some schools and ask for interviews. Part time starts at RMB150 an hour, but you could prolly negotiate if you gots the expereince and the catskills.

[clark.w.griswald]

[wailingtraps]

Teaching is a skill...........its not given on completion of a course or earned by putting in time in a classroom........you can either do it or you can't...........I have a CELTA and it does give you a good INTRODUCTION into the world of TEFL..............does it mean I'm a good teacher....no.....it means I took a CELTA........like most things in life...it is what it is........

I think the OP really wanted to get some info on the job scene in Shanghai......i'm going to do something really intelligent and say for sure that I DON'T KNOW!...however.......having lived there for two years and just having returned to the UK after four years in China.........I would offer the following pearls of wisdom.....


1 You can't really go wrong..............take a job before you go or fly in and get what you find when you are there....there are pros and cons to both angles....if you aren't sure of these then PM me and we can talk about it

2 Make sure that whatever you do you have the financial backing to support you.....it doesnt have to be much...just enough to ensure that any choices you have to make post landing in China aren't clouded by monetary worries

3 Do your homework before accepting any job..............I know it goes without saying but it does reduce the risk of things getting out of hand

4 Make sure you have a really good time.............I'm back in the UK and I really can't see myself teaching TEFL again....but I had the time of my life and I hope you do too!!!!.....................................


PM if you have any questions at all

[eslstudies]