Job Discussion Forums

Dragon · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 81

I wroked with an aussie girl who was 19, she got the green book, a 20 and 22 year old and they got the green book. None had a degree. do not listen to them who say you will be illegal. China is corrupt and it doesn't really matter. As long as you have the green book. My advice, stay in the big cities. More comfy and very interesting. with all the migrants you do get that country feeling. Also, do not harp an your age to both chinese and foreigner. both will get jealous or even angry. Lie to your students if they are older. give them an age of 21 or 23. Just friendly advice.
Dragon

Dragon · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 81

pattyflipper no more · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2003 9:02 pm Post subject:

Well I do appreciate the advice once more. It is good to know that there is a chance that I am going to be able to work in China legally to some extent.

You all may be right about it being hard to find a job in Zhuhai, so with that said can anyone recommend to me schools in any of the other cities listed, or any other town with a population under a million with a fairly good environment.

As for staying away from the language schools, how am I able to tell the deference between the ones that would suit me (public schools) (in your opinion) and the ones that would not (language schools). Also, what is that main difference in employment conditions in the schools in these schools??

And the last thing, can anyone recommend any web sites that give info on southern china, and the coastal cities around there. I have been to a few, but I am looking for info on what life there would be like. I would like to say thanks in advance to everyone for replying,

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

I would recommend that you do a search by province, and by city. One of the reasons I like Helen's Chinatefl site. Go to their map, and look at where you want to teach.
Someone always says..well i know someone who did this. Having a BS degree is not a requirement for being employed legally. But most schools who are good enough to be able to hire you legally will insist on it. There are just too many teachers out there. Only schools that don't care much about teaching quality will hire teachers with no degree...almost always, there are always exceptions
Colleges usually say so in their title"Real" 4yr colleges ten to have simple names...Zhengzhou Institute of technology..their own web site you can check out. When you e-mail them, ask about their school.
Language schools usually try for catchier names..Pacific Ocean, Dashan, English First. They usually will have you teach nights/weekends, wide variety of student levels even in the same class, worse student attitude..the students think they can buty english sometimes (my feelin)
In between are quaisi colleges, students may go there one semester or two years, taking full time courses. These vary greatly between high quality and scams. Usually college age students. These almost never can hire you legally, but will try to trick you about it. Working conditions can vary . They often put a country's name in their title...Canadian Institute of business Technology

RSB · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 21

On www.chinatefl.com look at Puiching College of Commerce. There are a few people here (mostly older) without degrees.

The college is actually outide Huadu in Chini. A little isolated but nice campus. If you want any other info email us at [email protected]

Anne-Marie Gregory

Check out the Job Information Journal on this website. Make sure you speak to a current foreign teacher there (remembering that you might be put in touch with the only one who's still speaking to the management) and do as much background research on the place as you can. Do bear in mind though that we all have our own perspective (bias). And do expect to be fed some not entirely factual facts about your potential job.

China is a fantastic country full of opportunities. However, many, many things can go wrong. Many terrible things happen to good people. Be careful. The private sector in particular can be problematic. It can also be very rewarding...both financially and, well, as a teacher. I've just bailed out of one such quasi FE college and only now see all of its good points.

I come from a similar background and spent ages doing voluntary work, and paying to fund voluntary work in Africa. If I'd know about teaching in China a few years ago then I'd have done what you are embarking on.

Good luck!

AM

colmartn · Joined: 17 Mar 2003 Posts: 1

Hey there,

I saw your post and I know how you feel!! I am also TESOL certified, but without a 4 year degree. Let me tell you, you will have no problem getting a job or a working visa. I have been in China for some time now working and without any problems. As long as you dont lie to your employer, and they know you only have a TESOL degree, I*m sure you wont have any problems. Also, 2 other friends of mine here are also teachers, and they do not have a BA/or TESOL, they also have had no problems. Also, I have heard QingDao is a wonderful city in China to work and live in. The have the most beautiful beaches, very clean, and pretty modern. The also have a Subway resteraunt, jazz bar, and western style gyms, if you are interested in that. There are many jobs openings last I heard too, I was actually thinking about moving there myself. Well I hope this helps, if you need any more info, just ask!! Best of Luck!!!!