Job Discussion Forums

WormFood · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Guangdong

I have seriously been considering going to China to take a TEFL course. I have been thinking about the course at http://www.teflintl.com/china_zhuha.htm because it is a lot cheaper than in the USA or other places, it provides real teaching experience, and I can visit my girlfriend in Guangzhou on the weekends. I want the proper TEFL training, so I can be the best teacher I can be. My plan is to take the course, and upon completing it, look for a job in Guangzhou, so I can live with my girlfriend. She wants to move to the USA in 2009, so I figure even if I hate it there, I can stick it out for a year or so. My girlfriend will be back in the USA in early October for a week or two, and I want to go back with her, and take the TEFL course in November. I am having some problems getting my passport, so I may have to leave later in the year, or early next year, depending on how long it takes me to get things fixed.

1. Is this a reasonable plan?

2. I know I won't be able to work for a school run by the state without a degree, but will I have problems working for private schools?

3. Will my brainbench certifications help me in any way (they are all computer, electronics and internet related, but most are 'master' rating)?

4. It appears that some schools will try to 'trick' me into working for them without a Z visa. If they try that, what is the best way to handle that situation?

5. Will I have any problems staying with my girlfriend on a business visa, before and after the TEFL course? I read about living restrictions, but don't know if that info is out of date or not.

6. From what I've been reading, it sounds like it would be best to get my medical exam in china, after I get the Z visa. Is that the best way to do it?

7. I expect that once I am approved for a Z visa, that I will have to make a visa run. How expensive is that (I mean for travel and living while waiting the new visa)?

upchuckles · Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 111

Don't waste your money. TEFL certificates are accepted by brand recognition, accredation is a term used to signify a company spent $500 for a board to put a rubber stamp on their certificates and is a marketing ploy.

If you are spending less than $450 on your TEFL certificate and less than 100 hours of coursework. It is not worth it..

By the way, if you don't have a 4-year diploma you will be relegated to a smal number of developing provinces and liekly your options will be restricted to training centers..

WormFood · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Guangdong

u24tc · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 125 Location: Dalian, China

dave_merk · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 208

IT ISN'T TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You CAN, repeat, CAN, work at a good state-run school in China without a degree. I am currently doing it...have been doing it for four years. The catch, though, (as I've said a million times in other threads) is that you need the special permission of the SAFEA/FAO authorities in your province to work there if you don't have a degree, and they'll usually only grant their permission if you've been here working for a couple years already and/or based on your school's connections with them.

I swear, when I have more drive I'm going to make the "Dave's ESL Cafe China Job Board Offical 'Do You Need a Degree to Work in China?' Sticky" for this board.

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

Yes you can do a cheap approved English Certificate in Jiangsu and if you pass then you can get a job with the Nanjing Education Office in a public school so yes it is true. I usually do not post info like this but PM it to those I can see have half a brain or more as shown by the writing. Paper work (visa everything can be done on location) so it is not a bad way to get a start into teaching ESL.

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

dave_merk · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 208

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

If I was looking at getting a wee piece of paper, I'd look at either a CELTA or DELTA, or at least a TEFL cert. a country where less than 60% is faked or forged - Say, Thailand. But the beaches of Beijing and Shanghai and...come pretty close Wink

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

HunanForeignGuy · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 989 Location: Shanghai, PRC

I concur fully with TW and Dave_Merck.

I have very decent teachers here without a four-year degree and yes, it is often on a case-by-case basis. Caution is in order.

If you are in North America, you may wish to consider one of the Oxford TESL centers that have sprung up like mushrooms.

What exactly is your status? Have you finished university? High school?, etc.,...

bdawg · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 526 Location: Nanjing

I would argue it depends on your career goals. I shelled out 1200 clams for one in my home country and it was completely useless in China...until four months ago. It is because of the triple crown of degree/TESOL/experience which landed me with a foreign education company and associated salary. The company specifically mentioned the TESOL diploma during the interview and it was a definite asset.

In addition, if one is shooting for a more competitive market (Shanghai/Beijing) it might set you apart from others newbies who don't have such qualifications. A degree/diploma doesn't a teacher make, but it will most likely increase your chances of employment over someone without such qualifications.

But for the most part, the locals don't know and don't care.

WormFood · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Guangdong

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong