Job Discussion Forums

[davidchu79]

Hi,
I'm looking to go and teach in Beijing and I've heard that all they're looking for are white blonde faces to get a job.
I'm native Englishman but I am half (well actually a quarter) chinese with a Chinese surname. Is this really going to be a problem getting a job in Beijing?
I'm 28 with a degree and a CELTA qualifaction, is this much of an advantage in Beijing or does everyone have them?

If any 'halfies' or everyone else can enlighted me on any thoughts or experiences of the above it would really be appreciated.

Thanks
Dave (will that name help??)

[u24tc]

Basically..... do you look asian?

[davidchu79]

Well....I've got black hair, but kinda dark skin....I suppose I could look mexican, or Italian, but yes I also look half chinese.
Is that reallygoing to be a problem?

[Anda]

Well tell them you are half Italian and that your Italian father had a Chinese grandfather. That should distance you enough. You could turn up wearing Italian clothes too for effect.


If you are a top teacher then it should not be a problem. Like I say, one only needs one job.

[tw]

[davidchu79]

Hi Anda,
Is that a real picture of you?
Are you mixed? And if so did you have any experiences that you thought it was really working against you?
I wouldn't think I look anywhere near as asian as you, and I would say I dress and my general appearance is very western (and I don't mean wearing England football shirts!)
Do you think that will be enough distance?
Plus, I've a VERY english middle name, so don't think I'm really going to be able to pull off Italian convincingly.

Cheers
Dave

[Sonnet]

A number of employers won't consider non-caucasians. Well, that's their loss.

If you're a decent teacher who's serious about the job, and you do your research & find a decent school, you shouldn't have any problems; pretty much the same as those of us who're gloriously pasty white. I've known a fair number of teachers here with varying degrees of Asian lineage, and they didn't encounter any serious problems.

You should be fine! All the best with the job hunt.

[william wallace]

Most are employable here, the question is; are you willing and able to accept the salary and conditions.
I come from the East of Canada, where even the lowliest of jobs are difficult to get, yet on the other end in Calgary and thereabouts, jobs pay much more than minimum wage, yet are going unfilled, so they've attached incentives to try and fill the jobs. China has a big demand for FTs ,but they are NOT so desperate as to offer major incentives.

I've seen and know people with no degrees, no high school diploma, prison records, non-white, poor English speakers(L2 English),poor social skills get work--------Does it seem like it is a challenge to get a job in this country? Does body count come to mind ?

AND,that's in the discriminating capital city-Beijing!!

[davidchu79]

Thanks for the concern William,
I think I'm going to leave on a tourist visa and try a look at a few schools and for jobs when I'm there. Then at least I'll know better if I can take the conditions and incentives!

Can anyone tell me if it would be very advantangeous to start contracting Universities or schools in Beijing now? Or is it fine to just get on a plane and look for schools/universities when I arrive. There seems so many of them in Beijing!

What should I really look for in a school? Or shall I stick to jobs at are adventised and apply to schools that way?

Any advice would be great

And any good web-addresses for jobs would be great as well!!

Cheers
Dave

[therock]

Start contacting them now. Most universities will go on summer vacation shortly. Competition especially in Beijing is more competitive, so it would be advisable to start looking now.