Job Discussion Forums

[sumaarmont]

Hi there,

I'm asking this question on behalf of my retired dad who is interested in going to China to teach English. He's 62 years old and has a few university degrees and lots of English teaching experience. I'm wondering if his age would be a problem in applying to jobs? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Many thanks!

[eslstudies]

There are plenty of people in their sixties working as foreign teachers in China. While many schools won't employ him, many others will snap up someone with qualifications and experience, provided he's fit and healthy.
I'd recommend looking at public university positions.

[tw]

What kind of students is he interested in teaching? If he wants to teach college and university students, he might be able to get a job. Then again, many employers do specify they will not consider job applicants who are xx years or older -- unless of course, he has a rather youthful face according to the Chinese, who are very poor at judging Westerners' ages. If he wants to teach at a language training centre, he'd most likely have to teach little children and they can really drain his energy. Also, how is his physical health? China can cause a lot of problems on older people with its pollution.

[China.Pete]

Some regions have a 60-year cut off for teachers at public universities. So, your better bet in such situations might be at PRIVATE universities, which tend to have their own rules. In other cases, even where the schools specify a cut-off of 50 or some such, they may be willing to accept someone who's older if you aproach them - especially if they've got unfilled positions for the next term.

[cj750s]

encourage him to apply at any school that interest him and let the employer tell him age requirements..even though the regualtions may specify n age ..it is likely some areas will not comply with the English verson of the regs.. if they are even up to date or correct..is anyones guess..most advice given here as to the regulations are based on English websites..tell him to find out for himself ..as this will be his only true indications..

[eslstudies]

Here's a typical job profile. I'd suggest he not get put off by the age profile, and apply!. Schools would often prefer a mature, experienced professional to some of the youthful dross on offer.

[HunanForeignGuy]

[Anda]

Post your dad's rusume here on Dave's ESL. I've heard that it works quite good.


http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/wanted/#PostMessage

The cut out age in Jiangsu for goverment positions is 60. I intend to find a place like HunanForeignGuy mentions before I hit 60. There are plenty here but over 60 I know!

[Kurochan]

It definitely varies. Even though the age limit is usually about 60, there is a 60+ year old guy at my school now. Last year we had a guy who was seventy-one! In his case, he'd worked on and off in China for eight years, so I suppose the school felt it would be okay to hire him because he'd know his way around. He e-mailed me that he recently applied to a few schools for this coming year, and got one job offer, and was turned down by one because of his age.

If your dad is in good health, especially with no heart problems (because they'll give you an EKG before you start working), he might as well apply and see what happens.

[eslstudies]

brsmith, georginachina, johhnysmoggins.............all posters into their sixties and doing it well. Don't worry about nice places that employ old teachers. Your dad isn't old, as you both know. GWB is 61, and he cuts a dashing figure. Keith and Mick are pushing 64, and still touring. There are plenty of decent teaching posts requiring decent teachers in China.

[sumaarmont]

Thanks to everyone who has responded. Sounds like my dad should definitely give it a go! He is a British citizen (for the poster who asked) and in quite good health. He's not planning on going to China until January. Thanks again for all your advice, very much appreciated

[brsmith15]

He's a youngster compared to some of us. Let's all give him a round of applause for his courage to try something new........ I know many oldsters who are just sitting around "waiting for God," to steal the title of a great BBC program.