Job Discussion Forums

[HunanForeignGuy]

I couldn't disagree more with the previous poster.

One tree does not a forest make, so to speak.

In my many years here in China, I have seen numerous and I mean numerous instances of where qualified Chinese-Americans were not considered for good positions. I was witness to one case where a Harvard graduate was not considered and a very lessor qualified person was hired in her place.

I worked with a Chinese-American in one job. He had been on the job many years and yet it took him considerable effort to find another job.

This kind of discrimination is present; it does exist and it easily influences a final decision.

So to the previouos poster, sorry but my own experience tells me otherwise. I wonder what the other posters who have been in China a period of time think about this.



HFG

[Teatime of Soul]

I agree with HFG.

I watched a talented, energetic, and personable young FT decimated by parents who declared she looked "too Chinese" to be a FT.

They pulled their kids out of her classes (in spite of the fact the kids loved her). In short order, she was let go from the job - too few classes.

The FT was born and bred in Australia, but of Chinese extraction. She came to China to teach and explore her roots. She left in tears.

So, maybe others have a different experience; but this what I witnessed. BTW: This was at a training center.

I won't say any experience here is universal, there can be a huge variance in outcomes.

[jwbhomer]

Had an ABC teaching with me at a university in Guangzhou in 2005-6. He didn't seem to have any trouble getting or holding a job. I'm not sure how he got along in the classroom. He said his Putong'hua wasn't all that fluent, and he couldn't read/write the language.
Perhaps the only way you'll find out is to try, get your resume out there and see what happens.

[sonya]

Ah wow...

Well, thanks for the warnings and the encouragement. I think it'll be all right, but if things go poorly I won't feel so shocked and disappointed and can smirk over how backwards the commies still are, and if they go well then I can be grateful. My asian-ness has always been an advantage, it's fair enough to have it held against me once in a while (though hopefully not often).

I'm sending out a barrage of resumes right now.. If you guys know of any cool places or have any advice, please don't hold out.

[sonya]

potentially awkward question:

would anyone mind reading over my cover letter?

[HunanForeignGuy]

[sonya]

Thanks for the tip, I guess I'll try again in a couple months..

That sounds interesting, which university in Guangzhou?