Job Discussion Forums

gogoplata714 · Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 3

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are planning on moving to Kunming next fall (2008) to teach, study a bit of Mandarin, and generally take some relaxing time away from our current jobs/lives in a large US city - we'd like to be there at least 6 months or a year. I have EFL teaching experience in Beijing (university level), where I lived for a year, and hubby has visited China before on vacation (it's actually where we met). We have both visited Kunming a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it.

As far as I can tell, the fact that we're a married couple will likely give us an advantage when applying to universities for teaching jobs, as the school will only have to provide 1 apartment for 2 teachers. I'd prefer a uni job, at least at first, since it seems to be a relatively simple solution as far as arranging visas and accomodation (at least that was how it was for me when I taught in Beijing) for us.

Now, there may be a bit of a problem (though I'm not sure), as hubby doesn't have a Bachelor's or any teaching experience. Has anyone had a similar experience and/or advice about applying for jobs as a couple, especially in a crowded TEFL job market like that of Kunming?

I'm very curious to hear what people have to say about this.

Thanks much for reading,
gogoplata

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

Dear Gogoplata,

I agree. Kunming is a great city with nice weather.

If you are both United States citizens (or for that matter from any of the other scheduled countries), both have full-course university degrees, etc., etc., you should be able to find work in Kunming, given your lead time, but nonetheless it will not be easy, given the oversupply and underdemand of the market. Additionally, wages in Kunming are lower than most other parts of the country, due, ostensibly, to the overabundance of the "backpacker, hippie-trash, druggie" types who will work for almost nothing.

I was surprised to receive an unsolicited job offer from a very nice university in Kunming just a few days ago so that tells me the market still has some fluidity.

It's a great place to be but it's not the easiest market for a good job.

All the best,

HFG

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

jwbhomer · Joined: 14 Dec 2003 Posts: 876 Location: CANADA

I'm curious to know what a "'back-paper' type" is. Is back-paper anything like toilet paper? Laughing

I wonder if they get "unsollicited" offers, perhaps to teach spelling.

To reply to the OP... IME (quite limited compared to that of the esteemed HFG) if you can get hired on the strength of your own qualifications, and let the school know that your husband is coming with you, they'll probably (if they're good people) try to find something for him to do regardless of his lack of a degree. (HFG please note. She did say her husband didn't have a degree. Read carefully!)
One of my colleagues was accompanied by his wife, who was a nurse, and the university found some English classes for her to teach.

That said, I think TW's suggestion is a good one. You've got a fair bit of lead time. Use it to upgrade your husband's credentials, if possible.

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

vikuk · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1842

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

vikuk · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1842

Now your spell/grammar-check is completed (good job I'm just a kindy teacher) - what about getting back to the original question in my badly spelt post - in short - how did you access your info Laughing

eslstudies · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1061 Location: East of Aden

[quote="gogoplata714"] Has anyone had a similar experience and/or advice about applying for jobs as a couple, especially in a crowded TEFL job market like that of Kunming?

/quote]
We went as a couple on the back of my job. My wife was offered work as soon as we arrived.
For advice on city/province specific locations however, I'd suggest you only listen to those who have worked or are working there, not scuttlebutt and rumor from those in other places feigning expertise.

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

[quote="eslstudies"]

vikuk · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1842

And how many of the posters giving advice here have ever set foot in Kunming - let alone worked there (or anywhere) as a couple - or indeed as someone without a degree (certainly not me) Laughing

Good on ya ESL - at least your "we were a couple info" was firsthand Wink

eslstudies · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1061 Location: East of Aden

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

[quote="eslstudies"]

gogoplata714 · Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 3

Thanks for your responses, everyone.

Yes, that's a great point, HunanForeignGuy - I realize having lived in Beijing a few years ago in no way makes me an authority on anything going on in China currently, and especially post-olympics. That's mainly why I'm trying to get a general idea about what to expect. Your responses have all been helpful.

In response to tw's questions: My husband has a lot of college work completed; he simply didn't finish his degree. That's a great idea about getting that TEFL certificate; that will probably improve his chances of finding work quickly, assuming a uni won't hire him right away.

Again, thanks for the help!
best,
gogoplata