Job Discussion Forums

Katja84 · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 165

Hi everyone!

A quick question about applying for jobs - I'd like to go to China to teach next autumn, but most jobs ask for photocopies of degree transcripts. I graduate in July. Will I still be able to apply for jobs now, and will somebody actually consider hiring me now (conditional on passing, of course)? I'm a non-native speakers so I'll have trouble finding work anyway, and if I begin searching in July I doubt I'll find something.

Thank you!

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

This might let you get your foot in the door while things are happening but you have to pay $700.

http://www.ifrevolunteers.org/china/paid_english_teaching.php

Expect native English (citizens of US, UK , Canada , Australia , Ireland and other English speaking countries), there is no other qualification needed to teach in China . You can teach from 1 month to 1 year. If you hold a Bachelor's Degree in any subject and have one year of teaching experience with TEFL or TOSEL training from an accredited organization, you have the chances of drawing a monthly salary of up to US$ 800. IFRE paid English teaching in China is a great way to explore the intriguing land of China while teaching English to the aspiring school and college students and get paid for your teaching service, a rare and worthwhile opportunity for travelers.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

I am surprised Anda mentioned paying someone ... DEFINITELY NOT

I know your English is good, better then many non-native laowai. And, sorry, but you are white? Even though still lots of black non-native speakers teaching, definitely makes it harder.

1) You will have no problems finding a job. Finding a great job paying lots of money in a great apartrment in Beijing might be a problem ... prices have really risen Mad

Here in Zhengzhou you could easily find jobs at a dozen colleges

3) You will be above average -qualified for a recent graduate. Didn't you spend time here previously? A very few places mention 2 years working experience. Not many places though

4) Now is really the wrong time to start looking. July would still have jobs, but wait until after the Winter break, which lasts to the end of February. Right now they have two weeks left. You could start looking in March, but few FAO's (Foreign affair officer) think that far ahead. Honestly. I would say late April or May. Definitely not now.

5) Many decent schools will ask for your diploma, because in many provinces, the school's try to follow the law, copy of diploma is one of the paper requirements for applying for an invitation letter for you. The school may very well send you a contract, and wait for this item, but not always.

Still overall, you can relax. You will not have a problem finding a job. But you can start narrowing your choices down to six or 8 schools

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

If as said the person has no work experiance but wants to teach straight away without paperwork then my tip is okay to get in country and get a bit of experiance before the peak employment time and his paperwork comes through. Better than sitting at home and wasting one's savings on Western living costs.

A goverment job in public schools without experiance starts at 3,000 RMB a month. Jumping into a job with an instutite without having a friend there working is what I'd advise against for a new starter.

Katja84 · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 165

andrew_gz · Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 502 Location: Reborn in the PRC

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

First they send you a contract by e-mail. Legally not a contract, but serves the purpose. They bring that and other paperwork, your passport number, etc, and submit it to the province to get your invitation letter.

Every bureau every school is different. Some schools will go ahead with this even if you haven't gotten your diploma yet (some, without asking you, will fake your diploma).

Even if you had to wait until July, you would have no problem finding a job. But perhaps best for your peace of mind is to start contacting some schools that you would think you would like to work at. Probably best is to think of one or two locations and then search. Ask them this question. Choosing which schools to apply to is the hardest part. When I first came I contacted 6 unis and a high school, and all offered me positions

Just keep in mind that they go on vacation soon. And if they say they are interested in you, you will have to remind them later. They will not submit your paperwork until maybe June or july

jammish · Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1704

A lot of schools don't hire people until a few weeks before they start anyway. For my first job in China, I applied in late August and came to China just after the start of term, in early September! So don't fret if you aren't graduating til July!

mcl sonya · Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 179 Location: Qingdao

I don't really know how it is in general, but I just graduated in December and won't have my diploma until April-ish, and the semester for the school I'm teaching at starts in March. My employer hasn't asked to see the diploma yet, though they did ask for a letter of recommendation from one of my professors. They're sending the invitation letter for the visa first, then I'll sign the contract when I'm there.

vikuk · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1842

Dave's is now being effected by The China Firewall - this thread, together with many threads on the off-topic site, is no longer viewable in China (at least in some regions - if not all) using normal internet connection.
To the poster - if you want your querries to be easily viewed by FT's in China - you have to start a new thread, and repeat the question.
It seems that threads are being locked down - one at a time. Why this thread was locked is anybody's guess!!!!