Job Discussion Forums

mattkzbt · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 17

I was just told by EF Shanghai that, despite being a certified teacher in America, I couldn't get a Z visa because I don't have a TEFL degree.

Is that true? Will the government refuse me a visa b/c i don't have the degree even though I have though i am certified by this country to teach.

Or were they just trying to get me to sign up and take their tefl course?

-Matt

kingmalka · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 4:02 am Post subject:

It might have changed because of the Olympics, but when I came here in December there was no TEFL cert. required for EF Suzhou. In fact I'm quite certain that they still don't require it. If EF Shanghai is bugging you about it, just say you're in the process of taking an online course that will finish in a few weeks or something.

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

Why are you thinking of EF if you are certified/licensed/whatever in the States? You should be able to find work in an international school at a western or near-western salary with your qualifications.

mattkzbt · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 17

i actually don't want to work with them but i was worried about the visa thing.

As for international schools, I don't really want that much "responsibility." I'm only looking to stay in China for about 8 months.

Just looking for part time work and international schools usually don't hire sight unseen.

Moon Over Parma · Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 819

Pelican_Wrath · Joined: 19 May 2008 Posts: 490

I've never heard of anywhere in China specifically requiring a TEFL Degree before.

Indeed, government regulations only state that the teacher must have a 'first Degree'. That could be in Chemistry, English, Knitting, Religious Studies, Law, or Brewing, it would make no difference, it must just be a Degree.

Stupidly, TEFL certificates are generally regarded as pretty useless in China, which is silly as (IMVHO) they prepare a teacher for teaching far more than a random Degree does (except for actual Education based Degrees, of course)

Leon Purvis · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 1:14 am Post subject:

Maybe EF can't secure the z visa.

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

Maybe the TEFL certificate is required for Shanghai, looks like the requirements keep getting harder. Why don't the authorities just ban all foreigners from working in China until after the Olympics. Wink

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

There are plenty of ten month contracts and the crowd below can organize a cheap TEFL course here on arrival. Normally you start teaching on the 1St September.

Jiangsu Education Center for International ExchangeCoordinator, Dept. of Recruitment International Teachers Jiangsu Education Service for International Exchange Jiangsu Department of Education ...
www.chinatefl.com/jiangsu/teach/jecie-4.htm - 8k - Cached - Similar pages

Jiangsu Education Center for International Exchanges (JECIE)Jiangsu Institute of Education. Jiangsu Radio & TV University ... The Affiliated High School to Jiangsu Education Institute. Nanjing No.14 Middle School ...
www.chinatefl.com/jiangsu/teach/jecie-2.htm - 59k - Cached - Similar pages

...................................................................................

Moon Over Parma · Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 819