Job Discussion Forums

[gserlenga]

I have been silently perusing this section of the Dave's ESL Forum for awhile now. Here is my situation. If anyone could offer useful comments it would be most appreciated. I know this question has been asked and answered before, but I would like to get some input before I give up entirely on the idea of entering the EFL teaching world. Honestly I am somewhat interested in teaching and already do so all the time in my current job as a IT/computer tech, and the primary interest I have with EFL teaching is enabling me to live in and experience a different culture and country and support myself at the same time.

I have a 2yr. Associates Degree and recently earned a TEFL certificate from Bridge-Linguatec. I have numerous employment references, no criminal record, am an American native English speaker, and I am "white" (whatever that means). I understand that the major point against me is my lack of a 4yr. University degree.

My question is should I give up now on pursuing EFL teaching work and residence in China, or anywhere else in Asia for that matter due to my lack of a University degree? This is very disappointing to me but I do not really want to take any unnecessary risks or expose myself to the "underbelly" of the EFL teaching industry. Any constructive comments by those more knowledgable or experienced than myself in regards to this would be appreciated

[Anda]

Give them a ring or fax here:

http://www.chinatefl.com/jiangsu/teach/jecie-2.htm


They were taking people like yourself last year to work in government public schools. Pay would be around 4,000 RMB a month plus accommodation and airfares. Ten month contract however most of the time.

[North China Laowei]

To the OP,

Much depends upon the province, the organization, the "connections" of the organization, the desire and will of the school to hire you, etc.

Under the current rules, life became a little more difficult for you, but still not impossible. How you present and your ability to relate to students are also two important factors. In the past, on a scale of 1-10, I would have said that your chances of finding employment would have been 8-10. Under the new rules and with the current situation, I would stay that your chances are probably 6-10.

These are the provinces to consider : Shanghai (believe it or not); Heilongjiang (Harbin - but if you are from MA, well, Harbin is cold, and MA can be cold in the winter); as Anda writes, Jiangsu (Nanjing) is still a good place to look and is still open for business; Hunan (desperately short of teachers but they are less "savvy" with the ins-and-out of the process, generally speaking); and maybe some of the far-flung places in Xinjiang, like Korla. Zhejiang is a possibility but it could be hit-or-miss.

Don't even waste time with Guangzhou -- it won't happen this year; Bejing could be difficult if not impossible, etc., etc.

And frankly, while many on this Board would disagree, this is one time (meaning your particular case) where a good employment agent could really make a difference, especially one that knows the ropes well.

[therock]

Also don't highlight so much the fact you have an Associate Degree. Chances are some places will not even know the difference.

[Anda]

As North China Laowei writes a good employment agent could really make a difference, especially one that knows the ropes well.

If one looks on an agent as what they are instead of trying to make them into an employee then they are in general handy as they only get paid if they fill positions.

Bottom line but try and make sure that someone in management can speak half good English where you are going to work as it can really help if a situation becomes difficult.

[TexasHighway]

[Sean1009]

It sounds like you and I are in very similar situations. I posted my resume here and have had a few decent offers so far, just waiting for the right one to show up, or until I absolutely have to take what I can get.

[redpiston]

[TexasHighway]

TexasHighway said:

[redpiston]

Then why apply to any company tht requires a photo as it is clearly used to illustrate race and physical features. Why stop at race. Why not demand that complete equality is applied to all hiring processes, such as ageism and sexism.

[Anda]

Um.to prove a point. Remember you can do a degree by distance.



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


http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&newwindow=1&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=paid+volunteer+teaching+China&spell=1

[TexasHighway]

redpiston said:

[nickpellatt]

It isnt impossible to find legit work in your situation at all!

In March, I helped a friend get a job in Hainan, perhaps visa etc is easier here, but he is only 23, no degree, and only the first part of a weekend TEFL completed, and had no problems getting his Z visa.

It all depends on desire of the school I think. His job may not be the best in China, but he works alongside degree qualified people...so if its good enough for them.....

[jamesmollo]

All you need is some kind of academic transcript. They won't (in most cases) know the difference. I don't agree that you should avoid certain cities. It really depends on the school, anywhere. There are rules and regulations but not neccessary followed. I've worked in china for 3 years in three different provinces without a 4 year degree. But I have a TEFL certificate. Don't sweat it. If that's what you want to do you will find something.
James

[Zorak03]

You will have no problem finding a job. Most schools are in bad need of people at the moment. However, getting your work permit may be another matter. My FEC was rejected the first time I applied.