Job Discussion Forums

DLD1957 · Joined: 10 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

I'm 51 with an AA in Physical Therapy and I was recently laid off because the company I worked for had slowed dramatically over the past 6 months. I've had considerable teaching experience within the PT realm of practice, but that certainly doesn't qualify me to teach English. The reason I'm considering teaching in China is because I am married to a wonderful Chinese woman who is living in Henan Provence while we wait on her visa to be approved.

The job market here in Michigan is dreadful and my finding work in another area of the country is complicated by license issues, so I need to make a decision about my future in the next couple of months. I'm looking for some constructive information and advice so that I can make an educated decision. By the way, I'm looking into TESL courses so I won't be completely unequipped to teach. Thanks in advance for your help.

Sonnibarger · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 320 Location: Wuhan

sorry i gotta ask... how did you meet your wife?

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

With this ongoing economic crisis, I wonder how many Westerners are thinking about coming to teach in China. One thing is for sure with the increase in applicants there will be no incentive for schools to increase salaries. I can hear my FAO laughing now like Mr. Burns and thinking "cheap labor"

To answer your question, you could get a job in China, especially Henan province as it is one of the least wealthy places in China and certainly isn't the first choice of many. There might be regulations requiring you to have a degree, but that generally applies to public schools. With your qualification, does it have the word "degree" on it? If so, chances are schools will have no idea what it is - just apply and see what happens.

sui jin · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 184 Location: near the yangtze

I suggest you should not take the TEFL qualification: save the money and find a soft landing job in a university or public school in Henan. Weekly teaching hours will be on average 12-14, giving you plenty of time to prepare teaching materials, and get used to teaching English and to Chinese students.

DLD1957 · Joined: 10 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

Thanks for the reply's.

Sonnibarger: I met my wife on Friend Finder.com and was smitten from the first second I looked at her picture! We emailed for several months and then I traveled to China to meet her thinking that there was no way she could be as wonderful in person as she seemed to be, but she was and I asked her to be my wife. We were married in June 08, I've just returned from spending Sprig Festival with her and we keep things together by talking each day on Skype when I can't be with her. (I returned from China to news that I was going to be laid off in 4 days).

therock: My diploma does say degree!

sui jin: I'm interested in knowing your reason for suggesting that I forgo getting the TESL certificate.

bradley · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 235 Location: China

I'm from Michigan too. I'd check online and try to find a university job. And I would research as much as possible. Of course there's no substitute for the real thing. Just come over and try it.

sui jin · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 184 Location: near the yangtze

Re the TESL qualification, a few reasons really: 1) You may find you don't take to teaching English. If you love it and want to make a career of it, then think about getting qualified. 2) It is not required by most places in China 3) You have some teaching experience, so you know what it's like to manage a class and teach, and 4) in my view it is an unnecessary expense.

Term starts here next week, so you may be pushed to get a job, work visa etc. in time. If you have a few weeks or months to kill before starting a new job, then maybe doing the TESL course makes sense.

With a loving wife, you will have a wonderful life in China!

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

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

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

Oh my God! You're really pushing your luck here, OP. First, you found true love on the Internet. Now you're considering whether you should get a job teaching in China. Read a sampling of the threads on this board. Carefully! Then decide if you are the sort of person to push his luck a little further. Also, I would just add that, as a physical therapist who is concerned about the licensing implications of moving out of state, you may also want to consider what the effect of leaving the profession and going out of the country for awhile might be. You seem to be a real optimist. I would hope that China can justify your optimism.

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

Don't listen to the people who tell you to stay because "of the implications to your career" type of thing. You obviously need to get out for a while. I am guessing you are trying to rationalize your way to getting to China and that your mind is already there.
What are your REAL reasons for coming?

ms_casillas · Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 26

Hi,

I recently talked to a recruiter in China, he said that now jobs
are filling at an unbelivable rate due to the crisis, that teachers
cannot be as picky as they used to be.

Sorry guys, he also told me that Universites are wanting
women teachers, not men. This is because, according to him,
Men's behavior with Chinese ladies is unaccepable (or has
been in the past).

Just the messenger !!

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

bradley · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 235 Location: China

No one can really know if teaching abroad or specifically in China is right for them until they do it so come and try.