Job Discussion Forums

Jack_Burton · Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 2

Good afternoon all,

I am seeking general advice on my situation:

My wife has accepted a position with a school in Shenzhen, China and we are moving in Aug. I am looking to try my hand at teaching English with hopes that it will become a viable career. I am 30 years old with a BA in Anthropology and 5 years of management experience, but my only teaching experience is a one year stint as a grad student TA. Right now I am seeking advice on the following topics:

1) Should I obtain a TEFL certification of some kind before departing for China, or enroll in a course locally upon arrival?

2) I have considered a CELTA course that can be completed before I have to leave, which entails 120+ hours of coursework with some hands-on application. Is this the best option for someone with no ESL teaching experience to secure a job and be prepared?

3) I have heard mixed things about using job agencies (Aclipse, etc.) to secure employment before leaving. Are these types of agencies the best option for someone with a certification but no teaching experience, or would I have better luck getting certified and trying to locate work upon arrival? It seems like most positions posted privately require at least some teaching experience, which I will not have time to obtain before moving.

My situation is a little different than most on the boards because my wife will have a legit job with great pay and lots of support (Visa processing, etc.), so I don't even need to work right away from a financial standpoint. I thought that perhaps lining up a job before leaving (through an agency or privately) would be best in terms of visa issues, but I can come in on a spousal visa otherwise. I appreciate you taking the time to read this and look forward to any responses.

Plan B · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 266 Location: Shenzhen

I would suggest getting a TEFL or CELTA either beforehand or when you come. Most places will require it both for visa regulations and to show their clients.

The only centres I know about where you can do this reasonably locally are at TEFL International in Zhuhai, or at the TESOL centre in Hong Kong - there may be a place in Shenzhen too, but I don't know about it.

It's probably better to come over on your spousal visa given your circumstances. Take your time to look around, wet your feet in various different types of teaching environment before finding one that suits you. There are many corporate English training centres which would match your business background, although many of them will require previous teaching experience.

twinman · Joined: 15 Oct 2003 Posts: 6

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

I would wait until you arrive.. SZ is a big city.. if you find a gig before you come on the opposite side of the city as your wife... you may find it a bit taxing spending an hour plus in transit everyday.. you shouldnt have a problem finding work once you get here... maybe your wife has some contacts that could look into a job for you somewhere near... any chance of coming a month or 2 early? August wont give you alot of time to get a read on the city and find a good position... Uni, and public schools will be filled up by then...

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

I was also going to recommend shenzhenparty.

I don't see any reason you would use an agency. There are plenty of jobs here. Many people begin by working for Wallstreet English or something like this and then later find better jobs.

Jack_Burton · Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 2

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

Get the Celta certificate. Not having it (or a Tesol or Tefl) will eliminate you from a lot of job opportunities. Plus, the course will refresh a lot of English grammar for you, or at least expose you to it. If you end up working in a public school or university, the teaching practice won't resemble your China experience, but it's a good way to get honest feedback on bad habits, positives and negatives in a real setting.

twinman · Joined: 15 Oct 2003 Posts: 6

Thanks for the clarification, just wanted to know what you meant. Sounds like no harm, no foul.

The other popular social networking site here is www.shenzhenstuff.com

They post a few teaching jobs but its pages are loaded with all kinds of ways to meet people and expand your social and professional horizons here in sunny Shenzhen.

All the best, amigo.