Job Discussion Forums

aleafofthetree · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 6

I am considering teaching English in China starting this fall and am looking into the likelihood of being able to get a job. I don't yet have a Bachelor's degree and would like to do this before starting school. I have the money to get an online TESOL certificate, but couldn't afford an in-person course as it would use the money I have set aside for the plane ticket. I was wondering if anyone had experience with how volunteer experience might be considered by a prospective employer. I am looking into opportunities to volunteer with ESL programs where I live and also have the possibility of working with a family in my religious community that have moved here as refugees from another country and don't all speak much English. Any information that could give me a clearer picture of my job prospects if I completed just the TESOL certificate, the TESOL certificate plus experience working with an official organization, the certificate plus personal experience, or all three would be appreciated. I also currently volunteer with two children's groups and will be continuing that until leaving.

Buck Lin · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 405 Location: nanchang china

The problem is that the goverment here looks after the people there is no need go volunteers.

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

You're setting yourself up for a lot of pain. Particularly if you have a white face, there's a good chance someone would hire you. However, you would probably be working illegally. You wouldn't be the first one. You are the perfect type the bad guys are looking for: no legal credentials and limited escape funds. You will work on their terms with little recourse.

Generally speaking, China requires a bachelor degree, a Celta/Tesol/Tefl certificate and two years experience. Some areas have a hard time finding qualified teachers and relax those requirements a bit, but you seem to have too far to make up.

Is it the teaching aspect you are interested in? Get educated. The volunteer/give something to the community aspect? Your idea to help the newly arrived sounds good. There are plenty of places around the world that would welcome your help. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=volunteer+asia&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq= ;http://www.volunteersouthamerica.net/ ; http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=volunteer+africa&btnG=Google+Search&aq=o&oq= If it's the missionary aspect, please be mindful that China specifically forbids proselytizing.

Good luck. I strongly suggest you go for the bachelor's for now. If you can make time and can afford it, then definitely work with ESL programs through your church or volunteer organization to help out and also to see if this is indeed something that interests you.

El Macho · Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 200

Your experience doesn't matter as much as your lack of credentials. Most places willing to hire, sight unseen, a teacher without a BA won't care if you have any experience or not.

Put together a cover letter and resume and start sending them out. Ask if they want you to have a TESL cert or not��some may say no, and you can save a few hundred bucks.

Edit: The post above me say it all and say it better.

aleafofthetree · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 6

Thank you both for the information.

watl1 · Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Posts: 10

Hi there

I'm in a similar situation to yourself - money set aside for a course but no degree and no teaching experience.

However, I'm determined to make this work one way or another!

I do believe it's possible to get a position in China without a degree or experience, but it seems our choices will be very limited. I would suggest doing the best course you can afford (with teaching practice), putting your application pack together and then sending speculative applications to schools and answering job ads that don't require or specify a BA/teaching experience. This is similar to what I've been doing, although I've mentioned I haven't yet taken a TESOL course as I've been keen to find out which TEFL qualifications are widely accepted.

I believe certain cities are more flexible on the degree than others.

Good luck Smile

watl1 · Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Posts: 10

I forgot to mention...I'm not sure if you will be starting your BA before you head off, or graduating? If the latter, then as other posters have said, this can be a greater asset than experience or TEFL qualifications Smile

beachtime · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 35 Location: somewhere different

I have been following this thread, and I have a slightly different situation to the OP.

I would like to find a teaching job in China, but I do not have a degree. I have a TESL qualification, experience in the ME and North Africa. Also, I have 15 years experience with FE in the UK.

I am over 55, so doing a degree is not an option.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hansen · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 737 Location: central China

I'd do some serious thinking before coming here at 55.

One major reason is the enforcing of age limits on FTs who hit 60. You are toast. It'll take 5 years to get used to the place. I'd look elsewhere unless you have a specific reason for coming here, such as to learn taiji

beachtime · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 35 Location: somewhere different

Thanks for the information Hansen.
My reason for coming out to China was to do a year or more, then go back to Malaysia where I used to live and work.
I will continue to give it serious thought.

Dan The Chainsawman · Joined: 04 May 2005 Posts: 302 Location: Yinchuan

Do what most of the other people who don't have degrees do. University of Khan Sao Road in Bangkok can fix you up right nicely for about 50 dollars and it will take about 20 minutes.

Seriously.. if you are just passing through for a six month contract don't worry about it.

Photoshop yourself a degree and send it as an e-mail attachment and always provide the school with copies.

If they ask the see the original, and they probably won't, tell them it is in your home country for safe keeping.

Now if you plan to stay longer I strongly suggest you get a legit degree, but if you are just passing through give it a whirl. If you plan to make ESL a long term profession you absolutely want to take the time to get some sort of higher qualification. I never would have guessed my sorry-arsed Bachelor's of Anthropology would have been so useful. Why on occasion I wrap my sandwich in it so it will be crisp and fresh for lunchtime.

beachtime · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 35 Location: somewhere different

Thanks for your suggestions, but I won't go down the route of a hooky degree.
I will continue to look, and take my chances. I have been involved teaching and training almost all of my life, and the plan to teach in the Far East for a couple of years was my way of winding down.