Job Discussion Forums

[whr2206]

Hello all,

I've decided that I want to teach English abroad in order to experience new cultures and pick up a language. I've spent a considerable amount of time researching English teaching in China but I've some questions still.

Firstly, am I qualified?
- 22 years old
- BA in Political Science BA in Justice Studies
- Native English speaker... know Arabic as well
- Taught English in Ghana for a summer (but it wasn't that structured)
- No formal teaching qualifications
- In good health etc etc

From what I've read, I don't even qualify for a Z visa. I read that you had to be 25 years of age and have at least 2 years work experience after graduating college. I don't have any relevant work experience.

If I do qualify, are there many places where I can teach English to small groups of people? The age group doesn't matter to me, but I would prefer to teach in groups ranging from 1-15 people if possible. Money doesn't matter to me, of course. I've lived in some pretty meager conditions in college. I just need enough money for the essentials.

If I don't qualify for a Z visa, do you have any suggestions? My main goal is to learn Mandarin. I figure if I can master Mandarin and Arabic I should be able to get a nice government job. Are there any other ways I could travel to China to stay long-term? (I want to stay 1-2 years if possible)

All of my student loans are paid off. I feel good about that. If I must, however, I guess I can take out a small loan and go study Mandarin somewhere in China. There are a few colleges that don't require an HSK proficiency test...

Thoughts or suggestions? Thanks a lot!

[bradley]

If you have a degree you qualify. I suggest checking the job board here and applying.

[eddy-cool]

Bluntly speaking (but not meant to be unfriendly), no, you do NOT qualify as you do not have a relevant degree nor do you have sufficient experience.

Your interest in Mandarin can be better satisfied by studying at a western university; once you have a foundation in the language you can consider immersing yourself in the Chinese environment. They cannot teach you proper Mandarin basics here though they usually do a good job in making you literate.

Another point I feel needs thinking through: Are you at all prepared to live in China? Just wanting to 'experience foreign cultures' sounds fashionable but it is a little too general (you might be interested in the Najao culture to the same extent) and thus a tad too shallow. 'Culture' is not something you can just browse through, taste a little here and a bit there, then go home satisfied with the impression 'I learnt a lot about that foreign culture".

[bradley]

I understand what eddy is saying but I am sure you can find a job.

[whr2206]