Job Discussion Forums

[jenn.d.4]

Hello, I am so happy experienced teachers can offer some insight to a newbie planning to go overseas. I see you like as much detail as possible so here goes:
I have been planning to go to China for about 8 months now and would like to leave sometime in November. I was certified with Oxford Seminars a few months ago and am beginning to look for jobs in China. I have a bachelor's degree but not a teaching degree. I also have been employed 3 years in an office position since college. In addition, my original interest in teaching overseas began when I started taking Mandarin language classes a year ago. I am now 4 months from my desired departure date and have just begun looking for positions. I am a single woman traveling overseas and feel confident but I would like to ensure I am finding positions in legitimate and safe places. Is there any recommendations you can give to help me choose a school/website/program to help me get started? Oxford Seminars does offer a counseling session but they will not assist in looking for positions for November till mid-August so I'm hoping in the next few months I may have luck on my own. Is there anything else you would recommend for someone 4 months from desired date of travel other than saving as much money as possible? Any insight is helpful; my connections in China are limited so this really has been a voyage I've been trying to charter on my own.

[nickpellatt]

Hi Jenn

I just had a look at the Oxford Seminars website ... and wasnt especially impressed to be honest. The good news is that as a degree holder, you can still find work in China, and because some employers there take any certificate, they will still accept this one.

The downside is I dont think any (or many) other places in the world will. From what I can see online it appears they only offer 6 days, minimal teaching practice, and it doesnt mention 'who' you teach on the course, which worries me. This is below what the accepted minimum is, but in many places in China they will look at your skin colour first, degree second...and then the cert.

Do you have any teaching experience? Are you likely to get any EFL teaching experience before you head off to China? I would recommend this before heading off really, and it will make a lot of difference to how easily you settle in and start teaching half decent lessons.

How old are you? And also ... are you white? (sounds terrible but this is quite important sometimes in China)

What kind of place are you looking to go to. China is pretty big and climate etc can be diverse. How long are you prepared to commit to? one year, 6 months etcetc. Also would you consider going earlier? Many places may need teachers from Sep onwards which would roughly be when term starts.

RE - Oxford Seminars. I dont think their cert is 'internationally recognised' as they claim ... and Im sure if you apply in some of the countries they suggest (Italy/France/Spain) you will be able to get your money back as schools there are unlikely to accept you, so you can activate their money back promise.

[nickpellatt]

Jen - I have sent you a PM with something that might be of interest.

[BenE]

I'm just going to deviate a bit and mention that they seem to say the minimum for working in many countries is there own dear certificate. That's really strange considering I've looked at a lot of these countries and job descriptions but none have ever mentioned this qualification.

I should probably just do some more research...

[80daze]

There are plenty of schools in China that will hire you degree or not CELTA/TEFL or not but they are dodgy.You have the qualifications so you should find a job here no problem but make sure they help you get a work visa and then a resident visa if you are staying for 12 months (like me) as I know some schools make you do visa runs every 3 months ( usually because the teacher doesn't have the qualifications).

Finally do some research on wages, Do not accept anything under 8,000 RMB plus accom' for minor cities and at least 11,000 plus accom' for the big cities or you will struggle.

Good luck

[dragon777]

Jenn just make sure you take your first job in a medium to large city for your first job in China. Secondly, make sure other foeigners are teaching there. Most preferbly at a government, Safea approved school.