Job Discussion Forums

[nickpellatt]

'Unfortunately, Western-born Chinese do face a particularly difficult situation in China more so than any other group of foreigners seeking employment. The reality is that most mainland Chinese do not consider Western-born Chinese to be either fully Western or Chinese and so they often encounter biases and discriminatory practices that most Caucasian foreign teachers do not have to deal with. One American-born Chinese girl we worked with, whose ancestors were originally from Guangdong province, was in tears most of time as the Chinese would often chastise her for not being a "real Chinese," yet, at the same time, the parents would frequently complain to the private school's administration that they shouldn't have to pay a higher rate for classes with a foreign teacher because the "Chinese girl" was not a "real foreigner." This bias is highly prevalent across China and, again, may be overcome through personal appearances at public schools and universities.'

Just copied the above from Middle Kingdom ... link here - http://www.middlekingdomlife.com/guide/qualifications-in-practice.htm

Sharpe88 - have you encountered many problems? Are you Chinese? I did PM the OP as I know my new employer is looking for staff, but have had previous experience with them regarding applicants who are Chinese. I have recommended an ABC who holds formal teaching qualifications, and my employer (a private language college) didnt even acknowledge him in any way, something I can only put down to ethnicicity.

[sharpe88]

^ What that site says is true, but overstatedl. Some schools *do* care about skin color, but why would you want to work for them anyway? (Looking at you, Wall Street) I have a few foreign-born Chinese friends that work for EF. So, if you're asian or non-white just have a thick skin, shop around and you won't have to settle for a crap job.

* nick, yeah I guess your school is one of them

[bnej]

That really sucks regarding the racism...

I'm also a 'white' Chinese guy, how much less should we expect...?

[Tsuris]

There is a much better article on that site that deals with Teaching English in China for Non-White, Non-Native Speakers. Pay particular attention to the comments from the Chinese-American, Filipino, and African teachers.

EF (English First) will hire anyone they can get their hands on because the word is out that they are shite. Sweatshops like EF actually prefer to hire minorities and other non-competitive teachers because it's easier to abuse and control them. They're less likely to run.

Aside from the fact that a salary of 3800 for 20 periods in Guangzhou is an insult, there is no way you could live on it. The salary range at government schools there is 5,000 to 8,000 per month for 12 to 16 periods per week.

[chip2000]

Hi all.

I've applied to 20+ schools since I rejected the offer in Guangzhou. All of them asked for a picture and most did not reply. I received only one offer at Linyi University in Shangdong for 4200 rmb per month for 18 periods of 50 minutes plus 2 hours activities per week.

It's not where I want to be but I feel that I may have to accept it if I want to get out there. It's incredibly frustrating and saddening at the same time to find that I am being rejected because I am Chinese.

I take it that the situation would still be the same in Taiwan? I have applied to Hess and Reach to Teach but have not heard anything from either.

[chip2000]

Sorry I just read what I wrote. I am blaming my problems on the colour of my skin. Perhaps I am just not qualified enough?

I have a 4 year degree in engineering from the University of Manchester.
Native English speaker.
My written English is at a University level.
But I have no TEFL cert but do have 3 months teaching experience but not in English.

[happigur1]

It will be harder to find a job with an Asian face but it is still possible. I went through a recruiter and he found me a job in Shanghai, only to be rejected after seeing my photo. I did find a really great job that pays more with less hours and a great apartment. I was one of three teachers with a Chinese background. I just finished working there and it was a great experience. 3000 RMB for 20 hours a week in Guangzhou is horrible, though.

I can get you in contact with the recruiter but because it is a recruiter, they will charge. I can also get you in contact with the school I worked for but I think they might be full. PM me.

[chip2000]

[dharma86]

How's 3800rmb for 14 hours?

[CJD]

[LanGuTou]

I have just been speaking to a group of Americans that have just arrived at the university where I am working. First time in China 16 hours per week teaching for 3000 rmb/month and one way air fare. 400 rmb also taken back for internet expenses IN SHANDONG.

Words fail me! I am now sick of working in China. The outlook here is bleak. This will definitely be my last year teaching in this country!

Shameless!

[nobleignoramus]

I am curious to know why you would have to put in 20hours a week of working; is your potential employer a training centre? It has tobe noted that there is a big differencebetween schools (as in 'elementary school') and training centres. The latter work you longer, pay you 'better' (at first glance, if you do not factor the long paid holidays that public schools offer into your salaries) and are less demanding (on occasion) as to your creds and experience.

But even if you worked for a public school, 16 hours a week, 3000 yuan amonth would seem tobe on the low, very low, side. Not unimaginable but low.

[nobleignoramus]

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

Lately, this forum is seeing a lot of unverifiable claims, anecdotal evidence in an attempt to support wild accusations, and borderline racist claptrap.

[Hansen]

EC, Ever consider that you are seeing the kind of posts you are because that is the experience many people here are having?

Sharpe, Bizarre that you would challenge me on another thread when Nick Pellat is saying virtually the same thing here regarding mainland prejudice against foreign born Chinese.

What is it with you people? Truth just not palatable?