Job Discussion Forums

[clark.callender]

Hello,
My name is Clark and I'm 24 and have a paraeducation certi and am looking into teaching in China and maybe at some point Japan or Korea. China is my first choice as implied. I live in Portland, OR. I am looking into Will excell Tesol classes that host you in China with living situation and paid training, which includes 20 hours of mandarin lessons and 500 teaching hours, over six months. It's expensive but not so much so that it's impossible.

My question is this program and the para education going to be enough when looking for child education jobs in china. i am looking for grade school and possibly kindergarten work.

Any thoughts?

[tttompatz]

[sojourner]

Clark,

What exactly does a certificate course in "paraeducation" entail ? Were you trained to be what is often termed a "teacher's aide" ? Just curious.

I agree with the other poster in that you should NEVER pay anyone in order to work in China - even if a particular package deal involves some language teaching training. You didn't indicate what "Will Excell" are charging for their programme - but, if you want to be trained in EFL teaching it would probably be cheaper for you to do a CELTA or Trinity course. (With the former, I beleve that one can now do a week's "top-up" in the teaching of young kids ). If such training is a bit too pricey in the States, consider doing it in Thailand. If you expect to be in this game for a few years, it's a good idea to have some recognised TEFL credential, such as CELTA/Trinity, under your belt. Also, apart from such a TEFL certificate, one also needs to have at least a Bachelor's degree; even if it was completed via distance or on-line education - provided, of course, the degree was conferred by a reputable tertiary institution.In many countries, such as Sth Korea, visa regulations stipulate that you must have a degree; regardless of how desperate a particular school might want to have you !

On the question of China, the regulations also stipulate that a degree is essential for visa purposes - but, schools and recruiters can often "get around" such a barrier ! Do a search for Dave's "Submit your Resume" facility for China, submit your details, and wait for the offers to come in ! Also, check out the two China fora at this site, and post any queries that you might happen to have re the teaching of young kids, possible job openings, etc.

Good luck !

Peter

[jdm]

hey, I don't have advice for you, but wanted to mention that I am currently living in Portland, Or as well. For those that don't know, we have the second highest unemployment rate in the states, so I too am looking to get the hell out of here and contribute to the influx of new teachers haha. Good luck.

[Glenski]

American with no college degree? Forget Japan unless you already have 3 years of teaching experience. You can't get a work visa.