Job Discussion Forums

[coffeepresto]

Hi everyone!

I am new to the forum - a graduating senior from a liberal arts college in the U.S. looking to teach English in China next year.

I was wondering if anyone knows anything about either Harbin Normal University at Star College or Chongqing University of Technology?

I was offered a position at Star, but I think it's odd that I didn't need to interview or anything.

I had an interview with Chongqing, but the only question they asked was "Are you a feminist?" I presume because I go to a women's college. The interviewer spent the rest of the "interview" trying to sell the school to me.

What is the standard routine for job applications? Is there a standard routine?

I would appreciate your input as well as any info on these two schools. Thanks!

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

interviews don't really focus on important matters here in china, at least not for run of the mill esl jobs. it's not the same kind of job interview you'd get back home.

the standard routine if the school wants to hire you is to have you send a copy of your passport, degree and resume by email. then the school will process the paperwork for the Z visa which they will send to you. you then take these documents to the nearest Chinese consulate, get your Z visa, and then come to china. after you arrive the school will help you deal with other stuff that needs to be done.

[daCabbie]

Do some research. You need to do some research about the schools. Talk to former teachers. Google them and check Dave's as well as other websites.

You should also do some research about the cities. Harbin is cold. Chongqing is big. What type of city do you want? Also remember the idea of a city is different in China. They might say Harbin and then you find out you are 45 minutes from the center of the city a big difference in my mind?

You need to have a list of questions to ask during the interview. Where is the school? How many foreign teachers? Vacation pay? Class size? Do they pay for the visa or do you? The list is almost endless, but if you get someone on the phone ask them all. Its hard to pick a school from so far away so information is limited but its there.

Good luck and be cautious. You have plenty of time and there are plenty of jobs in China. So don't be afraid to be picky.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]