Job Discussion Forums

[Silent Shadow]

OP, the standard of English teachers and teaching, in China, is being overrated by some posters on this thread.

Many schools are only concerned with qualifications in regards to satisfying local governmental regulation enforcement. Schools are generally, mainly concerned with personality and appearance.

As regards colour of skin, some posters are exaggerating the discrimination that exists in China. I'm not white, but have had, few problems, if any, in securing employment, in schools and regions all over China, and I am now in my eighth year teaching on the mainland. A minority of schools will only consider whites, while a lot more prefer them, but it is not very difficult for a non-white teacher to gain employment as an English teacher in China. It's a huge market in China, and there is room for all colours including non-native speakers. Over the years I have worked, alongside eight black and Indian teachers and have met a few others from neighbouring schools, and all but two of them were non-native speakers. There are plenty of non-white teachers working all over China.

In an ideal world, your English level would be a concern to employers. However, in the real world of China, your English is probably better than scores of FTs who are already employed here, many of them native speakers. Our job here, is to create enthusiasm for English learning, and to allow students to practice what they have already learned with their Chinese English teachers. Even in the teir one university that I work in, now, the FAO told me that the only thing that is required of the foreign teachers is that we have no major problems with the students. It's not the way that it should be, but as I said, we're a long way from the ideal, over here.

The only real worry you have is whether you can support your family on 5000 yuan a month, and whether they can cope with the lack of security in EFL teaching in China. If you found a university that was satisfied with you, and the feeling was mutual, you may be able to keep renewing your contract, yearly, though.

[Hindi2610]

I think some posters have gotten the right idea, I've begun to agree, I'll allow my family to remain in India at least until I have established well as a teacher of English in China and if the time is right, I'll later send for them.

So, can someone recommend a school? Is it best to complete a certificate program? Or simply continue contacting schools? I'll hold out for more wages.

[Miasaurus]

[nickpellatt]

Agree with Miasaurus 100%. I dont believe for one minute that there are native speakers in China making the mistakes evident in this thread. Native speakers may make mistakes with spelling and lazy pronunciation, but you just dont see the repeated errors in grammar that are evident in this thread. Even the title of the thread serves as a perfect example.

Silent Shadow. I have worked with a number of people who dont fit the favoured ethnic profile.

In Hainan, I worked with a UK Bangladeshi, who is a native speaker and BA holder, and an British born Chinese girl who was a native speaker and degree holder.

In Guanxi I worked with a Philippino, non-native speaker with teaching qualifications. An Indian non-native speaker with BA and MA, and a second Philippino without teaching credentials, but BA and related experience.

The OP is not comparable to the above in any way. Seemingly no qualifications, and no intention to gain teaching qualifications. No experience and no intent to gain experience prior to coming to China, and clear evidence of grammatical mistakes in written English that would be consistent with an intermediate student of English.

Yes, there may be an opportunity in China, but I seriously doubt anyone here would recommend Hindi for a job within their school based on the posts here. Standards may be poor in China, but I do think we should at least try to maintain some!

[Silent Shadow]

[nickpellatt]

I do agree that we are responsible for our own teaching standards, but I disagree with some of your other points. If my posts or my attitude sound conceited, Ill apologise for that to both you, Hindi and anyone else who thinks so, as its not my intent.

I have assumed Hindi has no qualifications simply as he hasnt mentioned them, and I for one would expect that someone would mention qualifications when they are seeking help to find a job. If someone doesnt mention qualifications or experience, then you pretty much have to expect they dont have either.

Are standards so low in China? I can only comment on my own experiences really, and whilst I would agree that teaching standards are often low, I think this is more down to the individual taking responsibility rather than the education requirements etc required by law.

I first entered China in 2006, as a short term volunteer within a middle school. I enquired about paid work there, but was told I didnt qualify as I didnt hold a degree. My assumption is that the OP also doesnt hold a degree, he certainly hasnt mentioned one anyway ... so he would also be unable to work at this school. (I have a degree now BTW as I studied through distance learning as I want to continue working in EFL)

My first paid job was in a college for languages and vocational education. This was still before I had a degree, but was conditional upon obtaining any TEFL cert. At this time I took a short course with i-i which meant I qualified, and again, the OP doesnt mention any EFL cert or any intent to take one. (I also took a Trinity course in 2008 BTW, after recognising the limits of online qualifications)

My last job in China was in a training centre. The main requirement for this job is teaching experience, and this employer seems to value this over any other qualification. Again, the OP doesnt mention any teaching experience.

So based on my experience, the OP doesnt actually hold any qualifications for any of the work I have done in China, and has expressed no intent to obtain said qualification or experience. I am not simply infering standards are higher, Im stating that based on my own experience, standards ARE higher.

I do agree that just being a native speaker isnt enough...its no way near enough actually, and I am not against non-native speakers at all, but in this example, I dont see anything that would warrant encouragement to the OP. Sorry. I know there are lots of comment about the OP being a troll, but troll or not, I dont think I could encourage anyone like Hindi to chase an EFL job in China...if that makes me out of line, well... Ill have to take that on the chin this time.

[Guerciotti]

[Silent Shadow]

[Hindi2610]

Well, good news, amigo, the job search is going pleasingly and look like I'll soon be signing on an 8,000rmb contract. So I guess the doubting Toms can crawl back to the rock they came!

[johntpartee]

Did you find a position in Mexico?

[Greg 09]

[choudoufu]

i just love this part:

"I obtained this offer when a teacher posted the contract in a forum, for evaluation by peers before accepting. The offer 5,000, so I quickly contacted the school with an offer of a lower price."

yes, boys and girls, i just screwed one of you over, now could
y'all please help me?

priceless.

[Hindi2610]

[Hindi2610]

[johntpartee]

Yeah, you zinged him there, pal.