Job Discussion Forums

[Matty_Bang]

**NOVICE ALERT**

Hello, firstly I apologise if these questions have been answered time and time again and if the answers seem somewhat rudimentary to you ESL veterans. I have searched through a few pages on here, but pretty much all the threads are based around much more specific information, ie. Visa regulations.

I am interested in teaching English in China and I was hoping somebody would be so kind as to help me ascertain some of, or all, the answers to my queries below. Using search engines has only proven to confuse matters as there appears to be conflicting information.

I am a 26 year Graphic Design graduate from England. I have no formal teaching experience, but I do have a few extracarricular activities I can use on my CV (ie. a reading mentor scheme and football training for youngsters in my hometown).

My preferences of location are Beijing or Shaghai, is this likely given my lack of experience? I imagine these are popular preferences. I have also read that these two citites were going to bring in a new regulation that "two years work experience" was required to land an ESL job within either of them. The source I read this on failed to specify whether this was teaching experience or not, though. Has any heard of such a regulation being imposed?

When are the prime times for applying for positions?

Is there a definitive answer as to whether or not I would require a TEFL or equivalent?

Is a CRB/Subject Access/Criminal Background Check required? I have one, however it is older than six months. Would I need a new one?

What are the rates of pay like for a first timer in China? I have, again, read conflicting information. Some suggests that living in either of my preferences would be expensive, others suggests it would be more than comfortable and that I would have significant spending power.

Is there a government scheme, such as EPIK for South Korea?

Finally, does anybody have any recommendations for agencies? Preferably a UK based agency, but not essential.

Thanks very much for reading this and for any help you may offer.

[mgafunnell]

hi,

there's plenty of jobs and opportunity here. in shanghai, the going rate is usually 150-200 yuan per hour.

a piece of advice, though: adopt to the chinese style of education. in the west, we do research and debate. here, they drill and memorise.

as for work, if you pm me i can steer you into the right direction.

if you work hard, you can make a tidy salary. if you are a good teacher, they'll toss plenty of work your way.

due to my contract, i am not allowed to discuss my salary, but i make enough to live a nice, middle-class lifestyle.

bonus: low taxes

[Cousin Vinnie]

Look into "Raffles Design Institute" in Shanghai. You might be able to "teach" Graphic Design and Oral English.

Donghua University also has an art department, mainly Fashion though, as far as I know.

I agree that without any experience, you might find it difficult to get a good job in Shanghai or Beijing immediately, but, your major would look nice to Raffles.

Raffles hires every 3 or 4 months.

As for the TEFL certificate, I would just go ahead now and enroll in an online course. I recommend "i-to-i" out of the UK. Others will say don't waste your money, but, now, most schools in Shanghai require a TEFL certificate. They don't know the difference between a CELTA or an "i-to-i". It doesn't matter, but the certificate, any certificate, will help get you the job.

Here are some simple lessons for all "oral English" newcomers -

1. Be Loud!
2. Speak a bit slower than normal.
3. Repeat yourself a few times, loudly.
4. Have the students repeat after you.
5. Let them read a self-made dialogue first and then ask them to create their own to be presented in front of the class.
6. Tell them to not be shy.
7. Choose 2 or 3 hams to pick on if things get rough. (They'll enjoy the attention)
8. Do Not stand upfront all of the time; Walk around.
9. Have Fun!!

[west2east]

SH and BJ (and 1st tier cities) tend to be much stricter on qualifications, experience and references, so it may be much tougher in those cities. China is so, so much more than the famous cities. SH is significantly more expensive to live in than BJ and BJ is way more expensive than any 2nd tier cities.

There are a plentiful supply of ESL jobs throughout the year, but there tends to be more applicants and jobs going on from now until February when the semester ends/begins

You ought to have TEFL, though it is possible to teach without. But please do yourself a favour and at least demonstrate to yourself that you are serious about teaching rather than swanning up to the idea that all it takes to be an effective teacher is a native speaker. That's an arrogant attitude that is all too common in this field.

CRB checks are not standard practice in China for the time being and you will probably not be asked about such matters by a potential employer.

Why use an agency? In all honesty, they are all profit driven and whilst there may be a few decent ones out there, it's just as easy to research good and bad schools on the internet yourself. I can give you some tips or my unqualified opinion on various specifics in pm.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Sorry for the bluntness.

If you have a white face and are a native speaker of English, a job is yours.

Anything extra will give you a higher salary in a better location.

You want a major city? You need major qualifications for a full time gig with a proper visa.

[Matty_Bang]

[Matty_Bang]

Oh wait, I need a minimum of 5 posts to be able to PM...

[eclipse12]

I don't have any teaching experience and Beijing is a preference of mine as well. I haven't been able to get any offers in Beijing yet but there are plenty of offers in other parts of China that aren't too far by plane.

I plan on working somewhere else in China for a year or so and then using that experience to land a job in Beijing. Maybe that's something that might interest you.

[xiao51]

[The Great Wall of Whiner]