Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

[wckusa]

Thanks for the feedback. NCUK is worth checking out. I would like to teach more than ESL if possible.

[wckusa]

Thank you for the feedback. I've heard from multiple people that China is good if you are older. Well, based on the thread you included - maybe not???

[sojourner]

Wckusa,

Don't give up on China - just yet, anyway !

In your intitial post to this thread, you mentioned that you'll be 58 when you actually venture out into the world of EFL. Thus, in light of the (supposed) maximum age (60) for teaching positions in China, you would still be considered. And, once you turn 60, if the school/uni still wants to retain your services, you'll probably be allowed to stay on ( depending on the guangxi, or connections, between the FAO and the authorities; as well, of course, on your qualifications and reputation as a good teacher). Another factor to consider, as I have already pointed out, is the location of schools and unis.Thus, in towns/cities off - the - beaten-track, an FAO will be more inclined to consider a mature-aged FT, than would probably be the case in the more popular areas such as Shanghai or Yunan province. So, once you turn 60, and are contemplating going to another school/uni, you might still have a reasonable chance of being accepted.

In my own case, I started teaching in China when I was 57 years old. Since, I turned 60 I have signed 6 contracts with respect to three different unis ! Just remember that the Chinese authorities are v.v."flexible" re regulations - so, don't be put off by any job ad that happens to specify that 60 is the maximum age, "in accordance with Chinese law" !

To inhance your chances of getting a uni job in China, apart from focusing on the less popular areas of the country, in your dealings with FAOs emphasise that you would be willing to teach subjects such as Business English, Management, etc. But, beware that those subjects involve much more work (eg lesson preparation, h/w marking) than is the case with Oral English. Thus, in light of the heavier workload, in your negotiations with FAOs you might want to request that your teaching hours be a bit less than what the OE teachers are expected to put in; or, maybe, a slightly higher salary than what is usually paid to those people.

Good luck !

Peter

[naturegirl321]

[sojourner]

NG,

Actually, I am (only ) 65 !

I have always thought that 60-65 is far too young to retire ! In fact, because of the "ageing" of the populations in most Western countries, along with the fact that people are living longer (and more active/healthier lives than was the situation just a few decades ago)governments, concerned about future welfare budgetary blowouts, are contemplating not only increasing the age one becomes entitled to the old age pension, but also taking steps ( eg tax benefits) to encourage older people to remain a bit longer in the paid workforce.

As I've mentioned earlier, there are a couple of regular posters to the China fora who are over 70 years. In my own case, I expect to remain teaching in the uni sector for another 6 years. And after that, who knows ! Am thinking about doing "volunteer" teaching work (just a few hours pw, in exchange for meals/accomm.) in various places, eg Chile, Laos, etc. By then, earning money from working won't be my main concern, on account of retirement investments and a part-pension from my govt.

Peter

[wckusa]

Peter, thank you for the comprehensive feedback. I would like to teach a combination of subjects such as OE, business, managment, and marketing. Any thoughts on the type of schools that are good for this hybrid approach from someone with a business rather than an academic background?

[naturegirl321]

[sojourner]

Wckusa,

I'll be sending you a PM in a couple of days time, re some ways to find jobs, etc - so, stay tuned !