Job Discussion Forums

[PYT]

Hi guys

I've been skimming these forums for a while, researching as much as I can. I am posting now just so I can get some specific advice on my situation.

I am hoping to spend next year (fall '11 - spring '12) teaching in China before heading to graduate school. Teaching english in China is something I've always wanted to do and this is pretty much my last chance before heading back to school.

The problem is I have no teaching experience whatsoever. I'm doing my best to remedy this through volunteering as an ESL tutor over the next 6 months (I get to teach a few classes here and there). However, that will probably be the extent of my experience before heading to China. I have a bachelor's degree (not in english) from the US but I currently do not have a TEFL certificate. I am also an Asian-American (which may serve as an obstacle since many schools would prefer to have foreign-looking teachers).

I know with these credentials I can get a job in China somewhere. Nonetheless, I have an interest in teaching specifically at Shanghai or Nanjing. I have visited Shanghai and Nanjing quite a few times and I am quite drawn to those two cities. Furthermore, I have relatives and a few friends in Shanghai which makes Shanghai particularly attractive (since I would have a support system upon my arrival there). Salary isn't a particularly major issue for me as I have some savings to supplement my income. As long as I get a fair wage for my services and a place to live/airfare, that is more than fine for me.

As a result, I was wondering if it would be possible to get a decent position in those two cities? I hear that those two cities are somewhat more competitive when it comes to hiring english teachers, so maybe I need to plan for some other cities.

[west2east]

The two cities you prefer are more competitive. But there is nothing to stop you from finding schools from this website and applying for work, you just might get lucky. Many schools prefer one year minimum contracts so anything less will hamper your chances. Being of an Asian face will make life more difficult.

I suggest that your current 'wish list' is a little narrow so be prepared to knock on many doors. Widen your possibilities by teaching longer or going for less popular cities and you'd probably fair a lot better. Good luck;-)

[PYT]

Well I'm actually planning on staying one whole school year (so hopefully that meets the minimum)

Do you think a TEFL certificate would increase the chances of getting a position in Shanghai/Nanjing significantly? I wasn't sure if it was worth the financial investment if I could get a job without it. (Or perhaps a certificate would prove helpful in finding a much nicer job?)

I am perfectly willing to go for the less popular cities. I am not too picky (as long as I'm in a big city and not isolated somewhere). Nevertheless, Shanghai and Nanjing are definitely the two places I would try first.

[west2east]

All teachers should have a TEFL to gain legal residency. My personal opinion is that a full TEFL is essential for a non experienced teacher. Yes, many schools may be able to bring you over without it but if you are serious about teaching and providing a quality service to Chinese students then you owe it to yourself to commit to getting certified. China suffers enough with the Micky Mouse label where foreign 'teachers' are concerned. Being a native speaker of English is not a skill. Being able to teach effectively is but is seems for far too many 'Teachers' they regard their native English 'ability' as some kind of worthy asset.

I guess the only real way too find out is to apply to some schools and see what they say.

[cormac]

I taught here to children without any teaching experience, and then when i went home I went and got a TEFL cert. Honestly, I think it would have made a huge difference to my teaching, and to the stress I originally had for the first few months, if I had gotten a TEFL before coming over. Regardless of being able to negotiate better salaries, having a TEFL teaches you the basics which are of enormous benefit to you and the students.

I'd highly recommend getting a TEFL before coming over.

[PYT]

Hmm... you guys make an excellent point. It is definitely better if I pursue some kind of formal training. Volunteering as a tutor for small groups of ESL students probably won't cut it when it comes to teaching larger classes in China.

Update: Just wondering... what do you guys think of the "Teaching House New York" program? It is a Celta course (I'm still figuring out what the difference is between all these different acronyms, trinity, SIT, tefl... etc etc). However, it is slightly pricey at $2,500-ish. I could work extra hours to save up for the course but will it be worth it? It seems like it really prepares you well to become an ESL teacher.

[mrwslee003]

To get your feet wet, so to speak-get your TESL certificate would give you
some ideas about teaching English to foreigners. That is the best approach, I feel.

Good luck.

[Mister Al]

OP, the criteria for getting Foreign Expert Certificate, which is required to work legally, is that the applicant must be educated to at least BA level and have a minimum of two years relevant working experience. If you don't have this it may be very difficult for you to get legal work. Bear that in mind when you are writing your resume.
A TEFL course will help you to some degree in acquiring some skills/knowledge but it's not necessary for employment.

[DixieCat]

[Trifaro]

Look into the Nanjing Univ. of Finance & Economics on www.chinatefl.com

A few years ago Emy Bao had 3 people of Asian persuasion on her staff.

Get yourself a simple online TEFL certificate from www.onlinetefl.com and apply.

Good Luck!

[sharpe88]

Don't sweat it.

Most teachers here have no teaching experience and no TEFL when they start.

Also if you are getting a TEFL don't waste your money on anything that's not CELTA or a Trinity TESOL. If you're going to get one, might as well get one that is legit and internationally recognized.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Shanghai and/or Beijing along with Guandong may be out of your reach.

[PYT]

I'm reviving this thread just to get a few more questions answered. I figure it's better than making a completely new thread.

I'm just wondering... When should I start applying to schools? I plan on taking a Celta course from the beginning of May to the beginning of June. I don't want to apply until I get my certificate (so I can be more competitive in the ESL market). However, would applying for jobs in June and July be too late?

In addition, west2east, you made a statement about committing to a full year. Do you mean one school year or literally one year? I looked up what a school year in china is on Wikipedia and it says it's roughly from September to July. I assumed saying fall '11 to spring '12 implied that. Perhaps it is different when considering private schools?

This is important because I can commit from September to July, but not necessarily September to September. I would have to do it from July to July (which makes things more complicated).

[Trifaro]

One school year = September 1st to July 1st, give or take.

I must ask - why spend money on a CELTA if you only want to be here for 9 months?

Quite frankly, I think they are over-rated.

Oral English Mercenary

[7969]

and over-priced.