Job Discussion Forums

[globalgirl45]

Hi all,

i am esl certified (60 hours) in classroom with oxford seminars, I also have an mba. I want to take some time out of my career in financial services to learn mandarin and live in a foreign country again.

I want to be in shanghai and wanted to teach business english. Now I am finding that the visa rules are getting strict - most recruiters are telling me that I need at least two years in the classroom and that Shanghai is a challenge because of visa guidelines, etc. Also, seems that China and Vietnam (my second choice) are wanting TEFL certification and 120 hours. - anyone have any comments on this

I have teaching, training, coaching experience, in the corporate classroom, not a traditional classroom.

Can anyone provide some advice. I am also looking at some of the more business training outifts like wall street institute and some of the companies that offers an internship and language training.

Having done business in China for many years, I am having trouble deciphering how much of this is fact or fiction...

For numerous reasons, I want to go to Shanghai, including that I have a great place to stay...might consider BEijing for a short time

Any feedback is appreciated!

[LanGuTou]

Solution One:

Try approaching the employers directly instead of relying on recruiters. It could be that the people you are talking to are trying to put you off working in Shanghai because placing you somewhere else is to their own advantage.

[nickpellatt]

Having looked at jobs in Vietnam, it would appear you dont meet the qualification requirements as ILA/VUS and Apollo all seek applicants who have completed a TEFL course that meets the industry minimum (120 hours plus observed teaching component). Wall Street English also state this is the minimum required certification on their website too. Employers who set this minimum are unlikely to accept the Oxford Seminars cert as it is commonly regarded as being sub-standard etc. Unfortunately, the MBA is unrelated (to EFL teaching) as is the coaching/training and other corporate experience too.

BUT, although you have no related qualifications or experience, you absolutely 100% should be able to find employment in China as legally, all that is required is the degree and two years post degree work experience (which I believe can be in any field). The higher end training centres as mentioned may disregard your application, but there will be other training centres and other employers that will consider you, and be grateful to have you. Just keep plugging away, looking at job adverts, and applying. You will find something.

[Mister Al]

OP, you need to emphasize/fiddle with the coaching/training experience you do have. You have the qualifications that are required legally so concentrate on highlighting the above on your resume.

[globalgirl45]

thanks everyone, I am finding this is the case - this is very valuable info, what about Berlitz (I have heard good and bad things about them)...what about some of these quasi internship outfits - i.e. getiinto2china and global choices.

Also, does anyone know anything about Raffles Education. The "lecturing" seems like it might be more for mature students, which is what i am looking for

Thanks

[TexasHighway]

You might want to google some of the China visa services in the US and get the latest scoop on visa requirements. Judging by your credentials, you seem to be far more qualified than most of the teachers I have worked with. If you are having trouble landing a job in Shanghai, you might want to look at some nearby cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, etc. With the proliferation of high speed rail in China recently, it wouldn't take that long to stop by Shanghai. You could always move there later once you are in-country and learn the ropes.

[Zero]

Try Clark Morgan. They hire suit and tie types for corporate English training or some such.

I'd give Shanghai a miss. Overhyped, overpriced, underpaid.

[Big Worm]

I;ve heard there is a new rule about actually needing some sort of cert to get a visa startng a few months ago. Most likely, your MBA should fill that.


There is a longer standing rule about needing two years experience. Are you sure that you were working in financial services the last two years? Maybe you were teaching business English, and you just weren't clear about it.

[Leila51360]