Job Discussion Forums

Captain_Fil

Hello everyone.

I am seriously thinking of working as an ESL teacher in China someday. I've heard there are lots of opportunities in that nation of over a billion people.

But I would like to know my chances.

I am an Asian-American from the Philippines originally. I have a valid US passport. My English is perfect. I talk and sound like an American. (In fact, English is the only language I know.)

Years ago, I earned my BA degree from San Francisco State University.

When I finally earn my CELTA (or other prestigious certification), will I enjoy opportunity or face discrimination?

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

I'm assuming you mean discrimination as far as teaching? Some. Primary school will be pretty much off limits, parents want the Caucasian face. Middle school, high school, college, you'll have a better chance. Sad but true. Caucasian face with a pulse trumps a real teacher with a familiar face.

Captain_Fil · Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 9:51 pm Post subject:

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I've taught with Chinese American, Vietnamese American, Filipino and Singaporean teachers at university and college level in China. It's do-able but probably easier at provincial level vocational type colleges away from the big cities.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

We have three Filipinos at our school (along with others from all around the world) and they seem to be getting along just fine. One teacher is in her 3rd year, the other two are new this year. So, yeah, depends on the school and their own internal hiring policies.

A'Moo · Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:01 pm Post subject:

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I know the Chinese American I taught with last year was on the same $$ and hours as everyone else.
Not sure about the others though.
The Caucasian missionary types get screwed too.
RMB2500pm plus accom was one instance I heard of recently.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I can't speak for all teachers, but I know the Filipino guy who works in my department makes the same salary/benefits that all 1st year foreign teachers do. As for if/when he signs a new contract and how much increase he can negotiate remains to be seen.

rottenflesh · Joined: 22 Apr 2010 Posts: 32

If you have the passport and native fluency, you should be fine.
Sure, some schools want the Caucasian look, but there are tons of other schools that will hire you.

I'm a Pakistani citizen (which did give me a little trouble), but after the phone interview, I'm good to go (As I've been studying in Canada for a long time). Although, I look more Persian than anything.

In addition, you can look at other countries such as Korea and Japan.

igorG · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 1473 Location: asia

It depends on what kind of job you want, how Asian you look, what credentials the job requires of you, how much experience in the field you have, and what age you are. Have i forgotten anything?

Now, after getting the job it all depends on how well you get along with your employer, local coworkers and students. If you don't, it may as well come back to the questions i have mentioned in the above paragraph. Picking may take place then.

So, don't ask too much or much at all and that either when applying for or assuming the job position. While under your employment contract "love" your employer and whatever comes with the job.

Finally, doing so in your fine position here, the window will not be as open to the abuse you are possibly worried about. But if the draft comes straight at you, don't try to close the window. Learn how to live with it and you may survive.

mat chen · Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 494 Location: xiangtan hunan

Taiwan and Hong Kong don't care. If you are qualified and can do the job you are prefered. In China you maybe looked at as a cheap employee.
I only know about how Chinese (mainland) teachers are treated. When you have a good economy teaching is bad. When the economy is bad teaching is good. :Universal Law

davidjfrancis · Joined: 09 Dec 2010 Posts: 14 Location: Bangongshi

By Caucasian you mean white I take it, and not Caucasian

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

My sense is that with Asian features, you can get a job in mainland China, but you have to look harder. You probably need to apply for something like 10 times as many jobs as a Caucasian candidate would need to pursue in order to get the same number of responses. I don't like it, but I think that's the way it is. The jobs less likely to discriminate are probably a.) at the high end, such as international schools, where qualifications are the priority, and b.) at the low end, such as very rural areas where it is hard to attract applicants.

But the bottom line is, there are many Asian Americans in China teaching English at this very moment, so it is by no means an insurmountable barrier.

hiddenninja · Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 96

Everything's a bit harder for us Asians but its not too much of a barrier where I am

maotouying · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 119 Location: My Chair In China

I saw on the news from the uproar in Xinjiang in 2009. A lady from the Philippines who has been teaching in Urumchi as she said on TV about 13 years that she has been teaching in that city. She plans to stay as long as she is wanted. And apparently she is well liked/loved there. Being there over 13 years.

There is quite a few schools that will accept you, I am quite sure.