Job Discussion Forums

alex.cg · Joined: 10 May 2004 Posts: 6

Does anyone know if it's easy to get a job in China by just showing up and asking around? I've got experience, ability speaking Chinese and qualifications, so it's not like a random backpacker looking for work. I'm planning to go around the start of the school yr in September.

So, would I be likely to get a job if I did this? Or is it best to do the tried and true method of getting a job on the net to go to?

Thanks!

Giantbudwiser · Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 5:37 am Post subject:

Its always smart to get as much info as you can before ariving. You can find some ok jobs at www.eslemployment.com. Just make sure you look at the cost of living in the city you are planning on going to vs the salary. Also stay away from EF and AES

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

I just don't think that it is a good idea to show up in a city and knock at every school door you can find. You need to know where the schools are, if they have a licence to hire foreign experts, get some feedback on the schools......

I think a safer way to do it is to do your homework first and contact the schools to warn them that you will be droppping in at such and such date for a visit. No commitment or whatsoever.
I most cases, the school will offer to put you up for the night or the week while you are looking for other options.

NateM · Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 358

There's a similar conversation going on at the TEFLChina jobs list right now. My response on that list was, if it's an option for you, you might want to consider combining those two options. That is, apply for jobs now, then when you get to China you can check out your prime candidates, and make your decision based on your visits. It's just a thought, and might not be a realistic option. But if you're contemplateing just going over there anyway I don't see how it could hurt to have a couple of jobs already lined up.

Conconcon · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 12

Coming here without a job offer is scary, especially if you have no contacts and don't speak Chinese. Most people opt to line up the gig first. If you have the brass, come first- with, as nolfan warned, a lot of homework on places to apply.
If you set the job up before you come, NEVER SIGN A CONTRACT OVERSEAS!!! Come over here and take a good look before you commit.

Yu · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 1219 Location: Shanghai

I am trying my best to get a job lined up before I go. I have already bought plane tickets, and we are selling our house.
I will feel much more comfortable having a job lined up, but at the same time, I could get to china and not want the job I lined up.

Good Luck

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

IT's perfectly feasible and not too scary at all. Of course, you must be prepared to have funds for up to two months, and a visa that's valid for as much time. You will have to stay at hotels. But you may land a position within the first one or two weeks.
You need co;ies of your credentials to hand out, plus you must be prepared to give trial lessons (try to cash in on those - they do pay sometimes).