Job Discussion Forums

[Bud Powell]

So I will sell myself as a teacher of Oral English.

Are you convincing?

[Andrew108]

[janeal]

I was 65 a couple years ago when I taught in China. . .and I enjoyed every minute of it. Yeah, there were a few problems (60 students/writing class, an incompetent department administrator, no heat in my apartment in October, etc.). But it was an adventure I'll never forget or regret. Students were great and I was never treated like a dancing (white) monkey. Yeah! I loved the experience and would do it again. . .if my age didn't prevent me from getting the z-visa.

[Bud Powell]

[Andrew108]

[Non Sequitur]

[sojourner]

Andrew,


I have now been teaching in China ( in the college/uni sectors) for 11 years - undoubtedly, the best tme of my life !


You mentioned that you want to teach Oral English.Yes, most of the uni jobs involve that particular subject; but, depending on your qualifications, you might also be asked to teach other ( far more interesting ) subjects. Apart from Oral English, a good portion of my time has involved the teaching of Inter-Cultural Communication, Business English and English-Speaking Societies. On a couple of occasions, I was also required to teach Management and Marketing ! ( However, don't ever volunteer to teach writing - far too much time marking homework is involved !).

---------

Janeal,


Why do you think that you are too old to get a visa to teach in China ? I'm 68 and have not experienced too many problems in finding decent jobs since turning 60.( A couple of years back , I met an FT aged 72 who was still teaching in China !). Either at my current uni, or elsewhere, I am hoping to continue teaching in China until I turn 71.


Admitedly, it might be rather difficult, at our age, to find jobs in the more popular parts of China , such as Shanghai and Beijing,as well as in Yunan and Guangdong provinces. Maybe, if you were to focus on the not-so-popular provinces of China ( Shanxi ?), especially in the smaller cities that are a bit off the beaten track, you would probably be able to land a job.


Good luck !

Peter

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

If there are any more swipes at different nationalities, there will be sanctions of the severe nature and this thread will disappear.

[Andrew108]

[BruceLeeWannaBe]

Benefits of teaching in China? There are some, yes. Living there you can see many great tourist sites and earn money while you travel.

Many people go to China without knowing certain things. And I strongly feel that everyone should know what I'm about to tell you when it comes to China. And this only comes from experience of being there.

With the new rules in place since July 1st, it's extremely difficult getting all the documents they need. They ask for one thing. Two weeks later they ask for another. 3 weeks later they ask for aomething else. It's extremely difficult. It takes about 6 months or so now to get everything in order to get the two documents needed for a z visa. At least in Zhejiang province, no matter how qualified you are. It's very difficult now. No checklist is involved. It's just how local bureaucracy works.

Also, the media. It's their media. If you are teaching at a school, NO POLITICS. Anything the media highlights, don't bring it up. Many teachers see headlines such as these here. http://news.linktv.org/videos/chinese-tv-host-unleashes-xenophobic-rant
http://www.chinasmack.com/2012/stories/cctv-yang-ruis-anti-foreigner-rant-chinese-netizen-reactions.html
If you try to argue against anything their media says and say "this/that is wrong" and try to share your opinion and feelings on it, you can be deported. ESL contracts also forbid you from talking about such things.

[Andrew108]

Interesting post. I clicked through the links you posted and obviously it's not a story that encourages. I wonder how much of that type negativity you experience daily? Or is it that you think that this attitude is always in the background and somewhat covered over?

I have a job at the moment but struggle to save more than 300 euros a month. I have to admit that the idea of saving upwards of 800 euros a month in China is tempting. So in someways I would be coming to China for financial reasons and I guess I do fit into that profile of 'mercenary foreigner'. I accept that.

I'm not really thinking about dating Chinese women. I can't imagine that as a 46 year old guy I would be much of a catch. I mean I would prefer to keep a low profile. Learn Mandarin. Work hard. Save lots. That's the plan.

I guess that the many millions of Chinese who go about their ordinary lives have much the same attitude in terms of trying to get the best out of a situation. So I'm not sure that I would become a target. Do you feel like you might be a target? Is there a strong possibility that you will experience a racially motivated attack?

The paperwork required for a Z-Visa does seem to be problematic. I was thinking that I would probably use an agent to help speed through the process.

[BruceLeeWannaBe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liWgyocnPJU
If a foreigner gets into a fight with a chinese person, no matter what the situation is or who's fault it is. Other bystanders will jump in and confront the foreigner as well. And this isn't the worst either. But this was the most disturbing vid I saw.

It's overwhelming. I actually contacted my company in China yesterday and told them I'm not comming. So please cancel all the paperwork. I won't be needing a z visa now.

I'm extremely sorry but I just got extremely upset after seeing this. Knowing about it is one thing, but seeing it. It's too much.

[Non Sequitur]

Well we don't know what led up to this.
The Westerner appears to be tired and emotional (seriously drunk) and at least one person tries to help him.
If this is anyone's street-life threshold, then I feel you are right to stay away - from just about anywhere.

[Andrew108]

[wangdaning]