Job Discussion Forums

[PittsburghSound]

Thank you for all the replies, everyone.

I can definitely see what you mean, Simon. Everyone has different reasons for teaching ESL. For me, I want to teach and travel, so I figured I should do both at the same time. I think it's a great opportunity that I need to try now when I'm young. Life is what you make it no matter where you are or what you're doing. It's cliché, sure, but people still forget it regularly. If you have the right qualities to succeed as a teacher (patience and enthusiasm being most important), then I think you will already have an easier time adapting to the culture shock around you.

I truly believe that patience really is one of the most important qualities we can have in life. Those who are patient with their family, friends, co-workers, students, and people they encounter in daily life are much more likely to succeed in living a fulfilling life. It's also wise to be patient in your expectations of people. I'm sure China will open up and reveal itself to be an amazing country in many ways as long as people are willing to give it a fair chance. However if you expect things to click from day one(which means you lack patience) then of course you will be disappointed, not only in China, but anywhere you go.

I know that in China my patience will be tested every day in new ways, but I look forward to it. We can't grow without being challenged. Some people wilt under pressure, but others thrive and rise to a new level they didn't know they had. I know working and living in China will present some tough challenges. It's not all going to be fun and enjoyable, especially not from day one. But those tough times are when the most learning will occur. I'll be learning as much about myself as I'll be learning about the people and the environment around me. Maybe that's what an ESL journey is all about--finding out more and more about yourself. How patient are you? How open-minded are you? An ESL journey will surely help you to answer these questions and more.

Please, if anyone else has any thoughts or advice they would like to share, I'd love to hear it.

[coratheexplorer]

[Capt Lugwash]

Until I read the post above yours I wondered what on earth you were on about.

I don't any more.

[PittsburghSound]

What on earth is he on about anyway? I'm new here, so...

[roadwalker]

Yeah, what's all the hubbub?

[Mr. English]

I third Blingcosa and Alien abductee. Where are the greener pastures? Not to say China is heaven in the center of the universe, but if you get into a good position here you can do okay. And there are trade offs everywhere, one place more money and miserable social conditions, another less money and better social conditions. China is at least nearly as good as any place, better than many.

[PittsburghSound]

I'm glad to know that many of you have had good experiences in China.

[NiHaoDaJia]

China provides excellent working conditions and rewarding salaries for those who follow all applicable rules and policies and have proper qualifications. Standards are constantly increasing as China becomes more developed.

[PittsburghSound]

I know the vaunted Z Visa discussion never ends, but I want to tackle it at an angle that I haven't read in many discussions here yet.

As the laws and the enforcement of them are constantly changing, the answer to this question may not exist beyond "it depends", but anyway...

Does anyone actually know as of right now where it is easier to get a Z Visa? As stated already in this thread, I am a native speaker with a BA, but I just graduated in May. As such, I have no teaching experience.

What this probably means is that I'm not going to be able to get a job just anywhere. I've accepted that. I fully understand that Beijing, Shanghai, and probably Guangzhou are off limits to me.

What I would like to know is in what areas of China do I still have good odds of getting a job? I'm not about to come to China and teach on anything but a Z Visa. I would like to find out, if possible, the locations where getting a Z Visa may be easier. What about Chengdu and Chongqing?

Any thoughts?

[Dan123]

[PittsburghSound]

When should I start making contact with schools? I'm not going the recruiter route. I want to contact the schools directly. When will they know how many teachers they will need for the next semester? I want to contact them early, but not too early before they even know if they will be hiring next semester or not.

Also, when I do get around to making contact, how should I approach it? I was thinking of just introducing myself, stating I'm interested in any potential positions they might have for the next semester, mentioning that I would be interested in an interview if they have positions open, and sending my info (photos of me, my passport, degree, etc...)

Thoughts?

[doogsville]

[PittsburghSound]

My fault. I thought this semester already started. I'm talking about coming to China in February or so. I see that the next Chinese New Year is Thursday, February 19th. I assume classes would begin again a few weeks after that? That's when I would be interested in beginning a teaching position at a university. I should have clarified that.

[roadwalker]

[Listerine]