Job Discussion Forums

[nolefan]

let's not forget that there are a heck of lot more people working within China in other fields. The Z visa is not exclusive to teachers. Some schools can get around the degree requirement by hiring people for different positions and using them as teachers which is not against the law.
Also, the new changes to the F visa structure are encouraging more schools get it for their F/T instead of the Z. While it is not completely legal, it is NOT illegal either. F visas are now issued to Visiting faculty from other countries for lengths of up to 1 year.

[Indiana Jones]

Yeah, it all appears to be fairly ambiguous, which is why I've noticed the argument of to-degree-or-not-to-degree seems to repeat so often ont hese ESL message boards. Ah well, it keeps us all informed and lively.

I guess the only thing that matters is what the Chinese think -- if they don't mind if an applicant is degree-less, then we can argue until the Great Wall falls down, it won't change anything.

What I've gathered is a), if you have a degree use it to barter for better wages and conditions, and b), if you don't have a degree you can still get decent employment.

I wish everyone the best.

[englishteacher53]

Hi All, can I just say that I have no beef with those of you out there with a degree and yes you should be paid more than someone like me without one . I do however think that those with who look down on those without as minimilists is unfair . I spend a lot of time and money to get my TESOL and back in 2002 I was told that a teaching certificate was the important thing and as part of my training I had to complete a specified number of face-to-face teachings and also one-on-one's before I attained said certificate.
I consider myself to be a good teacher and have the respect of other teachers and students and staff and the only thing missing is a degree!
How many degree academics have actually taught foriegn students as part of their degree work? Also I have been told that the degree has to be relevant to teaching which could put some degree holders in the same boat as those without! Sure if you have a degree, teaching certificate and experience you should get a higher salary but that doesn't seem the case and begs the question of why such qualified teachers are in Asia working for low money?

As to the issue of fake certificates and visas - my first visa was issued in Manchester England and I had all the papers when I applied in person for said visa and it was clear that I did not hold any degree and the visa was issued without delay - also on arrival in China I went for the residency and again experienced no problem. I now seems as though things are changing and not for my good! and as someone pointed out having a degree may just mean more bad teachers with higher qualifications! I still don't know if I will get the visa or not which worry's me as to my future