Job Discussion Forums

[AussieGus]

Ha,ha. I'll keep that in mind. Only 12 months left of ass wiping as the wife has agreed to return to China next year.

[thatsforsure]

I don't know about Australia, but in the U.S. I think the main reason Asians stay separate is less sinister than disliking us. Most don't control the English language all that well. Plus, local Americans do not go out of their way to include foreigners in their social circles. When Asians of a particular language and culture get together, they form a natural group. I've never picked up on any dislike.

As for China and the pedestal, I think you're looking at the surface and believing what you see/hear. The Chinese don't so much look up or down at us; they just consider us another species. Like looking at a bear in the zoo. They have a group-based culture, and you don't fit into any group, so they can't place you in their schema. You look like a big cartoon to them.

Chinese are very practical people, and most think you might be able to help them in some way, at some point. Chinese people really don't have "friends," but mutually beneficial associates. It could be a girl thinking you'll marry her (Australian permanent residence), or a parent who'd like you to write a recommendation letter for her kid.

When local Chinese see ESL teachers in their country, I think they perceive a bunch of foolish people who don't know how to live life. They think we're blessed with all the advantages in the world and tend squander them. They can't understand why we don't try harder to get rich. For example, most don't understand why anybody would have 12 teaching hours a week and be done. They think one should fill up every available hour with classes, private lessons or whatever and bank the money.

The pedestal thing is an act. In some cases it's flattery to help get what they want.

[AussieGus]

That's interesting.

So the pedestal thing is just expediency. I've lived in Korea and and Vietnam and there the locals certainly lack it. They hate us and make no bones about it. In Vietnam they still scowl even as you hand over the money. In Korea in particular if your not Korean your not human and your not entitled to any acknowledgment, let alone empathy or compassion. At best they're indifferent and at worst you feel like a Jew trapped in the midst of a Nuremburg rally.

I didn't get that feeling in China at all but granted I've never lived there. Seven weeks was my longest sojourn.

In truth after living in Korea for 6 years anywhere else on earth is wonderful in comparison. I think I was expecting more of the same in China but was delighted to find they quite like white people (or pretend to).

[thatsforsure]

Yes, tend to agree.

[toteach]

I think this is the perfect time for you to go to China because your child(ren) are still young and formal education will not be a concern. Well, it was one of our biggest considerations, anyway... After a full day at the school, the last thing I'd want to do is home school. (Is this even an option in China?)

Good luck in your decision! Maybe our family will see yours there someday...

[El Macho]

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[ghost]

AussieGus

Actually, the way I see it - you are in a very good situation for employment in a large number of Asian countries, because you are still relatively young.

If I were you, I would look at Japan as a very good choice to put down roots for several years. Nice country (in general), civilized people, interesting culture, clean and organized - and a great need for English teaching professionals.

In the first instance, I think that if you sacrificed four weeks of your life to get a CELTA, then your resume would be very good and attractive to a large number of employers.

Once in a job, you could do an M.A. in TESOL online, or through a blended system (mostly online with the occasional residential component) - there are those sorts of programs every where, including many of the countries we teach in.

I can understand your feelings about OZ and the same situation exists, pretty much, in Canada as well - which is similar to Australia, except much colder.

You should look on the bright side. Did you know there are many second tier so called 'International schools' that would employ you, even as you are now, because your qualifications are more than enough.

The most lucrative place to work is Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries (I have been teaching in Saudi Arabia for the past 7 years). You can easily save around $20,000 u.s. dollars a year here, and after a few years buy a house or condo somewhere and use it for rental out purposes.

You have so many possibilities that I think you should be happy with. You have a bright future in EFL and a few extra qualifications will make you very employable. For example, I went back to university at age 46 to do a one year 'fast track' Bachelor of Education at the university of Windsor, Ontario, so that I would be more employable. At age 38 years, your age, I did an M.A. at an American university. All those things with the aim to improve my job prospects.

The world is literally your oyster, and we are so lucky to be Anglophones, because that, in itself, is a ticket to a job in many parts of the world. People from other countries don't have that chance. Anglophones (even incompetent ones in most areas of life) always have the chance to teach EFL abroad with a minimum of qualifications. We are so fortunate to be gifted with that basic qualification (spoken English) that we have acquired naturally.

Ghost in Saudi

[RiverMystic]

[nomad soul]

[arentol]

[nomad-ish]

[buravirgil]

[zacharybilton]

I really can't understand why anyone would question this issue in the first place. Why would you uproot a family, wife, kids, self to CHINA. Low income, insecurity, major other issues, financial, culture, interaction, and Soooooo onnnnnnn. It only makes sense to be an "actual teacher" back home. A single guy with nothing to do, running from something, or that sort of thing is one thing, but taking your children and wife to the other side of the world, CHINA mind you is a whole different bag. Now, taking your Chinese wife and kids to America from China is another thing as well.

[happyinshangqiu]

[Deats]

As I am in a similar position to aussiegus (wife and kid and moving back to China to work in a uni), I would like to make some comments about posts on this thread and give my own opinion.

1) There is no way it is better to move to China on a tourist visa, rent and equip a house THEN look for a job. NO WAY. What if you don't find a suitable job after renting and furnishing a place? Also, he wants to work in a uni and you always get free accommodation on campus.

2) Dalian is not a great city to move a young family to. Where is the nearest GOOD hospital? Surely Shenzhen, Guangzhou (that neck of the woods) are way better - next to Hong Kong for emergency hospital care, although they both have international doctors anyway AND better weather.

3) If only Gus works he is gonna have a miserable life supporting his family on a uni salary. Let's say he gets an 'average' salary of 6,000 - how far is that going to last? He needs decent medical insurance, decent food etc. They won't have a pot to p1ss in. My wife and I will earn a combined 22,000 (and I may do privates to top this up) and we think this is ok. No way is 6k good enough when Hipp baby food (not formula, but food that you add from 6 months) costs $5 a jar. To PROPERLY look after your kids, you need a higher salary.

4) Somebody said day care is more expensive in China than the west? Get your head checked. You can pay a FULL TIME 'ayi' $300 a month and she will cook, clean, shop, look after the baby etc every day. OR pay a Filipino 'ayi' $700 a month for the same service. Are you really saying you could pay $300-$700 in the West for this? Pff. No chance.