Job Discussion Forums

[Professional TEFLer]

Is there a cutoff (age wise) for one to get the Z visa to teach? I ask because I am 44. I have received an offer in China and they do not seem to care about my age at all compared to some other Asian countries I have spoken with.

[johntpartee]

[doogsville]

You'll find that different schools have different rules too though. My own uni won't entertain applicants over 60. I have a vague memory of reading that 60 is the official cut off point for visa applications, but I can't track it down. I also remember reading that some teachers have their resident permit renewed at 60 and above. The official retirement age in China is 55 for women and 60 for men, so it may be linked to that.

My previous employers won't employ anyone over 50, despite having at least two teachers already working there who are older than that. Again, they both started with the company before 50 and have stayed on. I've also seen an ad recently that says no one over 45.

This is China though, so the rules are often made of rubber. 44 is fine, and if you're fit and healthy then even better, more energy for jumping around and 'edutaining'. Especially if you start off in a language mill.

[Non Sequitur]

If you're getting near 60, you will be more likely to have your visa renewed by your existing employer, than if you moved somewhere else.
Moral: Older FTs should be settled in a gig that they can happily continue in, if long term China ESL is their expectation.

[johntpartee]

[Mr. Leafy]

[Professional TEFLer]

Thanks everybody! Good to know.

[Markness]

I lived in Harbin and there was an older gentleman who worked there, he had to at least have been in his 50s. He was a really cool guy. You can do it!

[johntpartee]

[Markness]