Job Discussion Forums

[Niederbom]

Wondering what advanced degrees have a bigger market in China for jobs other than ESL. Have a first degree in English and a second degree in law with a finance concentration. I am from the U.S.

The only job I ever enjoyed was teaching in China, so I am thinking of getting my doctorate in either linguistics, international law, or international finance (probably international law with a capital markets concentration) and going back over as a real professor/lecturer this time.

Say, my first degree was from a strong state school while my advanced degree was from an internationally-recognized school (think Berkeley or Toronto), what university positions could I get in China in one of these fields?

Don't the normal universities usually have international law programs that are supposed to be in English?

[tangal]

Gee whiz, and I thought I was a real ESL lecturer (i.e. someone who lectures) all this time! A PhD and the academic rank of lecturer/associate professor/professor isn't the only way to become the genuine article; one might also get there with smarts (book or street), savviness, and good old-fashioned passion for the profession. Just my view.

[Bud Powell]

At public universities, you'll get a bump in pay for having a masters and a Ph.D. My masters degree got me about 500- 1000 per month more in pay, and the Ph.D teachers may get another 1500 rmb bump in pay the first year. Salary is sometimes negotiable the second year after the Belford University Ted's College graduates wash out and your bona fide education becomes apparent.

Perhaps in the top ten universities, you'll be paid appreciably more, but a degree from Harvard won't land you a higher paying position in most (if any) public University in China unless you have comparatively rare skills in China.

Be cognizant of this: as a FT in China, you will be transient until you find the right school for you. Unless you secure a five-year contract (there are pluses and minuses) you will have no job security throughout your stay in China.

In the U.S., non-tenured Ph.Ds and Master level lecturers generally receive three year contracts (five year contracts for tenure track Ph.Ds) after which time they may be handed their walking papers in March. It's a transient existence in the U.S. unless you are a master politician or if you know someone (many times in the biblical sense).

The positive part of this is that in the U.S. (I don't know about the rest of the English speaking world), you'll have a higher standard of living and a better paycheck if you can score three or more contracts and gain tenure (if you're a Ph.D) at home. You get a bump in pay for every contract plus bumps for being involved in various committees and if you can write grant proposals and become involved in research. Big bump if you become a program director or a department chair.

I don't recommend furthering your education just to teach in China. Teaching in Chinese public universities can be freer of faculty politics if you look the other way, but the piddling increase in pay worth isn't the accompanying headaches of just living in China.

If you want to work in academia (especially in the American University level), by all means further your education. Your Ivy League education will pay off and you won't need to move to China. However, if you can't find employment upon graduation, head to China, get a job with a prestigious school and stay there while you apply for jobs in the U.S. Your experience in China can land you a position in the U.S..

I hope this helps.

Caveat: YMMV