Job Discussion Forums

[obsculta]

Hi, I teach at a Mexican university and have a sabbatical year coming up. While my long-term future is in Mexico, we don't earn a lot of money, and I'd like to buy a house.

I've always wanted to go to China, and have studied Chinese sporadically for a number of years (though my level is embarrassingly low, A2 I'd imagine). I'd love to work in China for a year or two, or possibly more.

My wife is Mexican, i.e., has only a Mexican passport. She has a bachelors in business administration and has taught young children for years (although without any special teaching accreditation)

My questions:

1. Is there a market for Spanish teachers/speakers? I saw a few advertisements for such jobs in Shanghai; as far as I can tell there isn't much in smaller cities. If so, would the visa process be the same for Mexicans as for citizens of English-speaking countries (i.e., are there special restrictions on Mexican passport holders)?

2. If she doesn't work, would she be available for any sort of spousal visa, or would she have to enter on a tourist visa? With a tourist visa, it appears she'd have to make a visa run every 3 months; can you re-enter the same day or do you have to spend a certain amount of time outside of the country?

Any assistance or resources you can provide re: the above questions, or any other thoughts you might have, would be greatly appreciated.

[hdeth]

There was a Spanish teacher at my last school (from Argentina). I think it's becoming more popular at Unis. I don't know what kind of qualifications are needed though.

I would think the spouse visa would work for getting her here. I think there might be a type of spouse visa that gives her work permission but not sure. I seem to remember reading about it at one point.

[fpshangzhou]

Your wife could also do a student visa which is good every 6 months I believe. She could study Chinese or something.

The spousal/dependent visa is broken into 2 types, S1 and S2. You'd have to research to see which one you qualify for. Most likely S1.

BTW, we have numerous Spanish speakers (Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, etc) as English teachers who have a strong Spanish accent, but if your spoken English is as good as your writing skills, you could probably get a teaching gig somewhere.

Cheers,

Aaron

[obsculta]

Thanks very much for your helpful advice.

I should clarify: I'm a gringo, so I would be looking to teach English. My wife's Mexican with limited English, so I'd need to find something for her to do, or at least to legally be in the country.

Good ideas with the spousal and work visas, thanks very much.

[roadwalker]

As stated above, Spanish is becoming popular in China, but it's no where near the popularity or perceived need of English. Any international language (i.e. a language that is used broadly) will draw some interest. It's possible that your wife could be hired on a work visa like you, so long as it's a package deal. A university might be very happy to hire a foreign couple to teach English and Spanish. They like couples because of the single accommodation and the perceived stability of the teachers (less likely to cause problems). If not, your wife could be a dependent on your z-visa, but without her own permission to work.

I agree that the student visa is another option. Many universities are paying some foreign students of Chinese to teach English and probably some other languages, part time. I don't believe that they pay as well for that but it's better than sitting home, doing and earning nothing.

[juanjose]

I am Mexican myself and have my own Z Visa for teaching in China. I have taught here for four years. If your spouse has good English skills, she can work with her own visa in the town or city where you work. If that is too difficult, she can come on your visa as a dependent family member. She can then work part-time, or maybe even full time if a school hires the both of you. I wish you the best.

[jimpellow]

I am a gringo who now lives in Mexico but spent 5 years in China.

Spousal visas are rather a pain in the neck now, but fpshangzhou was correct that you need to research. Besides the official sites www.lawandborder.com is my favorite for sound information and advice.

Many visas now have limits as to how long you can stay in the country and renewal by hopping over a border is rarely an option.

I can't comment on teaching Spanish per se. There are most likely quite a few opportunities for Chinese manufacturers and exporters to clean up the poor Spanish on packaging and such. One Chinese trainer at my gym had spent seven years in Spain and spoke fluent Spanish. He wasn't happy with his wage so I suggested he work for a firm that does business in Latin America. He was shy about it, so I called a few of my lao da friends and all three were very interested in him. He ended up working for one, and last I heard, was still there.

Few firms are authorized to obtain such a work visa for your wife, but the authorities don't go snooping around factories looking at visas.

I don't know where you are in Mexico, but my five months here has been in Playa Del Carmen and Merida. I have come across some Koreans and Japanese visitors with some Spanish skills. If the Chinese are not a market for private lessons, then situating yourself in an Eastern Chinese city with a sizable Korean and/or Japanese population may provide a market for your wife's services.

In short, I think Asians are showing more concerted interest that the market here is huge.

She could also look at online opportunities such as teaching.

Best of luck!