Job Discussion Forums

bayer2k · Joined: 09 May 2013 Posts: 4

Just wondering how teaching experience in China (or SE Asia in general) is viewed in Europe?

I'll most likely be heading to Asia for a year's teaching shortly (Degree and CELTA), but would probably want to return to Europe (I'm British) if possible in the near future (who knows how the future may pan out, but that would be my current intention).

Is a year's experience in China viewed much the same as a year's experience anywhere else? Or is there snobbery/hierarchy in play (rightly or wrongly)?

Obviously people's different work experiences/requirements can vary greatly and I'm aware that some experiences will be looked on with more cache than others.

Basically I'm looking to take advantage short term through cheaper living and more numerous employment opportunities in China or bordering countries (in particular the ability to be hired from home), but would not want this to be at the expense of future employment possibilities closer to home.

Or is a year's experience post CELTA viewed as just that and nothing more?

tony87 · Joined: 21 Jul 2015 Posts: 43

There's no issues with a year or two teaching ESL abroad. If you have a good degree, you'll still be fine getting a graduate level job later. Needless to say, it's viewed a lot better than a year sat home on the playstation.

This is all based off the premise that in interview you can successfully relate your teaching experience to your potential employers needs though. For example, if you're applying to a finance company, you could say your time teaching in training centre X helped to develop your communication skills, teamworking, understanding different cultures and points of view, working to deadlines, having to deal with occasional long hours as part of the job, ability to survive and prosper in new situations etc.

Even if in reality your only duty was to dress up in a clown suit and play guitar, a western employer will not know that. Link your prior job to the needs of the job they're trying to fill, and you'll go places.

This works a lot better at your typical graduate entry level role though. Beyond that, employers want to see 'hard' skills not just 'soft' skills.

bayer2k · Joined: 09 May 2013 Posts: 4

Thanks for the response. I was actually referring to continuing with ESL career/work in Europe rather than returning to graduate work (I'm 30).

(I've just read my initial post and realise that I didn't make that at all clear!)

So to clarify, I meant how do ESL employers in Europe view work experience gained in SE Asia?

Your advice is still food for thought, so thanks anyhow.

D. Amokachi · Joined: 15 Oct 2014 Posts: 60

I think it depends on what you were doing in China. If you find work at a reputable language school (one that does Cambridge Exam courses or IELTS is a good indicator) then they shouldn't be too snobby about it. If the school's called THE HAPPY KIDS FUN CLUB and you sing 'incy wincy spider' all day they might not take it as seriously. As long as you can prove that the teaching you've been doing is worthwhile then you should be fine.

D. Amokachi · Joined: 15 Oct 2014 Posts: 60

platinum peyote · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2015 11:18 pm Post subject:

What do you mean by Europe? The EFL 'scene' will be totally different in places like Scandinavia compared to places like Spain and Italy.

bayer2k · Joined: 09 May 2013 Posts: 4

Laurence · Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 401

Generally speaking TEFL employers will look for teaching experiences similar to the services which they themselves offer.

Relevance is determined by:

a) teaching within a similar culture. Employers will look at where/who you teach - China experience won't be likely to do you any favours here. Could even be detrimental as your personal methodological and theoretical approaches may be deemed inappropriate in the local context. Although experience/ability to teach (or put up with) kids is fairly transferable.

and

b) teaching similar courses. Employers will look at what/how you teach - this is where you can play up your China experience, especially if you use well-known course materials or, better yet, get involved with bona fide academic stuff like TOEFL or IELTS prep.

Also, pay is lower in Europe, generally, so employers can be a bit wary that you won't be satisfied with their remuneration. This means you could be on the back foot from the get go.

You will probably stay in China forever though, after you get a taste for Tsingdao and dumplings
so pls don't thinking too much ok

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I've been teaching in Europe since 1998.

Experience in China won't help you here; most employers are in fact well aware that teaching in Asia is very different from teaching here. Here is a thread discussing the differences: http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=95456&start=0

If you get beyond the bickering that bogs it down for a couple of pages, it's worth scanning through to the end, assuming that you really hope to come over here.

The bottom line is that coming here with a CELTA and a year's experience in Asia is a bit lower on the totem pole than coming here with a CELTA earned in Europe and no experience (at least your practice teaching students will have been European in this case).

That's not to say that you wouldn't find something, especially in the stronger job markets (you probably would) but the Asia experience isn't going to give you any leg up whatsoever and is likely to be a negative. Demonstrating knowledge of the differences can help an employer to be willing to give you a chance.

Further, your nationality is key here - if you are not from the UK, your chances of finding work in Spain or Italy (or anywhere except Germany and Central/Eastern Europe) are basically nil outside of marrying a local, regardless of your qualifications or experience.

Also, this is a job market with startup costs - it is very unusual to find a job from abroad. You need to pick a likely city, come over, and interview in person in the right time frame (usually September).

BTW, there is no EFL scene in Scandinavia, platinum peyote;-)

bayer2k · Joined: 09 May 2013 Posts: 4

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Yes, it will be a plus and I see now that you are a UK citizen. You'll find something, given that you do your job search in person and in the right time periods.

I still recommend reading through the old thread when you have time - it's really true that your being able to demonstrate some knowledge of the differences between teaching in Asia and Europe will help you land something at a reputable school.