Job Discussion Forums

[Panicked]

Hello everyone, and thanks for giving this post a view. To help answer my questions, here is a little info about me:

I am British Caucasian turning twenty-three later this year and as of May, I am CELTA qualified with 120+ hours teaching experience. I have done a BA in English Language with Creative Writing and am currently doing an MA in Creative Writing, which I will finish later this year.

My interest at the moment is teaching at pre-school and primary school level, although I would also be happy to teach at university-level.

I have been researching TEFL for some years now, and know that I would prefer a city or suburb with a more tropical climate, but in a Mandarin-speaking area (Xi�an in Shaanxi is my preference). My intention is to get a short-term contract, then extend it up to two years (I might decide on longer once I am in China) depending on whether I like where I have settled. I have experience with living in this part of Asia for a few years as a child and therefore do not think that I will suffer culture shock as acutely as other new-comer Westerners. Also, I already have a basic understanding of Mandarin and have a willingness to learn the language. Although I am unsure as to whether I will choose TEFL as a lifetime career, I certainly see myself in the profession for a few years, at least.

The questions are these: (And yes, I have used the search button! )

1: I have read that China now wants two years of Graduate work experience before they hire a teacher. I only have my CELTA teaching experience and one year�s worth of (non-related) work experience: I know I can be employed on this, but is it dodgy to do so, or does the rule depend on where I go (i.e. province-wise)?

2: My dissertation is due in on the 30th of September, although I should have it finished in August. I want to make it out for the September 1st start date, but feel I might be pushing my luck. Is it wise to go for jobs in October, when the term is already a month in? Won�t these places be the ones where they couldn�t keep their teachers, or are generally undesirable due to location, wage, etc.? Should I wait until next semester and try to get a job in the UK in the meantime?

3: Where should I be looking for the most reputable job posts? I know to avoid Angelina�s ESL caf� and was searching on Dave�s� until I read that that might not be the best course of action, either. TEFL.com has been paid visits, too.

4: Will �Creative Writing� be viewed as a serious MA? At the very least, I hope it shows my interest in the written word.

5: With these qualifications, what should I expect to earn at primary/secondary/university level? I intend to �ease� myself in to begin with, starting with 16-18 hours for my first contract and increasing my workload at a future date. (PM me the figures if you like.)


Once again, thank you for your time!