Job Discussion Forums

tigress · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 23

Hello All,

I currently work in Saudi (2 years ESL) and looking for a change of pace. Currently interviewing for China mostly, so I'm looking for any related advice from fellow Saffas in China regarding their teaching experiences in China and possibly points to remember for accepting any jobs offers.

Qualifications:
1. MBA
2. Post graduate diploma Marketing
3. Bachelors: English and Media Majors
4. Celta - completion September

Thank you.

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

The most important question.

Are you white?

tigress · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 23

No. Indian female.

theoriginalprankster · Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 895

I've worked here for 11 years with no issues. Things are getting trickier though (as a white male).

Good luck.

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

Unfortunately, South Africans are not common in most places, so you will likely get little in the realm of helpful advice here. I have met a few working here, but that does not say much.

Points for accepting a job are not limited to South Africans, you might want to broaden the question.

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

Not gunna lie to you, being an Indian looking person from Seth Efrica may make it tougher. As usual on these forums it must be said that if a school wants you bad enough they will do whatever it takes to get you the visa. Pay, bend the rules etc.

It would have been easier if you were white but you can probably still find something, but I wouldn't be poking around Tier 1 cities if I were you.

tigress · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 23

tigress · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 23

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

There's hundreds if not thousands of universities and public schools and learning centers in the 2nd and 3rd Tier cities which will have jobs vacant.

I personally know about 5 or 6 SA people who live and work in Shanghai. They live together [saves on accom] and work for one of the chains, not sure which. They seem to party every friday and travel 4 or 5 times a year so I guess life is good.

Right now the schools will start to be getting desperate so send your resume around. If they add you on skype/email back after a day or two they are desperate. Not sure about new visa regulations, but do not work on an L or business visa.

tigress · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 23

Thanks Larsson,

I hear you on all those points. I'm using recruiting companies...I also feel there's a lot of posts available. It becomes a bit of information overload. Hopefully, I'll get a decent offer with a decent school.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

It's not something I've followed closely, but SA has been tending to drop off the list of countries specified in job ads. In other words you are not seen as native speakers.
This is a separate issue to the ethnicity one.
My advice is go for 2nd or 3rd tier cities and vocationals and high schools.
When are you thinking about making the move? The hiring season is coming to an end (for Sept start).

tigress · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 23

@ non sequitur,

You are quite right, and I can't fault the reasons behind that reasoning...I'm hoping to secure an offer soon with hopes of starting early September. However, I do want it to be business English or business teaching...but again I'm quite realistic. Decent pay and a decent environment is paramount.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Generally the task in China is Oral English and the content/vocab will reflect the Major especially at vocationals. The majors could be hotel management or tourism or similar.
The vocationals classes will likely all be freshers as their 3-year associate degrees incorporate a year's practicum in industry. That's year 2 and clearly having good Oral English gets the plum assignments.
We all hear about the years of English Chinese kids have from high school and earlier. The reality is that Oral English stalls in the final high school year(s) as there is no oral component in the tertiary entrance exam (Gao Kao).
PS Think 'package' when considering remuneration. Accom on school grounds can save a lot compared to living off-campus. ditto paid utilities, access to subsidised dining halls etc

tigress · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 23

Makes sense...so what constitutes these vocational institutes? I mean I know about the public / private or international schools, the universities and then the language institutes. Stupid question, but how would I identify these vocational schools?

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

You can approach it two ways:
1. Location. If you know where you want to live look at the Wikipedia entry for that city and on the side bar somewhere you'll see a link to 'Education'. The schools listed are far from exhaustive as clearly Wiki relies on user updating.
2. General Google search: Use search terms like 'Hotel management college China' 'Tourism management college China'.
I'll pm you the link to the school I worked at and you can cut your teeth on making contact. Neutralise your accent as much as possible - no 'pork the core' Smile

Have an English forename.
Include lifestyle photo in your application especially social situations with other races.