Job Discussion Forums

HigherEdJoe · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 16

I will be soon leaving for Univ teaching position in Tianjin and am already thinking about what I will do after this year is over. (Always thinking ahead) Ive read much about ESL not being a viable career in China and despite not really wanting to make it a career, would consider staying in China in a "career" type position.

My back ground is in College and University Administration : Study Abroad and Admissions and I have about 8 years of combined professional experience. (Yes I know you ask, what is he going after such low pay when he can make a ton more staying in the US, answer = the experience)

Anyone heard of an FT making a transition to a career oriented, higher paying position? IE university job etc.

Any thoughts are welcome.

Guerciotti · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 10:28 am Post subject:

What uni in Tianjin? I teach at a Tianjin uni - TUTE.
To address your question - possibly administration at a joint venture college?
My impression of the public Chinese universities is that a foreigner has no chance of an administration position, but I'm new. I started in September.

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

With a solely Chinese uni you have no chance of getting in. Maybe a collaborative, but you would have to prove your admin skills are worth it. Meaning they should pay times x of what they would get a local admin for what benefit.

CarlD26 · Joined: 03 Feb 2011 Posts: 27

Who is to say a teaching job is not significant? That is so subjective and depends on who the person is. While I would never want to work in China forever (2 years was enough) I met many teachers who made a career of it, and were making pretty good money. While they were not making as much as they were in their home countries, they were able to save more then if they had stayed at home despite higher salaries at home. I even met a few who very successfully started up their own language school, one of them having the most successful school for younger children in the city that they live in (nothing to sneeze at since it is a very touristy city).

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

This tread is a bit old but might give you some ideas:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=28310&highlight=entrepreneur

I found it by searching 'entrpreneur' on the Asia group and there was other stuff came up as well.
There are expat job fairs held from time-to-time. The last one I attended was in BJ in Dec 2009.
A lot of schools/municipalities recruiting but some corporations.

White249 · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Posts: 24 Location: United States

I know a few guys that were able to learn Chinese and branch out into other fields. I think knowing the language is the key, if not then having the right connections. One of my former coworkers is an editor for a major Shanghai magazine and another guy started a trendy boutique with his Chinese girlfriend. Ii is possible but it might take some time.

HigherEdJoe · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 16

Thanks for the input everyone. Interesting stuff to think about. Thank god I've got a whole year to plan and figure it all out. [/img]

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

Bumped