Job Discussion Forums

[JVenSTL]

For a number of reasons, I cannot leave for China in September. Do schools hire people to start during the second semester, or do they do all of their hiring for the first semester, meaning I'd have to wait more than a year to go?

[rioux]

Yes, I was hired in the second term in 2015.
There are tons of college/university positions open for the second semester.

[MsHoffman]

Peak hiring period for second semester is October (after the national holiday) - November. Although you might be asked to come in the middle of first semester. That happened to me last year because I replaced a runner.

Anyway, lots of jobs offered at that time, shouldn't be a problem.

[roadwalker]

If you are expecting to be available in October or so, a lot of schools may still want to hire you for the fall term. First year students usually start university with military training (marching mainly) which lasts for 3 or 4 weeks, and then the National Day holiday begins Oct. 1. I have taught at one university that started training later but only one, most seem to start the year with training. The freshmen students don't start their classes until Octoberish, so the school sometimes ask the foreign teacher to arrive later anyway. Might be worth checking with schools that you are interested in for a fall term start, unless you won't be available that soon.

[doogsville]

It depends on the type of school to some extent. Universities and public schools usually hire in March to May for an August/September start, but a lot of private schools run from Spring Festival, January or February, to Spring Festival. I made the move from a private school to a uni by signing a second contract for only six months. There are also tons of jobs all year round as new schools open, teachers quit mid term or whatever. If you want a university job your options will be more limited, but some universities need to replace teachers after the first semester so you're in with a chance.

[OhBudPowellWhereArtThou]

[HaveAGoodRest]

Realistically you can come any time if you are flexible with the type of school you work at. You'll have have more options if you follow their semester schedule.

I started at a uni this semester, but it ended up being horrible. I switched to a vocational school mid-semester, and it has been a great experience.

[Non Sequitur]

I started in Feb 2004.
Note vocationals (3-year associate degree) don't do military in Fall (Sept start) semester.

[JVenSTL]

I would be available starting in October, but I just graduated college and won't get my physical degree until August, and I know it has to be translated into Chinese and such

[Non Sequitur]

You'd fail the work experience criterion wouldn't you?
I recall teachers starting 4-6 weeks into Fall semester.
As others have mentioned, kids (Freshers only I think) do military for a few weeks after start date.

[JVenSTL]

[Non Sequitur]

OK hope so.
I thought it was Z-visa related not the level of school.
But good luck

[JVenSTL]