Job Discussion Forums

[Pan Fu Xu]

I'll be coming to China this December for a few weeks to visit potential employers. I'm currently enrolled in an MSEd in TESOL program at an Ivy League institution and I'm going to complete my degree in December 2018. My preference is to begin working at a University.

I've assembled a list of Universities in the cities that I'm most interested in working in and I'm planning to email them ahead of my visit. Could anyone familiar with China please tell me if:

1. I should email faculty directly or contact some other administrative department at the Universities?

2. It's reasonable to ask them if they could actually provide lodging (perhaps on campus in a spare dorm) during my visit and if I should mention this in my opening email or in subsequent emails?

3. It's reasonable to ask them for an invitation letter for the L visa?

[jaybet3]

1. I would try to find contact info for the English department. There's a better chance someone there will be able to read English and know what to do with your request.

2 & 3. Can't hurt to ask, but I'm not sure you'll get much feedback.

I think response from Uni's would depend on whether they were looking for teachers for 2nd semester. Its likely many staff members are already over-worked and wouldn't be eager to help a "tourist."

BTW: Have you any teaching experience?

You also haven't mentioned what city you would be visiting.

A better approach might be to go through old job postings on this website and get in touch with recruiters or the contact names on the listings.

Then explain your plan. Recruiters would have a better understanding of what schools would be hiring and how to approach them.

Good luck

PS: I think checking out a school before hand is a good idea if you have the time. While I was working in China last semester, I visited two schools that offered me jobs. Going there really helped me make an informed decision.

[nomad soul]

Some US universities partner with foreign universities. You might check to if yours has a relationship with any Chinese universities.

[Non Sequitur]

Look for Foreign Affairs Office or similar on websites.
Get the Chinese calendar an avoid suggesting visits on holidays.