Job Discussion Forums

[gideon2003]

Hello,

I posted this topic also on the newbie forum, but perhaps it's better here because it's about china.

I just finished my TEFL course and would like to teach in Asia. At first I wanted to go to Japan, but after reading some of posts I realised that it�s not possible, because I�m not a native-speaker and do not have any experience in teaching. I read that China is a better option.

I also read a lot of posts in the newbie forum, but still have some questions regarding teaching and really hope you have some answers.

In short my background and ideas.

-I�m dutch, male and 25 years old.
-I have a Masters Degree in Communication Science, with courses in Dutch and English
-I don�t have ANY teaching experience
-I would like to teach for a short period of time (4-5 months or so)
-I travelled in the Middle-East & North America and lived in Vancouver for a while
-My pronounciation isn�t bad at all, quite some people thought I was Canadian
-I would like to go to a fairly large city because then I would be able to stay in a youth hostel (perhaps I have a better chance then because the school doesn�t have to provide accommodation of some sort). But a small village in Tibet would be really nice too.
-I don�t need to make a lot of money and I�m not a big spender too, but I don�t want to put in extra cash when I�m teaching
-I realise that at first it isn�t fun and rewarding and that the chinese are tough to deal with.

I don�t think this sounds promising, but I really hope there are some projects that would suit me though. Do some of you know any?

-is the �Global Educational Volunteers Union� a bonafide & moral idea for me?

I know these questions have been asked before but not exactly for my situation, but I apologize for asking things for the second time or more.

bye bye

gideon polak

[dajiang]

Hi Gideon,
actually there have been threads about this topic before. Just 'search' for 'non-native', 'dutch', etc.

First of all, you've got an MA, so no problems there.
Then you have a TEFL diploma as well, so you know a bit about teaching English.
Are you sure it's not possible for you to go to Japan and teach?
Because I thought as long as you had a degree you could. (check with the Japan forum though)

Anyway, China is a far more interesting place to go to, so don't bother.

Hey, what made you think the Chinese are 'tough to deal with'?
You mean schools and recruiters?
Well, just be careful with what you sign. Same goes anywhere really.

You could always go with some organisation, but you could definitely go for it by yourself.
China is perfect to just travel around a bit. Take your time to see what part of China you like best, meet up with local FT's, ask around for jobs at the local Uni, and you're set.
After that you can use this forum to rant and stuff.

Anyway, my advice would be to just plunge in, go there and set it up yourself. Trust me, it's easier than you think.

Regards from a fellow Dutchman,
Dajiang

[Jolly]

[Roger]

Hi, Gideon,
you don't need to worry too much, you might make it here. Just don't hope for a plum position. You will be a white face as many of us are.

I just have 3 queries:
- Tibet? You won't be deployed there! Put that firmly out of your mind!
The best you can hope for is to be posted to a primitive Tibetan-in-
habited part of Sichuan, Gansu or Qinghai. Yunnan is nice - try there.
- Youth Hostel? What the hell do you mean? This is not Europe, my
friend; youth hsotels are not so common here. Take the accom your
employer provides, and be grateful he does do that! It's free!

- Why only 5 months? You had better stick it out for a full semester.
Make your time here coincide with the school year. NExt term begins
in February, then first of September.

Try the Buckland Group in Yangshuo!

[tofuman]

I've been here just over a year, but here are some suggestions:

Avoid third party recruiters.

Plan to do at least 1 semester. This will increase your options.

Only go to a private school if you have verifiable references from teachers who are teaching there.

Being a non-native speaker is an issue, If you can demonstrate your proficiency with a tape or interview, much better. An accent can be an excuse for termination. I've heard from those who have terminated non-native English speakers for this reason. Be sure your employer has heard and approves of your oral English.

People here quibble about irrelevant subtleties of pronounciation between British and American English. They also, at times, are critical of Indian English speakers. They have a different accent so they are suspect.

Roger is likely right about the white face. Those who ran into problems over their accent were Filipino or East Indian, not white. It may have been their skin color rather than their accent was the real issue.

I found a job using the internet. It's hellish at times, but it is a job.

Good luck.

[nolefan]

it's possible to get a job in your situation... I just met a Swiss guy that got a one year visa but signed up for a 5 months contract. The other 6 months were a mix of homestay with local families and travel... I believe he used the services of New Times in Shijiazhuang to get the deal worked out.

[gideon2003]

hello guys,

thank you very much for all you tips!!!!!!

this is really helpful for me in order to make a better decision and planning!

bye bye

gideon