Job Discussion Forums

[jesseybell]

Hello,
I am new to the forum although I have been reading for months.
Thankyou for all the great informative posts.
I am trying to find information on Zhejiang University of Media and Communications, Hangzhou.
Also, should it be possible to find work when I arrive in Shanghai in December (if I allow a few weeks and have done some ground work with email contacts etc)? I have had quite a few contract offers for next Spring at universities---the whole prearranged deal--but I am feeling weird about the package deal concept when I havnt seen the package, especially after reading alot of posts here. It would be my preference to go to Shanghai and find something there--even if temporarily--and it does not need to be a university.
FYI--I have a graduate degree and have taught many non native english speakers, in my lit classes.
Thanks for any input.

jesseybell

[bigroh73]

Getting a teaching job in Shanghai is not difficult.
There are normally many jobs available on websites such as www.asiaxpat.com, and www.shanghai-ed.com...

However, you may want to consider that Chinese new year will be at end of January in China, which means many schools are not likely to be starting new classes in late december or early January. If you're coming here in December, try to get here early December, or a bit earlier.

University jobs are much more stable, and you're less likely to be cheated or ripped off - but the salary is much lower also.

[jesseybell]

Great thanks.
Now what about this age thing I hear about?
I am in my thirties. I find it hard to believe that I will be less likely to get teaching bc of this but it sounds as though it might be true.

[audchiang]

I've only been in Shanghai for a month, but in my opinion, your age should not be a problem, and may possibly be an asset. I am 35. In my Kindergarten, some parents were complaining that teachers (Chinese and Foreign) were too young - most were in their 20's. What do others think? I think people here prize age and think of increased age as increased wisdom... to an extent, I suppose.

[jesseybell]

good. That's encouraging. I saw an adv the other day for a female, under 26, with some other specified characteristics.

[bigroh73]

In General, chinese people prefer "mature" looking teachers, as they associate that with wisdom and experience - thus in their mind - quality.
However, you do get some schools who ask for PRETTY PEOPLE, or people are a certain height, or blonde hair....many often ask for a scanned photo to be sent also - to make sure you "qualify" for the job. Don't be offended by this - but it does happen.
Regardless of that, being in your 30s will certainly not stop you from applying for 95% of jobs here.