Job Discussion Forums

endo · Joined: 09 Mar 2004 Posts: 64

Hi,

I'm currently reaching in Korea and my mom and sis came to visit me this past summer. My mother really enjoyed her stay and later said that she would be interested in teaching in Asia after she retires from teaching this year.

She's 55 (in great shape for an oldie) and has been teaching in Canada for over 30 years.

With that said, what are her possible job prospects in China? Is she too old?

Thanks in advance.

Super Mario · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:46 pm Post subject:

She'd walk into any job she chose.
I'm 55 and have spent 5 of the last 9 years in China.
Qualified and experienced teachers from English speaking countries are a rare and highly prized species. I'd strongly recommend a university job, which will give her secure on campus housing, support in terms of other English speakers, and short hours, as I assume if she's retiring in Canada, working hard isn't really what she's after.

She probably doesn't see herself as an "oldie" btw. I don't either.

Keath · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 10:05 pm Post subject:

Yeah, your mom could get a job with no problem. Just keep in mind though, most apartments dont have elevators so she may have to walk up stairs. If shes in good shape for that, should be no issues.

good luck

mavazah · Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 21 Location: East Beijing

As the other respondents have said, she is not too old to teach in Asia, and certainly not in China. I am a single 52 year old woman and have had no trouble gaining good employment in China. Its made me fitter and stronger too, as yes, going up and down stairs to the flat and the classrooms on a regular basis and riding my bike have given me far more exercise than I would get in my own country. I agree about the Uni job, I work in a Uni and the hours are excellent and they conduct themselves professionally both in the teaching and legal sense. I wish her all the best and I think she'd have a great adventure.

Spiderman Too · Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:29 am Post subject:

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

JDYoung · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 157 Location: Dongbei

55 is not too old in China. I started at that age over 2 years ago. I don't much like walking up stairs but my lung capacity has improved. Maybe she should start looking herself. She'll find the ability to determine fact from fantasy on forums like this one an invaluable experience when dealing with foreign cultures.

dragon777 · Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 163 Location: Christmas Island

Don't mean to take the thread from the main questionnaire but is 74 to old to teach? especially if the person in question is from a distinguished College???

bjwellgo8 · Joined: 13 Oct 2005 Posts: 34

to dragon: 77 may turn most schools off. it's not that age matters but its implication of health issues. for chinese, anyone over 60 can be considered an old man, which means they are out of the work force. sorry about that. but if you can show the schools that you are in good health, and i believe that many people at that age are, they may take you. i know some people over 70 teaching in china, but only some. one of them came to china ten years ago for the first time at bit younger than 60. now you know how old she is now.

Spiderman Too · Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2005 11:57 am Post subject:

dragon777

The name of the 76 y.o. gent is Don. He teachers at a so-called second-tier government university. He's a very friendly chap. PM me your e-mail address and I'll pass it on to Don. I'm sure he'll be happy to correspond with you.

On second thoughts, he doesn't keep his identity secret:-

endo · Joined: 09 Mar 2004 Posts: 64

Thanks everyone for taking the time to repond.