Job Discussion Forums

[berluche]

I am presently in France. On my way back to Australia (leaving in March), I am planning to stop for a few months doing some volunteer work in India and then going on to teach in China for a year (or more if I like it).
I am no spring chicken (59 in Feb.). I have a bachelor degree in education, art and craft (Melbourne Uni) and have done a few months of postgrad. TESOL (Melbourne Uni), but didn't finish coz I had to go back to France in a hurry.... I am also an accredited translator English-French.
My native language is French (lived and worked in France for 40 years)but I have no French degree. My English is supposed to be excellent with only a slight accent (so I am told): I have lived, worked, and studied in Oz for 20 years.
In fact, I feel I could teach either French or English but it is very hard to find info on the web to teach French in China. (btw, thanks to those who have given me some hints in a previous thread)
Because I will be in India in a pretty remote area for the next few months, I figure it won't be easy to look for work in China from there.
- Is it too early to look for a job now to start work in July/August?
- If I got a Z visa before leaving France, would it still be valid if I don't start work until August?
- If it is not too early, is it better to go through a recruiter or contact Unis directly?
- Or would it be better (even for a first timer) to arrive in China (where in China?) a few weeks early (how early, then?) and start looking for a job? I know some people recommend to do it that way (but aren't they people who have already some experience of China?). Is it not a bit daunting?
I mean, I have travelled a fair bit but, everywhere, I was able to communicate somehow with one language or another. Of Chinese languages, be it Mandarin or other, I have absolutely no knowledge!!!! and my impression is that not many Chinese people speak much English yet... I know you're all working at it though
- Does one need to have a return ticket (or at least a ticket "out") to go to China?
This is all very complicated: I hope you can understand what I am saying and perhaps, give me some advice...

[Super Mario]

I don't think many employers would be interested in hiring you so far ahead, and its not customary for Chinese educational establishments to even [/b]think that far ahead.
Z visas are generally only issued for as long as it takes to get you fixed up with work and resident permits.
I'm sure even rural India will have the odd internet connection: that's all you need.
Another avenue would be to talk to Australian Volunteers International once in Oz.
Despite the title, you do get paid and they cover things like travel, decent medical insurance, in country language training. A good idea for a first-timer.

[kev7161]

[Roger]

Tu ne sais pas, peut-etre ce que c'est un visa du type 'Z'...

You cannot just walk into a Chinese consulate and demand a 'Z' visa; to obtain that you would have to be formally invited to work by your putative employer.

Thus the situation you described is unlikely to develop; poitions to be filled by a FT are normally advertised once it is known there are going to be vacancies. It is pretty easy for Chinese employers to fill such vacancies, hence no need to spend time and funds looking for Mr or Mrs Right.

I suggest you start looking for a teaching post around one to two months before you arrive in China! If you are interested in a public school job, remember the academic year begins in September and ends in June/July. In July and August they hardly hire as they are on holiday. You might also be employed beginning in February for the spring term.

[berluche]

Thanks, guys.
Roger, yes, I realise my question about the Z visa was silly. Sorry.

Do you mean that there is no point arriving in China in July or August to look for a job starting in September as everyone will be on holidays?
When "exactly" does the school year start? begining? mid-September?
I suppose Universities, secondary and primary schools would start at different dates. Or do they?
and do you know when schools start advertising for the new school year?

[fallon77]

I am in a similar situation, but without so much time. I am finishing a contract and looking for a position to start after Spring Festival 2006. While there are some ads out there now, you will find that (and I think that most with any experience will agree), most jobs are filled by Chinese employers anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 days before the job starts. (If not after the classes have started)

Employer: School starts on Monday. I guess we better hire a foreigner.
Lackey: Good idea, boss.

I had an ad on a local web site for two months last summer hoping to get some extra work. I heard nothing for July and August. After the fall term started in Sept. I received more than 10 offers in three days.

If you are not picky about where you are going finding work is not too difficult. If you are here two months before school starts you will have plenty of time to find a position.

Good luck.

Regards,
Fallon