Job Discussion Forums

[nomadic]

Hello guys,

I've been reading along for quite some time, and am tremendously grateful for this forum - it's answered a great many questions already, but now I need to get somewhat more specific information.

I'm intending to move to China at the start of August to teach English and would like to get a sense of what sorts of places I should begin applying to for work. I'm 28 years old at the moment, and the two driving motivations for wanting to do this are to learn a new culture and to experience teaching as a profession. I figure that mentality should help immensely, but the barrier I face is that I lack a degree and formal experience.

The flip side is that I've been a researcher at a very well known university for the past seven years, and I also intend to take a certification class before September. (It seems likely, however, that this won't occur until August, so it probably won't aid me in the job search!)

So here's the question, in a nutshell: What jobs should I realistically look for? It seems the jobs that pay less are the ones we would consider more presitigous -universities, colleges, etc.- but does this mean they're easier to obtain since they pay less? (Money isn't really something I'm concerned about.) Or should I focus on the 'language mills', since most places will prefer people with the actual credentials?

I'm quite certain I'll ask many more questions in the near future, but there's such a wealth of information around, having a slightly more defined idea of where to focus will do wonders for me! Thanks very much for any advice, and should we happen to cross paths over there, drinks are on me.

[Lanza-Armonia]

Just one question? Are you a honky?

Yeah, me too. I am whiter than paper. That's your CV/Resume right there. It just means that you may have a trouble finding work in Beijing, Shanghai and the like as the supply and demand ratios there are not in favour of unqualified personel. I hope this helps. Just go to www.chinatefl.com. It's a great starting point.

LA < Brain gone AWOL

[lagerlout2006]

You have been a researcher at a University but have no degree? Colleges and Unis generally seem to ask for at least a BA but I am not sure if it is mandatory. Unis and Colleges here are not like at home. There are diffrent "tiers" and some are private. Prestigious is the last thing you would call some of them.

I have had 2 jobs here one at a Teachers College and one at a language mill. It has been Heaven and Hell---guess which one was (is) Hell? You just need to be careful choosing I guess. Read the fine print and maybe talk to teachers there..Schools should answer questions quickly and clearly. Last thing -you need to know what you will teach .

Post when you have more questions.

[nomadic]

LA: Heh, until now, I don't think I've ever been asked if I am a 'honky' before - but yes, I'm undeniably white, so I guess that helps quite a bit. Thanks for the info, too! I've read through the chinatefl.com site before, but generally stayed in the Shanghai/Beijing sections. I'll branch out and see what comes up.

lagerlout2006: I managed to 'grow into' the research position, starting from a technical one... for me, it's more or less been an alternative route to an academic education. Another question, though: you say to known what I will teach. By this do you mean I should decide on what sorts of subject I want to teach, or that I should really understand the subject matter I will be teaching? Or both?

Obviously if I'm to teach English I'll make sure I'm qualified, but are there opportunities to teach other subjects as well? I'm knowledgeable enough about computer science to teach that to most levels as well, but I haven't entertained the idea yet, since it seems teaching English is the most common position.

[lagerlout2006]

Hi--I mean what will you do in "spoken English" class. In most places you follow a text. Not here. You will be told to teach what you want. If they do have books you will be told not to follow them because "the Chinese teacher does that." At the College I mention they did not have a resourse room and amazingly did not even have a photocopier...Teachers made lessons with a pen and piece of paper. And the internet.

Some friendly advice. If there is a big store like Chapters near you -stock up on EFL/ESL stuff. It will really come in handy...Also what they call Realia in CELTA. Anything fom take-out menus-tourist stuff catalogues whatever. Chinese would love that stuff.

There are some jobs teaching other subjects but I think you need to be qualified to teach the subject at home.

[Roger]

nomadic,
it would be interesting to know what kind of students you are fancying.

In some schools, English is now used as a medium of instruction; very few schools, though; however, they do hire foreign experts who teach sciences.
I once taught "Computer English" to a class of college students; they nearly drove me nuts! Too high self-esteem, too low energy level, and absolutely no interest.