Job Discussion Forums

bennyr81 · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 45 Location: Poland

I am currently teaching in Poland and am looking to go over to China for a year or two (maybe more, you never know what will happen!). The problem is that i dont have a degree. I spent 2 years at uni in England but got bored and decided to go and live in Mexico. After a few months teaching there I came back got a TEFL and headed out for Poland. My contract finishes in July and i would like to go over to China.
I know you dont need to knwo my life story but the basic of the question is what are the chances of finding work in China without a degree. Does experience count for much (and how much counts?) as i see most jobs advertised as no experience but a degree needed. Is this because of Visa regulations?
Can any one recommend any schools, or areas to go to. A smallish town/city would do me fine! And what sort of money are we talking?(pounds/dollars per month)
I hope you can help me and all responses would be appreciated.

Super Frank · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 365

Often discussed. Degree is not needed, legally maybe, but schools know ways round it. I get about 400 pound a month, plus flat. Spend about two thirds of that. Where to go? Stick a pin in the map, you won't be disappointed.

Ruth · Joined: 02 Feb 2004 Posts: 105 Location: China

A degree is required to be hired legally in China as a Foreign Expert teaching English. That is not to say that there aren't many jobs available and ways around the degree thing. Your neck, not mine. The noose is tightening from what I understand.

I have a friend with uni time and ESL experience, but no degree. Two years ago he had no difficulty finding work in China. Last summer his previous employer couldn't fix the paperwork any longer because of the degree issue. He found another job, but it's getting more difficult.

I met two guys in February. One was 19, fresh out of HIGH SCHOOL, and currently employed at a kindergarten. Legally? I don't know the details. The other was 21 and half way through his uni education. Decided to take a break for a year and come to China to teach.

Calories · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 361 Location: Chinese Food Hell

Just teach kids or middle school.

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

No- no problem at all.

This year I have run into people who:

A) Have no university degrees and making over 20,000 RMB per month.
B) People from all countries imaginable with accents that I can not decipher that are teaching English.

Go for it.

saint57 · Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2006 2:42 am Post subject:

20,000 RMB a month with just a high school diploma. I say bullshit! Imagine 3,000 teacher with in China with just high school diplomas. I would say less that 10 have ever seen 20,000 RMB in one month. I'm just saying 10 because there are some crazy people out there who will work literally 20 hours a day just to save a buck. But my personal opinion is of those 10 none of them earn 20,000 RMB on a consitent basis. 20,000 RMB is probably what they did during one Spring Festival when they got a salary from their full time school and worked 15 hour days at language institutes. That leaves us with 0 who actually earn 20,000 a month. I fully expect to get flamed for these comments, but if you flame please step up and tell us your hours and pay (every month) and that you only have a high school diploma.

bennyr81 · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 45 Location: Poland

itsme maybe you're wrong about the 20k but hey with an avatar of beggar su i dont care Very Happy

Spiderman Too · Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:53 pm Post subject:

saint57

Forum guidelines require forum members " ..... not to post any abusive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening, sexually-orientated or any other material that may violate any applicable laws." Additionally,"trolling, flaming, insults, derailing of threads, confrontational or argumentative behavior" is also prohibited.

But, forum members can post the most outrageous nonsense and lies with impunity; examples abound!

saint57 · Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2006 12:21 am Post subject:

Hi Spiderman, nice post. I agree with you and my BS detector is good. Usually I would just scroll past such things, but inflated salary figures do no one any good. These kind of comments will further flood the ESL market with get rich quick types. More unqualified people showing up looking for an easy buck will lower salaries from their already low average. There are many benefits to teaching in China but getting paid 20,000 a month is not one of them.

ytange · Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2006 12:44 am Post subject:

You can get a legal job; I have a 2 year diploma and had 3 offers in Guangdong but the pay is looooOOOO000000w.
Confused

Don't b/s (others or) your employers - I reckon they've had enough of it from some of their teachers now.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=36905&sid=d4d330ceecef66228bea8de4893996b8

orangiey · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 217 Location: UK

Get in touch with my agent: Robyn at Start consulting agency based in Wuhan, they have a web page, she is GREAT and no I don't have a degree or previous teaching experience so you will be fine. Good luck

bigjohnox · Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Posts: 3 Location: China

9 grand. 17.5 hours a week. And I die every Friday night. For 20k the guy must be superman.
Benny..just go for it...further north the better in my opinion. Except for Beijing.
Shenyang, Dalian, pay is lower but cost of living is better.

bennyr81 · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 45 Location: Poland

thanks everyone for all this info, and 20k does seem a bit steep looking at the wages seen on advertisements...
I have applied for a job in Harbin, but with englishfirst. The guy replied and seemed genuine, and a nice guy but after reading various things about englishfirst i start to have my doubts!
maybe i should just think f**k it and go

Ruth · Joined: 02 Feb 2004 Posts: 105 Location: China