Job Discussion Forums

[Smitman]

Hi guys, I'm really sorry for posting a new topic, but I could not find this question anywhere in the forums. I plan on teaching English and possibly math in China, especially since I just finished my B.A. and I've thought plenty about it, but I was wondering if I should get my TEFL/TESL certification here in the states or in China?

I was hoping to reach the more experienced teachers to give me a good opinion, and if the states is a good idea, then possibly the name of a few good California TEFL/TESL certification schools. Some of the ones I've seen, such as CSULA, seem rather comprehensive and is a M.A. that could take a long time, which is not what I'm looking for.

I've seen many certification schools that last 4 weeks with over 120 hours, and I've also tutored children at a state-mandated center for over a year, so I am really hoping to go to China to teach soon. Is there a difference or "better choice" among certification schools or master degrees?

Another consideration I was contemplating was that I figured if I get certified in the States, then my airfare to China may be reimbursed if I get a job after I get certified, rather than spend the money to fly to China before getting a job.

Sorry for all the newbie questions, I very much appreciate the opportunity to communicate with all of you and learn about what teaching abroad is all about. I may be what some forum posters call a "starry-eyed 22 year old," but I think I've done enough travelling and work with kids to know that this sounds like something that I really want to do, at least for a few years. Many thanks in advance.

P.S. I'm Asian-American (Thai), but have a completely fluent and flawless American accent since I was born and raised here--will that affect how easily I may get jobs?

[China.Pete]

"Some of the ones (TEFL/TESL certification schools) I've seen, such as CSULA, seem rather comprehensive and is a M.A. that could take a long time, which is not what I'm looking for." - Smitman

That is consistent with my own research into TEFL certificate programs in the States - often very academic, and, therefore, very pricey. For my read on a more cost-effective approach to certification by distance learning, and my assessment of the need for certification generally in China, please see my post at

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?p=408523&highlight=#408523 .

"(I)f I get certified in the States, then my airfare to China may be reimbursed if I get a job after I get certified, rather than spend the money to fly to China before getting a job." - Smitman

I don't think certification in the States has much to do with reimbursement of airfare. As this is your first job, I would arrange employment and a visa directly with an employer (not an agent), who would contract for reimbursement of your one-way airfare upon arrival. That way, you minimize your risk with respect to airfare, work permit, and a regular paycheck. Coming to China without pre-arranged employment is more for the experienced China hands, or those with significant financial resources (read, the option to "travel").

"I'm Asian-American (Thai), but have a completely fluent and flawless American accent since I was born and raised here - will that affect how easily I may get jobs?" - Smitman

An Asian appearance may indeed affect your employment/salary prospects in China. All the more reason to do your job-hunting from the States. It establishes your Western "bona fides," and it will somewhat obscure your Asiatic roots. Let your resume speak for itself.

[Smitman]

Many thanks, China. Pete, I really appreciate the swift and informative response. I'm thinking I may have to find a 4 week course here in California, though, since I don't feel too comfortable heading over to China without a solid English teaching background or credential, since I've only taught Math and SAT to children. When is a good time to apply to jobs in China? I hear that between January and March there are no jobs whatsoever, so does this mean I need to wait until next year if I don't apply now and get one within the next two months?

[tw]

[China.Pete]

"I'm thinking I may have to find a 4-week course here in California, though, since I don't feel too comfortable heading over to China without a solid English teaching background or credential." - Smitman

The beauty of the distance learning option is that you CAN begin the course in California, and even complete it there if you prefer. You can also finish it in China, if your confidence and job-hunting success permits it.

"I hear that between January and March there are no jobs whatsoever, so does this mean I need to wait until next year if I don't apply now and get one within the next two months?" - Smitman

Universities and K-12 schools which follow an academic calender will generally recruit new FTs during the latter part of the prior semester. For most universities, the first semester runs from around late-August to early-January. You'll need to keep that in mind if you're shooting for such jobs in the second semester. The second semester runs from late-February to early-July. But as TW says, language centers will recruit FTs year-round.