Job Discussion Forums

[hyperpress]

I'm looking to find work in China after the US school year '06-'07. i'm working at an alternative night high school and subbing during the day. i just got my license in sept '06.

I have a M.Ed. (secondary language arts), B.A. (Literature) and licensed in the state of oregon. i'll have one year paid experience + one year student teaching. I'll be available in august to move and work overseas.

1. when should i start seriously applying for that time frame. it seems like a lot of postings are for immediate openings.

2. is tefl andn or esl certification necessary to get a job.

3. is there an expected protocol for the hiring process online, i.e. respond to post, send required documents, interview(phone/online/inperson), then you're hired? are most americans hired sight unseen?

4. is my inexperience going to be a hinderance?

thank you for any help

otto esterle

[eslstudies]

1. Schools won't even be thinking about the autumn semester yet. It won't hurt to research the job market, especially in terms of what age level, what type of school and where well before then. Possibly put out some feelers to schools that interest you. There is a continuous turnover in the TEFL field, so they are always recruiting.

2. No. Some places may specify it, but an English teaching certification will ride roughshod all over a CELTA, et al.

3. You're pretty much on target. You won't be expected to attend an interview unless you're already in China. Phone interviews are becoming more common. If you are being offered a job they'll send a specimen contract which you should sign and fax back. Some places will then send the letter of invitation which will get you a work visa. Others will ask you to come in on a tourist visa, saying they'll fix up the paperwork in-country.

4. Compared to most TEFLers in China, you are highly qualified and well experienced.

As a genuine teacher you should look for a real teaching job. Avoid chainschools and recruiters. Avoid kids unless you REALLY like working with them. A well established university might be the way to begin.

A hint: keep all emails etc of your negotiations. Make sure contract terms, as well as the extras - return airfare, suitable housing, salary, are specified. Chinese schools are famous for the ol' bait and switch.