Job Discussion Forums

[aliaparrish]

I have accepted a position at Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China. It was arranged by Lambton College (Canada) and despite a lower salary than I had hoped for (I too need to pay off huge debts), I am happy about it.

My family, however is doing the doom and gloom thing: i.e. what if when you get there, they decide they don't want you etc. I don't think this is likely, and my contract is only for six months initially. Has anyone heard of this University, or had experience teaching in China?

I had wanted to go to Korea, but the cut off point for public schools is 55. I'm a little past that. Private schools is much younger, and I have a very low opinion of them anyway, based on other experiences.

So, two questions: (1) China, and the particular university I mention.
(2) Does anyone know if you can teach in Korea at a University past the age of 55, and is a Master's necessary? I have a BA and TESOL certification and some related experince.

Alia

[tedkarma]

I spent six years in Korea - two different visits - both at college/university level.

Yes, a master's degree is preferred and generally required. You will hear from a few people who managed to get in with a BA/BS, but I've also worked with BA/BS people getting laid off as the school was able to find someone with a graduate degree.

Age is not too much of an issue. I was 54 when I left - but not because of age issues. It would not have been a problem to continue and I was offered jobs at other universities that full well knew my age (and I look a good 5-10 years older than I am).

To the best of my understanding - age is not much of an issue in China. But that might be best to ask on the China forums.

[therock]

Some provinces in China have an age limit of 60-65, however it's not strictly enforced. If the school wants you, then you can get the correct documentation to work here.

[Yiren]

Hello Aliaparrish

I'll also be teaching ESL at this college starting late September. I probably know no more about it than you do, but I am also happy to dive in and enjoy the teaching in China experience.

I'm 55 and quite thrilled that my nine years of teaching ESL - which has at times been under rather difficult and challenging cirumstances
( materials, classrooms, classes with varying student levels, poor pay etc) - has actually opened doors for me at a time when fellow teachers are looking at retirement. There are ESL teachers up to their late sixties in China.

I'll be arriving on 24th Sept. I look forward to meeting you.

Elaine