Job Discussion Forums

[Oki]

Hi I'm a architecture student from Holland, finishing my MA study (hopefully) in december.
I want to be in China (Guangzhou in specific) for a while for a couple of reasons, but probably have a hard time finding a job as an architect in Guangzhou not speaking Chinese.
To give myself some time to learn chinese I'm thinking of starting with teaching english. I might actually like it so much that I stick to it.
I'm a really motivated teacher and have lots of teaching experience, but not yet in languages.
I found the Tefl International site, and am thinking of following their courses in Zhuhai. Close to HK and close to GZ, perfect for me now.

So here's the question: Would they hire me in GZ as a non-native-speaker? Would the Tefl certificate help a lot? Or is it better to get a Celta document?

Oki

[Joe C.]

[Susie]

I have been wondering about that TEFL course in Zhuhai myself. It would help you to have a teaching qualification (TEFL, CELTA).

Being a non-native English speaker could be an advantage for you at teaching English in Guangzhou since you could argue that you know what it is like, first hand, to learn English as a second language, therefore, you have a good understanding of the language learning needs of your students.

As long as your accent is near British or American (or other perhaps) sounding, then, with a first degree and soon to have a higher degree you could sell yourself as intelligent, a fast learner, with transferable skills.

As long as you show the interviewers, boss, principal, headmaster, etc. that you are a skilled teacher who can do a good job of teaching, are reliable, punctual and persistent, then, you should have no problems in getting a job.

Employers may try to exploit your perceived "weaknesses" (non-native English speaker, non-English/literature or education degree) to hire you at a cheaper price, so don't show any lack of confidence in your abilities and your worth.

The only problem at this time of year is that school programmes have begun, but a lot of recruiting is still going on.

Good luck, but don't rely on it (gl) alone, research and prepare.

[Roger]

Don't worry too much about your non-native speaker status - much ado about nothing worth mentioning! Teaching ability does not rest with your first language, it depends on integrity, intellectual power, motivation and much else which in a person like you are more likely to be found than in native speakers with a similar professional background!

As for TEFL quals, many native speakers come without any TEFL cert, so why should you have one of those that sell specifically to those who want to travel the world?

I suggest you evaluate a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages that you can obtain in 4 weeks from ESF Educational Services Hong Kong, a much more respected institution than any that offer such certs.
VIsit their website at www.edservices.org.hk

[Oki]

thanks, everybody,
but Joe, why is it impossible to get a job as an architect?

Oki

[Joe C.]

[Susie]

The University of Hong Kong is looking for a research assistant related to architecture - www.scmp.com education classifiedpost.

[Oki]

Thanks Susie,
I didn't know about the scmp site as a source for classifieds yet. The project assistent vacancy turned out to be for a "system architect" though (computer related). Thanks anyway.

Oki

[wanderlust1066]