Job Discussion Forums

[prufrockwakes]

I'm asking for a family member. Does anybody know of any? Any information is really appreciated.

[suanlatudousi]

Please search the many, many threads already covering this subject

McDonalds will pay more than China does as a teacher

Someone with no education has no concept of teaching and therefore should pass

[nickpellatt]

Yes, the are lots of opportunities and places to work in China without a degree or even a TEFL certificate and / or experience. Naturally, being without any such qualification will exclude you from lots of positions and jobs.

It would of course be a good idea to address any shortcomings in terms of qualifications and experience BEFORE moving to another country to teach. TEFL certification can be completed within a month, and certainly in the UK, there are a number of student programs teaching English that you can work in.

It may also be possible to gain experience by volunteering with a local charity or similar organisation working with asylum seekers and immigrants. Again, I do know we have such places in the UK.

Personally, I think if you are committed to your students and enthusiastic that goes a hell of a long way here....especially when considering many jobs are conversational types. Not to say that anyone can do that, but it is something you may be able to learn on the job.

I would rather see unqualified teachers committed to their classes, and really making an effort....that seeing qualified certified teachers that live quite exclusively in ex pat communities and sing Jesus songs in class.

Just stay at home if you want to sing Jesus songs AND you arent qualified LOL

[suanlatudousi]

Thanks for saying that ! The bible thumpers p*** me off

[Hansen]

I sing the ocassional Jesus song in class. "O Come, O come Emmanuel" is a good one in a minor key. I also like "For all the Saints" which is a bit more lively.

Christianity, in spite of what atheists, agnostics, devil worshippers, and Epicureans might think, profoundly shaped western culture. For a millenium, the Papacy was the predominant social institution in the western world. Two major holidays, Christmas and Easter, as well as Good Friday, are directly tied to the predominant social roll of the church in American society. One might include Thanksgiving, as well.

The Reformation and CounterReformation shaped the development of nearly every western European nation

Whether your are a believer is your own business; however, as an FT, your responsibility often includes educating your students regarding western culture. If Santa Claus or the Easter bunny is all you have to offer, at least it is something.

Contracts disallow engaging in religious activities inconsistent with the duties of a foreign expert. Telling students the truth about history is not a religious activity. Religious activities would include baptizing and other sacraments. Avoid those, tell the truth. No harm in that.

[nickpellatt]

My experience with Christian teachers is their version of the truth is that Jesus will help them pass CET6 if only they will let him into their hearts. Oh, and if they dont they will go to hell too.

I've only worked amongst small communities of teachers, but the general rule of thumb was the above, which isnt really related to western culture from the historical perspective mentioned.

Incidentally, there is a Michael Moore-esq type movie mocking Western faith at the cinemas at the moment...the name of which escapes me. I am taking a copy of it with me to my next Chinese posting which is later this year...and will be holding frequent shows of said film to re-educate my chinese students that not everyone Western is a bible basher. It may help the Chinese to understand that such behaviour frequently displayed by the Christian teachers is actually often regarded as socially unacceptable in the West. It certainly is in the UK anyway.

[alter ego]