Job Discussion Forums

[sarnak]

Hi, I am a student recently graduated from University of Oregon with an art degree and was interested in teaching English in China. It was my goal to try to get a paying job and also hopefully become fluent in Chinese. My preferred time spent over there would be something like 2/10 - 12/10. Unfortunately, I do not possess much knowledge about the situation other than that. I have a couple friends who have done this and it is my understanding that:

a) It is reasonably easy to get a job teaching English abroad if I have at least a college degree, doesn't matter what my area of study was

b) China is potentially an easier place to get hired, and I also desire to study Chinese intensively

My questions are concerning just what should I expect in general trying to find a job teaching abroad. I have no idea how to set up a resume with teaching English in mind or how to apply for specific jobs. I didn't see a specific help section, but if there is one and I overlooked it I would appreciate being pointed in the right direction. I kind of browsed around this site for a while and was slightly confused and thoroughly intimidated.

Concerning China specifically, I was wondering if anybody with firsthand experience of certain cities or regions could recommend areas or caution against others. I have never been to China and have next to zero knowledge about it, (I took two terms of Chinese before I graduated but didn't really learn anything other then the language). I would like to go to a location that has a good place I can learn Chinese.
Also, is there a general time-table that contracts are structured around, (are there set school "terms" that are used throughout the country or is every school on its own schedule?) I don't know how flexible I'd have to be regarding how much time I would spend over there, but I'm sure that the answer to that is whatever the terms of employment I accept are/whatever contract I sign.

I think that's all the questions I have right now at least. I'm hoping that I'm not being mistaken in this pursuit. If there is anything that I am assuming that is not based on reality, I would appreciate some elucidation

[Sonnibarger]

public schools run form sept 1st to june 30th... training centers are 365days a year and always hiring.. u can find postions at public schools for the start of the second term.. around feb.. if you want to learn standard chinese prolly north china is better as the dialects get pretty heavy in the south.. as for the resume.. should be pretty straight forward.. any teaching experience is a plus but often the picture you send is the deal maker..
research a few cities, find a couple you like and start applying to different schools

[Cubism]

That's all good advice.

Ostensibly public universities/schools are "accountable" and I still follow that rule carefully. Ie, I work only for public institutions. Pay is sometimes less, but if they pay late you have recourse. That's what I'd pass along to you. I have worked at 2 other non-public schools in China, English First which was fine, though you have to watch your step: know your rights about visas, etc.

I also worked for a large private school in the south. Not sure that was a wise idea. Oh, and I worked for a private uni in the south, and was so terrified of their reputation that I got advances from them once/month. (Lucky they did that, too.) They later folded & scammed a bunch of teachers. I left before then.

The world's a bit dicey now w/ the financial crisis, so be aware.

[Teatime of Soul]

Try http://www.middlekingdomlife.com for all things about teaching in China. It will give you a good start on your research.

[angelfire]

Just wanted to say hi and welcome to a fellow University of Oregon graduate. I, too, am looking for a post in China, but have been in this game for a few years. I've been to China on vacation, but never worked there. Its a great time and the social life is fantastic.

[calgrl471]

teatime of soul... that is a great website thank you!
I am hoping to be teaching in China in September. I will be outside of Shanghai. I hear for americans it is best to go to the bigger cities because you will be able to communicate better!