Job Discussion Forums

esure17 · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 3

Hi,
Sorry that this question has been done to death a little bit but with there being so many answers and so many conflicting ones I have to ask!
Me and my girlfriend have just finished our BAs in English and are currently looking into teaching English in China. While we have both finished the course, got our transcripts and result etc we won't have our official certificates until as late as next February. While we don't want to rush into any decision we would prefer to go sooner rather than later.
The nearest we can get to anything official are copies of the transcripts and some form of official letter from the uni.
Basically, would it be possible to find jobs (the better ones which require degrees) and obtain a visa to work in China (legally) with these documents as proof that we have a degree, or are we pretty much stuck until we get our certificates?
I'm led to believe you get a visa and work etc without a degree at all depending on the province and school? We are at the moment pretty set on the idea of Kunming if that makes any difference?
Thanks for any help in advance!

TexasHighway · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 779

esure17 said:

CJD · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 116

My guess is that it depends on the individual school. There is a very high demand for English teachers in China, so there are probably a lot of schools who will be OK accepting your transcript and letter as a substitute for your degree.

I was almost in the same situation, but luckily a nice person at my university fast-tracked my graduation even though I missed the deadline for applications by over a month.

alter ego · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 209

No apology needed, at least in my book.

What's the rush? Slow down, take your time, wait for your original diplomas, enjoy your life, and your youth, one day at a time. China, and the growing world of TEFL, will still be around next February.

Most colleges and universities award diplomas at graduation ceremonies, so your story, and the part about just finishing "the course", is a little unclear and perhaps even on the suspicious side.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

Lobster · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 3:07 am Post subject:

You may encounter some problems because:

You cannot supply the documentation employers require to arrange your FEC.

Although the high-paying jobs are not in Kunming, it's still a very desirable location for FTs and thus a place with a lot of competition.

RED

Remember that it's still good form to take time to write a quick "Thank you" to someone who sends you an e-mail and answers your questions.

frank d · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 155

Lobster makes a very good point that I'd like to underscore. Because Kunming is one of the most desirable destinations in China, the salaries there are quite low.

The same holds true for other "hot" locations, such as Qingdao, Hangzhou, and others. The more desirable, the more competitive and less financially rewarding (is any location in China financially rewarding?).

Also, be prepared to perhaps work in separate schools/centers, etc. Some schools particularly want couples, but they are usually seeking married couples, probably a bit older as well.

esure17 · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 3

Maybe I used the wrong word by saying 'course', I just mean we've been at Hull University in the UK, finished our three years there, got our results, transcripts, grade etc.
Lobster, if we are unable to provide the correct documents (I'm guessing you mean the actual certificate?) will it be impossible to secure a job/get a visa, not just in Kunming but in general?
Thanks for all yours replies, although it doesn't exactly sound too reassuring at the moment!

vikuk · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1842

Dont get so excited about Kunming - smog, traffic jams, a mass of brainless development, nearby heavy industry, hardly any old-town left - to get out to the real nice spots you have a lot of travel!!!!!!
But by Chinese city standards its better than most Idea

Lobster · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 12:28 pm Post subject:

OK, well nothing is "impossible" in China, just as nothing is "possible". Some places and employers may just accept the transcript and letter, while others certainly won't. It'd be best to explain your circumstances to the prospective employer and see what their response is. It's a matter of "degrees of difficulty". You get the pun.

RED

dragon777 · Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 163 Location: Christmas Island

When you do get girls. Be prepared for a great shock!!!

dharma86 · Joined: 05 May 2009 Posts: 187 Location: Southside baby!

Go travelling for a while and chill!

Having your degree certirficate is mainly about securing the resident permit isn't it?
You don't want to end up in a bad situation just because you couldn't wait until you got your certificate.

cblack76 · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 26

Steinmann · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:16 am Post subject:

esure17 · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 3

Thanks for all your replies and thanks Lobster.
I appreciate the advice to take a while out until February but I don't think either of us really fancy turning our part time jobs at the moment full time while we wait!
I guess the best thing to do is just go ahead and send resumes etc out and see where we get, there's nothing really to lose doing that and something will hopefully come up.