Job Discussion Forums

kyleallen · Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Posts: 1

Hello,

Me and my girlfriend are looking to teach in China starting Jan 2010. I am a university graduate and UK citizen so I should run into no problems. However my girlfriend is still completing her degree. She does teach a local class once a week, which she has been doing over a year. She is prepared to do a TESOL course in the coming weeks if this would help?

If she gets TESOL, and has proof she is a current undergraduate will this be enough credentials to go out and teach with me? Also, will it just as easy to find a school in Jan as opposed to Sep? We really would appreciate any help you can give!

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

For a legitimate teaching job, by which I mean one entitling the employee to a Foreign Expert's Certificate (FEC) and Residence Permit, your girlfriend should have at least a BA. The TESOL certificate may be useful to herself, or in competition with other similarly credentialed candidates, but otherwise will have little bearing on her working status. Whilst the two of you may still be able to find employment in China, perhaps even with the coveted FEC given the uneven application of regulations in some parts, her lack of a BA will forever leave you (particularly, her) vulnerable should a job start to go south on you.

Hansen · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 737 Location: central China

Some provinces allow individuals without a bachelor's degree, who have a TESOL, etc., to teach in schools that are not universities.

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

Yes, both of you should be fine. I would not worry about this issue.

DHAPhotography · Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 6:58 pm Post subject:

I can't believe that you would have a problem in China. Your girl friend could get on quickly with any language institute that you pick,but I would stick to the larger cities to guarantee you both have decent jobs.

dialogger · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 419 Location: China

Never say never.
I have no degree and join my third public tertiary institution in early September. I am also waaayyy over the supposed age limit.

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

in teh case of your gf, no degree is no major obstacle to finding work. Lack of a degree can make the job search lengthier, but thats about it. The school you end up working at could well hire her on, since couples are seen as a bit of a bargain for schools. I've seen a few couples where both were hired on at the same school but only one had a degree.

One other note, no need for your gf to prove she's currently doing a degree, as having completed part of a degree means nothing.

dialogger · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 419 Location: China

...or work at different schools and claim accomodation allowance from both.