Job Discussion Forums

Pmedix · Joined: 03 Jan 2010 Posts: 10

Hi, I am sure this comes up often....I couldn't find it...

I have a 2 year College diploma and a TESOL cert.

Am I able to get a proper visa and if not what kinds of complications can I expect?

What are the jobs opportunities like without a degree?

What are the ideal job positions in China?

Much thanks!

ttorriel · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 193

The law requires a four year college/university degree, and most provinces now also require 2 years teaching experience.

thefuzz · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 271

The good schools in China will not hire you. There are plenty of qualified and experienced teachers in country right now.

You will probably be able to find a job with one of the "bottom of the barrel" places that will NOT provide you with a working visa and residence permit (this requires a degree + teaching experience) and you may or may not be paid for your work (if you don't there is nothing you can do...without proper papers the Police will not help to get your salary...plus they will deport you for working illegally).

I suggest you go back to university, get a degree and then come to China (or anywhere else) and start teaching.

senorfay · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 214

A lot of places are so desperate for teachers that you really shouldn't have a problem getting a job.

I was at a primary school where out of five foreign teachers, I was the only one with a B.A. and TESOL. The others had little or no college education; one woman had a fake diploma she bought. The year before, they hired two girls fresh out of high school. One of whom had her 18th b-day here.

This school paid 10,000RMB/month before taxes. I think they preffered uneducated teachers because their teaching structure was set in stone and the uneducated FTs didn't bring any of their own pedogological ideas.

Although the law says one thing, the reality is often times quite different.

If you go somewhere with less competition, the standards of education drop significantly. In a lot of places they only want a waiguoren puppet.

thessy · Joined: 09 Nov 2008 Posts: 111 Location: Xi'an

You can absolutely get a legitimate job (and visa) with a college diploma and TESOL, don't listen to anyone here when they tell you otherwise.

Your options will be *far* more limited than someone with a BA (pulling a number out of my arse, 80%+ of jobs require a BA) so you would have to really look around, and your choice of locations in China will also be limited. That's where the BA part comes in - it seems to be a provincial/municipality requirement in most places rather than a national requirement. The level of school is also a factor.

In short, yes you can legitimately teach in China with your credentials, but only in some places, and within those places, only at some schools.

Aristede · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 180

thefuzz · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 271

So, great, we'll have more uneducated and unprofessional people coming over to China...and these people are going to push salaries even lower because they are willing to work for peanuts. Nice. Thanks.

Just because you can work on a college diploma does not mean you should. Stay home, get a proper education and certification and then come over looking for a job...you'll be more highly regarded within the schools you work and you'll be able to get better jobs. Period.

Aristede · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 180

thessy · Joined: 09 Nov 2008 Posts: 111 Location: Xi'an

One of my current coworkers is an English gentleman with a Master's from Nowhereshire University. He dreamed of being a rock start and went to school only because his parents threatened to disown him otherwise. He makes 4100RMB/month, and he's thrilled with that - not because it's a good wage, but because he's getting paid to play his guitar and sing, like he always wanted to do. He leads his classes (we teach graduate students at a major University) in singalongs and admits that in three years in China, he's never made an effort to actually teach anybody anything, other than the words to "Yellow Submarine". I'm fairly sure he couldn't teach anything if he tried.

If the OP is "unprofessional", what's the word for this guy, and the thousands like him, who do have their degrees?

My two cents that if you're serious about teaching, you should be welcome, regardless of an arbitrary degree preference. If you want to come for any other reason, please stay away.

thefuzz · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 271

theincredibleegg · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 224

Pmedix · Joined: 03 Jan 2010 Posts: 10

Thanks for the great responses, especially the ones who are realistic and honest with their answers to fellow teacher (you know who you are)! Very helpful.

Ya, I don't have a degree. It doesn't mean I am a fly by night slacking moron! Hopefully some day, if I am fortunate enough, I will have the brains to get a �PROPER� education. Smile

This is something I am taking seriously and I plan on being in China for at least 5 years. I realize I will have to get some experience and show that I am a skilled teacher, and further education is certainly in my plans. I don't want my first year there to be a bad experience and sour any thoughts of staying.

What are the ideal positions? In a university or public school?

I was told to avoid a certain one (private language school?), but I am unsure of how to tell what is what from the job posts.

What are the areas / cities with the least completion, that would be available to a non degree holder?

misteradventure · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Posts: 246

This thread has been a goldmine of information.

I would be interested in confirmation of my silly ideas.

I'm interested in a Uni teaching position for the following reasons:
-free rent
-no utilities
-low hours
-minimal prep time

I can offer:
-real world experience
-skills outside acadaemia
-CELTA certificate
-Master's degree

My covert agenda:
-work on my PhD.
-learn to relax
-maybe even a social life!

Am I completely out of my mind believing that teaching at a Uni in China can offer me these things? Can I hope for higher wages than the guitar-playing fellow? (I can't carry a tune to save my life!) Please share.

Seuss930 · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Posts: 37

pmedix

Find any capital city in any province.
Move your finger from around 150 - 400k away in a circular motion.
Try one of those cities.
Shouldn't have a problem finding a job without a degree.

Or, google all chinese cities with a population of 5/6 million or less (villages really) and try there

Also, degrees dont make teachers and neither does a 2/3 day training program which many schools will give you
only practice and hard work
the right attitude and work ethic will make you a much better teacher than a BA, MA, PHD, CPR, H20, CO2, whatever