Job Discussion Forums

slave_screams · Joined: 06 Sep 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Dublin, Ireland

I have been reading lots of different posts on these forums on qualifications needed for teaching in certain areas and I'm aware that most places in Asia require a Degree to ensure there are no issues regarding your legal status to teach. I have two diplomas and a Celta Cert and have been teaching for about 18months now, having just returned from 9 months teaching in Peru. I have a 3 year Diploma in Graphic Arts and Media, and a 2 year Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies. Is the fact that neither of these are degrees automatically eliminate me from teaching in South Korea/China etc? I don't want to go illegally, as I plan to spend at least 1/2 years there if possible. I see plenty of positions advertised, looking for 4 years of study, would the fact that I was in college for 5 years make any difference or am i just wasting my time?

Thanks for your help in advance

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

According to the SAFEA Employment Guide, you "should have a degree of the bachelor or of higher level and working experience of more than two years." Now, it's conceivable that the powers that be might not draw any distinction between a degree and a diploma (or two diplomas). But the bachelor degree is the official requirement. Much can depend on local factors. While some schools might set higher standards, others may find ways to get the RP for teachers with no credentials at all. So, you see, it really just depends on how badly the school wants you (or how resourceful they can be in rustling up the requisite approvals), and on the policies of the local immigration officials. You should also consider the fact that, should you obtain employment under these circumstances, it could be more difficult for you to change jobs in the future.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

My college (Shandong) happy to accept diplomas and teaching exp.
Most recruitment ads are 'wish lists'.
Apply and let them reject you if they want. Don't in effect reject yourself.
That said tier 1 public universities may be able to insist on degrees. It doesn't translate into higher pay though.
In short go for the provincial level colleges.

SnoopBot · Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 740 Location: USA

I know a few teachers in Beijing that had 3-year diploma's that were teaching at the listed top 100 universities.

During the pre-Olympic days, a diploma, some experience and a good reputation (LOR from previous positions) went far in the TESOL world.

Now, rules are being tightened, schools are looking for the highest paper qualified positions for "face" and they are tapping into the massive unemployed teacher markets.

Thousands of certified teachers in the state of California alone just lost their jobs this past year.- some heading for China too.

With the supply side increasing expect more discouragement, but don't give up looking.

Just look at getting your foot in the door-so to speak-and take the best legit offer possible even if it's in a tier 2/3 location.

You then will have a Chinese teaching experience and reputation to market for better positions in the future. My first position paid 5000-RMB a month and I had a MAED TESOL degree + 2-years USA experience.

Better opportunities came around my second year, but it was a start.

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

james s · Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 676 Location: Raincity

and the usage of the word "should" as opposed to "must" leaves a lot of wiggle room.

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

I think it also depends on what city you are in. In Suzhou you need to have a degree, TEFL/CELTA/TESOL and at least 2 years teaching experience. Schools are finding it harder to find teachers that meet these requirements. I keep hoping that it will push them to start paying higher salaries.

SnoopBot · Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 740 Location: USA

cormac · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 768 Location: Xi'an (XTU)

slave_screams, It might be worth checking with your college/uni regarding the status of your diploma and to see whether it has has changed certification to a 3 yr degree.

The reason I say this is that when I came back to Ireland to get my 4th year BA, i suddenly found out that my Diploma was considered to be a degree by European standards. They won't reissue the diploma due to some legal reasoning but you can get a letter from the college stating the change and such.

just in case your Chinese uni requires a degree.,...