Job Discussion Forums

[Harry Haller]

I am 56. Will that be a serious drawback in finding a position in some, all, or none of the countries in Asia in which there are numerous positions available? I have read the other postings, but they paint a confusing picture.

[johnslat]

Dear Harry Haller,
It probably wouldn't be much of a problem in Saudi Arabia (depending on your qualifications), but, from what I've seen and heard, it might be one in the UAE. Regarding points further east in Asia, well, you'll have to wait for other posters, more qualified to respond.
Regards,
John

[Harry Haller]

Thanks John. I was actually thinking of East and Southeast Asia. I have a BA in English, am considering taking a 100 hour online Tefl course (which I know is far from ideal, but which will fit with what is possible at the moment), and have done some tutoring (though not in English language teaching). From what I have read on the various boards, that would not stand me in good stead with potential employers in SA or UAE. I like the Middle East well enough, but I prefer East Asia, and I feel that my lack of experience would be less of a detriment there. China seems perhaps the best choice, but, as I said, the postings I have read have been somewhat confusing.

[ls650]

[Harry Haller]

Even if the certificate is an online 100 hour certificate with no teaching practice? My concern is that the combination of age, lack of relevant experience, and an online certificate might close many doors. I know the degree in English might keep a few of those doors cracked open a little, but still... Don't get me wrong. I am going to do this. I just hope to choose the country that will see my negatives as less negative than others, if there is one.

[Celeste]

There are people working in China with far fewer qualifications than yours. You should be able to find a job there without any problems. Remember to be choosy. Don't agree to substandard conditions because of your lack of confidence in your qualifications.

[Harry Haller]

Thanks Celeste--thanks to your post and the others, I am beginning to have less lack of confidence in my qualifications. Any opinions of an online certificate? Also, I have published quite a bit of what might be considered "serious" poetry and have received from my state a rather prestigious award--might any potential employer care in the least about that sort of thing?

[Roger]

Hello, Harry,
I can safely say China does welcome people of your age. Some schools got burnt with young greenhorns and are positively privileging more mature folks. Peter Bol in Shenzhen, Rhonda in East China, and many others will corroborate this claim!

Qualifications for China, that's a joke. Most don't really need them here.
But this also means you are going to be employed in a capacity that you may resent. It's the face factor that matters the most, not professionalism.

But you can enjoy your life here thoroughly.

[Harry Haller]

China does seem like an excellent choice for me, and I appreciate all the posts. I am somewhat concerned about health care, as I hope to teach "for as long as forever is," as Dylan Thomas wrote, and I will not always be as young as I am now. How does one deal with major health concerns if they arise in China?

Also, were I to wish to move on from China after a few years there, which other countries might be possible choices for the age-challenged?

[ls650]

[Snoopy]

As I posted in another place, the Middle East is the best bet, as employers tend to prefer the more mature, experienced person to go into a situation which would drive a youngster bonkers. I am 51 and was resigned to having to accept another job in the Kingdom of Stupid @rseholes, but I am going to Thailand, where ACT seem keen to employ me.

[dmb]

congrats on the new job Snoopy. I hope it's a good package. Just be careful of the pitfalls of Thailand. I have friends out there at the moment. Just pm me and I can put you in touch with them.

[Harry Haller]

Thanks for the advice Snoopy. I had given little thought to the ME, as it was my understanding that my lack of both an MA and experience teaching EFL would be nearly insurmountable.

[Guest]

Hello Harry

I was 56 when I arrived here from Australia seven months ago with No Degree, no Qualifications and no experience. I am now 57. I feel that I am doing a fairly good job and intend staying at this School here in China (3 hours northwest of Shanghai) for at least two years.

I found that they viewed maturity as a bonus because we tend to stay long term whereas the younger ones always wish to move on to greener pastures. I was in my job with the SAME BOSS for 25 years before coming to China.

Best of luck

[Roger]

Harry,
you asked about health care in China; a sore point.
The best thing I can say about it is that it is improving. Major towns have now clinics run by western doctors, or try to follow western-style management and medical practice. This also means that prices are fast catching up. If you want to get treatment in a public hospital, be prepared for a potentially shocking experience, and your physician or dentist may be woefully undereducated, well reflected in his or her low pay!
However, as hinted before, there are relatively safe places to seek help from, usually in big towns. Also, most five-star hotels have some good doctor on stand-by.
If your country has a consulate in the sector they probably have access to a good clinic there.
Medical care supplied by employers is rarely sufficient for medical cases. If you live near Hong Kong, it might pay to get insurance from HSBC, which requires that you visit HK once every month.
Take out an insurance as a supplement to what China provides.
Your name - Harry Haller - seems to remind me of a literary character. Am I wrong? Hermann Hesse?