Job Discussion Forums

[voyageurdusud2]

Hi there,

I've been offered a few teaching jobs in several chinese universities. The problem is that I have absolutely no experience in teaching, and that I'm not even a native speaker.

Many people told me it wouldn't be a problem, but when I applied I didn't expect to teach in a... University

My english is not too bad, but it's still far from being perfect, as you can probably notice when reading my message.

That's why I'd like to know what's the average level of chinese students. Is their english quite good or are most students very bad.

So far, most of the chinese people I met could barely say a few words in english.

Do you think I could give a try ?

[xi.gua]

Your native language is what? French?

It's hard to gauge your oral English based on writing, but if you're worried this much about it then be prepared for someone to have better English than you. Why teach a subject when your own skills are admittedly "not too bad"? Not too bad isn't too good either.

Why not find a job teaching French?

[johntpartee]

You've answered your own question, OP. If you have doubts about your own knowledge of the subject you want to teach.......

[voyageurdusud2]

Why english? because it's very easy to find a job as an english teacher in China and I met many non native english teachers earning around 10000 rmb a month. They were not that good in english either but they told me it was an easy job.

johntpartee: I guess you could easily teach mathematics to a 12 yo kid. Could you be a mathematics teacher in a university?

It's the same for me . It all depends on the level of the students. Don't expect me to analyse a Shakespeare book with them, but I lived a few years in UK without any problem of communication.

Once again, I have a few job offers, they know I 'm french. If I say I want to work with them, I'm in ! So I guess the level is quite low, or maybe they think a bad teacher is better than nothing.

[johntpartee]

You asked for feedback, OP. You expressed doubt as to your ability to be an effective teacher. No teaching experience, non-native speaker......

You probably CAN teach in China, but SHOULD you?

[xi.gua]

I wouldn't hire an English teacher that couldn't understand and help students understand Shakespeare.

Like I said before, there are job opportunities for French teachers, and they probably get a nice salary too due to lower quantity of speakers. I'd look into that if I were you. I wouldn't welcome you here if you're just here for an easy job with no responsibilities and no concern for the students. (Not accusing, just saying)

[voyageurdusud2]

I obviously have concerns for the students. That's why I want to know what you think. You have far more experience than me.

Actually I have an interview tomorrow in another university. They're looking for a french teacher.

Thanks for your help anyway

[Laurence]

They actually teach Chinese kids in school that French people are romantic

I think this has boosted your employment chances - if you were say, Bulgarian, I doubt you'd have doors open quite so easily..