Job Discussion Forums

[mitchm]

Hi all,

This is my first post on these forums, but I have been reading them assiduously for over a month now. Thanks in advance for any/all advice - even if it's just to tell me to shut up and "search" - I have done quit a bit of that already, I just thought it'd be nice to get direct advice as well. So I'll make it short:

I've decided mainland China is where I'll try to find teaching next year. I am in the process of narrowing down the cities where I'll apply. Shanghai is my top choice; Guangzhou, Xi'an and Dalian are also possibilities. Hong Kong initially sounded appealing, but I think I'd prefer to be on the mainland with a better job than working awful hours at a language mill in Hong.

My credentials:

B.A. in English from a top state school
Master's Degree in English from another state school
Two years of college teaching experience (taught multiple semesters of "Intro to English Composition" and "Technical Writing")
3 years of university level Latin (I know this may seem worthless, but it did wonders for my handle of English grammar and syntax)
I have no TEFL cert and have never taught abroad. I am genuinely interested in teaching English to non-speakers. I like grammar.
For what it's worth, I am white, American 6'2", thin, and well groomed.


My goal is a university or public school job with no more than a 40-hour week workload (though I understand most uni jobs are more like 25-30). I am not in this to make money so being able to save some would be nice, but is not absolutely essential.

Is this something I may have a shot at?

[Big Poppa Pump]

[Non Sequitur]

Don't think you will have any trouble and what you can bring to the table right now makes an ESL cert 'nice to have' but not essential.
If you get oral English as a subject to teach make sure you have the self control and techniques in place to let the students occupy the time - not you.
As to location can only speak about Dalian of your prefs.
Winters are rigorous (by my standards) so look at the Wunderground site to get temps throughout the year.
As to schools can only comment on Dalian Maritime U (accom OK), Dongbei U of Finance and Economics (accom superb) and Dalian U of Technology (accom crap). These 3 are in the same neighbourhood at the south end of town and about 40 mins by bus from CBD. If you want something a bit more academic in the English field try Dalian Foreign Languages U. It's in the centre of town. I've visited but not the teacher accom.
Start serious enquiries about June for 1 Sept start.