Job Discussion Forums

Zard0z · Joined: 10 May 2011 Posts: 3 Location: South Jersey

Hello, newcomer to TESL here.

So, since the beginning of February I've been trying to secure employment in Korea. Both through EPIK and GEPIK using the recruiter Korvia. After months of waiting in limbo and two failed interviews I've just been informed that GEPIK has significantly cut its budget. My recruiter told me she might be able to get me a job at a Hagwon, but I'm not exactly thrilled about the prospect.

I've been giving China some thought lately and was wondering if it might be a good fit for me as a first-time teacher. I have a few questions, maybe you could help answer:

(1) I'd prefer teaching in rural China. Do you think this is a good idea for first-timers?

(2) What are some good recruiters for China?

(3) What are some things to watch out for in schools

(4) Any general recommendations for first time teachers?

Thanks.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Zard0z · Joined: 10 May 2011 Posts: 3 Location: South Jersey

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

Why not look for a school in a smaller city in China? That way you can have the conveniences of the city and visit rural areas when you're free. I live in the city where I work but 20 minutes on my bicycle and I'm in hills and farmland. Nice to get out of the city and have a relaxing ride around the countryside, but I wouldn't want to live there.

Zard0z · Joined: 10 May 2011 Posts: 3 Location: South Jersey

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

I sent you a message.

Miajiayou · Joined: 30 Apr 2011 Posts: 283 Location: Nanjing

The way things are going now, you could get a job at a university "in a big city" and live in a very rural area if you choose the on-campus housing. But, you'd be only a 1-2 hour bus ride away from stores that keep raw chicken refrigerated and bathrooms that have doors. Choose to live in a REAL rural area, and you could be hours by train away from such luxuries. China is a biiiig country.

If you're set on it, I was in contact with a training school in Guizhou that is very rural, so much so that I knew I would go insane. But, the director and the other (as in one) foreign teacher seemed nice and the pay was decent for the area. If you're interested, I could PM you the e-mail address.

patrickCanuck · Joined: 25 Feb 2011 Posts: 3

I am in almost the same situation, a first timer with no experience teaching over-seas, and the big obstacle is the plane ticket. My city of choice was Harbin, liking the cold, and from what I seen I liked the look of Harbin.
Is it impossible or rather, improbable, that I could perhaps have a chance that a school or training center would pay my airfare, along with all the other basics.
Has anyone ever received the airfare to the job before hand?

I really am looking for any job, but they have to be willing to pay for my flight.

If anyone at all could shed more light onto the subject or had questions for me, I would greatly appreciate it .
Thanks!

SahanRiddhi · Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Posts: 267