Job Discussion Forums

[fadedgirl]

I'm thinking about going back into teaching over-seas again.
I was wondering how far in advance I should start my search.

Ideally I would like to be there by Feb.
I have a BA in English and TEFL certified.
I taught over-seas from 2004-2011 and I'm still teaching ESL.

Any advice would be great.

[Bud Powell]

Start looking now. Don't apply, just start looking and see what's out there.

You probably already know this, but I'll say it anyway: Follow the offered salaries at abroadchina.org and other employer websites. Inform yourself of possible requirements regarding criminal background checks. Find out what you'll have to do to get one . (Government? Local municipality? Local police?). Follow the changes enacted by the various consulates. (Their websites aren't always much help, but follow them anyway). Be ready to send in a current passport SCAN and medical check (if required) to a prospective employer.

Then start your search in September. There are decent schools still looking for teachers through December, but I'd think that by November, most of the good schools have recruited their quota.

Dave's ESL Cafe is an excellent source of information for just about everything.

[litterascriptor]

Took me about six weeks this last go around. About 3 weeks longer than my first time coming here in 2008. The background check and getting doctor's appointments and such added more time into it all.

I suggest start hunting around in earnest about 3 months beforehand.

[Non Sequitur]

My observation of FAOs I've seen in action, is that they will extend their on-deck hiring effort into July for Sept 1 start, but are less inclined to hang around the office far into the Spring Break which of course is a huge family time in China.
So I guess I weigh in on the 'start looking in Sept and get really serious Oct/Nov' side.
Of course some schools that are looking in Sept are trying to top up vacancies not filled for the start of semester or they have had higher than expected enrolments in their dodgy schemes for students who did poorly in the Gao Kao and are being given some kind of special admission - translated as paying big bucks.
If you accept for a late start in the Fall Semester, make sure your benefits especially paid Winter Break and airfare, are not pro-rated out of existence.
I started my FT career as a Feb recruit.

[Bud Powell]

[fadedgirl]

Great! Thanks!