Job Discussion Forums

SeattleBruce · Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Posts: 3

Hello, All,

I'm currently looking for my first position in China - I have a BA and MA, and the 120 hour certificate in TESOL, as well as non-teaching work experience.

I'd like to foucs on working with adults, business people, or university-level students.

Currently looking at recruiters as a way to go to help handle the details of getting the job, getting set up, etc. I'm in touch with Gold Star, Footprints, and recently contacted RAY Recruiting.

Anyone care to share experiences with any of these? Any general tips or hints?

Thanks in advance!

bnej · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Posts: 57 Location: Toronto

Have ya got a general timeline of when you want to start?

SeattleBruce · Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Posts: 3

Looking to start in April / May, thereabouts.

dean_a_jones · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 1151 Location: Wuhan, China

This year?

If so you are looking at private language schools rather than university positions. Most universities are starting to look for teachers at this point, but they will start around September. There is plenty of discussion about the pros/cons of language schools vs. university jobs on these boards. I would read those if you have not already done so, as each have their ups/downs and supporters/detractors.

In terms of wanting to teach adults, my advice is to be pretty careful what kind of place you choose (if you do go the private route). If you ask for this kind of thing many places will promise it, but as most schools cater to students of all ages, you might get stuck with a younger group if you are not careful. Make sure you try to speak to some current teachers and see if they think any promises made are likely to be kept in terms of student age. Same goes for recruiters, whose main interest is getting you into a job so they can collect their pay. At the end of the day unless you are going for a place that only teaches adults, I would expect to possibly teach different ages (though of course it might not work out that way).

You are unlikely to come over for April unless you land something straight away, the visa process itself takes about 3 to 4 weeks minimum as they need to apply for the right paperwork. Many private places may be looking for teachers now as the summer rush will start soon, so you might have some luck with that. I would treat with caution any school that asks you to come over quickly by getting a tourist visa instead of a work (z) visa with the promise of an upgrade or whatever on arrival.

The best thing in terms of general advice is to do your homework, question everything, read as much as you can here and elsewhere on the ups and downs of teaching in China and prepare a fine-tooth comb for any contract that is sent your way. Don't let wanting to arrive soon mean you accept an offer in haste, especially if it sounds like it is exactly what you want.

SeattleBruce · Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Posts: 3

Thanks for the replies, and the good advice.

A few English schools keep surfacing as I look at China. Has anyone had any experience or feedback on the following?

Wall Street
EF
Meten
Disney

Thanks in advance!

spicykimchi · Joined: 19 Oct 2010 Posts: 50

I almost accepted a job with Wall Street. I'm glad that I didn't. 16,000 RMB is good money, but that's for teaching 6 classes a day, and it doesn't even count the time you have to spend preparing for social clubs. Also, the school told me that I would have to work a six-day work week once or twice a month. No thanks!