Job Discussion Forums

dlarcheuk · Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 58 Location: USA

I've been exploring Chinese universities for several years- in the meantime did a Senior Fulbright as a Distinguished Prof at a uni in Ukraine for a year; am now in my fourth year of tenured full professorship at University of the Virgin Islands. Each time I get close, my age seems to elimnate me (63 now). Any thoughts?

Second- I'm really interested in an Eastern or Southeastern seaboard uni; have a lifetime teaching certificate, BA, MEd, MFA, PhD and post-docs at Yale, Harvard, Oxford; looking for SUBJECT teaching in English (Speech, Communication, Theatre, Writing, American Studies). Have taught all in ESL formats, too. Any specific thoughts?

Better shot in another Asian country?

Thanks.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Just keep on keepin' on in China. There's a married couple here, he just turned 67, she's 64, they were offered a renewal. I'm 59, they offered me a five year contract. I know that some of the McLanguage schools don't like older people, but I hate those joints anyway; they want the neophytes that they can mold into performing monkeys......

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

If you look at my 'all posts' you will see I've commented numerous times on age in a positive outcome way for me and others.
I think you're more likely to get a job that reflects your skills and pays more, by private exchange through academia than from a hack FT forum like this.
If your location wish list is more important then you should apply for FT jobs in cities that seem attractive and once you have a year of service and know you can operate here do a few cold calls on unis nearby where you are living. I'll PM you on the cities issue.
If you get into a uni that could accommodate your skills then you may get lucky without changing employers.
Don't expect Chinese academics to universally welcome you as they think they're doin' OK without Western input.
The native speaker FT is problematic for some of them.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I've exchanged PMs with OP and have no issues.

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

The local college where I live has a guy in his 60's teaching there. Age should not be a problem for the many 3rd tier colleges that have a hard time finding teachers.

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

If you want to teach other subjects besides oral English at uni, the only other likely options are writing, business or economics.

Age will play a factor, a lot of the older people on these forums have been in China for a few years, I think that is a factor why schools can renew or hire them. China has become a lot stricter in the last few years and you will be a complete newbie.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

FarawayNow · Joined: 28 Apr 2012 Posts: 17

This is great positive information. I am also seeking a teaching job, my age is 55. Can someone post the names of some the schools, or universities that are acceping older applicants? Also, did they attempt to offer lower pay, because you are older?

Fanyi · Joined: 01 Nov 2011 Posts: 47

Try schools in Shandong Province (some-but not all- areas in Shandong were pretty liberal on age regulations last year)

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Lobster · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 4:39 pm Post subject:

If I were you I'd give mainland China a pass, not because of your age, but because with your qualifications and experience I predict that you'll go insane here long before you can feel it out.

It's like saying I am Cordon Bleu chef and was the Head Chef at the Ritz and Four Seasons, and now I want to give Burger Clown a try. For sure you're going to love it. At your age you should have lots of savings. Use them to take a China holiday and then find a place that's more suitable, like Hong Kong.

RED