I need your input! Teaching English in China
2016-01-21
I haven't been around much because I've been experiencing a lot of technical difficulties with the CD website. For a few weeks I got locked out of my account and I'm not sure why. I was finally able to log back in but then I found I couldn’t post anything. Anyone else have similar issues?
Technical difficulties aside, what I really want your input on is a project I'm putting together. I've had lots of friends ask me questions about teaching English in China, living in China, Chinese culture, etc. So, I decided to put together an e-book that I can just send to them any time they have questions.
I'm mainly wanting feedback from other English teachers in China. My current teaching job fell into my lap rather miraculously, so I'm not really sure how one would go about looking for a job teaching English in China. What organizations did you go through to find your job? What are some trustworthy websites that post job openings? What was the visa process like for you? Did you use a recruiter? What advice would you give to those looking for an English teaching position in China?
If you have anything else you'd like to share with people considering making the move to China, I'd love to hear it as well. Thank you, your help is much appreciated!
--Kelli 凯丽
Different people have different goal and reason learning English, most students in China are enforced to learn this language. because of exam must faced. for many adults they will forget their English learned in their school time. it's sadness for teacher who teach their, in another words they just waste their time for learning English.
So why chinese must learn English? and why many chinese people (most student parents) like foreign teacher teach them? In China especially in big and some middle cities, foreign English teacher become more and more popular, they think teacher form English for mother language country has a pure accent that domestic teacher haven't. For me , my daughter who are 10 years old and studing in elementary school said that when foreign teacher came in classroom and begin teaching, just 3 students can talking with foreign teacher and others 26 students can't know anythings their teacher words and sentences that's all 4 terms over in same situation.But the surprising things is they can do well mark for their paper exam, and even can communicate with their classmate by English!!
I don't know why foreign teach can't help most kids in learning this language, maybe iit's a process for both side to build a nice education about teach English in China. But for foreign teacher, I hope they can more realize our curture, especially in current chinese student daily life. living in common city like a average chinese people. know how common chinese citizen think whatever better thought or bad. then they will more be a good foreign teacher.
Thank you, especially for the contact name! This is just what I was hoping for!
This is perfect! Thank you. I love the idea of making a check-list of questions ahead of time.
#1: I have had a few issues with CD, but apparently not to the extent that you've had.
#2: Perspectives from an older teacher.
It was a bit difficult for me to find work even though I used a headhunter because A. I've never taught school (training programs for engineers, yes. Academics, no) and B. I was close to 50 when I started this adventure. However, once hired I was accepted, no questions asked, no doubts expressed (in spite of any doubts I might have had about myself or my abilities).
Headhunter: http://www.teachcn.com/Company.asp?id=3057 - contact person: Hubert Reid. They did not charge me a fee. Once we agreed on a job, I was sent a contract and has no trouble getting a visa. That process took about 10 days.
My go-to website for all things ESL is Dave's ESL Cafe: http://www.eslcafe.com There's all kinds of helpful information there.
As for what to tell China hopefuls? Come to China a time or two; see what it's really about - meaning: get out of the big cities and away from the tourist traps; find out why you really want to be there. And then, make a firm commitment! Word has it that the 4-month mark is when teachers make it or break it.
Once you're here, fall into your situation whole-heartedly. Don't go looking to create an English (American) bubble; learn the language, get out there and meet people!
Thanks for posting this and writing this handbook. If there's anything else I can help with, please let me know.
Yes I agree with you, cheaters are everywhere not only in China. The demand for foreign teachers here in China is big I think. But good employer is not easy to find either. Maybe you should search for public schools first, western China still has lots of public schools which haven't had a foreign teacher. Maybe the living condition there is not as good as eastern China.
not all recruiters are legal and try to trick people into illegal jobs.
I don't know much about how to get a job as a foreign teacher. I live and was born in China. Are there many foreigners who want to come here and teach ? I suppose they must have a licence for teaching and a passport for long months. They can search on web to see if there is a recruiter. My suggestion is: come here directly ,we need foreign teachers .
I would always ask for the email address of a former employee to get their feedback on the school/place of work.
If the school is unwilling to supply this, as well as answer my basic questions, then it is a 'no go'
I would also keep a list of places to avoid or have a bad reputation.
Many of the teachers I have met in China are serious about doing a good job, but have been scammed or cheated by places that only want an 'edutainer' not a teacher, or are just plain dishonest.
I have a check-list of questions - most of them about fairly basic stuff.
If a prospective employer fails to answer them or fudges around, I will dismiss them as an employer.
for example, if an employer tells me that my job is to 'make the students love English' when I ask about the curriculum content, I know they have no idea what they want and are not serious about having a good, dedicated teacher.
Too many times potential employers have tried to tell me that they want me to work on an 'F' visa.
When I challenge them on this being illegal, they get offended and some have even threatened me.
I would advise any potential teacher to go on to forums and ask about the schools and how best to spot a place that is either illegal or likely to cheat them in some way.
That is not to say there are not good employers, but extreme caution is advised.
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