Well, I got a comment asking for more information regarding teaching in China and since I rarely get any comments, I will reply to that comment with a whole entire entry.
In general, getting a job as an English teacher in China is pretty easy, provided several conditions which I will get into later. There are a lot of sites on the net listing jobs in China, but the best place is Dave’s ESL Cafe. It’s probably one of the main places people go to when they are first looking for a job in China. There’s a large job listing and a forum where you can get a lot of questions answered, though I must admit that I must disagree with some of the generalizations about China that’s often made on that site. Another way to find a job would be to just fly to China and look for a job there. In most of the International Youth Hostels, there are English-teachers-wanted fliers as well as foreigners posting their own advertisements.
Of dangers, there are quite a few scam schools out there that make lots of promises but come through with none. The best way to avoid this is to first ask at some online forum if anyone has ever heard or worked for the school before. If no one has, it’s generally best, especially if it’s your first time in China, to avoid it and work for a well-known school with a good reputation.
So different jobs require different qualifications. Some require you to have the TESOL or CELTA certificates, which basically proves that you’ve been trained as an ESL teacher. Others have experience requirements, almost all require native speakers, but most importantly, you have to be white.
Ok, that’s not really true, but it’s much easier to get a job, especially one with a high salary, if you’re white (blond hair blue eyes tall pale skin is a plus). Blacks, Hispanics, and Indians tend to have a much more difficult time finding a good job, though in southern China, it is more open and acceptable. Being Asian is the worst, especially yellow-skinned Asians (which excludes some Filipinos and other Pacific Islanders). I’ll give a few examples.
In my previous university in Guangdong, there were all sorts of different types of foreign teachers ranging from white to black to even Chinese-Americans with very Chinese names like myself. However, this school hired 80 foreign teachers a year, so they can’t afford to be picky. Besides, as long as at least half of those 80 were white, they can show off to potential students the number of foreign teachers.
Now you look at another school that hires only one or two foreign teachers. If those foreign teachers were Asian, how can they use them to attract more students? Foreign teachers in China are used by most universities not to teach English, but to attract students. My English, after getting a 4-year degree at Berkeley might be better than some white high school drop out coming to China to get some ass, but that white skin makes him much more desirable than someone like me.
With all that said, I was still able to work in China. And in Microsoft. Why? Because I had connections. I knew people who knew people who knew people and in the end, the people you know can get you past almost any boundaries in China.
So my advice to people coming to China to teach for the first time? Well, first see if you know anyone who has been to China and can hook you up with a good job or knows someone who can. If you have no friends or connections because you’re anti-social, then you can look on the Internet and send a few resumes to well-known schools/programs. If you’re colored (red, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, black, and everything in between), then I would try to find jobs in the big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but especially cities in Guangdong. If you’re Asian with no connections, experience, or teaching certificates, then I would say apply to Guangdong Peizheng University.
Finally, if you’re hoping to get a job in Beijing during the summer so you can watch the Olympics without paying rent, good luck. Lots of people have this idea and Beijing is going to get flooded with potential foreign teachers. With the supply of white folks in Beijing exceeding demand, getting a teaching job will be much harder and much more competitive.
So yeah, that’s all I’ve got for now. Hope this is semi-useful to someone. Adios.
Hello,
This is a very interesting article that reflects the real situation in China now. I am a Chinese student studying the St. John’s University in MN, US. I feel like it is TOO complex to explain something clear in China’s society. Like the job, many of my friends are so struggling about finding a job and when the graduation from college mean LOST. The job-seeking is painful and usually time consuming. I think it is so hard for a normal student find a decent job in China not, but it is easier for people to start a business in China. The word-of-mouth situation in China is so overwhelming and people always want good stuff, and people, especially young people, will waste lots of money, which were made by their parents. So an entrepreneur’s life in China is way happier than an EMPLOYEE’s. This is why the China related business consulting jobs are hot these days.. ha~
I hope we can keep in touch and COMMUNICATE with each other about both US and China.
Silu
@Silu – Haha, I like the part where you mentioned young people wasting their parents money…
But yeah, when I graduated I had a really hard time finding a job. I got rejected from about 30 different schools before finally getting accepted. Until that point, it really was graduating into unemployment…
Ni hao!
Please read, I know this is long . . . but there’s a surprise at the end!
I want to teach English in China, but before I decide I want to accurately assess any risks that may exist. Anyone have feedback on this crazy story? However before you read on, understand that this is from the perspective and impressions of one individual, and I apologize in advance if what I have written in haste is offensive or God forbid, uninformed or ignorant.
Basically, I recently became acquainted with an English teacher who, along with her husband, went to China to teach English. They are not recent college grads, but have been teachers in Boise, ID, USA for about 15 years (they are late 30’s – early 40’s). They did not affiliate through any formal program since they went through some Chinese teachers they had known for several months prior. Her story is pretty crazy, but I got it straight from the horses mouth and she sounded credible and of sane mind. Anyway want to hear it here it goes: She hosted a group of teachers from China that came to Boise, ID for some teaching stuff. During their visit to the US, the group was accompanied by a representative of the Communist Party of China. According to her, in retrospect the Commie Rep accompanied them to the US to prevent defection, as teachers are a commodity in China. Furthermore she said that in China it is not all that uncommon for people buy teaching certificates rather than going through formal schooling to become official, legit teachers; hence teachers being a precious commodity. So both her and her husband made arrangements with her “friends” to teach English at a university, and stayed at a hotel with other foreigners.
Unfortunately, it was but 6 weeks until the experience became worrisome and concerning, and they literally fled the country after 3 months. Yeah, I know: woah. WOAH! Apparently the people from the Chinese school she was dealing with were constantly trying to re-negotiate the terms and scope of the work she was doing, to the extent that they insisted she extend her stay to complete all this other stuff they wanted her to do. Furthermore, gradually it became plainly obvious to both her and her husband that the re-negotiations of wanting them to do more and more beyond teaching English was directed by the strong hand of the Communist Party. Apparently since real and legit teachers are a precious commodity, she and her husband were viewed as an information resource (rather than individuals with free will). So, being legit teachers with Western training, they were apparently perceived as a valuable treasure trove of information for Western teaching techniques, structure, methods, systems, etc. You see, according to her the Communist Party snaps their fingers and they WILL get what they want, and you WILL do it. Kind of creepy, huh? Anyway, that’s what she said (he, heh).
Meanwhile, back at the ranch . . . in response to her saying she did not want to accept the engagement and that she wanted to return home to the US, she was told “no” and that they need her to stay but her husband could return home. At this point it was clear that they weren’t having fun: they didn’t have time to travel, they were working constantly, and they suspected their room was bugged. The constant work: her and her husband were so desperate to earn “bargaining leverage” to help negotiate leaving the country, they volunteered to do some work from free (nuts, huh?). No time to travel: due to being kept a close eye on by representatives of the Communist Party and having to work for free to earn bargaining leverage. Oh, and the Commie Rep that went to the US with the group of Chinese teachers? Apparently somehow she found out that he received a raise or bonus of sorts for preventing defection (don’t know how she found out exactly). And the room being bugged: they were constantly being asked of their whereabouts, and those same people commented on what they had for dinner the night before (information only her and her husband . . . and a fly on the wall would know). Yes, I know: sounds creepy and unbelievable. Anyway, in the middle of the night they decided to schedule their open ended return flight for very early the next morning. They took a taxi to the airport at dusk. She said they totally thought they would be stopped (er, caught) at the airport. She said she didn’t feel safe, and the very real feelings of panic and anxiety did not subside until her and her husband got the San Francisco, at which time she said she literally wanted to kneel down and kiss the ground of the US.
Oh, yeah almost forgot. The US Consulate? Worthless. They told her and her husband that they couldn’t do anything because “we’re in their Country” (creeeepy). So that’s the story.
Her recommendations? Go there as an employee of a US Company, since large Corporations have financial leverage in the event of a problem. Have and know where your documentation is at all times (passport, teaching contracts, etc . . .). But not before considering teaching English in a non-Communist country, and this she emphasized most over all her recommendations. I asked if she had it to do again would she do it, provided she was employed and had the backing of a US company. Her answer: a reluctant yes, but then she quickly suggested considering a non-Communist country.
I want to teach English in China through a program with CIEE, who have been doing this for over 10 years. I’m a bit concerned about this story, bu right now I’m trying to keep this story in check and get a feel for what I can realistically expect my experience to be. You see, part of me doesn’t want to succumb to the fear of “boogeymen” that are as real as the tooth fairy or Santa Claus. But of course the other part wants to be careful. And again: their story sounds legit. I’m a naturally skeptical person not inclined to being gullible, and I’m the furthest thing gossip whore. Any feedback, comments, insight, and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Oh, sorry. No surprise. Just wanted you to read. Ha, ha!
@Dave – wow, that was really long…
… as in any country, shade stuff happens in China. As in any developing country, there are always people trying to move up in the world. However, I’m sorry to say, your friend’s story seems pretty out there and all the anti-commie stuff seems to me like she had an axe to grind. I would disregard most of what she said.
Foreign teachers are not a valuable commodity in China. Sadly, the reason why foreign teachers are wanted (most of the time) is to attract students since it makes their English programs seem more… authentic.
I would suggest that you work in any large city in eastern or southern China. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are the main choices. Most cities in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shangdong, and Fujian provinces should be fine too. Doing it through CIEE is fine too.
So yeah, don’t worry too much since people who worry too much tend to create their own problems. I’ve had no problems with communist agents and I actively talked about Tibet, Tiananmen Massacre, the Cultural Revolution, Taiwan Issue, and the Great Leap Forward with large numbers of people.
With that said, I highly suggest that you don’t talk about the above topics unless you are sure you won’t offend. Oh, and be wary of pick pockets and speeding cars when crossing the streets. Those two things are much more dangerous than any communist official.
Chunzhu,
Thanks for the feedback and I know: my post was LOOOOONG (ha, ha). Glad to read what you wrote, as I expected that to be the case. Her story just sounded wierd and my gut response was basically “get real lady and while you’re at it get a grip.”
Also, what can you tell me about Xiamen?
@ DaveH – Xiamen is a very pretty place. I loved the weather and the beaches. The people were very nice. Things were priced reasonably. I wish I had gotten along with the president of my school better. If I had, I probably would still be there.
I was approached by this organization:
CSCIEE English Immersion Program is sponsored by China Study Center for International Educational Exchange (CSCIEE, http://www.csciee.org), a subsidiary of China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) under the Ministry of Education of P.R. China.
Does any one know if they are good and professional? Contact me with info if you have any thanks–justindr660@hotmail.com
Chunzhu,
I stumbled upon your post, and somehow, it comforted me and frustrated me at the same time. I have applied to probably 40 schools, of which around 4 have responded at all. Two of which were to tell me that they would not be able to find a placement for me because of my Japanese ethnicity! I am banging my head against a wall at this point, because I will land there August 1st, job or no job. I will work my alumni connections to their fullest, per your suggestion. I can’t afford to be shy anymore! Anyway, just wanted to let you know that your post made me smile 🙂
I should be travelling soon to china to teach at an university, and I have a question upon what to pack. I know clothes, but is there anything of a top ten items to make sure to pack that would not known till I arrived?
Hi Tigre, there isn’t all that much that you can’t get in China. I would recommend bringing something small and mass produced that is from your home country to give as gifts. For example, I brought Ghiradelli chocolate to give to friends and people I meet. It’s just something nice to do.
There are some things you can’t get: burritos, good cheese, spray-on tans, and good chocolate are a few. More difficult things to get would be stuff like American brands that you particuarly like, sunscreen, and vitamins. Hope this helps you out a bit.
Mary Perry and Edward Garners’s book “Adonis and Bignose in China” provides an interesting and informative account of their experiences teaching in Gayou and travelling.
Education is One of the last growing fields of the economy globally. Great blog.
Hi:
I would like to know if anyone is familiar with this person and/or university. I am interested in perhaps teaching English there this year.
Are their contracts legit??
Mr. Qiao Zhe
Office of International Cooperation and Exchange
Northwest A&F University
You are wonderfully frank especially about the racial requirement. i’ll yet give it a go and see!
Thank you so much for this information. I’m chinese but I grew up in America. I’m still in high school but I really want to go teach over seas once I’m done with college. I have family in Southern China and just wanted to know if its really as hard as you say to find a teaching job. Thanks
Well it’s hard as a Chinese American, but it is getting better these days. Try to apply to one of the bigger schools (EF is one that comes to mind) that hires lots of teachers. You might have a better chance with that.
I would recommend http://www.teachergig.com for finding teacher jobs in China. They’ve got at least 15 new posts per day. Also check out eslcafe’s forum for more info…
Not sure if you read this, but I am doing journalism article on Americans working in Asia. I just wanted to ask you if I could ask you some questions for my project like an interview? Thanks 🙂
I have been offered a job teaching English at a university in Wuhan, Hubei province. I sent an email for the heck of it to an outfit called International Advantage. All of my dealings with their agent have seemed completely reasonable and trustworthy. However, I have not left the US yet (will need to leave in a month). Can you tell me anything about Wuhan? Also, it is my understanding I am considerably older than most other teachers of English in China, and this led to reluctance from other universities there to offer me a contract. Even with this one I was asked to call someone at the university, which I just did, to answer any questions, for example, about my health and if I have health insurance. I do have a doctorate from a very good university here, by the way.
Hi Jonathan.
Wuhan is famous for being extremely hot and humid so it doesn’t have the most friendly climate in the world. However, the advantage of working in one of these so-called second tier cities (ie not Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou) is that it’s cheaper and the experience is less touristy.
And being older is very difficult. When I was teaching, there was one teacher that was sent back to the US because she was ‘too old’. The school did pay for her plane ticket, but you shouldn’t try to hide your age. Better to be turned down due to age discrimination before you leave rather than after you arrive.
I haven’t been back to the motherland in a few years, so someone at the ESLcafe forums might be able to give you better info. Hope this helps and good luck!
Thanks!
Yeah, they know how old I am…
Can I ask what the rules of engagement are, vis-a-vis the opposite sex? (Of course I don’t mean students).
Should I expect profound culture shock? I am familiar with living outside of the US – a year in Europe, several years in Central America, but I have never been to China…or Asia.
Asian cultures are different, but the basic wants, needs, and desires are pretty universal. As long as you look at the similarities between cultures rather than the differences and take a laid back approach rather than a judgmental one, you shouldn’t experience too many issues.
Relations between opposite sexes are different. You might have classes where all the boys sit on one side of the room and girls on the even at the university level.
In terms of the dating scene, there are plenty of Chinese women looking to score an American husband for green card purposes. At the same time, there are a lot of shady American men looking for a quick screw with as many women as possible. As a result, there are negative stereotypes that exist on both sides, but I know lots of Chinese-foreigner couples that have worked out.
Once again, I’m a few years out of date on these things so if you want other opinions, make sure to check out some of the ESL forums out there on the web. Just remember to take all those stories with a grain of salt. Them expats like to embellish…
My concerns about teaching in China:
1.) I heard that the internet connection can be fickle and unstable at times which can be frustrating.
2.) I also heard that sometimes you don’t get hot water
I am wondering whether these two problems also exist in cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Guangdong
Your blog is one of the most interesting I’ve ever read. Please keep writing it! Jonathan’s comments prompted my question: I’m 65 and am interested in going to China to teach English. Am I “too old” by their standards? Or does that depend on “asset qualities”? I’m “white” but hair is brown not blond (or gray), I have experience teaching English in Japan and France, and have an MBA plus 5 years’ PhD work in business administration and experience editing & developing online MBA courses. Also, I majored in Chinese as an undergraduate (before Americans could go to China), and people say my accent is great (but vocabulary has shrunk hugely). Not afraid of commies, either. (I spent a year in the Soviet Union.) Do you think schools in China will stereotype me as “way over the hill” and applying for teaching jobs there is a waste of time? Would it help or harm my application if I included information about my stays in the Soviet Union (studying Russian)?
Thanks for your “tell-it-like-it-is” writing! Why don’t you try journalism? There are free-lancers and stringers–that might be to your taste.
Most schools will post any age limitations. I have seen 55 posted on many job offers. It really doesn’t matter how you look, if the school doesn’t hire people over a certain age. Most colleges or universities, however, consider education and experience. There are a few book out there about older folks going to China to teach. Check out “Teaching in China – Seven Dog Years.” It can be found on amazon hard copy and on Kindle. The authore states that many of the students will give more respect to an older teacher.
i am from Kenya with a diploma in early childhood education wanting to teach kids english in china.I am also working towards my degree.What are my options?
I know it was a while ago now, but that was a good point you made about the Olympics, too.
Has everyone here who worked or has been offered jobs in China all completed a Bachelors Degree? I’m about to complete my AA and want to go teach before I get back in school. Are there still opportunities for those of us with out B.A./S. Degrees?