next »

[AnthonyInChina]

This is an update on my TEFL job search in China.  I am a non-native English speaker with an Asian look, so from the start I knew it would be an uphill task.

At the beginning, I did not have a TEFL certificate as I thought with a Bachelors degree and 3 years teaching experience, I should be able to secure a TEFL position.  I started sending out my CV to many schools and language centers and did not get a reply.  Though a few replied, but it was negative, stating that they needed a native English speaker from the big 5-6 countries.

This did not deter me from continuing my search for a TEFL job.  I then took up an online 120 hour TEFL course and some extra specialized modules.  Once I completed my TEFL training, I started my job search again, and this time, the results were very different.  I found that more schools were interested in me.  Though, still there are many schools and language centers that only recruit native English speakers, I am happy that I managed to secure a few job offers, one of them from a big language center in Beijing.

I have already accepted an offer from a school in the South, and this was after going through the various contracts and doing my research by getting reviews from former teachers from these schools.

The school has just started to process my work permit application. Prior to that, was asked to do a health examination and I had it done with the Exit-Entry Health and Quarantine Bureau, which was suggested by my school's FAO.

So to all those non-native English speakers wanting to get a TEFL job in China, yes, it is more difficult for us, but it is not impossible.  If you really want to teach, go get a TEFL certificate.  It will help us in our job search and also most importantly, gives us the necessary skills in teaching English as a foreign language.

Cheers! 

[Stil]

Good one Anthony 

[AMonk]

Good one Anthony 

Ditto 

[Raoul F. Duke]

Ditthree.

The issue of TEFL certificates in general is very much in flux. While in the past a degree was enough, more and more provinces now seem to be demanding a 4-year degree and a TEFL certificate. It seems likely that this will soon be a national standard.

Legalities aside, though, non-native speakers (especially non-Caucasian non-native speakers) are one group for whom a TEFL cert may well be of benefit in finding a job. This group does indeed face more of an uphill battle in the job market, and every qualification you can add will likely help you.

[ericthered]

Good one, Anthony I am a non-native speaker too and, fortunately, have never had any TEFL nonsense poked in my direction. TEFL is, in my opinion, a load of blithering nincompoopery anyway. Glad to hear you found employment...I would have added "gainful" but as it is a teaching job in China, that would just be wrong

[Ruth]

Congratulations, Anthony.