Becoming an ESL teacher?

Hello,

I am a US citizen in my last semester of college. I am about to graduate with honors with a liberal arts degree.

I am interested in teaching english in china since I enjoy traveling and want to live long term in another culture.

I've taken two semesters in Chinese and have been to China once before for university. I have two summers worth of running summer camps. When in China I taught English for a class.

I have a few questions

- How do I go about looking for jobs?
- Where should I look besides here?
- How do I know a place or contract is trust worthy and how do I get the most out of it?
- What should I know while looking for a job?
- Is there certain things I can do to make myself more employable?

Thank you!

Hi ESl

Sorry I'm going to be too lazy to reply to your questions, but the answers are all on this forum. We really need to have some of these things pinned. Most of these topics were shaped by Raoul. His is just one opinion, although you'll find that most of us pretty much agree with him on between 98-100% of what he wrote. Not sure these are the best ones. Just the first I could find quickly.
One question though; how old are you? People under 23 or 24 tend to find it hard to get jobs. It may even be a requirement, although things change all the time. The idea is that people are supposed to have a couple of years work experience (in theory teaching) after their degree, so sometimes provinces implement the age requirement accordingly. From the little info you've provided, sounds like that may be the immediate roadblock.

http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=71.0 (read this first)
http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=660.msg11664#msg11664
http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=21.msg52#msg52
http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=8773.msg162185#msg162185
http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=6736.msg126329#msg126329

As Mr. Benn (or someone just like him  ) has stated, normally, to get a work (Z) visa you need at least two years teaching experience. That being said, there are recruiters out there who will promise you anything and everything... and not deliver. Beware! Do not come to China without first having a work visa.

A job in China can offer a great lifestyle with lots of vacation (4+ months a year); but relative to the west, pays very little. It's not a place for a young person to start a career. In fact, your China experience may work against you when you return.

If while you're here you plan to persue a Masters or PhD you could make a career of it. Otherwise, it's a 'dead end'. 

I am 25 years old.

I've heard from others that they make a bit less than they would teaching English in China compared to where they are from (US and UK). Thing is it's cheap living there and they are put up by their work so they are able to save a good amount.

I've hear about the work visa thing so I'll make sure I have the proper visa.

Hi ESl

Sorry I'm going to be too lazy to reply to your questions, but the answers are all on this forum. We really need to have some of these things pinned. Most of these topics were shaped by Raoul. His is just one opinion, although you'll find that most of us pretty much agree with him on between 98-100% of what he wrote. Not sure these are the best ones. Just the first I could find quickly.
One question though; how old are you? People under 23 or 24 tend to find it hard to get jobs. It may even be a requirement, although things change all the time. The idea is that people are supposed to have a couple of years work experience (in theory teaching) after their degree, so sometimes provinces implement the age requirement accordingly. From the little info you've provided, sounds like that may be the immediate roadblock.

http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=71.0 (read this first)
http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=660.msg11664#msg11664
http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=21.msg52#msg52
http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=8773.msg162185#msg162185
http://raoulschinasaloon.com/index.php?topic=6736.msg126329#msg126329

Wow, all these threads look helpful.

Do you have any others you'd recommend or some good websites to look work?

I'm hoping to find a position in a "High School International Program." Do you know what this is? One where I'll be teaching "IB or A-Levels."

I am currently looking to get a TEFL or CELTA. Do you know the best and fastest way to go about doing this?

I heard these positions are usually a bit harder to get however I know it's possible to get one with a certificate above and I have some experience through internships which can be counted.