Teaching in China - thoughts anyone?

[niqiniq]

There are some teaching programs in China that pay pretty well - has anyone done the teach abroad thing? in China maybe? I'd love to hear the pros and cons....please share.

[jill85ngelica]

Deffinately go for it!!! China is a great place. I never been teaching in China, but I spent some times there to learn the language. The people are really nice, especially in Beijing because they already used to tourists and their english are not too bad. Everything is nice in there, except the bathroom. Just always prepare paper towel or hand sanitary. Their traditional bathroom is really "traditional." Other than that everything is nice. Good luck!

[damascusdiane]

I am going to Shanghai this next fall for a two year stint at an international school there. I've done my research, and it looks fabulous! I've done the "overseas teaching" thing for only two years, in Syria, and I am LOVING it! I would stay in Syria forever, but this chance came up and I felt like it was too good to pass on. If you need some sites for research I'd be happy to pass them on. GO FOR IT!
All I would say, though, is be very aware that you represent our country, and have the power to undo some of the damage done by politics. That, by itself, is worth while, and you will find most people are open to you, as long as you aren't judgemental and are open, too. By the way, the bathrooms in China are really just holes in the floor! And, I agree with the other reply, ALWAYS bring tissue!

[msn]

I have some friends who tried Here are the Pro and Cons.

You must be White.

It is very hard to be hired if your anything else. I have a friend who taugh there but his friend who is Filipino who knew a great deal of english was denied.

I'm not sure about now, But I image it is very hard, since they will discriminate.

[kellian]

I taught in CHina for 3 years and it was AWESOME- but that's cause I was with a college program so I was "well connected". I took one semester off to try and teach on my own because the "independent contracting" was so tempting- WHAT a mess! Unless you're contracted through a larger organization, you get cheated... a lot. You have to fight to get paid, get promised classes of 10 and end up with classes of 40, and have 10 bosses who each tell you to teach something different. So if you just go over and trust your luck, it can be pretty nasty. I suggest go online first and try and find a program to go over there with. Once you're there, you can shop around for better jobs if you want, but if you go with a program, at least you have someone to turn to if you don't get paid...As for being white... it helps. I did have American Asian and African American friends who taught with me, but the Chinese are super racist (sorry folks) and so when it came to "who do we introduce to the parents?" it was always the white teachers. Even the ones who had thick regional accents and rotten grammar...

[msn]

yep, so it may not be the grandest of things to do. But by all means try it for a semister.
_________________
Harold W, Asia Moderator & Campus Ambassador

[Behe]

you may be better off doing something like this china internship for 5 months [link] as you would have more security and support than if you just flew out and found a job by yourself. You also get a teaching certification with this which could be used to teach in other countries should China become a bore. Hope that helps and good luck with your travels!

[RXD]

One way to immerse yourself in the culture, customs and lifestyle of another country is to pack your bags, jump on a plane, and become a TEFL teacher. I taught in Beijing, China from July 2002 until I left at the height of the SARS outbreak in April 2003, and I found it to be one of the most interesting, challenging and exciting experiences of my life.