ESL Jobs Forum

[Elisa Benafin]

Hello! I am a Filipino and am very interested to teach ESL in China. From my kindergarten days up to the time I finished my college degree, I attended a very good school that used English as a medium of instruction. I also had 12 years of experience teaching elementary school children using english again as a medium of instruction.

I am 51 years old but still quite capable of meeting the demands of a teaching position in a foreign country. China is a wonderful country with very good people as I have seen in 1995. I was a participant in the World women's conference conducted in China at that time.

May I please hear from you what chances I have. Thank you.

[Gerard Denaro]

In my experience, having English at a good level of competency is not the major selection criteria for ESL teachers in China. Finding a teaching ESL job will depend on whether you are of western or Asian appearance (i.e have Asian features). As you have indicated that you are Filipino, I would unfortunately think you have little chance of a job in China. Administrators prefer young, blue-eyed blondes to attract prospect students and their parents. Being female I think also helps. In some countries like Oz such attitudes would be classed as politically incorrect at best or racism at worst.

I tried to find a job in China for an Aussie colleague who happened to also be from HK. But was promptly told by the school PR officer that Asian looks werent acceptible. Salaries or wages are around A$150-200 per week plus accommodation. I suggest u may like to try the Middle East, South America or Eastern Europe where Asian appearance may be acceptible and salaries are more attractive.

There are numerous positions in ESL but you must do a lot of background research, like speak with a foreign teacher at the school, find out where the school is with respect to the city centre. I also prefer 2 know how far away the local buses, supermarkets and restaurants are. No sense being stuck in a factory area with lots of pollution is there?
good luck
_________________
Xianzai wo zai Qunsilan Daxue Xuexi Zhongwen san nianji

[Wocca]

[Ella]

Hi,
I am afraid, the recommendation about Eastern Europe is not exactly appropriate. I have a Russian background and know what I am talking about; there will be issues you won't be pleased with. Sorry about this.