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Sign up with Google Sign up with FacebookQ: How hard is it to find a teaching job as an American born Chinese?
I've applied for over 50 jobs and haven't even received a reply. My Chinese level is ok, mostly conversational. I don't have a TEFL or TESOL, but I am a certified high school History Teacher in California, with experience. Thanks for your answers. I guess if I don't get a job teaching, I can always apply for an Engineering job here in China. Well, because I'm obviously qualified, because I'm Asian. I won't have to send in a resume, just my picture!
11 years 44 weeks ago in Teaching & Learning - China
I had the same problem! I'm an Australian Chinese, and I always got rejected and got no replies because of my Chinese heritage !!! It's so shit being judged on looks. Discrimination is just so openly accepted here.
I helps if you have 'guanxi' it's probably the best way in.....
I think it's going to be a bit tough. But first things first, do you have a university degree? How many years of work experience do you have? Do you have a TESOL/TEFL/CELTA teaching certificate?
Normally, you'd be golden if any of the schools see that you're a native speaker and have any of the above qualifications. But, because looks also matter, they won't be so eager to hire you. This is not necessarily the school's fault, they cater to their clients and if the clients prefer to have non-Chinese looking teachers, then the school has to provide them with those teachers.
I'm also Chinese, but was born overseas, so I kind of know the feeling. There is this one website where you can register to become a tutor/家教 :http://www.nlt.cc/
And also look for Chinese websites where you can register as one. If you're in Guangzhou, try www.51qingjiao.com. I think you'd have a comparative advantage over native Chinese tutors, since you're a native English speaker (and assuming you have no problem communicating in Mandarin).
The fees aren't mind-blowing, but if you build up a good reputation, you could ask for higher fees after a while.
Good luck with finding a job!
I agree with Debbie on some points. If you don't have a degree get one. Also if you have a Tesol Certificate it will help out tremendously!
Since you can speak chinese why try getting a teaching job when your qualified for so many other jobs here.
focus your job search at universities. get the list yourself bypass the recruiters
crimochina:
i will not tell you my secrets, but try wikipedia. for university listings in the city of your choice.
I had the same problem! I'm an Australian Chinese, and I always got rejected and got no replies because of my Chinese heritage !!! It's so shit being judged on looks. Discrimination is just so openly accepted here.
I helps if you have 'guanxi' it's probably the best way in.....
If you speak mandarin don't bother with teaching. you can get better gigs than that.
I am Asian American like you. Since I look like a local Chinese, I also get discriminated by Chines Principals & Chinese English teacher who think they are better than us.
The difference is I am US Certified License teacher in both Single & Multiple Subjects (PRAXIS,CBEST WEST B).
You have to show them you are better than the average Native Speaker (Caucasians). I tell the schools I am JESUIT EDUCATED. I also tell & show them that "I taught at the US School districts. If the US School districts hired me, it is because I am good & not due to the color of one's skin.
Sinobear:
And perhaps you're educated enough not to revive a 3-year-old dead thread.
Hotwater:
If you're a certified teacher then you should be able to get a job at a real international school. I guess you've dug up this old topic as you've not t been able to find one and are feeling hard done by?
iWolf:
Maybe keep the JESUIT EDUCATED bit to yourself. It only impresses people who are also from the same antiquated system.
Everyone else thinks; there is nothing special about it, you are a religious nut job or believe the bible is a factual account. None of these will win you favours in China.
I know some ABCs BBCs, only earn 3000 per month in Shanghai. Their english is definitely native level. I also know russians and Europeans who aren't native English speakers work as esls.
You gotta have something to provide if you don't look white or foreign.
What about AP history?
You couldn't be serious. You do have something to provide. You're a Chinese person born in America who wants to work in China.
You've been hanging around too many white people. It's not about your looks. It's about your students. Assuming you're a real teacher and not... well, you know, you should find a good agent. Try Engtop in Hong Kong. I teach in a college, and you'd be worth your weight in gold here assuming you speak Chinese.
It's hard for a Chinese, since they are looking for native speakers, like Americans.
If you really are American (not Chinese), then state you are American, not that you are Chinese.
I never see teachers stating they are "American born German", or "American born French", or "European-American".
If you keep insisting on the blut und boden ideology that your race is connected to a particular country and/or geographical region, don't be surprised that it comes back to bite you when you go to that region and don't get considered a "foreigner".
It's hard for a Chinese, since they are looking for native speakers, like Americans.
If you really are American (not Chinese), then state you are American, not that you are Chinese.
I never see teachers stating they are "American born German", or "American born French", or "European-American".
If you keep insisting on the blut und boden ideology that your race is connected to a particular country and/or geographical region, don't be surprised that it comes back to bite you when you go to that region and don't get considered a "foreigner".
I have a friend who was born in china but his family moved to SF when he was 5 years old. His English is flawless (so is his cantonese - his mandarin is crap...yay) and he is a very smart guy. And a really good guy who totally rips sheds on a guitar.
He currently works for an international school as a foreign teacher and gets an excellent salary. BTW he teaches maths. He has worked at a few different places with no issue.
So it is possible, perhaps he finds it easier because he is a subject teacher. And he doesn't identify himself as American-Chinese. He is American.