By continuing you agree to eChinacities's Privacy Policy .
Sign up with Google
Sign up with Facebook
Q: Is it possible to get an English teaching job without being a native speaker?
Hi,
I'm from Pakistan. I'm 27, MBA.
I have over almost 3 years of experience of working in US/UK outsourced contact centers in my city.
Implying I speak English with great fluency. I won't (actually can't) call myself a native speaker but I'm pretty much there.
I want to be an English teacher in China, preferably in Shenzhen city or in Hong Kong.
But the employers I have talked to so far put me down instantly because I'm not from their list of countries.
I even ask them to have a small interview over Skype, just to hear me out but apparently non-Native English teachers are not in demand.
I understand that having a white face (or holding a passport of an English speaking country (US, UK, Ireland etc.) is good for their business. They can 'sell' when the product is native.
Without being judgmental, I respect that.
But has anyone broken this code yet?
Is there a way around it?
I don't speak Mandarin or Cantonese at all.
I can learn it if it helps, but I need some info on that before I commit to learning it
There are some institutes that offer ESL training along with job placement in China (and at a bunch of other great places) but I can't afford it right now.
Hopefully I have clearly stated my query.
Thanks in advance.
10 years 28 weeks ago in Teaching & Learning - China
First of all, good luck in your search. Try some of the places advertised here on EChina jobs section. Yes, you will be discriminated against based on the colour of your skin and the fact that you are a non-native speaker. But persistence will pay off. Do your research carefully. Be careful and don't even talk to places that don't supply the correct legal documents for a 'Z' Visa. Knowing how to speak Mandarin or Cantonese is not a requirement for a foreign teacher. i hope you will be successful.
sorrel:
i could add, keep asking any and all questions before you accept a position - make sure EVERYTHING is spelt out clearly for you (living conditions and work responsibities) and agreed before you sign so there are no nasty surprises - well as few as possible anyway ;o)
sorrel:
just use common sense and trust your own gut feelings on things. :o)
It actually has to do with knowing idioms and colloquial terms as well. Do you have an accent?
Nael:
I don't have the typical Indian accent. There is a hint of American there which I try not to develop cos when contact centers advertise, they usually need a neutral accent so I try not to go after a particular one. Anyway I am clear and fluent when I talk
Yes, you can get a job here. Maybe they will try to pay you less than a native.
I can see you have a good English level.
Just prepare a beautiful/professional Resume and a nice Cover Letter.
State your strengths, send all the documents you may have.
Also, send a one minute video talking about your experience and why
you want to teach here.
But, be very careful before accepting a job.
Yes, it's possible. Just be diligent in your applications. Quite a few of the "Proper" (ie: from the 5 countries US UK Aus Canada NZ) foreign teachers here are, to be a bit brutal, idiots (if not outright jerks), so I think you would do a much better job than some of the people here. You might message the user icnif77, he can probably help you with a list of the centers licensed to employ foreign teachers. You can then contact these schools directly.
I would definitely say that it is possible. Just try to avoid using any recruitment agents in the process and there should be plenty of employers that would be willing to hire you. It should be said that it is easier to get any teaching position with a TEFL and/or experience though, so being able to get either of these might make your search easier.
I just started my 3rd year at the same Uni...I'm a non-native speaker. So yes, it's possible.
hello every one..this is a same case with me..i also feel sorry to hear that i cant teach english here because i am not native speaker,although i m having 3 years experience of teaching english in pakistan to my O level (Cambridge international Board) student and they all gain very excellent marks.but are not ready to listen about this except Native Speaker....what we do NOw????
sorrel:
just keep applying for teaching positions. you will eventually get one - but make sure they are places offering the correct visa (Z) otherwise you REALLY will be taken advantage of. See comments above
mostly you should try smaller cities. It's really tough to get a Z visa in Shanghai now for example if you dont meet all the requirements.
anyways as non native you always have the short end of the stick and they try to pay you less
