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Q: Regarding TEFL and TESL certification policies
Hello,
I'm a Canadian and I was speaking with a recruiting agent with regards to having a English teaching job in Suzhou.
I do have most of the qualifications (i.e. nationality, Bachelors degree) but I'm lacking teaching experience and the TEFL / TESL certifications that are needed.
Here is the part that I feel like I'm misunderstanding. My hiring agent has told me that there will be some policy changes this year with regards to where we can get our TEFL certifications. As in, being TEFL certified overseas in Canada will not help me in the hiring process. To ridiculously simplify my understanding, does that mean I'd have to gamble a trip to China just to get my certification?
I may simply be misunderstanding my hiring agent, but at the same time, the job postings on this site are not specific about my teaching experience. They ask for some teaching experience at the very least and do not mention whether that experience must be within China or not.
TLDR; I have no teaching experience. Are there going to be policies and laws that require me to get certified within and only within China to start working here in the near future? In other words, does getting a TEFL/TESL certification or teaching experience overseas be just as ok as getting it in China in order to find a job as an English teacher in China?
8 years 13 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - Suzhou
Basic requirements are:
Bachelors degree in any subject
Passport from native English speaking country
2-years post graduation work experience (any job, including flipping burgers)
TEFL certificate is very helpful, issued anywhere.
Sounds like your agent isn't fully sure! Check the jobs section of this site and apply for anything that takes your fancy.
You can get a TEFL in no time at all. I don't understand how some people can take them seriously as a qualification.
@Soroush. I have PM'd you. I need to hire a foreign teacher. If you're interested check your inbox.
Option A - 2 years work experience (as Hots said above - any work experience!)
Option B - Bachelor degree in Education
Option C - come here and do the Chinese government sponsored waste of time known as a China TEFL for 2 weeks. I wonder if your agent is getting a cut from pushing you towards this!
(ALL of the above still require you to have a Bachelor's degree...).
As for other TESOL certifications - if it's legit and you can get a transcription and notorisation from a Chinese embassy or consulate, AND you have option A or B above, you'll be fine!