New to the teaching scene

[8Ball]

Hey everyone, I'm new to this English teaching scene, so I'm just wondering if any kind person can give me a few tips or guide me in the correct direction.

Basically, I'm 21, born and raised in Australia, and I've got a University degree (Bachelor Of Commerce). Looking at some of the ads, I think I've met the basic requirements (apart from those requiring official teaching certificates). One concern is that I'm asian, although I've lived in Australia my whole life.

I've read a couple of posts here and there so I have a bit of an idea, like for example, I shouldn't even bother applying for Taiwan becuase they only look for non-asians?

So for someone in my position, where should I begin? Personally, Japan is my first preference, but would I have much of a chance with no prior English teaching experience? Or should I try out for China first, which seems to me to be a lot more flexible?

Also, as I have past tuition experience, do these schools give much consideration to that? I've done private tuition (Maths) and I've worked at a tuition centre that taught Maths and English.

[Margy]

You're right, Taiwan is a very racist country and if you are Asian, it's just so much more difficult to land a teaching job there. Unfortunately there is not much we can do about this.

Teaching in Japan would be perfect for your needs. Have come across quite a few non-native English speakers teaching English in Japan. Be the teacher black, white, yellow green or whatever, Japan is your best bet.

It's definitely worth mentioning your past tutor experience. You may be pleasantly surprised to know that there are many schools out there that don't really require teaching experience. Am sure this is good news for you.

So if Japan is where you really want to go, then GO. Don't worry about the fact that you are Asian in appearance.

[Hypiereon]

The Chinese schools are more flexible with their requirements - but Asian faces tend to get ignored more readily. I have a friend who did get a job here in ChengDu - he's Korean/American, raised in Cali and speaks with no great accent which is something that really impressed me, but he told me it was very difficult for him to get good jobs. The best ones only want white faces.

Crazy story but true, we were sharing a cab and I spoke in Chinese to the driver (there was nothing wrong with my pronunciation, and it is considered better than my friend); the driver gave me a weird look then looked back at my friend who said the exact same thing, his pronunciation was a little off, but the driver quickly nodded like he had understood everything perfectly, and indeed took us directly to our destination.

so, there are advantages and disadvantages to having an Asian face in China. Getting a job will be more difficult, but once you're past that, thn all sorts of advantages open up for you (shopping with a translator and not getting ripped off because you look foreign for instance - so long as you keep quiet .)

[8Ball]

Thanks for your replies Margy and Hypiereon. I really appreciate it.

During these two weeks or so, I've sent out about a million and one applications. I've had no replies from schools in Korea and one rejection reply from a school in Taiwan (all the rest were ignored?). Two schools from China have replied with interest and wants my reply ASAP, and I've landed an interview with a recruiting agency from Japan in early February. As I mentioned in my first post, Japan is my first preference, but I have a gut feeling that I'm going to have more of a chance with the schools in China.

I'm leaning more towards rejecting the interview and accepting the offer from China, get some teaching experience there, then next year try and apply for Japan again. What do you guys think?

My only concerns are regarding some of the stories I've read about China in the blacklist forum. How "true" are these stories? Like, teachers getting beaten up and forced to complete the contract but not getting paid etc etc. I'm not saying they're lying, but perhaps fabricated a bit?

[gfell]

Hello 8Ball,

You will find that many schools in Japan wont be interested in you if you are applying from outside of Japan. You would get so many more offers and interviews if you told them you were in Japan. So don't let the lack of response turn you off teaching in Japan.

I have never heard of teachers being beaten up by their schools or employers.

[Hypiereon]

I've also never heard of anyone getting beaten up nor "forced" to perform their contract - but there are varying degrees of what someone might call force, and in this instance I mean using any physical means. There are plenty of horror stories out there, and if you're looking to come to China, then (to save me the time of e-mailing it to you or typing it here) please read the 5 Part post I put in the Teaching and Living in China forum.

By all means, stay away from recruiters. You are so much better off on your own in that instance - and by on your own I do not mean alone, I just mean without a recruiter. Read the posts, then if you still have questions about China I'll be happy to try to answer them for you. However, I must warn you that my knowledge and experience are all based out of chengDu - been here almost four years now and so I do know some things about this particular city.

Anything I can do to help and I will if I can find a way.

[Melissia]

Hey, I am currently teaching in Korea and they do hire Asians as English teachers but you will need to go through a good recruiting agency. The school I work for has hired two Asians teachers that were from the states. I am not going to lie, it is harder for Asians to get a job but recruiters are the best way to get into good private schools here. The franchise I work for is known for hiring people not based on race but English ability, even if you do not have experience. I read earlier that you were a tutor always mention that because that is experience teaching. If I can help you any further please let me know, I will be happy to give you the information on the recruiter that I used.

Happy Hunting,
Melissia

[8Ball]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. As I'd mentioned in another thread I have found a job in Japan now. Actually, I have two job offers and I'm trying to decide which one to accept

Thanks again! This is definately one of the friendliest forums I've ever been on!

[english grammar man]

Glad you are happy with the information presented. If ever you have anymore questions or even advice, we would love to hear from you again!

Ganbatte! (Hang in there!)

[rwall7943]

I would agree, China and Japan are going to be your best bet. You want to feel comfortable with whatever country you are in, that will make for a better teaching experience for you.