FAQ / Thnking about the plunge / My Story..

[steve123]

Hi all

Yet another newbie wishing to know all about it once again - sorry - I know it gets boring for you lot that are "onsite" and are actually living/doing it in China.

Still deciding if it is for me or not.

Finishing up after getting outsourced from IT - Sick of PC problems so need a career change and thinking of taking a TESOL course

I'm 48 and without a degree so China seems to be the best place to start in my new career after I complete it.

However I some queries for you.

Do schools seriously employ 49 year old blokes with no degree and no experience or am i just donating $2000 to some people here in Sydney?

Where in China for a first job (as above) should I be looking at?

I've read the best thing to do is travel to the city of your choice and try and get a job when you arrive - isn't it hard to get the correct visa after you enter the country?

thanks in advance - and please bear with me lol

steve

[BBrian]

Don't pay $2000 for a TESOL course. Just do an online TESL course and it will open the same doors for you and cost a heap load less.

At your age, with no experience nor degree, it will be tough to pickup an English teaching job. But I suppose nothing ventured, nothing gained right? You should try teaching in rural China. You would have better luck there.

I would try and get a job with via an agent prior. If no luck, then still go try your luck. You also need to tell schools that you are available within 1 weeks notice. That way, you may be able to find a desperate school willing to hire you. Also, attach a "young looking" photo to your applications. Stress that the photo is recent but make sure it is a young looking photo.

Really, don't do that $2000 course. Much cheaper alternatives around. Definitely though do get some teaching qualification prior.

[skydolphin]

Alot of cultures consider age an asset. 48 is young these days. I no longer take our western culture seriously. Try some smaller African or Latin countries where a degree isn't required. Churches/missions have jobs. They don't pay well but the experience would probably be better than living in a westernized Asian city.