Heading to China - TEFL and Discrimination

[chicagoguy]

Hello All,

I am new to the forum and new to the idea of teaching ESL abroad.

I have a few questions and hope you all can help me.

First, I am currently in Chicago, IL. I would like to work/live in Shanghai, I am looking at moving in June of 2008. I have a Degree from Michigan State University in Public Policy and Psychology and have spent the past 5 years working as a fundraiser in Washington, DC and Chicago. I also have been teaching GED classes, although not specifically ESL but with many ESL students.

First, I know that I will need a TEFL, who is the best organization to get this through? Second, Is it reasonable to get a good job from here before I leave or do I have to go to China to get a good job? Finally, I see a lot of organizations asking for pictures, as an African American will I face any disadvantage in the hiring process?

[gfell]

Welcome to the world of teaching. I'm sure once you get your feet settled wherever it may be, you will enjoy your new career.

Just on a side note, when creating threads here, please keep each thread focussed on the one topic. We do have a TEFL / Teacher Training forum for your above question. Take a look at http://www.aacircle.com.au/tesl_tefl.htm for quite a comprehensive list of TEFL courses, lengths and approx. costs. It's just a matter of finding a course that suits your needs. There are online, weekend and 4-week+ intensive teacher training courses.

The sad fact of reality is, you will face discrimination in China based on your skin colour. All you can do is try and keep fingers crossed. Try before you arrive to China, and if you don't land yourself a job, then try after you arrive to China. The only way to know if you can get a job or not is by just trying.

Be it said though, there are non-caucasian English teachers in China, so don't let your hopes fade.

[waixingren]

You don't need a TEFL for most jobs in China. I used Bridge-Linguatec for mine and thought it was pretty good. You should be able to find a job before moving to Shanghai and I'd think you'd have a better time finding a job there than in most other places in China. You might want to consider finding a job that isn't with a school--you might have better luck.