ESL Lesson Plan

can i teach English in China even if I 'm not a native speaker or ESL certification?But I mention I graduated English language and Literature...so is that possible?
thanks for yr reply,
Ina

I agree with you that the "Art of Guanxi" is important. This is something of value throughout the world, but I am not sure if one should follow your references given at the end of the article.

As you published: "However, it is possible to lose your guanxi- and this is something you don’t want to do. At work, play it safe, and do what you can to remain on the right side of the people who can help you. Smile, remain calm when things go wrong (which they often will!) and never, ever, show them your angry side."

I believe, and from personal experience have seen foreigners used and cheated from individual operating illegal schools here in China. I think following your advice is fair to a point. You should also add to this advice to look into the background of those you are planning to work for. Personally I hate seing foreigners feeling trapped by agreements and then asked to do more than what is expected. "Kissing somebody's hind-end does not qualify as being right for keeping one's quanxi!" Also, adding to the list of things done under the term of corruption is not proper, do you think?

My wife and I operate a private English school here in Baotou. She is Chinese and I am American, and in the past 6 years we could have got a lot of things if, of course we agreed to doing things "under-the-table". I think foreigner teachers should keep their morals to the best of the ability, remember whast is right is right, and wrong is wrong.

You gave great advice, but it is important to recognize that favors often require favors - a great relationship with someone for getting things needed should be with one you can trust, as well as one who is upfront about how it is done.

Well, I am so pleasantly surprised at how interesting you have made this site! Congratulations. I was lucky enough to visit China several years ago and I loved China. If I didn't have three children to worry about (haha, they are in their 20's) and a husband with a business, I'd be there in a flash! Maybe someday...Keep up the good work. Peace! VC

Ni hao Carol, great job! Very informative and readable. Will use the "think, pair, share." Plus I agree with you about China! Taught in a summer program in Jiangsu Province last year. Loved it! Loved China! Loved the students! Loved CCTV-Ch9. Can't wait to go back.
Zha Jian,
Ann

I enjoyed the July newsletter very much. I will use some of the lesson plan ideas. Thank you. Linda :)

Hi carol,
I don’t usually have the time to browse news letters but being the procrastinator that I am, while trying to find a travel agent in China for local travel, I opened your news letter. I’m glad I did. Very interesting, informative and readable. Keep up the good work. “I’ll be back”!
While I’m here (hehe) can you or any of your readers suggest a travel agent for local travel?
Obviously one they’ve used with some satisfaction. I’m living in Guangdong and my daughter will be visiting from London for a few weeks. I’d like to take her to some of touristy places, like the Great Wall, the Palaces,Xi-an etcetera etcetera. Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Feichang ganxie.(Many thanks,)
Be happy and well.
Dennis.

Dear Carol

Congratulatons for the job that
you have done. Mário and I wonder if a non- native can teach in china for let's say a semester. I am looking forsuch an amazing experience however I think being in this position "puts" me in disadvantage. I have been teaching for almost 15 years. I have a degree and the experience at the university but... I wish I could here from you.

Yours,

Mário

Hi Ina and Mario,

Since you both asked the same question, I thought I'd answer it at the same time.

It is possible to get a job teaching English in China as a non-native English speaker. Just be forewarned that you may run into a bit of discrimination based on your accent and skin-color.

I don't exactly know why this happens, but it does. When I first came to China, I asked my students to describe me. They said I had blonde hair and blue eyes. When I told them to look again (as I have brown hair and green eyes), they still insisted that they were right. It seems that for some Chinese, a foreigner= a person with blue eyes and blonde hair.

It is still possible though, as I myself have hired non-native English speakers in China before.

Also, as far as teachers without degrees are concerned, it's not impossible to get a job. The only problem is that China is becoming stricter with its visa requirements. If you want a Z visa, which is a work visa, you will have to give them a copy of your university diploma.

The farther west (in China) that you go, of course, the more opportunities non-native English speakers without a degree will have... a simple matter of supply and demand.

Good luck! And let us know how your job search goes!

Carol

Hi Mr. Bean,

I'm glad you commented. I think you raised some very good points. Guanxi is very complicated, and perhaps in my attempts to simplify it, a few things got left by the wayside.

I just want to reiterate that while showing your angry side will not work in your favor in China, that doesn't mean that you can not stand up for your rights. You should never do anything that you don't feel comfortable with.

You might notice in China that yes sometimes actually means no and that when someone smiles at you, it doesn't necessarily mean that he/she is happy with you. Chinese people are known for their poker faces... so you might want to practice yours before heading this way!!

Also, there is no such thing as a free lunch. If a Chinese person does you a favor, be prepared to be asked to return that favor. Though being a foreigner sometimes makes Chinese people think that you are able to do things for them like get them a visa to the US, you need to be upfront with them about what you can and cannot do. I find that for the most part, remembering your pleases and thank yous in China will keep your head afloat.

Thanks again for your comments.

Carol

thank you, carol, so much for your newsletter. i'm presently looking for work in ecuador, taiwan and new zealand. pete.

Hi everyone!

For job searches, please visit http://www.eslemployment.com.

Good luck with your job hunting!

Carol Rueckert
Writer, ESL Lesson Plan
crueckert@eslemployment.com
www.esl-lesson-plan.com