Comments on: 5 things to check before accepting a teaching job in China

By: John Correia

John Correia — Mon, 31 May 2021 02:38:24 +0000

Hello. I am currently working at the age of 64 in Anhui province. The mystery is yearly: if I will be allowed a new visa. In Anhui I met another teacher hired when she was 63 going on 64. China retires its teachers at 60. As a Canadian, we now have laws against ‘age discrimination.’ In China they have the right to set limits and laws. We older ‘experienced teachers’ are often better at managing teaching in China, yet the younger teachers are better dealing with the younger students. Chinese attitudes are based on ‘health concerns’ for those 60 or older: they don’t want to deal with illness or death of foreign nationals. I will then remind the readers that my ex-wife died when she was 65 after retiring from teaching EFL. This year I turn 65. It is my view to cherish working with the ‘senior foreign teachers.’ My employer is West Anhui University. My contract ends in January 2022. Seeing my brother-in-law pass away at 59 is a reminder ‘life is unpredictable.’ If you are a senior, try to find an employer who values what we have to offer. Some provinces are desperate to find suitable foreign teaching applicants.

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 10 May 2018 09:36:49 +0000

You used a picture in your article from the small Naxi town where I teach in Yunnan. Very cool! Also, just a note for those inquiring about teaching in China when they are older, there are some teachers I know in Yunnan that are over 60 and got hired over the age of 60. I’m not sure if that is still allowed here with the new work visa rules that went into place last year, but, it might be worth a look for some people.

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 01:01:31 +0000

In reply to Heather. Hi Heather, in order to work in China you need a Bachelor's degree

By: Heather

Heather — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 18:01:36 +0000

Hello Jim~

I am a 22 year old native English speaking female, who has a AS degree in Science and Math. I have been thinking about trying to teach abroad, however many of the websites I have seen plainly state that you need a bachelors degree of some sort and a TESOL certification. I would be looking into getting an online certification for TESOL with a course time of 250 hours, possibly a little less. Would it be feasible for me to get a job in a smaller private school in China with just those certifications?

By: Yesenia

Yesenia — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 10:29:52 +0000

Hello,
Im a recent grad. I have a BA in Sociology & Spanish, but thinking about teaching English. Would you recommend going through an agency or just applying for jobs. I want to make sure I’m making the correct moves. So far, footprints has interviewed me and asked for some scanned copies of things. I just want to know how did you did it? Ps. I know you posted this a few years ago and I hope you still respond 🙂

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 03:14:18 +0000

In reply to Raymond Nerbonne.

Hi Raymond. Thanks for the comment. We focus mainly on recruiting for positions in China where they require teachers to be under the age of 60 (55 in some areas such as Guangdong) in order to apply for the work visa. I have heard of schools that have hired teachers older than 60 however this can often mean going through a lengthy and costly visa application process which can often get declined, so a lot of schools are unwilling to take this chance. In my experience, schools that teach adult and business English are more likely to hire older teachers as it is commonly believed, rightly or wrongly, that younger teachers are better suited to teaching kids.

Best of luck

Jim

By: Raymond Nerbonne

Raymond Nerbonne — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 11:33:29 +0000

Hi! I’m 64 years old,have a BA in education,a certificate from Bridge International in TEFL(60hrs),a certificate in ESOL from Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts, I taught in China in 2009 both at a private school and in my home and am now tutoring a Chinese adult here in the states. My question is at the tender age of 64 is there anyplace overseas,anyplace place that I can teach. It seems a waste to have all this experience,and a love of teaching and not be able to use it. Anywhere at all?

By: Star Alcorcon

Star Alcorcon — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 06:57:23 +0000

In reply to Jim. Hi! Thank you very much Jim. I will be having my skype interview tonight and I am nervous about it because I really want to be part of Disney. I kept on reading your interview tips as well. Thanks.

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 02:41:10 +0000

In reply to Star Alcorcon. Hi - usually there is an initial interview to find out a bit more about you and your teaching, followed by an online questionnaire which covers your views on teaching and living in China and then a second, more in depth Skype interview.

By: Star Alcorcon

Star Alcorcon — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 13:45:10 +0000

Hi Jim! How many interview does the Disney usually require? What happens after the skype interview?