TEACHING ESL IN CHINA

HAHAHA!!!! Megan, have no fear!!!

As I said EVERYBODY I ever sent to Buckland got a contract and a job. Period. Of course they would "like" 2 years experience, but really that is just an attempt to keep away tourists looking for a free place to stay while they decide where to go next. I had no experience at all, literally coming to China 3 weeks after my TESOL course..... They will send you a contract. No degree needed, no experience needed, all you need is a plane ticket to Guilin!

And hey Bob,

Are you actually in China and what documents are you waiting for? You really CANNOT get a work visa yourself. It must be done by the school and typically they are done within China. If you are waiting for invite letters and such from the university then you would be applying for a business visa in Canada, which can be done, but does not legally entitle you to work in China. If you can get a Z visa in Canada good on ya, but I have never heard of it done that way. Every other teacher I know, including me, was told to come on a tourist visa and the work visa is done here.

Waiting is normal in China. China time is different for foreigners. They could very well be waiting to see if they can find some local talent in order to have less worry of walk-outs and no-shows. Or they could simply have forgotten or put it onto the growing "to-do" pile.

The new job I am starting next week is deathly afraid of foreign teachers walking out 1-2 weeks into the job because it does happen a lot. Many folks come over here for a contract and then are overwhelmed by the cultural differences or just the condition of the school/city they end up in and bolt back home on the next flight. That's why the recruiter who got me my most recent job offers 6000rmb to folks not in China, but 12,000rmb to those already here.... A safer bet and they hope to attract more people already in the country who are less of a flight risk.

Stick to your guns and perhaps send some resumes to other schools/universities while you are waiting.

As for the Z visa. it will be the length of your contract, nothing more. So if you left half way through the contract for example, you would still have the time left on the Z visa to get another visa arranged. The school may (if you leave under bad circumstances) threaten to cancel your visa, but I really don't think that is even possible. However, make sure YOU hold on to your passport at all times, unless it is in processing for the visa itself. The school has no right to hold it and it is meant to stay in your possession, though you do not need to carry it in China. No police or otherwise authority figures will ask for it unless crossing an international border or booking a hotel room or flight.

What university did you apply at?

Hi Anthony,

I have some questions about the Chinese culture for you. Ive hard form some sources that in the Chinese culture touching the top of the head is a bad thing. Ive also hear that there is no cheese in China! Are these rumors true? and are there any other cultural taboo's I should know about?

Hi Megan,

The touching of the head thing is 100% Thailand, not China. In Thai belief the head is closest to god, therefore holy and should not be touched, especially by foreigners. Also you should try not to point your feet at anyone when sitting, instead curl them under you, as they are farthest from god and therefore unholy.

As for cheese, well, Cheese in Chinese is "Old Milk" which is a turn off to most Chinese people. The common custom here is to buy fresh food for every meal, often traveling to the supermarket 3 times a day, or at very least once EVERY morning. The concept of food left to age and mature is VERY foreign here. That said, you can get cheese, just a matter of where and selection. Most cities now will have some "foreign supermarket" somewhere that has a small selection at least of goodies. Depends where you end up. In my first job, (many years ago mind you) I had to take a 3 hour train to a neighboring city to find the one foreign market (the size of a walk in closet) which had imported goodies, including cheese. However now it should not be so tough. Where I am now I can find a massive selection of cheeses, many more than I ever even heard of back home, as they are imported from all over the world. Also new Costco like stores called "Metro" are popping up which have great selections of imported goodies. Worst case scenario on your holiday you can take a little visit to Hong Kong, where they have everything under the sun. I few more tough items are coffee (unless you dont mind instant coffee, usually pre mixed powder with milk and sugar already) and deodorant. You can sometimes find antiperspirant, but that's pointless here, deodorant I still need to go to Hong Kong for, so you might want to stock up before coming. The locals, for the most part, do NOT wear deodorant...... EVER!!!! But I discovered something very interesting. When my supply ran out, I stopped using it too, and I did not stink... I don't know if its the food or what, but a day without deodorant is a minor thing here, whereas back home it would be an issue.....

As for other cultural things, well, there are many (of course) but nothing too crazy like the head touching thing. People here are much more open and friendly and one annoying aspect of the culture is the staring.... No matter what you look like, smell like or what you are doing, people WILL stop and openly stare. More so in the smaller towns. Nothing can be done about this, you just have to get used to it. I have gotten into the habit of winking and blowing kisses, or simply staring intently back until they turn away. Many people do get put off by it though. Also they will all say hello to the back of your head. Seriously. Everywhere you go, shy people (adults mostly) will wait till you have passed then quickly shriek out "Hello! Where are you from?" The reason I say adults, is usually the kids will come up and say it directly to you, adults wont. I hate to mention a potentially touchy subject, but better prepared than not. You mentioned you were a bigger girl. I am a big guy, so I am speaking from much experience. Your students, friends and others on the street WILL ask you "Why are you so fat?" ..... Guaranteed. They are NOT doing it to be rude though! The language barrier means they use the simple information they have and they will be genuinely curious. I am always honest and tell them. "Western people eat lots of McDonalds and KFC and drive cars too much instead of walking." Instead of taking it as a cop-out, they will simple nod their heads and completely understand. Being "fat" in China doesn't have quite the same stigma as it does back home. In Canada it typically means lazy and no self control, even though that isn't necessarily true at all. But here, ESPECIALLY in the smaller cities it means Strong, Healthy and Rich!! I have people who will ask my why I am fat in one breath, scold me when I tell them I want to lose weight! Most of the men would give a million bucks to be strong and handsome like me! Grandmas often look at me admiringly and tell me they wish their sons and grandsons look like me. Please remember when it happens (and it will, oh it will) this is a country that traditionally has been under fed and skinny as all get out!! Just because you don't look like them and they are curious, doesn't mean they are trying to be cruel, often curiosity more than anything else. Take it that way and you wont feel so upset.

On other cultural tidbit I can think of is that Chinese people are a very humble race. When you give them praise, secretly they will love it, but outwardly they will deny it to the ends of the earth. If you do the same, you will be a star!! When they tell you how beautiful you are (they will) and how smart you are (they will) don't say thank you, as we are taught back home. Instead deny it like you life depends on it! "oh no no no no, I am just a simple teacher, not handsome at all" This will make you seem more humble and therefore more like them. If you learn a little Chinese (which you should anyways) you will become a superstar to them, and then you can tell them "Nali Nali" *pronounced Na-lee na-lee* which means "Where? Where?" and is an idioms for no I am not, not at all. That one little phrase (nali nali) will endear you to everyone who hears and bring you to the Chinese level, as opposed to arrogant westerners, who when praised, admit their superiority and say "thanks"

Well, there a bunch to digest...... Did you get a contract from Buckland yet?

I wasn’t sure if I should contact them yet because I have signed up for 2 semesters of university class. I figured I would contact them in late March or April just before my classes end so I can hopefully go over as soon as I am out of school. Since I didn’t know about them earlier I had already paid for my classes.

One of my classes is a Mandarin class and I’m taking Asian-Pacific rim in geography so I am very excited to attend.

Do you think I should send them my information now instead?

Ahhhhh

I see you are a long term planner Megan. I really do hope it works out that way, and it does seem like you are doing all the right things to prepare. Be warned though, of every potential teacher I have ever known, only 5% or less actually made it out of Canada unless they were leaving almost immediately after the course, like myself. Jobs, relationships and miscellaneous "stuff" just always seems to pop up. To this day, 7 years later, I get emails from my Global TESOL classmates who took the training, were super hyped and ready to teach, who never left Edmonton.... Not trying to be negative, just my own experience...

As for Buckland......

No worries. Buckland has been around for more than 7 years and they will always have a job for you. If you applied now they would simply tell you great, please send us an email closer to your arrival.

Likely since you are finished your school at the regular school time they would ask you to come in late august, since coming at the end of the semester makes it much harder to find work. Schools wont hire teachers at the end of term. I would send them the email at the beginning of next august then start getting your shots... If you sent them the info now they would likely forget it anyways, since there will be many MANY teachers going through Buckland before next year.

Glad to hear you are studying Mandarin back home. Unless you are a super genius don't expect to do too well. Not trying to be negative, but I could not even imagine learning Mandarin without living in a place everyone spoke it. Even with full immersion here and 2 semesters of Local University level Mandarin, I still ain't that good.... :) Don't let it get you down though!!! The foundation will make you a instant star when you get here and earn you not only brownie points, but possibly MUCH better jobs in the future.

Hope it all goes your way and keep in touch when you hit the PRC!!!!

I already have my shots (i had planned to go last year but in the end could not afford the plane ticket. I know what you mean about people not getting out there no one from my TESOL classes last year are out yet, the closest someone has got was one of us became an ESL teacher in Canada for foreign exchange students.

Hi

I have been keeping up with the posts on this wall and just want to thank Megan for asking all these questions which I'm sure most of us have had almost the same ones. And Anthony, thank you for being so open and honest and informative about your experiences and knowledge.

I had a question for Anthony. I've looked at the Buckland group and am interested in it. I am planning to go this Jan/Feb, when should I apply? Is sooner better? Also if I apply with someone do you know the chances of us being able to get jobs in the same city?

Thank you for your time,
Aimee

Hi Aimee

Well, don't call Owen today, or he will just try desperately you get you here tomorrow! :) School officially starts on Wednesday! Which means 2 more days before I start work and peak time for teachers coming to China!

:)

Jan/Feb is a great time to come but I wouldn't bother contacting Buckland till December. Too early and they will just forget as now is the peak time for them getting teachers out to the schools. During the actual semester they do school visits and take care of hundred of teachers rent, bills, pay, visas, etc, so contacting him now isn't in your best interests.

However, I would contact Buckland early in December and specifically request a school looking for 2 teachers. It really shouldn't be a problem as the school he sent me to had 2 friends from same city in Canada before me. There is no lack of work for teachers, but giving Buckland a bit of notice will help them be prepared for a double job. Really it is better for Buckland and eventually the school as it could seriously reduce travel and headaches.

Good luck and glad to hear so many people are considering Buckland to start out as I did.....

I REALLY need to ask Owen about a cut...... ;)

Hi Megan,

yep, I too know some who did the stay in Canada teaching, but from what I have heard, those who get experience outside of Canada can almost expect better ESL jobs back home since they often have some fundamentals in other languages and definitely cultural experience you could never get back home. I certainly am glad I didn't do it that way. It would have just been a job back home like any other, not a wild and crazy 7 year adventure like it has been!