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Thanks for the insight Donald.. I guess now I need to find out about the Z visa too, as I would rather not travel there only to have to return shortly thereafter.

Without a degree you may end up working outside the major cities. (like Changsha) Yes, having white skin increases your chances as the perception is white teachers speak english better than other races (not true in reality). I work in Shijiazhuang. I am also from Edmonton. If you do come to china before getting work you can expect to travel out of China to obtain your Z visa. 3 years ago I had to make a trip to Hong Kong. I am not sure what the rules are today, but I have heard that you must go back to your home (Canada) country to get the Z visa. ( I could be wrong on that one)

Hello Mohsin

I have been here in China for the last 6 months and I am having one of the most wonderful experience of my life. I completely understand what you are going through but please keep plugging away. One day someone will give in and see you for who you are. Once you are in the loop, so to speak, and you have proven yourself how worthy and good at what you do, there's no turning back. The offers and appreciations keep pouring in. I hope this helps. Good Luck Mohsin. I am off to work now.

Patricia

Hello all! I am a recent graduate of TESOL in Edmonton, Canada and am interested in teaching English in China. While my original plan was to find employment before going over there, a friend of mine who recently returned from teaching a year in Changsha told me not to bother worrying about finding employment before I leave, but rather to wait until I arrive to find employment as I would have no difficulty getting work. Can anyone speak to this? I do plan to spend a couple months ‘adjusting’ before worrying about work, and am in a financial position to do so for a couple months at least, but am apprehensive about my adventure being cut short due to lack of work. While I have my TESOL course, I have no other relevant certification. I am 30/M and Caucasian (I feel it shouldn’t matter to point that out but I understand it can make a difference.) Any feedback would be appreciated! Oh, and the reason I say Changsha is that I have contacts there who although are no longer teaching will still be able to help me find accommodation and adapt to the culture shock, at first!

Hello Mary and donald:

After applying to close to 50 positions, one of my good friends finely told me that unless I had blond hair and blue eyes good luck in trying to find work in China and or the middle east. Despite being born and raised in Canada (edmonton), and being a native english speaker, a lot of employers keep seeing just another non "blond hair blue eyed" individual. My parents are from Pakistan, so maybe that what it is.... But Donald I still havent given up, god willing there is something or someone out there that sees past the ethnicity.

Hi stephanie:

Can you please say that your only seeking female teachers, as its frustrating to apply, ask for more information only to recieve a long overdue message saying only looking for females.. would make a lot of people lives easier...

cheers

Mo

Good Morning gentlemen..

Mohsin here,

I graduated from the Program 2: Professional TESOL Certificate Program (240 hours) and despite applying for many positions that were even advertised in the forums, have received 3 things, either no response, not hiring ( no reason given), or all of a sudden only seeking female teachers.. Any advice from any of you would be greatly appreciated. I am 34 and Born and raised in Canada, english being my first language.. I love all walks of life and different cultures. Working out is my favorite past time.

Sorry thought I would reveal a bit of information about myself.

Just need direction in finding either a good contact or site to apply for a position either in china, or middle east..

if you could email me at mohs786@hotmail.com, would appreciate all and any advice..

thanks for reading

Mohsin Saeed

Whose morals? TESOL has not broken any Canadian Laws nor does Canadian law apply to other countries. We do not live in a perfect world. If TESOL were to do as you suggest then the entire ESL industry would be affected. My point is that I should have the choice based on information I have. TESOL provides me with some information I want. It is up to the individual to research that information and make a choice. I do care about discrimination. The labour laws in China are not consistent with the labour laws in Canada. That does not mean ESL teachers should not teach in China nor does it mean TESOL should stop advertising positions in China or any other country. Yes I am a native speaker of English. The jobs advertised are marketed towards English Native speakers.

Just wondering if there are any TESOL/ESOL schools in Sydney that I could apply for a position as a teacher sometime in August. I am now in China and it's been a tremendous experience. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to teach in China.

Patricia

Donald, your answer is typical of that which comes from somebody wo couldn't care less..."if you want to go abroad to teach English, then rethink...you can't choose the system". This you can say because you are a native speaker and who may not be interested in teaching abroad. But if for a moment you put yourself on others' shoes; the shoes of those who took the TESOL Course who upon graduation are referred to the job bank. Would you not be disappointed when you see that almost all postings therein are for native speakers only? To think that those discriminatory postings are fully supported by Global TESOL Canada?

The issue I am raising is that Global TESOL Canada is morally and LEGALLY obligated to distance itself from these illegal recruitment practices UNDER CANADIAN LABOUR LAWS.