Messages by Shelly

hey Robert,

Cats are still domestic pets here, but just not as popular as they are back home. Most Chinese kids want a bunny, turtle or puppy. lol

I left my 2 kittens at home b/c it would have cost them a fortune to bring over. I heard from a friend that you're looking at at least the cost of your ticket up to double. On top of that there's all the shots, passport, etc.

I'm not sure what your contract is like but you might find it hard to be home enough for the kitten, esp. if you plan on traveling (which you will).

Basically, if you want a kitten, buy one here. You can find them sold for as little as 30rmb, up. And you can find all the cat food, toys, etc here too.

So ya, if you're really missing a furry friend just buy one here. I wanted to, but I'm not here for much longer.

Hope that helps!

If you have any more questions about China send me an e-mail at:

shellyyy.vo@gmail.com

Hey Adam,

I had the same problem myself when looking for a job. I'm not in N.E. China in a city called Changchun. Even most cities (the larger ones) in China require a degree. I wanted to work in Beijing/Shanghai, but wasn't able to land a position without a degree, but Changchun is close enough to travel there.

If you'd like some help in coming to China feel free to contact me. I've been helping my school hire enthusiastic and
qualified teachers.

shellyyy.vo@gmail.com

Hey Marina,

Are you open to Mainland China? In Hong Kong the government language is English, so finding a job there is a little more difficult. I'm currently in Changchun, China (near Beijing) and if you're open to other parts of China let me know. I have a Vietnamese background and even though I was born in Canada it was almost impossible for me to find a job here. Some schools are willing to look past it, but most are not. I have a feeling that if I were actually Chinese my chances would be even worse.

Another thing, you'll have to lie about not having any teaching experience. Schools know that TESOL is only a one week course and will require more experience. Especially in high paying places like Hong Kong.

You could just fly to Hong Kong, but that's an expensive ticket. It's always easier if you have contracts. I would find an agency and see if they can help you find a place together.

E-mail me if I can be of more assistance.

shellyyy.vo@gmail.com

Hey Ben,

It's going to be pretty hard to get a job unless you know someone already in China who can get your foot in the door. Or I would suggest using a recruiter.

I'm in China without a degree but it wasn't easy. Or course Jim gave you that information. If he was upfront about it, you wouldn't have taken the course.

E-mail me if you need some help:
shellyyy.vo@gmail.com

Hey Christian,

Here are the facts:

- I was told I could find a job without a degree no problem, even in great cities like Shanghai and Beijing - LIE

- I was also told that being Asian (even though I was born in Canada) would not affect the process - LIE

Schools won't waste their time with someone who only has TESOL and they won't look twice if you don't have a HS diploma.

Think of it this way: education in China is HUGE. Students spend their full-day, weekends, holidays and everything else you can think of studying. There's no such thing as a break or holiday here. Hiring a teacher with less education than the students you could be teaching just won't happen.

If you don't mind me asking, what's your Native background? I'm Vietnamese myself and I finally found a job in China, but it took months (waaaaaay too long) and I ended up in a city that drops to about -20 in the winter. It's not horrible, but it's for sure not what I expected before taking the course.

TESOL was a good experience, but I would take anything the instructors or representatives say with a grain of salt. After all, they get their paycheck by signing up more students. I found this out the hard way.

Your only hope in finding a job without a degree would involve flying here yourself and trying to land a position by convincing them you're good enough. This will be hard since China isn't Canada and things are dealt with differently here. Make a friend in China who may be able to at least get your foot in the door.

E-mail me at: shellyyy.vo@gmail.com if you have more questions, unlike the TESOL reps I'll be honest with you.

Hi Karen,

I may be able to help you. I am in Changchun, which is close too Beijing but the company who brought me where was wonderful and I think they have connections in Beijing too since we always went there.

I also have schools here in Changchun that are looking for teachers and can make sure you are taken care of. Either way, give me a shout!

Send me an e-mail at:

shellyyy.vo@gmail.com

I know what it's like to go through the pains of finding a job overseas.

Hey Asif,

I'm in N.E. China (Changchun city) and the winters are brutal. It gets to -20 here and it's really, really, cold. I'm from Ontario and used to snow, etc... but nothing could prepare you for this.

To give you an idea:

You'll wear layers, like even under your jeans and you will often wear your winter jacket/gear indoors too. So some days you never take off your coat. Some places have heating but it's rare. There are no carpets here, so that makes it a little colder. There isn't a lot of snow at all... just really cold temps.

Unless they are paying you tons, I would go somewhere warmer. The winters aren't worth it.

Hope this helps!

Hi Heather,

I came to China with my best friend. She had a degree and I didn't, so finding a job was a bit difficult... but I'm here!

So, if you still need help e-mail me at:

shellyyy.vo@gmail.com

- Shelly :)

Hi Aigerim,

I'm in China and could help you with positions here.

E-mail me at:

shellyyy.vo@gmail.com

- Shelly

Hey Nadine,

I took the June 2009 course in Toronto and I had trouble finding jobs without a degree as well. I'm now in Changchun, China (near Beijing) with a one year contract. If you still need help send me an e-mail at:

shellyyy.vo@gmail.com

I'm sure I can help you find a job here.

- Shelly