Getting a Teaching job without TEFL certification or bachelors

atrokey
 January 24, 2011, 12:33 AM posted in General Discussion

Does anyone have any experience trying to find a job in China teaching English without either a bachelors degree or TEFL certification? I want to know if it's possible. Not necessarily at an accredited university, but at a smaller school or less official english training channels.

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pretzellogic
 January 24, 2011, 02:24 AM

I have no experience with teaching English in China.  The  people I know that did it have college degrees.  The interesting thing is that i've looked around in Beijing, and  there seem to be requests here and there for English teachers without much information on the requirements.  It wouldn't surprise me if you can teach English without a degree, as long as you're a native English speaker

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pretzellogic
 January 24, 2011, 02:24 AM

I have no experience with teaching English in China.  The  people I know that did it have college degrees.  The interesting thing is that i've looked around in Beijing, and  there seem to be requests here and there for English teachers without much information on the requirements.  It wouldn't surprise me if you can teach English without a degree, as long as you're a native English speaker

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toianw
 January 24, 2011, 02:50 AM

Hi atrokey

I recently had to apply for a new working visa for teaching in Beijing. It seems the visa requirements for teachers here have become a lot tougher recently. I was told you need to have:

 

  • a bachelors degree or above
  • a teaching certificate (TESOL or CELTA)
  • at least 2 years teaching experience

I'm not sure if this just applies to Beijing (and big cities) though. The requirements might not be so strict in smaller cities where it's probably more difficult to attract teachers. I'd be surprised if all teaching posts available could be filled if these requirements are imposed (especially the 2 years experience part, as many teachers seem to start their teaching career in China). I think the bachelors degree is required for the foreign expert certificate, though I've known people in the past who have worked here without one.  

I's also be interested to hear from others who have recently started working in China to see if these 'rules' are always being followed. It's likely there are ways around it if a school really wants you.       

 

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clare_cw1
 January 24, 2011, 03:36 AM

I know at least 4 people who have teaching experience, and did a decent demo class but have no degree - and the school got around this restriction by manufacturing a degree certificate without (initially) the teachers knowledge (our school manager was a wizard on photoshop......), I don't know regarding the CELTA etc. but it varies by province and in my province too you need a degree.

I don't promote this - but in the past (when I didn't want to be tied to a school) I have enrolled for one semester with minimum number of Chinese classes at a small university (around 3000Y - or 240/month and I actually wanted to take the classes...) and got a 1 year visa and then taught in training schools (substituting) and part time at well known university.

I think if you take your classes and teaching - but not yourself - seriously, and are honest and commited to a school in all practicality most don't care so much about the qualifications or visa validity.