English teacher job in China with an Asian appearance

Member since 22 February 2018

lucijenMember15 March 2018 03:08:29

I am an Australian born Chinese and looking to move to China in a few months. In particular, I am only considering Shanghai at the beginning as my family is there and that is the reason I am going.

I am looking at my job options and it seems teaching English is an easy way to secure a work visa. However, after doing a bit of search on Google, it seems that it is not that easy for an Asian-looking person to be teaching English there.

I would like to know your experiences with regards to this and also if a difference in salary should be expected.

Thanks in advance.

VANNROX China Expert

Member since 12 August 2017

VANNROXChina Expert15 March 2018 12:08:17

632

Oh it's not as bad as you would think. If you are outgoing and personable you won't have any trouble. i have many friends who are Asian or ABC Chinese and they are quite successful. It's all in your attitude.聽 Best of luck.

jirou Member

Member since 25 September 2016

jirouMember21 March 2018 09:45:45

Having some experience with this... It depends on the School or Learning Center where you're trying to get hired.聽 It also has to do with the students parents...
They will say you have a chinese accent even if you have never spoken a word of chinese a day in your life.聽 If you speak chinese I would pretend you have no idea what they are saying.
I have been in the situation where both teachers were accepted and where they had a very difficult time.聽 It wasn't due to the qualified teachers... it was parents and admin.

lucijen Member

Member since 22 February 2018

lucijenMember04 April 2018 06:36:49

Ok, thanks. So I guess you are Asian and you managed to get a teaching job in Shanghai then?

I mean....I can't even get a job right now because the first thing they ask for is a photo....

I'm wondering now what other jobs ABCs do in China as I really want to go.

jirou Member

Member since 25 September 2016

jirouMember04 April 2018 06:44:08

Not an Asian.聽 Just helped with hiring.聽 And I鈥檝e seen it from that angle.

lucijen Member

Member since 22 February 2018

lucijenMember04 April 2018 06:47:39

Ah ok, well....looks like I'm going to have to approach this job hunting differently then. Anyway, thanks for the reply.

jirou Member

Member since 25 September 2016

jirouMember05 April 2018 20:44:23

You just need to show you鈥檙e qualified.聽 The Asians that are successfully hired are the ones with a teaching background and education degree.聽 They also have no knowledge of mandarin.聽聽These things make it easier for the parents to accept.聽 Still stupid as others come with any bachelor degree and willingness to teach.