African English teachers in China

[Chikko]

i recently graduated my B.Ed and also a holder of TESOL certificate,I am African nationality ,what are my chances of getting teaching English job in China.I am so looking forward to start my career as a teacher ,i have no experience of teaching before, I always hear that they need only white people from USA,UK Canada,Newzealand and australia.Are there any africans here to help me

[gwr71]

Dear Chikko,

You should know by now that China has investments in Africa.  There is a growing Chinese community all over Africa.  I  would like you to check your country for any big company there and make some contacts.  Also don't feel inferior because you are non-white.  You are just as good as any other person with your qualifications.  The question now remains as to your level of Mandarin.  

Also you should be aware that TESOL has global affiliates like

You should also check your contacts at TESOL for any positions in China.  

 

Don't be afraid of writing to the Universities in China.  Again what is your level of Mandarin? 

[ChTTay]

Actually, the visa requirements for teaching English in China mean you need to be from a native speaking country. This is regardless of race. The requirement is really just about your passport. 

 

You could find work in China teaching English but it’s very likely you’d not be working on the right visa (a work visa). It’s likely it wouldn’t feel like a very stable kind of work situation. 

 

I dont really know what gwr71 is talking about. It doesn’t matter about contacts etc if you want to legally work in China. Also, your mandarin skills aren’t really a factor when it comes to teaching English. Anyone that hires English teachers speaks English to some degree and when you’re teaching it they absolutely don’t want you to speak Chinese. 

[gwr71]

i stand corrected.

[Lu]

On 10/12/2017 at 12:36 AM, ChTTay said:

Actually, the visa requirements for teaching English in China mean you need to be from a native speaking country. This is regardless of race. The requirement is really just about your passport.

That said, I suspect that even if you're American born and bred, through and through, with the most standard American accent on the market and a certificate to teach English, you'll still have a harder time finding an actual job than if you were white. It's not impossible, but it can be more difficult.

 

@Chikko, I think some African countries count as native English speaking. Are you from one of these countries? That should make things easier.

[ChTTay]

In Africa, only South Africa currently counts as a native speaking country. 

 

Yes, race can influence recruitment and makes it harder. You’re right. 

[roddy]

China also looks for post-degree work experience, which would count against you by the sound of things. 

[gwr71]

don't give up.

[gwr71]

Countries with English as an Official Language and the Language of Instruction in Higher Education

Anguilla	Ireland, Northern	Singapore
Antigua and Barbuda	Ireland, Republic of	Solomon Islands
Australia	Jamaica	South Africa
Bahamas	Kenya	Swaziland
Barbados	Lesotho	Tanzania
Belize	Liberia	Tonga
Bermuda	Malawi	Trinidad and Tobago
Botswana	Malta	Turks and Caicos Islands
British Virgin Islands	Mauritius	Uganda
Cameroon	Montserrat	United Kingdom
Canada (except Quebec)	Namibia	Vanuatu
Cayman Islands	New Zealand	Wales
Dominica	Nigeria	Zambia
England	Papua New Guinea	Zimbabwe
Fiji	St. Kitts and Nevis
Gambia	St. Lucia
Ghana	St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Gibraltar	Scotland
Grenada	Seychelles
Guyana	Sierra Leone

Please be guided as South Africa is not the only nation in Africa to have English as it's official language.

[ChTTay]

I am not saying generally!  

 

I’m saying in China, for their visa requirements, only SA in Africa is classed as “native speaking” country.

 

The rest are: Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, UK, USA, Canada.

[gwr71]

Dear Chikko,

If you are from one of these nations in Africa then you qualify.

They classify according to race. These nations you listed are predominantly white nations except for South Africa.

[gwr71]

Therefore your assumption that China only wants Whites to teach English has some merits.  It may be historic as to show how far China has come from being dominated by Whites prior to the PRC. But don't give up.

[ChTTay]

Here’s a nice summary: https://www.opportunity-china.com/blog/requirements-for-the-z-visa-foreign-expert-permit-to-teach-in-china/

 

Point number one on their list: 

A passport from a native English speaking country: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.

[gwr71]

ChTTay,

I don't doubt you.

[Shelley]

Where did that list come from? Its a good idea to list sources.

It lists England and then also the United Kingdom

I would like to know what the list compiler based it on.

[gwr71]

It has both the individual members of the  Uk and the Uk as a whole. Found it on the web.

[gwr71]

got this from Chinese embassy in Nigeria:

"Employment/ work Visa (Z Visa)
1. Visa issuance notice letter/form from the Chinese governmental organization authorized by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 
2. The original and one photocopy of Employment License for Aliens issued by the Chinese Ministry of Labor and Social Security, or Foreign Expert's Identity Certificate issued by the Chinese State Bureau of Foreign Experts (the original will be checked and returned to the applicant).
3. Physical Examination Record for Foreigners, if the applicant intends to stay in China for more than 12 months. The record should be done by a local hospital, notarized by a notary public, authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and authenticated by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. For detailed information, please read Instructions on Authentication.
4. For staff of the representative office in China, a original Certificate of Registration of the office, a Certificate of Approval for Foreign Company, Registration of Taxation, and proof of office renting; 
5. Original introduction letter from applicant's company in Nigeria; 
6. Original application letter from the consultancy in China; 
7. Proof of applicant's financial standing-----Correct company bank statement (latest 3-6 months) with the bank chop & signature;
8. Original Physical Examination Record for Foreigner, which should be checked up by this office appointed hospital; 
Reminder: Z-Visa is generally valid for 3 months. Applicant should apply for a residence permit from a local Public Security Bureau within 30 days after entering China."
 

This info is from 2012.

[gwr71]

This info is from 2012.

[gwr71]

Dear Chikko,

Please check to see if your home country has an Embassy for the PRC and then contact them. 

[roddy]

Keep going. If you make 8,105 posts you'll achieve helpfulness.