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Q: Any advice on how I could get employed in Tianjin/China
So, I'm a 33-year-old Canadian who recently visited China for the first time, and I was blown away. The culture, the people, the vibe—it was all so different from what propaganda they spew here. I loved every minute of it being there.
Now, here's the thing: I've been working as a Chef for the past nine years in Canada.I've learned so much along the way. But lately, I've been feeling this pull towards something new, something different.
That's why I'm currently taking a TEFL 210 hour Level-5 course. Yeah, I know, it's a bit out of left field considering my background, but hear me out. I've always had this knack for languages, and I've spent a lot of time helping foreigners back home improve their English skills. It's something I genuinely enjoy doing.
I'm dating a Chinese national, so I've got a personal connection to the country. We really want to have a life together, so we have been talking about what I can do to move there, and honestly, even without this connection I really want to explore life there.
I don't have a degree, which sucks, I'll admit. But I'm a hard worker, a fast learner, and I adapt to new environments quickly. Being in China would give me the chance to immerse myself in the culture, pick up some Mandarin, and explore new opportunities.
I've always been interested in a variety of things,I am definetly considered a "multipotentialite." If I could get an opportunity, I fully believe I could do most thing's if I could learn/mentor under someone. Also I already hold a 10-year tourist visa, I figured because I can hold a 10-year work visa as well, that would be appealing to companies who want long term contracts, without having to renew someone's visa every year or two.
So yeah, that's where I'm at right now. If anyone has any advice or tips for living and working in China, I'm all ears.
Thank you very much.
4 weeks 5 days ago in Teaching & Learning - Tianjin
1. You can only legally work on a work visa, so having a 10 year tourist visa means absolutely nothing.
2. For ESL in China, and most other countries as well, no degree=no work permit. Without at least a bachelor's degree, no one cares how many hours your TEFL certification is for. There used to be loopholes for getting around it, but they've all been closed over the past few years.
3. Post-Covid China isn't really the "land of opportunity" that it was in the 2010s.
1. You can only legally work on a work visa, so having a 10 year tourist visa means absolutely nothing.
2. For ESL in China, and most other countries as well, no degree=no work permit. Without at least a bachelor's degree, no one cares how many hours your TEFL certification is for. There used to be loopholes for getting around it, but they've all been closed over the past few years.
3. Post-Covid China isn't really the "land of opportunity" that it was in the 2010s.
What are the requirements for working in China entered in a search engine will give you the answers..
it sounds like you are currently wearing 'China goggles' in what you write and have not spoken to many people about the reality of living and working in China.
Your gf certainly won't know or understand the many many challenges foreign workers have to face.
Being 'blown away by the culture' on a visit as a tourist is VERY different from the reality of living and working in China.
as a tourist you are seen as a source of money to be extracted and only one side of the local attitude to freogners.
When you live and work in China, the attitude is VERY different.
if you want to work in China you have to meet and abide by the legal requirements for working in China.
it is no different from wanting to live and work in any other country as a foreigner.
One requirement for China is a degree.
unless you are super wealthy, despite all you say about yourself, you are not special in the eyes of Chinese law, and this is how you will be viewed.
You will be able to work in China if you receive a job offer from a legitimate employer who can offer you the correct visa.
You will have to return to Canada anyway to begin the via process.
none of the replies you have received are 'condescending', just realsitic.
Good luck !
Jd234:
I was talking only about his search engine comment... Thing's aren't always clear cut, searching can give you many different answers. Which is why I asked for advice, the first comment and yours I appreciate for being more than just what does your search engine say. Basically my only choice is to find a company who will offer me the visa regardless of a BA degree. That will obviously be extremely difficult, but better to try than not at all. Thank you for your reply.
to OP,
did you try contacting either your local consulate/embassy about the requirements for working in China?
This for me would be the first port of call as against a general internet search.
Beware of any company that tells you that you can 'work on a tourist visa and have it converted'
there are so many scams that chinese agents/employers employ against foreign workers, especially the overly optimistic and naieve.
"you can trust us" and other similar phrases should be approached with caution.
i doubt your gf is aware of all the scams that are employed, and might even 'get offended' at the suggestion that this is how foreigners are treated.
good luck !
Try to find a job in a foreign embassy. When you work for an embassy, you are legally working in their country.
You might also check the foreign chambers of commerce in China, where foreign companies look for employees for their Chinese subsidiaries.
Perhaps you can find employment in an international hotel chain, as a chef or manager?
It is a huge challenge to live and work in China, be realistic about that. Anyway, good luck!
