Comments, Feedback, & Suggestions

I was wondering if there will ever be an article that will be written by a minority (as opposed to what someone has "heard" stories) teaching in China? Such as how they were treated and their general happiness in China.

I've read or watched videos on YouTube about minorities teaching or studying in Japan and Korea (most said they enjoyed their time and made lots of friends due to being so different or 'cool' as opposed to being discriminated against, which is commonly assumed by non-minorities). However, I was wondering if teaching in China brings a different experience.

I'm black and am interested in teaching in Jiangsu or Zhejiang someday and was curious about any other black (or Hispanic, dark skinned, etc.) person who can talk about their personal experience, since I can't find any blogs or articles, unless it's about Japan or S. Korea.

Jenn,

For starters, let me suggest that you need to spend some “real quality time” with this website. Don’t be afraid to use the search engine feature, both on the forum and especially the rest of the site. Middle Kingdom Life represents the culmination of almost four years of research and writing and is comprised of over 1400 pages of text (that’s the equivalent of approximately four full-length books).

For a really good start, click on the following link to exam the site’s search results on the term “black teacher.” Pay particularly close attention to the numerous comments posted by readers identifying themselves as people of color (in the very first search result Teaching English in China for Non-White, Non-Native Speakers).

As for personal stories from black Americans, whether on YouTube or elsewhere, the fact that you can’t find any from those currently in China is your first clue that, generally speaking, people of color do not have the easiest time of it here. That is not to say that a few do not eventually manage to “find their way” but it’s not particularly easy or pleasant for them.

You indicated elsewhere that you do not have a college degree or even a TEFL certificate. Can you tell me honestly why you are interested in teaching English in China at this time and what you hope to gain from the experience? If so, Ken and I would be able to advise you more accurately.

Hehe, why?

Well, I am learning to speak Mandarin Chinese (in 2nd year of learning) and know that if I was able to teach in China (outside of the classes) I would be completely immersed in the language, forcing me to speak it and hopefully after a year gain at least intermediate fluency.

Also, I'm very interested in Chinese culture and trying out the foods and living (to the best of my ability) as a local. ^_^

Using a job to subsidize a year or two of Chinese language study is one of the few legitimate reasons for teaching English in China as I see it. As for being a “local,” that will never happen no matter how many years you live in the Middle Kingdom.

Your best bet would be to find employment at a private English language school and enter China legally with a Z-visa (and then look for a part-time Chinese language program once you were settled in). Honestly—without a degree or a TEFL certificate, and as a black woman—it will not be easy for you, especially in Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces, which are able to attract a sufficient supply of white, degreed applicants.

If you are determined to do this, you might want to consider applying to private schools in undesirable locations, such as Inner Mongolia and even Liaoning and Heilongjiang Provinces (in the northeast). There are many private schools there that will take anyone they can get but, as you can easily imagine, conditions at these language mills will not be very rewarding.

Of course, you could always move to Flushing, Queens, New York where there are now more Mandarin-speaking Chinese than anywhere else in the States. Personally, I think even the Chinese food would be better there as well (in terms of presentation, quality of ingredients, and sanitary conditions). Smile.

Oh, by as a local, I meant not spending my time eating McDonald's, buying American brands, wanting people to speak English to me, etc. Ha, it's all to obvious I'm not from China.

I see...it's still worth the try I think, even with the competition. :] Liaoning and Heilongjiang are way too cold for me; I can barely stand anything under 0C. Even Beijing is too up north for my taste.

I've thought of Chengdu too, but hearing about the intense earthquake there wasn't reassuring. Is Fujian Province a good place from your knowledge in regards to needing teachers?

I went to New York a couple years ago and only came across Cantonese speakers, it was discouraging a little. Only could find books in Traditional Chinese too.

All provinces in China are in need of oral English teachers: the only real issue here is where you would be the most competitive and have the greatest chance of actually receiving a response.

Best of luck to you.