I am a TEFL qualified native english speaker

Native English speakers in TOEFL terms usually means UK, US, Australia and a couple of others so, whilst you might well have English as your first language, you wouldn't be considered a native speaker as such.

I have to agree with Fred. In China, a native speaker is someone from...

The USA
Canada
Britain / UK
Australia
NZ

This excludes many others who speak perfect english. Such as people from South Africa,  Zambia, and the Baltic. It does not mean that they cannot find work, it just means that the rate they can command will be less than a "native" speaker.

I am sure that your english is quite good. In fact, as an attractive young female, you would not have any trouble finding work in china. Howver, when you work, you will probably be marketed as an American or some other "native speaker".

That is just the way it is.

BTW. Great wishes on your career in china. You might want to connect to ira who runs a nice english school here. He's a regular on this forum. Sorry but I don't know his contact info off hand. He will certainly be able to set you up.

If you contact me, I could hook you up with a school or two in Shenzhen. That is, if it doesn't work out with ira.

VANNROX wrote:

I have to agree with Fred. In China, a native speaker is someone from...

The USA
Canada
Britain / UK
Australia
NZ

This excludes many others who speak perfect english. Such as people from South Africa,  Zambia, and the Baltic. It does not mean that they cannot find work, it just means that the rate they can command will be less than a "native" speaker.

I am sure that your english is quite good. In fact, as an attractive young female, you would not have any trouble finding work in china. Howver, when you work, you will probably be marketed as an American or some other "native speaker".

That is just the way it is.

BTW. Great wishes on your career in china. You might want to connect to ira who runs a nice english school here. He's a regular on this forum. Sorry but I don't know his contact info off hand. He will certainly be able to set you up.

If you contact me, I could hook you up with a school or two in Shenzhen. That is, if it doesn't work out with ira.

If one is originally from a non-native English speaking country, is he/she considered a native English speaker after being naturalized as a citizen of one of the countries listed above?

@post That is an interesting question. You know, I would say "yes"...

However, the teacher would still need to show their credentials, which would include a degree, and a ESL certificate of some type and two years experience teaching English.

And...

The school with look at you and your marketability.  If you are talkative and you make friends easily that will be a positive. If you are female, blonde haired, blue eyed and thin. That will be a positive also. Finally, if you fit the steriotypical expectations of what a English speaking foreigner is, then yes you will get the job.

Dear Darpanparsan:

What country are you from?  If you are serious about working in China send me a Private Message because we are hiring teachers. 

I am not sure if Vannrox meant me when he wrote ira...I am Lrai, but I do hire teachers and we can sometimes take from South Africa or elsewhere if you qualify.

To answer the other questions...let's say you were born in Germany, but you came to America and became a citizen, you now have a US passport and you speak English like a native, you would be seen as a Native Speaker for purposes of being hired in China.  They look at the passport not the country where you were born...

Vannrox is dead-on with his comments...it's very true for China and I won't even begin to expand on how I feel about it...let's just say it's not how I hire.  You need to be qualified, have a degree, show that you are a serious teacher and want to work.  I really don't care what you look like, but I do have parents who do care and that is the issue.  I do have a very hard time placing dark skin teachers, or teachers who are ethnic Asian...parents in China don't want that.  Does the word "racist" come to mind???!  Nuff said.

***

LRai

lrai wrote:

, contact me asap.

LRai

Perhaps I could suggest using the "Jobs" section at the top of this page for adverts as they aren't allowed on the open forums.

Thank you...

Hi there. Thank you for your kind advice. I am not getting the option to add you to my contacts nor send you a private message though...

" ira...I am Lrai"

Sorry. My computer and finger are often all in knots.  Of course, I meant Lrai.

Anyways, best of luck with your future. We all, every one of us here on expat.com are pushing and pulling for your success.

The thing about china is that it seems so difficult and daunting, and it is...but in ways that you never expect. Meanwhile, the things that you are most fearful of, typically never happens. Best regards to your future.

Dear Darpanparsan:

I have sent you a PM, we can chat more that way.

Dear Priscilla:

I didn't realize my post had violated policy...I will keep that in mind for the future.  LRai

Dear Vannrox:

No problem..just wasn't sure if you meant me...LOL, thanks.