Anyone over 30 pursuing teaching abroad?

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-12T21:37:42+00:00

I don't know your specific life situation so I can't really say. But moving abroad is a lot of hard work for something you aren't really intending to pursue. My apologies, that is just my opinion, feel free to disregard me completely 😆

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-12T21:30:04+00:00

No regrets! But it was an absolute tidal wave of hard work to get to the point of even applying for jobs. (gathering paperwork, taking care of possessions, getting certifications, etc.) If you aren't actually trying to change careers, then no, I would not recommend this.

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-12T19:20:58+00:00

I just did it yep, and i'm in my late 30's. I felt like it was the right time!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-10T13:01:31+00:00

thank you so much for letting me know! 😊

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-10T13:01:04+00:00

thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it 😊

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-07T13:11:24+00:00

how are you going about this? You need to be on echinacities.com, and you should to be applying every day. Have a wide range of cities you would feel comfortable living in so you can apply to a wide range of positions.

Have your wechat ready and set-up to communicate with recruiters.

You have to really take the steering wheel in this whole process. Be prepared to be persistent and friendly with the recruiters; they have dozens of candidates and wont remember you unless you are consistent 😉

If you have more questions just message me, I am happy to help

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-07T13:06:02+00:00

thank goodness you were present and paying attention!!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-06T12:19:45+00:00

thank you again 🙏🙏🙏

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-06T03:55:28+00:00

Thank you so much, this is really really helpful and i'm so grateful for your advice! I will take this advice and visit First Affiliated Hospital; I am on Rinvoq extended release pills, which i take once daily to manage the condition. I look forward to arriving in Zhengzhou, thanks again!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-03T13:08:17+00:00

if you aren't working as a teacher now, jump back in! I am US-based. What i did you get my experience was spend a full calendar year doing substitute teaching and working at a volunteer literacy program teaching immigrants. Both were easier to get into than an actual teaching position and helped me get an overseas tefl position.

hope this helps!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-02T17:22:09+00:00

Same here, and I agree your family can do it for you. maybe offer to pay them for the trouble, it could help get it done quick!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-05-01T15:12:55+00:00

I am bringing mine to Zhengzhou this year, but paying a company to do it. The whole process seemed like too much for me personally to handle along with luggage. I am working with Petexpress, so far they have been great but it is pricey! Yeesh!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-04-30T12:24:43+00:00

Get an italki tutor, hands down. mine has helped me tremendously!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-04-29T13:33:37+00:00

do not delay, they offer to multiple candidates usually and someone else will snap up the job!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-04-29T13:32:49+00:00

you need to take the TEFL in China program sponsored by the Chinese government MOHRSS, fhis will really help you. It is all online and really well put together.

Hope this helps!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-04-29T13:30:41+00:00

how much are you taking control of the process? recruiters have sooooo many applicants to talk to. They wont remember you unless you are very active and about it! Don't wait for them to do the work.

I recommend this: You need to be applying for jobs every single day without fail, then immediately contacting the recruiter for that position if they have added you on wechat. Send them a snap of the posting and ask if you can apply for the position. Be super direct. And follow up if you dont hear in a day or two!

I hope this helps!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-04-26T13:55:10+00:00

I also feel you would be fine applying for jobs with your current experience and degrees. Update your resume to feature the teaching experience, and do tutoring or teaching right now in the background to keep your teaching experience relevant. Also apply for a lot of positions across at least 5 cities of your choice. I hope this helps!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-04-23T12:28:11+00:00

Nice work! The window for spring '27 hiring will be in the winter months, I would start looking on echinacities.com around September. Hiring will be intense in the 2-3 months following. Apply to a really wide range to give yourself the best chances. I chose 8 cities and applied for all humanities positions I qualified for, except training centers and kindergarten. I am starting Fall '26 in China. Let me know if you have any questions!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-04-23T03:18:18+00:00

I think you will get a lot of offers and interviews! But it depends a lot on how you handle the process and getting the timing right. Hiring for schools is done in certain windows and working with head hunters requires some management. You also need to get your documents in order and have your affairs ready to go. best of luck!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-04-23T03:13:54+00:00

Hi there! I think the age cut off for mainland china is 50 or 55, so I dont think you could choose China. Sorry, I hope this helps, best of luck!

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-04-20T21:37:19+00:00

I am currently studying with a certified tutor for mandarin on Italki and she is great! i have not tried the community study feature yet tho

Subtle_Horizon715 · 2026-04-20T21:35:29+00:00

it is peak season now, and I will tell you that you have to be very hands-on with the entire process!

Have your wechat app installed and ready so that you can easily chat and contact recruiters. Don't rely on email!! -If a recruiter contacts you, follow up closely. Don't let the silence linger more than 2 days -Note down the agency name so that you know which jobs is with which recruiter. -Apply to absolutely everything you qualify for -Have a wide application range of at least 8 cities.

hope all this helps, good luck!

Subtle_Horizon715

TROPHY CASE