Not the case in China. We are still wanted until 65. Some agencies/schools want younger teachers, but others are happy to take experience over age. Sometimes the reasons are dictated by area.

Yes, It was the land of my dreams until I started to work.

Yes, while having a foot massage, I saw an African American sitting opposite me reading a book. I asked him what he was reading and he mentioned that he was a teacher and studying to give a student a test. I asked where he was working and what qualifications were needed to teach. He stated that in some circumstances little or no qualifications were needed, but a TEFL or TESOL and maybe a degree was preferred.

It's easy. No experience. I did my TESOL training but didn't have any skills in applying that knowledge. It took a while to learn, but by then I was starting to become disillusioned. Some teachers loved my teaching style, but most saw it as a threat to their existence. So out came the knives into my back. Thats Thailand.

I was working on a direct contract in a school near Chonburi. The salary was fair and conditions were basic. The contract expired and a newly-arrived director wanted to enforce the yearly change of 'farang' teachers, so all 3 of us were not rehired. I accepted a job through the ajarn website in central Thailand. The agent promised the world, but delivered nothing. My one-year contract ended up being one term, so I cracked the shits and resigned. How dare they bring me from Chonburi, 400 kilometers away, to the new school and then change the contract. Other teachers there stated that the school had a history of ill treatment to the foreigners and contract variances. I don't need to work for pigs!

Of course this time I was not going to be fooled by verbal promises. I wanted it in black and white. I looked on the internet and found many sites seeking teachers. Some wanted qualifications and some did not. I applied for several positions but didn't get accepted. Then I contacted an agency called 'Cathay Teacher' who were more considerate and really tried their best for me. Nothing was too difficult. They offered me a few jobs and I selected one in a University in central southern China.

After the problem in Thailand I made sure everything was cut and dried. The biggest difference is the professionalism. The contract, the visa and the resident's certificate were all done very easily. How many teachers in Thailand are sick of continual visa problems? Here everything was done for you and paid for by the school.

I am teaching oral English to first year students (freshmen) at a semi-private university. The hours are what attracted me to this position. I do 16 hours a week plus 2 hours over-time. If you want to go into detail, it's six hours on Mondays and Thursdays, four hours on a Friday, two hours on Tuesdays and I get Wednesday off.

The salaries vary throughout China. In the tourist areas such as Bejing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou, the pay is much more, but then so are the living expenses.

My salary is 5200 yuan plus 1450 yuan in overtime for the month. This is roughly the same as a salary in Thailand.

This is the kicker. It's a third to a half of what it is in Thailand. No one can tell me that it's cheap in Thailand - at least not for a farang.

Yes Philip, but these are normal for most of China. All the perks are advertised on the web for all to see. However some teachers have stated that this college has superior accommodation to other places.

I've got a large furnished one-bedroom apartment (some have 2). The school pays for air, heating, free utilities, phone, internet, food vouchers and reimbursement of plane ticket (absolutely true) I got half of the plane ticket cost reimbursed within 4 days of arrival (as per contract) and the rest at the end of term. You get your own private office with a computer and a phone. This campus also has its own bar, several canteens, restaurant, doctors clinic, picture theatre and normal campus facilities such as a pool and gym, etc.

Sorry friend, I cannot agree. Everyone is friendly and all on this campus speak English. The teachers are helpful and the local townspeople, while speaking little English, always try to help. And there are no rip offs and no tips. The city is superb. It has everything you could want at a really cheap price although sometimes haggling might be necessary. The food is also spicy in this part of China so no difference there.

I am sure that you know about 'face'. It is as important here as it is in Thailand. If we don't cause anyone to lose face then everything is ok. Besides, the pressure is not the same. They already speak English and want to improve. My job is a soda.

No comparison. Students who want to learn vs students who go through the motions. No looking for the knives either.......the ones from the teachers room.

Sure, I am an Aussie and will retire between OZ and Thailand, but I am no longer counting the days. Its good here and they accept individuality.