Hi folks,
I am an "ABC" in my early thirties who is thinking about moving to Kunming in the near future, for good. I really like the weather, and I still have relatives in the area. But career-wise, what are the chances one can keep teaching English past their thirties without age discrimination? Are there any long-term English teachers here who can share their experience? Note: I don't have Chinese citizenship, so I'll need a visa to live there as well.

I am 33 and no problems. You actually get more respect and are taken more seriously and professionally. Also, consider your own English school. I will be opening mine next year.

I'm 47 and have been teaching English in Kunming for over 5 years (plus another 5 elsewhere in China). The excellent school where I work (Robert's School) has foreign teachers in their 50s and 60s. Any small energy/enthusiasm losses in us old 'uns is more than made up for in our reliability and teaching experience!

age isn't a problem as the other posters have already said. what can be more of a problem here is having an asian appearence and trying to convince some parents (and even some schools) that you are 'a real foreigner'. sometimes it seems that having a 'white face' is as important as anything else!

I am also an ABC planning to move to Kunming next year.

Ocean: Do you know if Robert's School has hired or are willing to hire Chinese-Americans? When is the best time of year to apply to Robert's or do they accept applications all year round?

Also, I had heard that it is easier to get a proper Z visa via a public school rather than a private one. Is that true? If so, any tips on how to go about finding a public school job? Most of the listings seem to be for private schools.

Thanks!

@NingSi I've sent you a PM with Robert's School info.