I have been browsing through a bunch of threads in this forum and have only found negative impressions (on the most part) regarding any and all FT positions in China. I am very interested in packing up and heading to China to partake in the rise of the country. I am not qualified like some of the posters on this site. I have no teaching experience or university degree.

I have an associates degree in business, 2 years work experience in a university as an enrollment counselor, military experience and a bunch of other work experience. On top of that hill of qualifications :) I do have a love for kids. I also just submitted my passport application this morning also. I'm very excited!

In your experience and understanding of the esl work environment/opportunities what type of chance do I have to find a good school to start in a career in ESL. While I know my associates degree is very minimal on education requirements, I do plan on getting my bachelors degree through a distance education module.

Additionally, I have been thinking about taking an online TEFL cert program. While I understand that the best cert programs are the Trinity TESOL and the CERTA, I am definetly not at that level presently and don't have the resources or time to execute them. I am leaning (if I do it) toward ICAL for no real reason other the the online modality and the overall cost of the program. In your opinon, would recieving such a certificate improve, or not improve my eligability to work as an esl teacher?

While I do understand that any further education within the constructs of being a teacher would be benificial, would the cert. make any real difference. I can personally get tefl books and resources to substitute for the knowledge transferance of the program. Would it be worth it? :)

Thanks everyone for any input you may have

And in closing, yes we are finally there for those who bore with me. I have read a few threads concerning physical discrimatory practices upon hiring FT's. I have enclosed a picture of me. As you can tell, I am not a blue haired, blue eyed type of guy. I am 31 and fit. Would I have any problems in your opinion?

Thanks again everyone!