Job Discussion Forums

[staunton86]

Im not sure if these question have already been asked a thousand times, im sure it probably has, but I could not find it. Hope someone can answer them all if not some as it would be a great help in planning my 6 months off!

1.) In your experience what is the likelihood of obtaining a short term teaching contract in China of say only 4months or less? Or are they all at a minimum 6 months?

I am planning to go out to China in the summer to be with my girlfriend who is studying for the Chinese bar exam in Jinan, Shandong province until the end of September. I thought teaching english would be an ideal job for me whilst she is distracted with exams and then we also want to go travelling together so I don't want a long term contract.

2.) I am from the UK and have a BA (Hons) degree in Law and in Business and a post graduate diploma in law but no teaching experience (well not as a foreign language) so not sure if this will hinder my chances????

3.) Plus, my friend is also tinkering with the idea of joining me. has anyone ever heard or experienced schools hiring two friends at the same time?

Sorry for so many questions and if ive posted in the wrong place or repeated people's questions. All advice will be appreciated!

[LanGuTou]

It is possible that you can find short term work especially with a background in Business and Law!

Usually, it is the public sector institutions such as universities that stipulate working for at least one semester however, by coincidence, a semester is usually not much more than four months' teaching.

With your educational background, I would suggest that you could obtain a position in the private or corporate sector. The remuneration would probably be much higher and you could get away from teaching English as a Second Language. Teaching business to corporate clients may suit you better.

You can obviously search jobs advertised but I would also suggest getting your requirements posted on various "Jobs Wanted" boards clearly defining the timescale that you are available and the skills that you can offer.

[Jayray]

At the end of 2008, almost all of the public university jobs that I saw offered ONLY one-term contracts that were renewable if the school likes the teacher.

Hmmm...Strangely enough, I managed to get a one-year contract, but I got the bum's rush after one term.

Hmmmm...

[misteradventure]

My position is not dissimilar. I am not in a position that I can commit to more than 6 months at a time, so one semester would be ideal. I am open to negotiating a return for subsequent semesters. I have found few schools advertising shorter than one year.

The low pay does not frighten me, as it comes with low hours. I am more concerned about the social isolation that comes from being a foreigner in what may be a xenophobic environment. (I was an exchange student in a technical school- don't hold your breath waiting for them to practice their English!)

Most of the schools posting here offer only one year contracts. If there are better resources for a short-term commitment, please reply or PM. Thanks in advance.

[Seuss930]

if you are talking about the summer
some schools have 8 or so week summer schools

contact the larger chain schools for starters