Job Discussion Forums

[cormac]

Ok. I'm thinking about changing University after the next semester is finished. I've done 2 years here and while its an ok uni, i'm starting to feel boxed in. I understand that there is a need to apply early, however beyond the obvious (basic application), I'm not quite sure how to proceed. I'm aware that guanxi is useful and I have some contacts (Chinese teachers, admin staff, and some department heads) who i can ask for help.

However I have learned over the last few years that nothing relating to work in university is completely obvious, so I'm guessing there's some procedure to improve success.

Any ideas? Also when is the best time to apply for a Feb/March Semester start?

Thanks

[Javelin of Radiance]

Probably good to start in November I would think. Give you enough time to check the place out, get any documents necessary and get moved in. I started one job in the second term and here's how it went for me, started looking in November, had visa all sorted out in early December, moved into the flat in the third week of December and started teaching in mid February.

[roadwalker]

Cormac, you should bump this thread in late October or early November. I doubt too many of us will know of openings for Spring 2013 at this point. Unless of course there are teachers reading this who are on calendar year contracts and know for sure they won't be returning after December. Are you thinking of any place in particular? In general?

[cormac]

My girlfriend would kill me if I thought to leave Xian so I'm staying here..

I'd like to move into a better university to widen my experience, and boost my resume a bit. My current uni is a technical university so english doesn't receive much attention. I'm looking at some of the bigger uni's in the city.

[Non Sequitur]

I moved unis within the one city once.
I found the biggest asset was the FAO of the new school.
It was higher status uni and the FAO was an operator, but on reflection he made a lot of potential problems disappear.
So my advice is personally call on the prestigious schools nearby after the summer holiday. Lay your issues right out.
As a person rather than a piece of paper, you are a much better option than a newbie hired sight unseen.
You don't know but they may be enrolling for special courses in Spring semester or thinking of letting a dud FT go.
The only fishhook is timing. Feb not as good as Sept, as I'm sure you are aware.

[kungfuman]

The place I worked at before is hiring - 4 of the 6 teachers didn't return. BUT I wouldn't recommend them even for a one month finder's fee

[cormac]

[kungfuman]

not in Xi'an

[cormac]

[GeminiTiger]

[The Edge]

[cormac]

[cormac]

[kungfuman]