Job Discussion Forums

Rich B

I am wondering if this is a good deal:
Fuzhou #3 High School would be my employer, not the recruiter, whose return email address seems to be the school. Comes with a z visa, a flat, and 10500 yuan after taxes. I pay utilities, are they expensive?

Not more than 18 class hours, looks like 8 office hours per week. They sent a Excel schedule.

Spread over a kind of long day though, which worries me a little as I am not 36 any more, and need more frequent rest than i did.

The other thing that worries me is internet access. The contracts says it pays rent, I pay utilities, but no mention of internet. Also, it seems that the internet is very blocked there, even the school could not access documents I left on my free "weebly" web site. She could access the web page, but could not open any of the pdf documents on it. I don't think it was because she had no Acrobat, she mournfully confessed it was blocked.

That led me to wonder, how blocked is the internet in Fuzhou? Could I read the NY times? Keep a video blog? Listen to internet radio? Use "dropbox" and answer my email? Look up stuff (demonstrations and the like) for my physics classes and English classes?
Skype my family and friends?

Does anyone have knowledge of Fuzhou #3 High School? The contract is a little scary but it seems the same as the one the party/state puts out. It prohibits me from moonlighting (section 6 clause 2) but I had thought that I might do a little editing from time to time, so that I could come back to the USA with a little money.

Correcting the websites of companies, instructions on exported products, other people's papers, stuff like that.
Not at first, when I will be too busy getting a grasp on the job and some basic Mandarin, but later.

Me: 56 years old, ex science teacher, but haven't taught full time since the nineties. Had a niche publishing company for a decade plus, but now we are broke. However I have kept my hand in... tutored some southern poly technical students (maths) and edited ESL students' post graduate papers.

BA biology (SMU), 3 postgrad diplomas in science education (GSU), local government, and TESOL. But no true masters, the science education diploma is one of those proprietary things for state certification.

I suppose my humble claim to fame would be that I once had a class that won the Atlanta metro science bowl, and that I once tied for first on the USA's national teacher's exam. Also my English Language scores are very high. (my mother was a librarian).

So, no moonlighting worries me, internet worries me, I am too ignorant to know if the pay is good, and lastly, I was hoping to have an electric bicycle or something like it for the commute, shopping, etc..

The woman i correspond with says is a fifteen minute walk to the school and back. But I heard it is prohibited to even have a bicycle. (and i wanted an electric one) Can this be true?

Experienced China hands, please advise me!
Fuzhou, how is it for a living environment around Fuzhou #3 and how would the money be (on a flat plus 10500 after tax yuan)? Transportation? Internet? Info on the school itself?

I seem to be healthy enough, but wonder: What is the state of implant dentistry in Fuzhow? I could use some work there, but it is a 20-30 grand expense in the USA.

Thank you for your time and effort, I am grateful for any good advice from you all.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

vashdown2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Paris, France

I have been looking into a job in China myself- whihc would pay 8,500 Yauan, all meals (lunch, dinner, etc), utilities, and furnished apartment on campus for 20 hours of ESL to kids.

I would say if you are able to teach Physics, that you might be able to find a higher paid gig. But- and as much as I hate to say this- its hard getting a job anywhere it seems over the age of 55. So you might have to go with what you got.

Do you have a US teaching credential???
If not, you can look into getting one through State of Massachusetts. its just a few exams to take- you dont actually have to be in the USA to get one.

If you can get a liscence, then you can start looking at the International Schools which pay up to 40,000 dollars a year! Plus housing, etc... And they hire people until until maybe 62..?

Check it out!
Good luck!

vashdown2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Paris, France

Its me again.... I suppose your post hit me hard as an American who is 37 years old, but who is already thinking a lot about retirement, health care and ability to buy a home.

I think taking this opportunity would be really good- esp. if you are broke, and its the only thing you have at the moment. Times are tough in the USA. I can feel you on that one.

I would take this job- and then after 2 or 3 months of being settled in, i would find one of the Better Recruiters out there- the ones who look offical, and are recommended... and start lining up a Physics/ Math type of job for 2013-2014. You will already be in the country- and I have seen job offers for housing/ 20,000Y for Math and Science teachers.

Think you can make a lot more next year! That's over 3,000 dollars a month...

Rich B · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 3:03 pm Post subject: thank you vashdown2 and 7969

Yes I have the USA teaching license i am all set there. I have had it since 1992. No real master's though, just a mishmash of license certifications, TESOL, and other proprietary postgraduate diplomas that don't impress US universities.

Yes, I was aware that my age mitigates against me, I wonder how much and I am grateful for your delicate candor. But I am not easily outraged by those trying to help me. Rather, I thank you.

They wrote me back this morning and said that the internet thing is ok, I can have it at home.
They were very reassuring about all the questions I asked you, but I prefer to have these questions answered by you guys, as you all are independent.
They said they would approve extra work if it was reasonable, and i will not be looking for any at first. It is my sincere intention to do the best work I can.
Again, thanks to you two vashdown2 and 7969.

What do you guys think about dentistry in Fuzhou?
I mean, I have never been across either ocean. I am not provincially minded though and have many international friends.

Even though I am in Georgia, we are not all dumb reactionaries, of course originally I am from the northern midwest USA, where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.

Even so, I do not like Garrison Keillor very much. Too retro and self satisfied for me. For an old guy, I have a bit of Portland grunge and Gen X in my personality.
Please keep those answers coming. 7969 I am reading your link next.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

vashdown2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Paris, France

Yes I have the USA teaching license i am all set there.

- So are you going to look into International Schools for next year? Why get paid 1,600 dollars/month when you can make 40k a year? And get 4 months paid vacation? really a much better gig in the long run.

Rich B · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 4:58 pm Post subject:

Does one look up international schools and approach them directly? I got this offer by posting on "serious teachers.com, some emails and a skype call.

I wonder how I would find work with them?
Might I be too old? Also, might they require a real masters, instead of that postgraduate hodgepodge I have?

Is it too late in the season to get these jobs?
What do you think about that?

Rich B · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 5:05 pm Post subject:

Oh I see you have answered my question about how, and advised me to take it if I want, then after a while, start lining up something else next year....

I should have started asking people sooner, I am most grateful for your time and knowledge.

In fact you've got me pegged, what do the kids say.."broke as a joke"? We did not have to declare bankruptcy, paid everyone off, but everything is gone and I'd be homeless if it wasn't for the kindness of an old neighbor/student, who is an engineer now, and gave me some space and bought me some time.

Rich B · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 6:11 pm Post subject:

Ok, I think you guys might be right.
Even though this lady is the first one i interviewed
maybe the season is so late i should just take it?

vash is right i am on the ropes. And I think that, without being a drama queen, I do need to make a move of some kind, soon. I have a bad habit of avoidance but I think I need to chose as wisely as possible and do something!

Is this a plan? I accept, The lady said it would take her a month to get me the visa and I'd be late, but no problem She said two weeks in china and two weeks in the US.

Meanwhile, I'm already packed, i get a physical and say bye to everyone, get 2 or three grand from Dad and stuff it in my account, ...Get and pay for a VPN for a year...Start Learning a little Mandarin, 200 words/phrases...I did just five or so for My Skype interview, like I say it was my first one but went well...i could at least say everyone's' real name....
Start framing my physics classes (they use the Cambridge model)
and familiarize myself with whatever "Speaking" and "Comprehensive English" models they are using. They'll be happy with me there, my mother was a librarian and I had all that Latin and Greek as a child, my English is very good, though my Spanish is only slightly better than poor.
I'm kind of the real deal as a teacher, too, I mean, I've seen better, but I'm not bad. i work at it.
I already know that they use the Cambridge model for physics, i can ask about the other things.... I could be become reasonably prepared while they get my visa....

THIS SPACE (PART OF PLAN) CURRENTLY EMPTY
SUGGESTIONS ENCOURAGED

.....get off airplane, check into the Fuzhou flat...do a good job for Fuzhou #3
later, look around for an international school or a good recruiter after I get my boots on the ground
look to the other expats for where to go for dentistry and stuff. Stay fit and have a good time.
This is workable form the contract I have, 10,500?
Maybe you guys are right and after a year they'll pay me 40 Grand and summers off.....
Am working on having the stones to go through with it, if I do pull the trigger, is this plan a sound one?

vashdown2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Paris, France

Its me again.

It is indeed to late to get a job at an International School for this year.
But they start recruiting already starting October/November, so save up and get sign up for an International Job Fair.

You DONT need a Master's degree.
A teaching lisence and experience is enough.
Having recently experience in China will also be good.

I'bve gotten my teeth done in Mexcio, Lebanon, and Egypt... usually back teeth that show to much... crowns, etc... I am sure China will be fine.

There is another forum online Just like this one- but for those who work in Intl Schools.... Find it, and get all the answers you need. Make sure ot take all of your paperwork with you to China, meaning teaching liscence etc...

At least you will regain your independence by taking this job- also, the Middle East, with your background could also pay really well.. maybe 4,000 dollars a month or more (but I think they have some age restrictions.. so have to check)

All you need is 30,000 dollars to buy a lovely home in Thailand......!

vashdown2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Paris, France

These are the 2 biggest recruiting events... most people get their jobs from attending a fair. But get yourself working first...

http://www.iss.edu They have a job fair in Thailand in Jan 2013

http://www.searchassociates.com/

Rich B · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 10:31 pm Post subject:

You're a pal, I thank you.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to go ahead and take it
you are also correct, its my back teeth, doesn't show too much.
My dental work broke, and now of course its worse.
I think I'm going to accept.

Rich B · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 10:41 pm Post subject:

When I took the TOESL thing, in 2009 at the end I asked the Dr. Harry Cotton, (C)anadian Institute of English, and worth the money I paid him, too...good helpful classes with loads of technique, games, directly applicable stuff...You people that need a TEsol the Canadian Institute of English, Harry Cotten, he was good.)

Anyway, at the end I asked him"where do you think I should go?"
He replied, if you want this..go there..if you want this, go there...
And he said about Thailand, "if you want to relax and have a charming, joyful experience, go to Thailand. Not much money, but very pleasant.
But I wanted to learn mandarin, I suppose that's dumb at my age, but ...maybe not.
I really do appreciate all the good advice.
I'm going to accept something in the next few days and really the Fuzhou #3 thing is the only person who's definitely asked me, though they were my first interview as well. Most people want only ESL, i think you are right the physics license got me a few extra bucks...i mean yuan....

ecubyrd · Joined: 09 May 2009 Posts: 172

Just to reiterate/expand on what vd2 posted up for international schools:

http://www.ibo.org - pick a country and go directly to the school's websites (the IBO itself doesn't recruit teachers).
Do country specific searches (google) for international schools as well.
http://www.tes.co.uk/jobs - pick a region/country and work out from there.
http://www.searchassociates.com/ - search associates (but you will have to pay to register for the site) or try one of their job fairs http://www.searchassociates.com/job-fairs/Default.aspx .

*got this from a very reputable source on a sister site