Job Discussion Forums

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

It strikes me that since I am teaching so many wealthy Chinese students at universities in the UK, couldn't I be doing so in China?

Where are the best places to make money? Former students boast that I could earn $150/ hr in Beijing. We have been looking at the example of the megacity Shanghai in class and it seems that there are many ultra rich individuals.

I do not have an MA and I would like to work in a university. I am free to come to China in November or January.

Please give me some advice. Thanks a lot.

JB Wink

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

I sometimes boast that my dad is the boxing champion of the world ... Note, some boasts are not exactly true. Id take your student's comments with a pinch of salt, actually...a big 1 kilo bag of salt.

150 RMB an hour, not 150 dollars an hour. Thats for private lessons, some may charge more, but Id say 150 represents an average figure.

University salaries would range from 3500 RMB (�350) - 7000 RMB (�700) as an average.

xiguagua · Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Posts: 768

lol.........no. Just no. Stay where you are.

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

Are you telling me the whole story? I have seen jobs at universities in Shanghai paying about $2000 a month advertised.

I get $6000 here in the UK and it is Chinese money. There is obviously money over there somewhere.

I want those on the ground to help me tap that resource since I am only too keen to get away from the stinking UK.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I'll trade you jobs - - I'd gladly put up with the "stink" in the UK for $6000 . . . heck, I'll do it for $5000! What a bargain!

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

What do you do in UK universities? What job? You dont have an MA right? Licensed teacher?

I've never been in SH, but dont imagine most run-of-the-mill uni jobs pay anything near that figure. The quality jobs at places like Nottingham's NingBo campus pay awesome money, but they seek only the best candidates generally.

I dont doubt UK uni's are awash with Chinese money, or that China is creating 100's of super-rich each week. I do doubt that tapping into that money in China, teaching English is NOT easy to do. Just look through posts on this and other forums. Uni jobs pay is low, private lesson costs are in line with what I posted earlier.

Edit - Market forces are at play in China too. Every private lesson you advertise or try to sell at $150 an hour would be undercut. By 90%. To be honest, it's just a nonsense figure ... really! The British Council wouldnt even charge that, and they are just about the best going.

Adult students at my training centre pay as little as 20 RMB (�2) per 45 minute lesson, with classes that are typically between 4-8 students.

it'snotmyfault · Joined: 14 May 2012 Posts: 527

Let me tell you a bit about myself

You see all men want to be me, and all women want to be with me.

6'2 eyes of blue

I tried out for the olympic swimming team but they said I was too fast for them.

You do believe me don't you?

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

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

Your cohort is OTL. This thread is an OT. OAO. RW. 88. GBye.

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

The BA and CELTA would probably put you down as just an average run-of-the-mill EFL'er in China, although if you have had decent jobs your skill set is probably much better than the average here! That isnt likely to get you big bucks though IMO.

I think NingBo Nottingham expect DELTA/MA as a minimum, and thats where the money is I think. Look at the job boards here and somewhere like TEFL.com and see what China pays. Common sense would then dictate that if contracted jobs only pay from �5 - �15 per hour, �100 - �150 for privates is waaaaaay out of kilter. The students and friends who are telling you that really dont have a clue. I'd be amazed if even the Scott Thornbury / Jim Scrivener / *Insert famous TEFL author* could make �150 an hour privately.

China offers a great lifestyle, wonderful adventures, and I love the place, but most people dont come here for headline grabbing salaries. Sure, people do make money....but that normally takes a lot of time, contact and building of relationships...but even then I dont reckon anyone makes anything like those figures for private lessons.