Job Discussion Forums

[Cherry11]

I've found myself in a bit of a dilemma and would really appreciate some advice. So I've wanted to go to China and teach ESL for a good while now. I've done a TEFL course and have done a lot of research on jobs in various locations in China. I've been offered a reasonable enough job in a beautiful looking city. However, my problem is that I would only be able to teach for just over 4 months before returning home due to certain commitments. I haven't told the school any of this of course. They think that I can stay for a minimum 6 months. My question is, is this enough time to really gain from the experience? I'm a bit worried that I might only be getting settled by the time that I have to leave.

An other option is to try and find a summer program which is designed to be short-term. I guess the danger with some of these is that you may be exploited as they are generally unpaid. However, I've seen a few summer internships advertised recently by New Oriental (sometimes as part of the aiesec Discover China Program) which look ok. Has anyone heard anything about these internships or other similar programs?

Of course, in an ideal world I'd go for a year but as I don't have any current commitments, this may be my best opportunity to go.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated as this decision is driving me crazy!

[roadwalker]

I usually try to post positively, but it disturbs me that you see nothing wrong with committing for six months and then working for four. Try to see it from the employers point of view. Why not tell your home commitments that you will be back in four months and then arrive in six?

Sorry, I haven't worked any summer jobs but it seems to me that I've seen plenty of ads in the Spring that offer paid work for summer language camps. I don't know if they are expecting the teachers to be already in country or not. Hopefully you will hear from some teachers with this experience.

[Non Sequitur]

Have to agree with Roadwalker.
We bitch endlessly about Chinese employers, but seem quite relaxed about being less than upfront ourselves.
If you have been interested in China for a while, you will know the hiring seasons for legit work.
Accordingly, bit puzzled why you are venturing forth at the most inopportune time.
The summer camp idea seems best and ads should start to appear soon.

[Denim-Maniac]

Many or most employers would prefer to hire for 12 months and to be fair, a one year contract would be seen as a fairly standard commitment. Aiming for a 6 month contract would limit your choices quite severely ... gunning for a 4 month contract would almost eliminate any chance of reasonable employment TBH. It might also make legal employment hard to find too. Im not sure that most employers would want to go to the cost or expense of a legit working visa for a short contract.


Consider a voluntourism program.
These are the kind of things that often get a bad rap as you are basically paying for a placement, but they might be a better fit for your circumstances. You pay a fee to a company who then places you, normally with a group of like minded short term volunteers, in a suitable place. They normally offer some sort of training and orientation program which helps you find your feet etc.

There are other volunteer opportunities available, but the voluntourism program might make you feel part of something? I know of other places that do a more straight forward volunteer program which doesnt involve fees, but they are probably less of a complete experience TBH.

edited to add: What is it you want to 'gain'? Is it verifiable and transferrable EFL experience? Or just the experience of China? If its the former, I would think it is too short a time really and more of a taster. If its the latter, then sure its enough time to experience living in a new place, meeting new people etc.

[Cherry11]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your feedback. Yeah, I guess I could see that comment coming about the mistreatment of employers. It is a valid point. In an ideal world, I wouldn't break a contract. However, in reality of course, people break contacts all the time, all over the world. I'm sure that loads of teachers in the past have left jobs after a only few days because they just weren't what they had signed up for. Perhaps I should also mention here that the school hasn't exactly treated me fantastically so far either. They refused to apply for the Z-visa for me, saying that I have to come over on a tourist visa and do a visa run at my own expense.

Perhaps going on a voluntourism type program is the best option. Unfortunately, I haven't come across many viable ones. I've looked at Journey East but you pay $3000 and have to work full time 6-days a week without any stipend. It just makes me feel a bit used. I'll keep looking though and hopefully something will come up. To answer your question Denim-Maniac, I agree that I'd have to go for a year for the true EFL experience. I guess I'm more interested in experiencing a new culture and meeting new people. However, I would also love to gain some more teaching experience as that's why I have to be back by September - to start a teaching course!

[Denim-Maniac]

I have PM'd you, but Ill just add that its worth noting that many / most contracts have some sort of penalty to terminate a contract. They can vary in amount, and also some employers may not insist on you paying it ... but if you leave early you could find this means losing any salaries outstanding, flight or travel money if applicable, housing deposits etc etc.

[ecubyrd]

I know of one language mill that specifically hires for summer/winter camps. They fly you over, pay for housing, salary (not sure how much) and blah blah. PM me if you want to know the company.

[Javelin of Radiance]

[choudoufu]

[ecubyrd]

[Babala]

There are some people who steal but it does not justify doing it.

If you break your contract early then the experience you gained will be useless to you as you won't be able to use them as a reference.

I see people saying things like "oh well, the school will just have to find another teacher. I'm just screwing the school". I'm the one at my school who has to find the teacher. It's not the school who has to scramble and try and find someone right away. It's the other teachers who have to teach extra classes to cover for the person who bailed or it's students getting screwed as their classes have to be delayed as there is no one to teach them. Consider that.

[Babala]

Double post

[roadwalker]

[ecubyrd]

[choudoufu]