Job Discussion Forums

[nellychess]

I haven't spoken to this person,but I did send him my resume, and a few doc's along with a nice cover letter.

I can't find out much online about the University, or the city for that matter.

Is it that unusual he seems to be offering me a job without speaking to me? Is the Oct. 8 start date very unusual? The pay seems good(my first ESL job, BA only). The other parts of the deal seem good.

Any thoughts?

I hope to get more offers, if this actually is one, but I guess this should be considered.

Cheers.

Attached please fine the information about the position:


Starting time: October 8, 2013
Workload: 16 teaching hours /week
Salary: 6000 RMB /month (tax-free)
Annual travel allowance: 2200 RMB
Airfare reimbursement ： 12000 RMB
Paid public holidays
Free Chinese lessons
Private apartment with following items :
Computer with free internet access
Color TV
Air-conditioning
Washing machine
Refrigerator
Cooking utensils (bowls, plates, glasses, cups, pots, pans, etc.)
Western toilet
Hot water shower in the bathroom
Free electricity/water
If you decide to accept the position, I'll send you a contract.
Feel free to let me know if you have any more questions.

[wander&teach]

We just returned from a month long exploratory trip to southern China. Do your research but don't be scared off by the Chinese approach. China is desperate for native speakers (more so in the far flung areas) and the approach is more likely a case of not wanting to "insult" you by interviewing you. Personally I would ask for the emails of the handful of native speakers currently there and interview them.

[Bud Powell]

I'd ask for a photo of the interior of the apartment. That is often telling.

The airfare allowance could be cutting it close, though if there's no major downward movement in the dollar (I assume that that is your home currency) it'll get you there and back from the farthest reaches of the Continental U.S. to Beijing. If you hail from elsewhere, shop for a ticket, then do the conversion math.

You need to make it clear that the school will get you from your initial point of arrival to the school and then take you back when your contract ends (and pay for it). This is a major consideration that you should not take for granted.

There are other considerations, but others may be able to tell you crucial information about the school and the area.

Good luck!

[rogerwilco]

Looks like a decent contract. Better then most that get posted here.

[roadwalker]

The late start suggests that you are intended to teach incoming freshmen, who in most cases spend the first few weeks of the school year in military training. From the description of Zhoukou, I'd expect a rural area with some city amenities, slow but plentiful transportation options, good hearty noodle dishes, and motivated, cheerful, farm-raised students. What some would call a "real China experience" (meaning you may feel isolated from western culture.) There are probably plenty of towers and other artifacts from early Chinese dynasties (if not in Zhoukou, than certainly in surrounding areas) if that interests you. Henan has lots of traditional opera as well. You will experience four seasons in that part of the country.

I agree that the offer isn't bad as stated. But also that you should try to contact current or former teachers there.

[nellychess]

Thanks for the info. It's amazing how little there is about this city and University online.

[Non Sequitur]

I agree that it is reasonable and in fact the airfare offer is more than that.
10K used to be standard and other posters have indicated airfare at 8K.
Military training seems the likely reason for the late start.
They also get out of paying you to sit around doing nowt.

[5h09un]

zhoukou is really boring. i've visited. but it'll allow you to see a side of china that's going away. (the countryside.)