Job Discussion Forums

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

I went from middle school to vocational to adult training centre.

Im defending Chinese students really ... they arent actually bad students. They do often have to learn in poor environments though, and that is the issue rather than the students themselves I think. I still have issues with their reliance on morning reading and memorising vocabulary lists, but in the right environment they are very willing students.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

On the money as usual D-M.

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

Ten plus years in China and actually my first time teaching in a university. Can't believe I'm saying this, but can't wait to get back to teaching adults in a training school at end of this semester! It's been brutal.

BlueBlood · Joined: 31 Aug 2013 Posts: 261

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

BB, look for a PM. It's a rather long story.

And, no...dating opportunities or lack thereof (unfortunately?) are not a factor.

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

[quote="BlueBlood"]

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

There are many good things about teaching in universities, you don't hear about them so much because as usual the negatives are emphasized here. And honestly there are probably far more horror stories (professional and personal life related) about private language schools on this forum than universities. Each of them has pros and cons, for the newbie and the not so newbie.

By the way, I have some very good students at this university, and despite the obstacles most of them have faced in their English education I'd put them and their skills up against any student in any of the language training centers who are getting more "personalized" training from some of you guys. Few people in China have the time or money to sign up for 3, 6 or 12 months of lessons at some private institute. They make good use of what they have though.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

The work environment and personal living conditions outside of work are inextricably linked, you can't separate the two. The benefits of the university job, light workload, furnished single housing, no commute to work, lots of holiday and free time, decent salary, are usually much better than at private language schools, where you might have a better professional experience. But it's the university benefits that keep me happy (and sane). When I'm happy I'm better at my job, and I know this rubs off on other people around me. I felt differently when I was employed by a well known language mill. Newbies should keep this in mind.

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

So the message for BlueBlood is choose your job carefully, regardless of it being university or a language mill.

My language mill job offers many of the university benefits - housing is provided less than 3 minutes from my school, the workload is light (I teach 15 hours a week) and they pay a travel allowance and flight money with legal visa / medical check all included. My holidays kinda suck though Very Happy

I dont doubt some good students exist in everyones university classes ... its not just about the students though, its about me too. The things Im interested in and passionate about as an EFL teacher, I can teach here. Im not so sure I can concentrate on the same things in the class at university level

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

I get paid very well to work for one of the joint-venture universities. I therefore work far, far more than I did in a training school. On-campus 33+ hours a week, grade around 850 essays/semester, and edutain rich kids who would rather eat shards of glass than be there. No thanks...I'll take a pay cut...and a cut in hours!...to go back to my old life. That's just me.

Oh, I worked for the same mill for eight years, and that's right back to where I'm headed.

ChineseDwarf · Joined: 03 Oct 2013 Posts: 16

DM you made some good points. I am looking to go teach English for a few years (possibly more) but am looking at universities exclusively. I think it might be better to teach DGAF students for the first time. I would feel bad if I wasn't that good on my first year and taught paying adults who really want to learn.

Also I find a big university to walk around, with a gym/track/pool to use a big perk. I assumed there is no curfew for FTs?
I am about to turn 23 and just graduated with a bachelors in international business, so I guess I am more accustom to campus life. Plus having thousands of people on campus my age to talk and become friends with also sounds nice. Although I don't want to be that creepy teacher who hangs out with students a lot, not sure how Chinese view this but in the USA it would be looked at as weird.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

ChineseDwarf · Joined: 03 Oct 2013 Posts: 16

Yea... I don't plan on doing weird stuff like that, I meant just talking to people while I eat lunch and what not. Also the campus has stuff to do during free time compared to a language mill that is comparable to an office building. (Just the way I see it as someone who is deciding between the two for a first time teacher)

Too bad I hate basketball. I prefer soccer, football, or hockey Laughing

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

ChineseDwarf.
You can probably have your choice (uni or mill) if you are looking for a Sept start next year.
If you are looking at Feb 2004 then your uni choices might be limited.
Glad you're not creepy, although soccer is borderline Laughing