Job Discussion Forums

[punkmonkey1984]

Does anyone have any information about Expertise Education?
I have been in talks with them about teaching in Beijing.
But wanted to get some feed back from people with experience with them.

I have never been to China and have no teaching experience.
What advice can I get about teaching in China without falling in to the pitfalls of agents that are going to take lots of my wages.
I understand you have to start at the bottom, but advice is always helpful.

Do any of you guys and girls have any recommendations for companies that are solid and reliable.

Thanks Matt

[Toast]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=102100&highlight=expertise

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=81513&highlight=expertise

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=80772&highlight=expertise

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=77315&highlight=expertise

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=72635&highlight=expertise

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=69145&highlight=expertise

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=54075&highlight=expertise

Hope that helps. Google returns a plethora of results from other sites too.

[punkmonkey1984]

Thanks for the reply, what's the best way to finding a actual school and applying directly to them?
Rather than going to a recruiter and having a good slice of my wages deducted.

I'm thinking that 7000 RBM with free housing is on the low side of things.
From what im reading on the internet it seems very low for Beijing.

Can anyone comment on living cost's in Beijing?

Thanks again

[Non Sequitur]

Here's my post from another recent thread which gives some of the pressures on Beijing salaries.
Since the OP I have discussed the prestigious BJ uni thing with a friend who knows the scene well. His points:
He's done the 'smaller' cities at higher salaries but access to concerts, exhibitions etc is a big plus. After 10 years you've had your fill of pirate DVDs and other stuff.
Always relate salary to type of teaching. Teaching and marking writing is a lot more onerous because of the non-contact hours you have to put in.
He is not alone in preferring BJ for the culture and this in turn creates competition which in turn keeps salaries low.
Another factor is that 'name' unis attract PhD s who see that type of gig as good CV material that will assist in gaining academic employment back home. This in turn forces salaries of Bachelor's degree holders down.
A Bachelor's degree holder may be an equal or better teacher than a PhD but the uni can't boast about it and that's important in status-ridden China.
In spite of the prestigious 'name' many of these unis run adjunct or associate courses as money spinners. The entry for these is $$, not Gaokao results. Of course over time this waters down the perceived value of the name but aren't Chinese the ultimate short termers?
The ultimate decider for BJ on less than 5K is the free apartment and proximity to the commuter rail. No one could afford to teach on that money and enjoy a decent lifestyle without the free digs.
Private language schools are less likely to provide free housing but could provide an allowance. The allowance would not in most cases cover the actual cost and the rigmarole of private renting is nightmarish.
OP I suggest you get yourself a nice little provincial uni gig first up and then look around for something 'better'.