Job Discussion Forums

[yb713]

I'm currently a college student. I'll have my BA in Linguistics in 2 years, after that I'll get a CELTA, ideally. So I've been researching TEFL in China to see if it's a viable option. It's undeniable that there are many scams. That's an established fact.

However, some information that I've come across leads me to believe that someone with the qualifications I will soon possess, if they are wise and patient, can earn at least 12000 yuan in a smaller city in China with accommodation or living allowance, healthcare, free meals, and flight reimbursement.

According to this information, gathered from the CTFU and other sources, mostly forums, the reason many teachers make such a low salary is because they go through agencies or recruiters who take a portion. These sources advise that a newbie like myself contacts the desired place of employment directly to negotiate a contract to ensure a "full" salary. The claim is that the true budget for an ESL teacher with a BA and Celta is 18000 and that this can be attained through the method I described.

Apparently, there are two options for someone with those credentials: 1) Accept a low paying job (5000-7000, maybe 8000-9000) to get the visa then next year, look for work in person. 2) Take your time in the US to contact employers directly and negotiate a higher wage (10000-15000, I have a hard time believing in 18000) with benefits

Is this correct? Any additional info is welcome. How do you guys feel about CFTU? I've also read that they are liars. Doesnt make sense, their lies dont generate any profit from what I know.

[AndrewRgr806]

After much research, I think realistically you want to be looking for around 7-8000 yuan a month with accomodation, 10-11000 a month without, which is a lot of money in China. You will be able to live comfortably on considerably less, considering the average monthly income is in the range of 3-5000 yuan a month depending on location. Remember, the general cost of living will be geared towards people earning salaries within that range.

[Juice]

Actually it depends what city you work in and for who. International schools pay more than Chinese public schools for example. I am not a member if the CFTU but they did compile some accurate salary charts confirmed by the Huffington Post which you can see at www.ChinaForeignTeachersUnion.org

Bottom line is that outside of the tier one cities you need to negotiate hard to get 10,000 a month and free housing. Public schools have capped budgets and salaries and universities are not allowed to pay more than 8,000 plus an apartment. Private tutoring will be your salvation so look for an international school and contact their FAO directly to cut your own deal without an agent. Good luck to you.

[Non Sequitur]

Clearly the OP's 'information I have come across' didn't include the fact that pay and hours are linked. WOW imagine!

[thatsforsure]

For one thing, it's not clear how old you are, but if you are going to be in your early 20s when you graduate, that could be a problem in terms of a visa. The visa comes easier to those who've seen at least two years elapse since their graduation date.

But no, I don't think 12k in smaller cities is very realistic. You would get that, or far more, at an international school, but I'm not sure your qualifications will get you there.

[yb713]

[yb713]

[Non Sequitur]

I don't think you'll get 12K + the other bells and whistles for an 18 contact hour pw job.

[wangdaning]

I am at about that, but been with my job for 6 years (my salary has doubled). For someone coming into the field it would be hard to get that much. That is, of course, unless you have a lot of previous experience.

[dongbei united]

[Non Sequitur]