Job Discussion Forums

ben.detw · Joined: 14 Feb 2013 Posts: 41

I have an offer in Beijing teaching TOEFL/IELTS that looks pretty descent to me. Please give me some opinions and if it is worth living in Beijing for:

Salary: RMB 254,375/year
• Accommodation Assistance: RMB 2500/month
• Travel Allowance: RMB 5000/year
• Relocation Allowance: RMB 2500
• Length of Contract: Two year
• Access to an Annual Performance Bonus: RMB 20,000

I would be taking the job in February at the soonest. I am concerned with the cost of an apartment and the overall crowded feeling Beijing provides.

Ben

Capt Lugwash · Joined: 14 Aug 2014 Posts: 346

Doesn't look "descent" to me for Beijing.

astrotrain · Joined: 18 Apr 2013 Posts: 96

I might be getting a similar contract but in Qingdao, I assume this offer was from an international school, teaching a subject? In my case they are asking me to come over ASAP with hopefully full Z visa support. Won't accept anything less. possible 2 year contract as well.

21197 rmb/mth = $3438 US/mth

the housing allowance maybe a concern, 2500 seems low for Beijing which is more expensive than smaller cities. Living costs maybe quite high in that city. You might want to ask them to bump that up. Pollution is higher as well, too bad there is no such thing as hazard pay.

What hours are they asking for this school and salary?

Would be good to use for contract negotiations.

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

Which part of IELTS will you teach?

Ideally, one should be trained to teach prep classes for these programs.

ben.detw · Joined: 14 Feb 2013 Posts: 41

The school is a training school that specializes in helping students get into top 50 US/UK universities.

The teaching hours are 25/wk. the set schedule is mon-fri 9-5.

They provide a 1 month training program on arrival to ensure their method is delivered properly to the students. I am a bit hesitant as I know it's a two year commitment and my ultimate goal is teaching at an international school with my newly acquired teachers license.

I visited the school and talked to the director when I was in Beijing a few weeks ago, and everything was top notch.

They told me I would be paying about 5k/month for a western style apartment near the office. Is that realistic? Any recommendations on what to do are greatly appreciated.

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

ben.detw · Joined: 14 Feb 2013 Posts: 41

I see. The office is located in the CBD near line 5.

My teaching certification is from the U.S.A and acquired through Teacher Ready. I am certified to teach business studies (my degree is a B.B.A) and physical education to K-12 students. I have been doing an internship teaching physical education at Dalian Maple Leaf international school for the past 7 months. I will head to the Bangkok job fair in March and see what kind of schools are interested. I know I am at the bottom of the totem pole and am willing to go anywhere, which should help me get into the international school scene.

The Beijing offer is more or less a plan B. But, as you mentioned it could delay or possibly hurt my chances at an international school in the future.