Job Discussion Forums

[Oztobeyond]

Hi everyone!

I'm a newbie on the EFL scene. I recently resigned from my job and decided to take a completely different career path. My searching has led me to EFL teaching overseas.

I'm 23 years old (soon 24), hold a Bachelor of Arts (Majors English and Political Economy) from the University of Sydney (graduated early 2014), and currently tutor ESL to a migrant here in Australia once a week. Furthermore, I'm also completing a 150 hour TEFL online qualification.

I've been surprised just how easy it has been to get a look in by recruiters, especially from China. I've done a few Skype interviews now, and currently I'm contemplating a job offer in Huaihua, Hunan province, China.

I am being offered the following:
- English teaching position at high school, 16 hours per week (no office hours)
- 5,500RMB salary
- Self-contained, all utilities included (inc. internet) accomodation
- 5,000RMB travel allowance released at end of contract
- Medical insurance included

Questions:

1. From what I can gather, this is a reasonable first step into this field, do you guys think so?
2. I'm considering being patient and obtaining a CELTA before I begin working overseas. Do you guys think this is worthwhile - both in terms of employability and actually being able to teach well? I'm also worried that if I delay employment in the field until I gain CELTA, that it would be much harder to secure a job after school term starts in September. Is this a valid concern?
3. I've asked for medical insurance to be mentioned in writing by the school (was not mentioned in the contract). Recruiter says they will do this, however they also say the school has to legally provide it in order for me to obtain my visa Z. Does this sound correct?
4. Recruiter says I can legally work for other employers under this visa for extra money, as long as I don't hold a contract with others. Does this sound correct? How would taxation work?
5. I have been told that the other party pays tax on salary on my behalf, and that the 5,500RMB is what I will net. Does this sound correct?
6. The initial reaction I was getting from others was that 5,500RMB was quite low, so I tried to negotiate up to 7,500RMB. Recruiter says that the salary cannot be changed, as it is set by the government. Does this sound correct?

Thank you all so much. I'm looking forward to working in this field!

Regards,

Matt

[JamesD]

1. Yes.
2. Harder to start after Sept. unless you wait until February and hope someone bails on a good job.
3. Moot point if they add it.
4. A common CYA statement, but if outside work pays you in cash it's not reported. Not technically legal anyway. You need to confirm directly with the school that is paying you.
5. Yes.
6. A common CYA statement, but 5500 for 16 hours doesn't sound that bad for a first job. Yes, everyone will tell you that you can make 20K, but for a newbie to get over here and start making contacts I would say go for it.


Questions for you:
What do they mean "under this visa"? You need a Z to work and they expressly prohibit second jobs unless your employer says ok. And even then you may hit snags. If they're offering anything other than a Z then dump them.
Did they mention the curriculum and available materials? If it's up to you then expect to spend time developing lessons.

[Oztobeyond]

Hi JamesD,

Thank you for your answers, they are very helpful and reassuring.

Z visa is indeed what I will be obtaining.

No, I don't believe there has been any mention of curriculum / materials being provided. That I would be probably be responsible for doing this has occurred to me.

Anymore feedback in relation to my questions or any other input would be much appreciated.

Thank you all,

[Listerine]

Most privates will pay you cash, so tax is a non-issue - the moolah's all yours, baby! Regarding the tax the school pays on your behalf it'll be a pretty insignificant amount (unless they sign you up to that dastardly social welfare plan...) From memory the tax free threshold is around 4,800rmb meaning on a salary of 5,500 you might pay perhaps 15 in tax. In the past off a pay of 6,000rmb I was having 32 deducted in tax.

It's not an awful foot in the door type job for those hours.

[Oztobeyond]

Does anyone have an opinion on the value of me obtaining CELTA? Both in terms of employability, potential earnings, and the actual gain in teaching ability?

Perhaps I can worry about CELTA later, during or after teaching experience in China. Please keep in mind that China is not the end goal - I would like to teach throughout Africa and perhaps the rest of Asia and the Middle East. At the moment where I'm living in Sydney it would be pretty easy for me to get to and from the educational institutions that run CELTA.

Anyways thanks again,

[nomad soul]

[Oztobeyond]

Thanks nomad soul, that contribution is appreciated.

Yes, I'm a bit torn in regards to CELTA. It seems like an excellent thing to have under your belt, especially in the medium to long term. As I alluded to in my OP, perhaps it would be wiser to be patient and get my CELTA before embarking on any overseas employment.

Regarding ME countries and their refusal to acknowledge online coursework - that seems ridiculously backward to me. My degree was nominally 'in-person', however the reality of virtually any degree these days is a good part of it is done online. To be honest I envision that most BAs and similar degrees will almost be all online in the next 10 years or so, there's simply nothing about them that requires in-person attendance. But anyway, that's another matter...

[roadwalker]

Experience is more important in China than a CELTA in my opinion. Your online cert will give you enough to consider for the time being. You may possibly have time during the winter holiday in Jan/Feb to take a CELTA or similar in-person course if the dates line up well with your time off. Certainly next summer would be possible. Having the observed teaching practice makes it more valuable than the online. The criticism can sting but it's good to understand how others view your teaching.

....

That's not a bad start for someone with limited experience. I would guess that Huaihua is an area where attracting foreigners is not very easy. You may not have many fellow English speaking foreigners to socialize with or vent after a frustrating China day. That's something to think about. On the other hand, it appears that the area is very scenic, so would be good for excursions.

Ask to speak or email with a current teacher to verify either point! Normally, it's not hard to be put in touch with a current teacher who can answer questions other foreigners might feel are important.

[mysterytrain]