Job Discussion Forums

[Limehouse]

Hi all,

I've read this board for a long-time, and finally brave enough to start down th ESL path.

I've been offered a teaching role at a college in Anhui, and it would be great to hear from people with experience of the region - and also those with experience of teaching in China. It would be particularly useful to know:

1. More about Anhui/Bengbu - what’s it like? It seems like a good option for travelling around China, whenever I have a free moment at least! I don't think there's a big expat community though (which isn't necessarily a bad thing)

2. The opportunities for learning Mandarin. I'm currently revising ahead of the HSK2 test later this summer, and would like to leave China next year with some strong language skills. My concern is, though, that I'll be spending most of my time talking in English. Has anyone built good Mandarin skills in these roles?

3. What should I expect or be aware of? And what should I be worried about? From reading the forums, everything from pollution to hepatitis. Grateful for any guidance here!

4. What I need to know before signing. In particular, is 6,000RMB sufficient to live-on each month (with free accommodation)? I'm not expecting luxury, but it would be nice to travel occasionally. On a personal note, I have a £300 monthly commitment in the UK that I can't postpone. This reduces my monthly income to around 3,000RMB. Is it still doable? Or should I forget about this opportunity? Also, how do you get paid? Is it into a UK bank account?

I know there's a lot of questions there, but any guidance or advice would be hugely valuable - and very much appreciated! Thanks!

[rogerwilco]

My first job was in Anhui, but that was about 6 years ago, and things may have changed since then.

Anhui is probably what many would call the "real China", in ways both good and bad. I spent a year in a very small city there, and I guess I was a minor celebrity. It seemed as though everyone knew me. It also seemed as though everyone knew everything about what I did and where I went.
The positives were the occasional free meal or taxi ride, the negative was the lack of privacy.

I have never been to Bengbu, but the parts of Anhui I did see were very polluted. Gray or brown skies almost every day.

I did not study Mandarin there, but my guess is that the local people have a "non-standard" accent. You might end up with some sort of "hillbilly" accent.

The only Western restaurants may be KFC, and nothing else.

There is not much to do, so you can probably save most of that 3,000.
I was able to earn 250 an hour doing part-time tutoring on Saturdays, so that can add to your income.

You might try holding out for a higher salary.
Most foreigners do not want to work in Anhui, so they might agree to a higher salary just to get anyone to go there.
I was earning 9,000 a month for 10 classes a week, but I was very lucky to find that job. It is not typical.

My social life revolved around English Corners. It seemed impossible to find a local girlfriend. The one woman that I spent some time with there was followed and harassed.
I finally got so bored that I reconnected with a former girlfriend and paid for her flight to come and visit me for a few months.
The school was kind enough to sponsor the renewal of her visa for her to be able to stay with me for 3 months.

I was able to save a lot of money while I was there. Most of the people I met were fairly laid-back and kind.

Feel free to ask more questions, I may have forgotten a few things.

[Limehouse]

Thanks for such a useful reply!

What other areas have you lived/taught in?

I'm particularly concerned about your point about the dialect/accent. I want to be able to use my language skills professionally, so need to at least have a dialect that's recognisable more widely.

[rogerwilco]

[Non Sequitur]

Outside of hard core Beijing which may exclude itself on other factors, I was told that Dalian has a pretty acceptable accent.
Airfare refund is missing from your list of benefits.
Being paid into a home country bank is something I've only come across with teaching in a partner programme. Based only on hearsay these jobs seem to be arranged in the home country and will be with 'name' schools.
What you should do is ensure a Chinese colleague can transfer your money for you, which seems to be the most commonly-used process now.
As a general observation I'd say you are trying to load too much upfront. A lot will have to be sussed when you get there. If you are scheduled for Sept start, remember the summer holidays begin next month.

[Markness]

[Limehouse]

Thanks for the post, disappointing though it was to hear your thoughts. It looks like Anhui isn't the place to go then.

I'm based in the UK, and found this post through a recruiter. Can anyone recommend other recruiters out there, or other ways of finding opportunities - particularly in the North/Beijing area?

[SH_Panda]

[Limehouse]

Hi,

Potentially definitely interested! What age group? I don't have TEFL certification, but have taught sports for a few years (including from ages 4-upward) and also managing a range of teams (and mentored young people).

[SH_Panda]

[SH_Panda]

I just sent a PM, and it says it was sent, so hopefully you can read and reply.

If you can't reply, post back here and I'll send you my e-mail instead

[Limehouse]

Thanks! Just replied, so hopefully you've been able to see that too...!

[SH_Panda]

[JB140767]

[roadwalker]

I wouldn't worry too much about picking up an accent. There are plenty of resources, such as you probably use now, to listen to standard Mandarin (usually with a BJ accent though). Also, in my experience, Chinese university teachers/professors are hired based partly on their Mandarin ability, so some colleagues may be from the 'good accent' provinces, even if the majority of the locals are hard to understand. So you may find one or two colleagues to keep up your skills and pronunciation/standard vocabulary.

On the other hand, I would suggest that you keep a strict policy of English only while on campus or with English majors, at least at first. You'll be seen more as a serious and responsible teacher and that could lead to lucrative side work, if you find you need it or want it.

Also, if you are really trying to learn Mandarin, I don't think it's a bad idea to be exposed to non-standard accents, which abound in China. If you're just trying for a certain HSK attainment, then stick to the script. But if the goal is communicating in Chinese, then I think the exposure to regional variations will be a big help, eventually. (My own level is "getting by", often with much difficulty, for what it's worth.)