Job Discussion Forums

twowheel · Joined: 03 Jul 2015 Posts: 753

I just came across this announcement for an English Language Teacher and Writing Center Manager position at Tsinghua University in Beijing for the Schwarzman Scholars program.

I'm just fishing for thoughts about it from the forum. Many thanks.

MOD EDIT

twowheel

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I obviously can't speak to the location or employer, but it's got an appealing title, maybe.

I'd assume that if the writing center is already well-established, managing it is essentially an admin gig. If they want a manager to establish a writing center, the job would get more interesting, IMO.

twowheel · Joined: 03 Jul 2015 Posts: 753

I am not sure if the job requires the creation of a writing center, as it seems that it may already be in place. Creating something from the ground up would indeed be a lot of work and I suspect the remuneration would not be in line with the amount of work required. It could give one good experience, but personally, I am past the point of taking on jobs just to gain experience (and without the appropriate salary level to match).

MOD EDIT

twowheel

The bear · Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 483

Without knowing the other details it would be impossible to say if it's a good job or not.

Things like salary, teaching hours, accommodation, other duties etc. etc.

On paper it's a nice title, but as you said yourself you're past 'doing it for the experience'.

I was offered a job at Tsinghua - only as a standard English teacher though, not head of a writing centre, and the conditions were terrible. Shared accommodation, hot water between certain hours, no cooking facilities, unrealistic teaching expectations... so be wary of those.

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

If it resembles the model for American writing centers, a lot of responsibility goes along with the job. If you are already degreed, the experience could lead to a university job back home.

I'd be careful with this one. Find out how many people have held this position before you considered it. It could be a revolving door. This sort of position is usually filled by someone whom the school knows. It may be that nobody wants the position.

Really.

You can join Linked In and find out who teaches there and approach him. I've seen names and photos of people who teach there.