Job Discussion Forums

[Iloveamma]

Here is what I am thinking.

1. I am searching for a city which has little pollution, which does not feel overcrowded and is near to nature, a beach or otherwise.
2. A place where I can get an university position, but I do not feel stranded or short of money.
3. A beautiful area which is NOT humid and is warmer in the winter.
4. A place where I can generally feel connected to nature, but also be in a modernized city, with a modern apartment, and where I can go to a coffee shop and plug in a computer.
5. A university where I do not need to overwork myself, and I can maintain my online situations. This means I need to be somewhere with a decent internet connection.

My question is, if you live on a campus at a university, how do you get around? As a vegetarian, I am somewhat concerned with food availability.

I have two BA degrees, and I have taught for three years. The last one year I have taught online. I have a TEFL.

Which sites can I find university positions? I have not had much luck. I just found the ansel. There must be more.

Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks!

[Non Sequitur]

I've taught in both Dalian and Qingdao. These are cities that are regarded by the Chinese as desireable locations.
Dalian being northern has a cooler summer and being on the Liaoning Penninsula helps - sea not far away on both sides.
Dalian is the northernmost ice-free port in China. That said, to me coming from the Pacific region it was perishing.
Qingdao is on the coast and has decent beaches. Relaxed beach-side vibe in summer particularly at the railway station end. Nice alfresco dining and many of the German enclave era buildings have been preserved. In summer a sea breeze kicks in in the early afternoon, but it doesn't penetrate far from the sea.
On-campus dining halls have plenty of vege options and cheap.
On balance I'd go for Qingdao if you can get a job nearer the sea.
Best

[Iloveamma]

Wow! Thank you for the reply.
What do you mean it was perishing?

Does that mean it is humid?
I will check out Qingdao. How do you get around?

[Iloveamma]

Look at this crappy offer from Qingdao university. Guess I would fall into the 4500 category.

Monthly salary from RMB 4,500 to 10,000 (4,500 for bachelor’s with over two years’ teaching experience; 5,000 for master’s; 5,500 for doctor’s; 7,500 maximum for associate professor; 10,000 maximum for full professor)
* Round-trip international flight allowance every year (8,000 for Europe; 10,000 for USA)
* Monthly apartment renting allowance from 1,500 to 2,500
* Yearly heating allowance from 2,100 to 3,700
* Medical insurance of 1,680 per year.
* Free transport from the airport
* Luggage delivery reimbursement of 1,000.

[cormac]

Never accept a position for lower than 5500. 5500 was the amount being offered when I first came to China 8 years ago. TBH, Most universities have risen the cap to 7000 and you really should be demanding that as a minimum with the free housing (check the rental amounts for your target city, and make sure the uni isn't messing with you) .

Your qualifications are enough to get a decent uni job, so don't accept the crappy ones. Usually, the first year will be low, and then once you're there a year, you can negotiate for a higher amount or find other universities in the area for better salaries.

Just to add.. the salary offered is important because it determines your status in the institution. Like most of us you'll make your real money doing private gigs or alternative work, but still... Chinese people will always try to cut corners and save money. Don't let them.

[Iloveamma]

Thank you for saying this. I was really thinking that with my qualifications I would have to start very low.
But you think I could ask for 7000 to start?

It seems very scary to commit to stay somewhere I have never been before!
But I guess some are offering 6 month contracts.

Can you give me any suggestions of where I can find good university jobs?

[cormac]

6 Months? I've met a few people who did short term contracts, but they were rarely happy with their experience. I think you would be happier with the full contract (which is only really 10 months anyway).

Can't really help you much since you're seeking places very different from what I've experienced. I stayed in Xi'an for almost 8 years, but Xi'an doesn't come close to what you want. I tend to stick to inland cities.

Lastly, regarding salary, don't undervalue yourself. With the changes in government policy, there are less foreigners around for schools/universities to use. You have the required qualifications and experience for a teaching visa, so accept that.

Around 5500 is livable in the countryside or in a smaller city, but you'll want some money for travelling. All the Tier 2 cities have become more expensive, and while you can eat local food, you will find plenty of other expenses all around which will cut quickly into your salary. Tier 1 cities can be very expensive depending on your interests.

Dunno, if you're male/female, and interesting in dating, but if you're planning on dating some Chinese women, then expect to pay for most things with them... which can rack up the costs during a month.

In other words, aim for 6500-7000 as the baseline salary, and do try for more. You might get it.

[Iloveamma]

That is great advice!
I appreciate it so much.

What do you think of Suzhou and Hangzhou?

I won't be dating many Chinese women, though that would be nice, seeing as I am a heterosexual female, but it is good to know.
So then I can expect the Chinese man to pay for everything? LOL

How many weeks does a semester run? If it is 16 hours a week, what kind of lesson plans are we talking? Would it be one new plan a week?

Can you give me some idea? Thanks a lot for your encouragement.

[cormac]

[Iloveamma]

I absolutely love your replies!
It would be a bit hard to find my college teachers though, since that was almost 20 years ago! I only remember one of my professor's names!

I have a profssionally designed online curriculum that is extremely awesome. I would not have to do anything except get it onto the projector. But it has only about 660 lessons.

How many total lessons would I need to teach in one year? Do you have any idea?

[Iloveamma]

Also, you seem to know a bunch here.
I am curious as to how it works to open a business there?
I would love to teach Business English.
Is it hard? Just getting a job and visa is hard, so I cannot imagine what they make you do to open a business
Is it possible, or am I dreaming?

[Elicit]

[Iloveamma]

[guobaoyobro]

[cormac]