Job Discussion Forums

Tinman · Joined: 12 Apr 2003 Posts: 40 Location: China

I recently arrived in Hong Kong and got a job interview in a city near Chengdu. Normally I would not travel this far for an interview, but since I was ready to see China I went. My interview for the job, a good school with good conditions teaching a foundation course with above average pay, went well.
After the interview they told me they had promised the job to someone the day before, but like me and would give him a week to teach and myself a week to teach. I start next Monday.
All this seemed somewhat odd to me, but as they offered to put me up for the week I accepted.
Is this odd or a natural way of doing things here?
Shouldn't I be paid for the week?
Any comments or observations welcome.

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

There is nothing wrong with a trial period as long as you get paid for it.

Ludwig · Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 12:09 pm Post subject:

So, in effect, you are to be working for your bed.

(And you agreed to that?)

Tinman · Joined: 12 Apr 2003 Posts: 40 Location: China

Not thinking, and wanting the job, the only thing I agreed to was to wait the week and come back and teach. A recruiter got me the job interview and she put me in an apartment in another city. I have filled in teaching at a school in this city this week and will be paid for my teaching.
I guess I need to talk to the recruiter about getting paid for my week of demo teaching.

Ludwig · Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 1:34 pm Post subject:

limits601 · Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 9:23 pm Post subject: If not too personal

Hello there

If its not too personal of a question but how much are you paid. Im just about to leave for China to teach on a ten month contract and im being paid 4000 RMB a month all inclusive (meals, apartment,maid service, flights, paperwork) Is this good ?

ilunga · Joined: 17 Oct 2003 Posts: 842 Location: China

It's not a bad deal, depending on your location. It's certainly more than enough to live on, since your accomodation and meals are provided.

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

unrelated degree, no experience...
I'd say you might be doing better than many in the same postion.. but how many teaching hours p/w. (No more than 20!)
M

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Brian Caulfield · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 1247 Location: China

Why are so many people teaching for nothing in China . I see these English corners everywhere . The teachers do it as volunteers . The people attending have money . It drives down the value of your profession . In Taiwan I would constantly tell people in Chinese that I wasn't English and I didn't understand English , I am French . So every now and again I get to speak French .
English teachers get paid the lowest salaries in the World here . Why are people doing such stupid things as teaching demos for a week for nothing . Teach in orphanages for nothing , teach disadvantaged for nothing , but don' t teach people who have money for nothing . We are professionals doing a very difficult job , so make them pay .

THUD & BLUNDER · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 34 Location: Guangzhou

I completely agree with you, Brian.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

...but Brian is totally off tangent with his rejoinder. We weren't discussing English corners, which are a pathetic idea anyway.
And, don't complain about "low salaries" in this profession in this country of countries, please; even 4000 a month is pretty decent.

wowzers · Joined: 25 May 2004 Posts: 45 Location: Guangzhou

"4000 a month is pretty decent"
Really?
If your idea of decent is staying home, eating rice and watching borrowed counterfeit DVDs on your used 12 inch television.
Try living in a modern, conveniently located apartment with amenities.
Go out to eat and drink. (especially if you are dating or enjoy Western food and drink)
Go grocery shopping including foreign products.
Take on a hobby or join a health club or take some classes.
Take in some of the sites.
Get away when you have some time off.
In other words, enjoy your life.
It'll take alot more than 4000 RMB.
It is time that qualified teachers changed this kind of thinking.
Schools and recruiters are happy to lowball you.
Anything less than 200 RMB an hour and you are being underpaid.
In fact, if you have been here for some time(at least in Guangzhou) it is not difficult to make that and more.

Ludwig · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 5:42 am Post subject:

I think 4,000 RMB is okay for the Mainland. After all, that does work out to some 16,000 a month.

wowzers · Joined: 25 May 2004 Posts: 45 Location: Guangzhou

Yes Ludwig 16000 a month is decent.
Roger was talkin' 4000 per month if I am not mistaken.