Job Discussion Forums

[busterfriendly]

I'm interested in everyone�s opinion on this package for an EFL position at a Shanghai University, teaching English major students.

100 rmb per 40 minute lesson (they say 20-24 classes per week but there is no actual figure mentioned in the contract).

Here's the catch:-

No accommodation allowance (I�m responsible for my own accommodation)
No travel expenses (no internal or overseas flight reimbursement)
No holiday pay (no lessons taught equals no pay)
No medical insurance
No on campus meal allowance
No sick pay
No visa costs or medical check costs

I do get my own office with internet access though. (whoopee doo!)

Should I be sticking sharp objects into myself at this moment in the hope of waking up from this horrible dream, or is this really acceptable? I am aware that Shanghai Universities can be a little choosier than other Universities in China, but come on...

I should mention that I�m CELTA qualified, with a BA and have previous teaching experience in the UK.

Thanks in advance

[Girl Scout]

[Giantbudwiser]

lol

[busterfriendly]

Would I be correct in thinking that all, or at least a good majority of these "extra" payments should be standard when teaching at University level in Shanghai?

What are some of your of experiences teaching in Shanghai Universities?

ps, The bleeding has now stopped, I'm awake, a little dazed and confused but ok...

[brsmith15]

My uni deal is identical to yours. From what you say, 20 hours a week is 2,000 RMB or an average of 8,670 a month. The pay is good as pay goes, but their should at least be air fare reimbursement, visa fee coverage, and maybe a few paid holidays like Spring Festival and Labor Day.

[Roger]

You must be aware of the fact that this is a public institution breaking national law by hiring you under such conditions.
If they are dissatisfied with your performance you lose your income subito.
If you are sick you get not help.
And you get no pay during the numerous holidays.
No airfare? No visa assistance? COme on! This is rotten however good the pay is! I walked out of such a deal a couple of years ago. I had excellent pay, very friendly students, but a totally unhelpful administration.

[busterfriendly]

I wasn't aware that they were breaking the law as such. Merely aware of their view that we Native English teachers are simply the "pampered" western workers and this extravagance as they see it cannot be allowed to continue.

Do you have any proof that they are breaking the law? Do they actually have to provide these extras?

Visa fees, travel, medical, holiday pay...tut...tut... a Jedi craves these things not...

I get some dirty looks form the staff when I collect my monthly salary, but of course they get a dirty look back when I think of them relaxing on there paid holidays, while I get an unpaid holiday/wage cut.


Thanks for your comments.


The fact that I actually submit weekly lesson plans and follow a syllabus (my own) seems to be ignored, due to the last two spastic Native speaker/teachers that graced these hallowed halls before me.