Job Discussion Forums

kimo · Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 668

I'm close to someone who is recruiting teachers for a summer camp. In the typical fashion many of us have seen here, nothing seems to be organized. That's not my friend's fault. The powers that be just won't make decisions waiting until almost the last moment. Yet, my curiosity is aroused and I know I am going to be asked though I would prefer to stay out of it. What method, in your experience, is best to pay people for these things?

I looked around and everyone seems to give accommodations and food. The main difference seems that some just pay air fare (maybe a small stipend too) and the experience of being in China. Others pay a salary for the period only - no airfare. Salaries seem to start about 5,000 for two to four weeks. A few were offering peanuts for the privilege.

Your serious input will be appreciated.

davis · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2003 2:34 am Post subject:

I was offered 13,000 plus accomodations and airfare within China to teach for 1 month,36 hours per week with Saturday and Sunday off in Guangdong. Another school in Jiangxi offered me 8000 per month for 2 months at 20 hours per week,they also offered to pay for transportation and accomodations. The schools that offer airfare from other countries plus a small stipend IMHO will get people who are not interested in teaching but "doing China." I think those types of programs are a joke but, hey,gotta get a body from somewhere. Most of the foreign teachers here are tired and want a summer vacation or else want to return home. Can't say that I blame them. For the sake of the students I don't think any summer camp should run more than 2 weeks. They go to school enough as it is and they need a break too.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

These 'classes" can be your cross! Imagine that you are going to steal these kids' holidays! School children with no summer recess, no TV, no trips to theme parks... just cramming, cramming, cramming, the same as they practise throughout the year!
I would try to minimise my exposure to such classes! More than 5 hours a day can break your back! SOmetimes you get wonderful kids, but this is not the norm.
Essentially, think of these children as unwanted at home by their upper-middle class parents, and potentially disillusioned with school life. Don't expect too many good vibes!

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

I was asked to do one. Their qualification? "Foreigner." It didn't matter that all my experience teaching, etc is with adults; what my credentials were; if I was a 7 year old Brazilian who only spoke Portuguese....

Or did it?

They offered me 2000 yuan (plus food + shelter) for 20 days - 5 classes per day plus activities. No days off. 20 - 30 students - that they're telling me about. Per class. Umm... Laughing

I mean, I know that little green book says I'm here to work, but .... Tried to negotiate. So director's rep asks how much I think my time will be worth. I hate this question. The answer is the amount of money I honestly should be paid is directly proportional to what the director is getting out of this. Laughing

What does that mean? How would I know? What's fair for a FE stuck in the hinterland being offered a job even more in the hinterland to ask for? I don't want to gouge them but at the same time I don't see why I should be ripped off. And the only way I can do research on what FEs make is to come here or check want ads and compare - and even that is only giving me a smattering of the whole country - disproportioned to those rich type places I hear legends about....

I left Japan and avoided Korea, in part, so wouldn't need to teach kids. I'm sure it's wonderful and rewarding. I'm equally sure it's not for me.

David Bowles · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 249

Without wanting to sound desperate...
Summer teaching- 8,000/month plus travel for 20 hours a week?
13,000 plus accommodation & airfare for 1 month?
Where do you find these jobs? Whenever I go internetting for summer work in China I only ever find the big chain organisations.
Please tell me there's a magical super website I'm missing out on...
David

davis · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2003 1:07 am Post subject:

David, If you are really interested in working the 13,000 RMB one month summer camp please PM me A.S.A.P.(actually anyone else who is teaching in China and would be interested please do so) ---Davis

China Pete · Joined: 17 May 2003 Posts: 86 Location: Henan, China

Dont think about Salary, think of Percentage. I work at a school on saturdays, and i negotiated 75% of the tuition before expenses. They agreed. Try it.
Remember, <ever played poker?> remember the word bluff. They may try to bluff you by laughing and saying thats not possible. If youre the only foreign teacher, it is entirely possible. If theres others, you can demand 75% of the income of the students you teach.
Dont feel bad for them, they'll still make money.

noodles · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 67

My school is running a summer camp this year - 2 weeks continuous for 7000 RMB i would be doing it, but i need a holiday. If you are interested you can pm me.
Although this is by no means an advert Laughing

kimo · Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 668

Somebody e-mailed me wanting to know about summer jobs. I guess there are some here advertised on Dave's. As well, go to the following link for That's Beijing. Then go to the classifieds - employment section. So to the guy who wanted to know where the sweet jobs are and how to find them. One is at least available.

http://www.thatsmagazines.com/home/index.asp?location=bj

Good luck!