Job Discussion Forums

Jaenus · Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Posts: 12 Location: Sacramento, CA

Sorry to sound so desperate, but I want to make sure my i's are dotted and t's crossed.

I've just now begun posting job wanted ads and I asked interested employers to reply and give me some information on the questions I asked.

The questions are: -drum roll-

Will you work to get me a Z-VISA, resident's permit, Foreign Expert's Cert?
Do you refund air fare, and/or do you provide funds for a return flight?
What, if any, travel allowance do you supply?
What sort of accomidations do you offer? Furnished? Internet?
How many students are in a class room approx?
How many hours a week approx?
How many days off a week? Consecutive or spread out?
What is the over time pay?
How much does the work pay monthly? (big question there...)
How many holidays or vacation time, and paid or not?
How many locations will I be teaching at?
The contract will be stamped in red and signed when I get to China.

At first this list seems pretty exhaustive and a bit demanding, but I figure if I'm flying from California to China, I want to know what I have waiting for me.

So, I'd like your help, all you veterans out there.

Is this list good enough, what else should I be asking?

Any advice is great appreciated, even if it is more of a critique... Smile

(also, I only have a BA. Am I eligable for a FEC? )

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

First and foremost, if you are asking these questions as your very initial introduction to the company, whether they are advertising or not, you are asking far too many questions. They will likely put your letter aside for being overly curious/cautious. At least wait until they say your application has passed stage one.

EnglishBrian · Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 189

These are all sound questions, but like Glenski says, you wouldn't be asking them all together before even being interviewed or offered a job.

Extras to consider:
What resources are available for you and do you have unlimited use of a photocopier?
Will the work involve split shifts?
What support will I have? - something about the school structure, directors, DoSes, Senior teachers, observation and appraisal if any.

Also, ask plenty about the other teachers you'll be working with, the social side of life there, what people do in their free time, and something about the atmosphere of the school.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Good suggestions.

Please be advised that first employers want to see that you are interested in their company/university/school. If they are going to pay you money they need to be convinced that you will serve THEIR interests, not just your own.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

Is it possible to talk to former or current teachers?

Spinoza · Joined: 17 Oct 2004 Posts: 194 Location: Saudi Arabia

SillySally · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 167

Really, forget the questions. Take a short term China job and then check out the local scene after you arrive.

Your first job will likely never satisfy you anyway. Make it for six months and then look around for something better after you are in country.

Just my thinking and the way I did it many years ago.