Job Discussion Forums

London10 · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 35

To anyone working in a public school is China. What are the chances of having your flight paid if you work in a public school? (through the programme where you are recruited via embassies). It seems that if your flight isn't paid then nearly all of the money you save in a year would just go towards paying off your flight. (from Europe / N America). How is it determined whether you have your flight paid or not? I am thinking of working in China and would prefer to work in a public school because of the working hours but it seems a bit rediculous spending the entire year paying off what you paid to get there. Also, can you renew contracts in public schools?

Super Mario · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 10:32 pm Post subject:

Flight reimbursment is standard. Make sure its agreed before signing anything. Its one way for one semester, two way for two. Don't get screwed on this one.

Don McChesney · Joined: 25 Jun 2005 Posts: 656

It should be in the contract. half year, one way, full year, round trip. If not, put it in. Home city to workplace., not just the international link. Save the actual receipts, to show you paid that amount. Check their exchange rates when they pay you in cash.
Go for internal holiday travel as well, a re-imbursement of up to 1100RMB each term.
They pay you less, you get more benefits.
Renew contracts? Yes. If they like you, they will ask you to renew. If so, go for a pay rise or better conditions.

tofuman · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 937

The Western concept of "win-win" in deal making is either unknown or often neglected to Chinese who deal with foreigners. The obvious consequence of this oversight is that foreigners are going to lose as much as it is possible for them to be deprived of.

Whether the offer comes from a back alley private school, a private school in a good part of town, or the number one university in a province, it is typical for them to low ball the first salary offer.

If you can be deprived of benefits, and air fare is a major expense, you will be. A decent round trip ticket to your destination from home is likely to cost you at least $1200 in the States.

You shouldn't have to act disinterested in offers of this sort. You should be disinterested, if not insulted.

Perhaps eager to experience China, you have not noticed the bulls eye on your back that is noted by the locals who do business with you.... Careful.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Howdoes your country's embassy get involved in recruiting you for a job in China?

Theyare the first folks from your country that ought to know how to obtain the best working conditions for you from Chinse employers!

As for airfare, you must be paid that, but it must be stated in your contract; for a contract to be legal the school must also have a licence to hire foreign nationals. Ifthey have such a licence you should be reimbursed fully or get a minimum of RMB 4000 per semester. Most pay RMB 5000, some pay the full round trip airfare.

London10 · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 35

Super Mario · Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 7:43 pm Post subject:

The site also says this!:
Salaries range from 1,500 RMB yuan to 3,000 RMB yuan. This equates to approximately 100 sterling pounds to 200. The monthly salary is therefore not large but is usually twice that of a local teacher in the same school.

You probably get to work in a coalmine on your monthly day off!
Don't fall for any of this. Apply direct to a school; there are hundreds advertising every day. Go for a minimum salary of 5000 with airfares.
Just to illustrate, I was on a base of 8000 pm with another 8000 a year for airfares-or whatever I wanted to use it for. This was in a public university. There are plenty on this forum doing better. Its "schemes" like the one you're looking at that help keep wages low. Many people are in EFL as a long term career and don't need that.

Don McChesney · Joined: 25 Jun 2005 Posts: 656

My post is information relating to a middle/high school, quoting from my contract, and is what I got, no problems
Negotiate directly with the school, so you can get the best deal. Check exactly what is in the accommodation they offer, including aircon and heating if in the cooler parts. Get a contract, then either ask here or check it out to see if it includes everything you will need for your stay.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Ihaven'tvisitedthatweb,andI am not going to waste my precious time doing that; in my opinion they are advertisingnotteachers'positions but jobs for VOLUNTEERS,jduging by yourinputso far.

Forexample, the MINIMUM salaryin China has been set at RMB 2500 (or maybe 2200), a far cry from 1500!

There is no difference in the minimum requirements and working conditions for private employment and public school employment. Salaries do vary, and holidays are more generously apportioned for public school job holders.

Please refer to the various stickies

Volodiya · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:30 am Post subject:

London10 · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 35

Thanks for the feedback all. Without sounded daft - how can you approach a public school directly? Do they advertise individually and if so where? I thought it was like JET, NET or EPIK where you apply through a central recruitment scheme.(i.e. the Chinese embassy in this case). Some info on how to apply for public schools and where they advertise, how they recruit etc would be appreciated.

Super Mario · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 7:51 pm Post subject:

No comment on your initial statement London10.
Go to the China [Job Related] board. Look at the sticky "Best Internet Sites for Jobs in China. Page 3 should have enough to keep you busy.
Public schools usually go by names like Xinjiang Sardine Fisheries University, or Datong No.6 Middle School. For middle schools you may actually find yourself talking to an agent first: not always bad. Privates call themselves Harvard New English School or something glamorous.