Job Discussion Forums

alchae · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 4

Hi i actually wanted to find out more about this shenzhen program in china.

here is the website: http://www.chinaprogram.org/ProgramDescription.php

i'm wondering if anyone can tell me more about this program. And tell me what you think of the program. It seems to be a trusted program. The program director gave me several contact #'s of previous teachers, so it seems reliable. Thank you

icebear · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 40 Location: Alaska

I'd feel a little concerned about paying $1,200 to find a job when these places are swimming with offers. I'm no expert on the subject, but I'd say look at the thread concerning reputable recruiters before taking this route.

ODIN · Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 14 Location: CHINA

alchae, I checked the link you gave, the school is called HS-Kama International School. I went to see this place but didn't take the offer. The school is only 2 years old and when i went to see the had no licence. The teachers treated my friend and I very well. Only 2 problems, school is in the middle of nowhere and at that time no licence but where trying to get one.

alchae · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 4

Thank you for the input guys i appreciate it. The program states it provides 3 weeks of training in beijing and mandarin lessons. So maybe thats what the $1,200 is for (rooms and etc.). Also they will provide a free cell phone and a train ticket from beijing to shenzhen. Thanks again

vikdk · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 1676

for 1,200 bucks you could by the hotel/railway/and telephone company - and giving that money away I would want to fly Laughing

no seriously that money goes a long way here - if those mandarin lessons are only for 3 weeks (and many jobs offer them free) - I'd be thinking rip-off. As for training - I'd want to see an outline of any training program here before I accepted it. Training is usually watching an experienced teacher and taking over for the second part of the lesson - but there are good exceptions - before parting with any money try to ensure quality of service Exclamation

wetwet · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Beijing, China

I too am carefully considering this program,

Just from what I have heard informally is that the pay (4000RMB/mo. + Housing) is not competitive. Many people on these forums say it is foolish to take below 6000RMB/mo. + Housing in the same market.

Someone also mentioned that they had completed the program, but at least half of the participants were dissatisfied, for what ever reason.

If the only complaint is the compensation, I would personally still consider this program because I am a newbie (never been to East Asia & zero chinese language). There seems to be few similarly-structured programs for westerners in China (most are in Taiwan, HK, etc). Most of the "better" offers I see are posted on web boards, newspapers, etc. but it is dubious whether they are even trustworthy.

Normally, I would just take the plunge and try to find something better on my own, but I am at the point where I will take a little less, if it means I can relax, and not worry about worst-case scenarios.

Please let me what you find out about this program, as I am still trying to decide.

Thanks,

tirelesstravelerasia · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 50 Location: Dalian, China

$1200 goes a long way in China -- and a long way towards a CELTA if you're a newbie. I'm not sure what kind of training you'd get in that 3 weeks, but I know you can do a CELTA or similar for around $1500.

And Chinese lessons are a lot cheaper as well; for that amount of money, you could do an entire semester at Beijing's best foreign language university, or pay for an entire year - 15 hours a week, 2 semesters -- in an out-of-the-way city.

Just posting these remarks 'cause I don't want to see you get ripped off. It's definitely a good idea to get a bit of training if you've never been in the classroom, but make sure the trainers know what they're talking about.

And as far as language lessons go - I'm studying at a uni now, but I started out with just a phrase book when I first arrived and somehow managed. You can pick up a tutor for 2-3 US dollars an hour after you get settled in.

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

I'm with Tireless on this one--a CELTA in Beijing or Thailand is $1600 including housing for the month. You'll be really busy that month, but you can still find time to look around and see what your employment options are.

If you're not going the 14-16 hr/wk university approach then you'll want to be more careful. The language school jobs are quite a bit riskier but once you're in China you can talk to current teachers and find reputable recruiters.

You could also consider enrolling in a language school for 6 months and use your free time to find your way around and do some hourly work. It really is not very expensive to live in Beijing...schools can be as low as $1200 for six months and a shared apartment is about the same price. The part-time work pays 100+ RMB/hr, probably enough to pay for your food and a little fun money.

alchae · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 4

Hey so after all this discussion is anyone applying for the shenzhen program for 2006?

wetwet · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Beijing, China

I believe so. I've heard mainly favorable accounts from current and previous members.

alchae · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 4

Good it seems i'm not the only one interested in the program. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how long it takes to obtain a work- visa in china.

chinadoll011083 · Joined: 02 Apr 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Shenzhen, China

Alchae, I currently live in Shenzhen and just happened upon your post. I visited the website of the program in question and read the program description. Obviously if you are set on this program then it won't matter what I say but in my opinion you can find much better jobs. Even though your housing is paid for 4,000 RMB is not alot of money and while it MAY be enough to live on in Shenzhen you will not have much left over at all. Shenzhen is an expensive place to live.

I, like you, was a bit nervous about coming to China and because I'd never been here before opted to work for a school that offered the support network of other foreigners...in fact it was very similar to what this program offers -- initial trip to Beijing, language lessons, free apartment, similar hours, and the same salary. Except the job that I took was in Inner Mongolia where 4,000 RMB/month was at least a little bit more understandable as a salary.

Even so, NO ONE should settle for such low a wage. There are some Chinese teachers making 3 and even 4,000 RMB/month in Shenzhen which should tip you off right there that it's too low of a wage for a foreign teacher (not that it's fair that we make more...). You can move to Shenzhen and do a bunch of part-time jobs and make 8, 9 or 10,000 RMB/month. If you have your heart set on Shenzhen, check out shenzhenparty.com for job listings. The last time I checked there were a bunch on there that offer at least 8,000 RMB/month with housing.

And if you really want to come to China with a program where everything is taken care of keep looking. Under no circumstances should you have to shell out $1,000 of your own money. Try footprintsrecruiting.com. Footprints is a recruiting company that lists tons of programs (all inclusive, flight, apartment, visa, Chinese lessons, etc) in cities all over China with salaries that are at least a little bit more fair than 4,000. I can't say that I went through them (although I almost did several times) but I've heard good things. And it might be a good fit for you considering this will be your first time in China.

Sorry to ramble on. I just want to make sure you know that Shenzhen is expensive and because of this us foreigners have the benefit of salaries that are a little bit higher than some other cities. In the end I'm sure you're coming here for the children, the cultural experience, and not for the money but just beware of programs that try to sell you short. I worked for one in the Northeast and in the end wasn't happy. I hope that doesn't happen to you as well.

ptomgirl · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

HI guys! thank you in advance for helping me.

I just had an interview with James from the Shenzhen CHina Program.
it does cost $1500. i assume its worth it bc of the on site support that we will have having in china, Training in beijing, etc

is anyone in this program? anyone applying?

any opinions?
Very Happy

Mikeylikesit114 · Joined: 21 Dec 2007 Posts: 129

I'm going to try to keep this comment as civil as I can. By enrolling in this program, you would be paying 2 months of your salary for whatever "training" they give you. Thereafter, you would be living on a monthly salary of about $700 in the most expensive city in china. Shenzhen has a higher cost of living than many western cities, and I urge you to look it up if you don't believe me.

If you are just in it for travel and experience, that's fine. Just know that you are driving down wages for those of us who are trying to make a career and life out of it.

ptomgirl · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

mikey!

thank you for commenting..
do you know of any programs that pay more then?

im not expecting to get rich off of the stipend they give me, i just want to teach in china and be able to live comfortably with the 5000rmb. and its 15 hrs a weeek, so i will have time to travel!

what do you guys think?