Job Discussion Forums

GS1981 · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 20

Hi,
I'm pretty new to all this, but I would appreciate some advice from those with more experience. I have been offered a Job to teach in Ankang in Shaanxi province, ages 10-12 for four months. The pay is about 4800RMB/month (accomoodation all inclusive), and I get a reimbursement for air travel (3600RMB) at the end of the contract.

However, the contract is with Owen Buckland, yes I have done a search, but I am actually looking for feedback from people who have taught in this city or actually completed a contract with Buckland. I'm not really interested in hearsay, only actual experiences and so forth. I have asked for contact details of a person who has taught there before, still waiting to hear back. I am worried that accomodation in Ankang may not be up to much, at least not what was offered in the contract..

Also, I have been asked to take hard copies of my certificates (CELTA, MA, BA) with me: is that standard practise?

Please don't flame me for being a newbie!
Ta!

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

I don't know your particular would-be employer but I visited An'kang many years ago and I also know Buckland.

As for the town, it's ideal for westerners who want to get the feel of small-town China. An'kang is not a very touristy place but it has charms few other towns have: an existing old town wall, several mosques and a number of old and quaint buildings. The natives are friendlier than they tend to be in Xi'an. I visited a Chinese English teacher there and she and many folks gave me an unusually warm welcome!

As for Buckland, they have one of the best organisations in China and the least tarnished reputation of all agents. The school you are going to work for has to ensure you get your dues, and believe me, 4800 is quite a decent pay!

Good luck

GS1981 · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 20

Thanks for the responses

tw> I figured as much, thanks for confirming my suspicions!

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

JordanClary · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 8

"Besides, saying that you can not risk loosing or damaging them is a bunch a whiney crap"

It is not a bunch of whiny crap. This is China. Petty theft is rampant. If you're from the US it is expensive and not easy to get dublicates if you lose them. I know because when I came over here I couldn't find my M.A. degree. I got it years ago and never needed it in the US.

And why are so many of you people so rude and caustic on this site? The person asked a reasonable question. Can't you give an answer without putting them down?

Signing out and now I know why it's been a year since I logged onto Dave's. You can answer this post or not. I guarantee it'll be another year before I sign onto this site again.

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

GS1981 · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 20

In any case, I had a response today, saying that it is fine to bring photocopies in place of originals, the main problems were over faxed copies being unclear.

One solution offered was that if it was a major problem, you could always get a photocopy in a legal office and then have it notarised (witnessed by a lawyer) which counts the same as the original certificate in a court of law.

OK! Very Happy

Thanks for responses, everybody just chill out a bit!! Wink

Next question: does anybody know anything about the postal system in China? how reliable is it? I am thinking of sending some books out ahead of me as I don't want them weighing down my luggage. Is this a sensible idea? By books I mean my TEFL resource books (pronunciation/grammar games, newspapers, etc.)

EDIT: I just found this thread on the Chinese postal service but it's over a year old, anybody have any different experiences lately

Songbird · Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:02 am Post subject:

Reimbursement for 3600 for airfare??

Forget it Rolling Eyes

GS1981 · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 20

Songbird> just to clarify: Do you mean 'That won't cover the air fare'?

Yes, I know, but it's 'better than a slap in the face with a wet kipper' Wink

and for a 4 month contract I'm not expecting a full reimbursal for all travel expenses. I'm not sure If that's incredibly naive, please feel free to correct me on that point.

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

I don't know where you live. But from personal experience, I think you should demand a minimum of 4000 RMB for one-way airfare reimbursement or they buy the return ticket for you.

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

GS1981 · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 20

good point, I guess that would only work in England then!

NathanRahl · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 509

NathanRahl · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 509

I don't know, 3,500 or so is not bad for a four month cnotract. It is very hard nowadays to get a school or agency to pay your entire airfare. I am getting 7,000, for a year. Yes, this sucks, but realy the cap seems around 8,000 now a days. Some schools will pay double this, or more, but they are more the exception then the rule. You'll be teaching for a semester, what your geting is not bad. As to 4,800 being good, that would depend on how many teaching hours. If it's less then 19, yeah, that ain't bad, if it's 25 a week, then your getting screwed. Also, are there ofice hours or are there not. Who pays for your apartments utilities? Make sure they cover all visa costs, some places now are trying to sneak in a clause that requires "you" to pay for all in country visa expenses. Talk about pinching pennies till they squeak.

Ask a lot of questions, protect yourself, no matter how small a thing may seem, ask about it if your wondering. A legite place will answer them all without bating a lash, the corrupt, looking to take advantage places will get upset, and make a ruckus, those you avoid. Hope this has helped, take care.