Job Discussion Forums

Cathy OB · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 32 Location: Brisbane

Does anyone know of any well paid jobs in China? I'm not really keen on working for $500 to $1000 per month.

I realize that's a high salary for China, but at the same time I'm looking to save some money, not just pay my way to travel around the country.

I have heard a couple of distant rumours of higher paid teaching jobs, but I haven't found any myself. Can anyone help?

Thanks

TravellingAround · Joined: 12 Nov 2006 Posts: 423

Are you qualified to teach in your own country's schools?

If so...check the international schools...the largest concentration seems to be around Shanghai or, to a lesser extent, Beijing. There are others in large cities such as Guangzhou. Search for international schools from your own country offering an Australian curriculum. They often pay western-style salaries but with far lower living costs so people can do pretty well out of them.

If not...go to a large city and network.

Cathy OB · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 32 Location: Brisbane

Sorry, I should have been more specific.

No, I'm not qualified to teach. I've seen jobs for qualified teachers advertised, and I can see that they would do well out of them. I'm not eligible to apply for these jobs.

Also, I'm not all that keen on flying to China without a job and a work visa already lined up. It seems fairly expensive and risky to me, even in a big city. Do you know of anyone who has had success with this approach?

Thanks for your help. Very Happy

Itsme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 624 Location: Houston, TX

just show up.

prof · Joined: 25 Jun 2004 Posts: 741 Location: Boston/China

Australians generally don't get the high paid jobs here.

Why?

Begin with the accent. Then go with the conventional wisdom of Aussie 'work' habits. Then close with the lack of 'face' hiring an Aussie for a high paid position.

Trolls will likely follow. But that's the harsh truth.

TravellingAround · Joined: 12 Nov 2006 Posts: 423

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

sojourner · Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 11:43 am Post subject:

Prof,

Have you ever been to Australia ?

If not, have you ever met any Australians ?

If "no" to the above two questions, then please enlighten us as to what you regard as the peculiarities of both the "Australian accent" and "Australian work habits".

When discussing the "Australian accent", which one are you actually referring to ?

Undoubtedly, you have been influenced by media-created stereotypes of Australia and its people. I am often amazed as to why Aussies allow their cultural identity to be distorted by the (usually) American TV/film industry. Could you imagine spokespersons for, say, Jewish or African American groups remaining quiet for very long if a particular TV programme happen to portray Jews and Blacks as acting according to the sorts of (ethnic) images often portrayed in movies of the 30s and 40s, long before the advent of anti-racial and ethnic vilification legislation ? Likewise, with the portrayal of gays and lesbians on TV and the movies. Maybe, Aussies are so self-confident in how they see their national identity, that they are not easily offended by the opinions of others - but, who knows, that quality of "self-confidence", in itself, could be seen as a sort of stereotype ! Should a high degree of self-confidence actually be a trait of the Australian cultural identity, this would help ensure that they are in the running for the "high paid jobs" - but, on the other hand, it could also be regarded as a liability by employers in that it may well result in feelings of inadequacy or inferiority on the part of other expats !

You also said something about Chinese "loosing face" should they ever hire an Aussie for a "high paid position". Would you please enlighten us as to instances where Australians were not appointed to such postions merely on the grounds of their country of birth ?

Incidently, in your opinion what actually constitutes "high paid" positions ? Of course, I am referring to positions in the EFL sector, as well as in related educational fields. ( BTW, were you the person who initiated a thread a few weeks back on 250 RMB per hour jobs ? ).

It might interest you know that China has a very high regard for Australia - it is so high, that the visa fees for Aussies wanting to visit or work in the PRC are considerably lower than those charged for others. Maybe, it's because of the close economic ties between the two countries - but, again, it could be because the Chinese authorities appreciate the qualities that ordinary Australians possess; qualities that could enhance their contributions to China's educational development !

Regards,

Peter