Job Discussion Forums

[KingKong2008]

Hello,
Please help me with some advice.

I am looking to come to China to teach English, and am brand new to all this, so have lots of questions.

I did receive a job offer from a private learning centre, however that offer was taken back, and i'm back searching.

I am wondering if anyone can give me a better idea of what it is like workin for a public school and a private school. i dont know which route i should take. The private schools seem to pay more, but involves a lot more work. and the public school offers a lot of free time it seems. Again, i am just making these assumptions from what i have read on the internet so far.

If any one can give me some ideas, pointers or suggestions... it would be much appreciated.

[SocratesSon2]

In general you are right about the pay. Private schools will "usually" pay more, though not always.

However you are more likely to be treated better at a public school. They will be more likely to be licensed to hire FT's, and also are going to be a bit more stable on average, and care somewhat more about education then profit. You'll also have more free time on average.

Bottom line, if your looking to make more money, generally public schools are not going to pay it. If however you are a home body and don't go out much or spend much money, maybe a public school would be good for you.

It really depends on a number of factors, type of person you are, what you would be happy with, and what you are looking for.

Private schools will have more work, more hours, and you may make more money. However in general you won't be treated as well, and they likely won't care as much about education.

Public school, less money but more free time, generally better treatment, and more education minded.

Think about what you want and what would make you happy.

[Uncle Vinnie]

I agree with Socrates. It all depends on what you want. Money or time?

A private training center job will definitely pay more and if you live frugally, you can easily save about $1000 USD per month, maybe a bit less if you splurge from time to time. But, they are businesses and only care about bringing in new students. Most bosses don't care about the teachers until they realize that without the teacher the business will suffer.

For example, I am suffering from a flu bug and the boss I couldn't work. He replied -"it's a bad situation for the school, can't you come in?" The students will be happy and may also get sick!

I used to work in a university. The pay is lower, but I only worked 3 days a week. If you're interested in studying Chinese or something else, you'll have plenty of time. You can also travel on the weekends or better yet, save a smuch as you can and travel for 3 or more weeks during the winter holiday.

If you do the math, a private center will pay more per hour, but not that much, maybe 10 or 20 yuan. On the other hand, you will not receive 6 weeks paid vacation during the winter and if your lucky, 2 months for the summer, if you return in September.

Good Luck.

[kungfucowboy83]

the disadvatages to the private schools are pretty well covered keep in mind many public schools are now giving 10month contracts so the vacation thing isn't vaild always, and your accomidation will likely be on campus wich means you may have to deal with some liberty issues and have your students bother you after classes.