Job Discussion Forums

[cj750]

[eslstudies]

For you and I cj, yes, I agree totally.
But for someone new to China, having the sightseeing, the Chinese classes and all those other "free" [which of course they're not] promises on the website, is just what they want. My point is that the product seems to be fairly described. Whether we would accept it is not the point.

[Lobster]

ESL Studies:

I don't see much difference myself. A recruiter who takes a one-time cut or on agency that siphons a bit every month seem pretty well identical to me. Either could assist those who have neither the skills nor inclination to research the job market. What we have here, however, is a horse of a different colour; a school that charges people who want to work there. I would like to see the comments of a forum member who's been with us for some time, rather than a first-time poster who seemingly joins us to make a single comment and disappear, in order to get a better view of this outfit. So, what's your take on the company and the information on its website? GL invited us to take a look. I did, and gave my opinion of what I found there.

This may be contentious, but sometimes I feel that the horror stories we share here push newbies into the arms of such operators. Some teachers do take such a harsh blow here that they quickly retreat home to lick their wounds, while others are strengthened by the experience and learn the skills that will help them to survive. Of course, there are many who never share their experiences, good or bad, with others. I believe that China is not for the faint of heart or the gullible, and that places like WLE target this type of individual. BMB never told us how he felt about working for 3500 a month while his employer pocketed such profits. Sure there are those who come here for other reasons than to establish a career; the volunteers helping the "poor" children of Shanghai, the missionaries saving the Taoist "heathen", or backpackers seeking "adventure" in many forms. But if someone just wants to come here and teach, I believe there are better options.

RED

[eslstudies]

Thanks for a thought provoking post, Red.
I believe the OP was given a caveat emptor by the respondents, which she seems to have heeded. However, the advice that you can just find a job [which you have no experience in] solo, walk into an alien culture, and do it well - as so often is the picture presented here - only works for some. Others need all the structure and support they can get. If Jo NZ is still around, I wouldn't be surprised if NZ has a semi-government organisation similar to Volunteers International in Australia. "Volunteer" is misleading, because you get standard FT pay for that city/province. However, its the needier, more rural schools that provide the posts; certainly not BJ or SH. The support is first world, not Chinese, as well.

[cj750]

[BMB]

I, like the correspondent, eslstudies, found it interesting the range of opinions from those without any first-hand experience of the company in question. All I can do is reiterate I was relatively happy with the company. In fact, for personal reasons I had to break my contract early, and they couldn't have been more supportive.

Could I have got better pay elsewhere? No doubt, but I wasn't motivated by the pay; I can and do earn much more in Australia. It didn't particularly concern me that the company may have been making lots of money.

Was the pay enough to comfortably live on in Beijing? Easily. I was never restrained by lack of money. Although higher than many other parts of China, the cost of living in Beijing, at the time, was relatively low.

In summary, the deal may not suit everyone, it suited my particular circumstances, though no doubt would have been less suitable for others.

I was more amused than anything by the arrogance of contributors like lobster. who presume to know what is best for everyone.

[Lobster]

Sorry I don't have first-hand experience with this company BMB. I followed the prompts of the company rep to investigate the website and gave my opinion of what was offered there. Maybe you find that annoying? Yep, I'm not only "arrogant"; I'm downright obnoxious! I love telling everybody what to do, and I speak for the masses!

Maybe you came here for a job without thinking about the pay or how much the company was using you, but you know something? Some of us actually do this for a living! What a shock, eh? We're not on holiday from our "real" jobs in Oz like you or ColinA. No dear BMB, we live and work and support families here. I PERSONALLY have little respect for "holiday teachers" who drive wages down and accept crappy contracts that could serve as precedent for other employers because of their mysterious "motivations" (please refer to my earlier post on motivations).

The OP seems to want a job, not an "experience". I think most people, though certainly not all as your case would indicate, prefer a decent wage instead of taking it up the rump to buy their boss' new BMW.

Seems like you found a good match in WLE. I'm so happy for you. For the record, I think anyone who wants to work for this outfit or Evil Franchise is more than welcome to do so. But if someone asks for my advice, and someone did, I'd tell them to stay clear in spite of the great experience of one pillow biter who isn't concerned about how a job pays and is happy making 500 Aussie Bucks per month. It seems that at least several posters here agree. I think the money sucks, the wording of the offer is devious, and the siphoning of wages for overpriced living arrangements is abhorrent. But then again, I'll never have first-hand experience, so you can take it all with a grain of salt. I also have no first-hand experience in grabbing uninsulated high-voltage power cables, but I still wouldn't recommend it.

Here's the wording of the offer for all to see:

-------------------------------------

from: http://www.worldlinkedu.com/teach-in-china/program.html

Remuneration

All successful applicants are guaranteed paid teaching positions in Beijing, with a total remuneration package of 8200 RMB per month, which includes salary and accommodation as well as other benefits and support features.

A search of Beijing�s many English training schools will show salaries range between 3000 � 6500 RMB for first year teachers. World Link Education offers a complete package over and above the base salary figure that other English Schools cannot match.

In addition to excellent accommodation, pre-paid flights (for 12 month contracts only), International health insurance, continual visa support and many other bonuses including monthly free trips and restaurant meals you will receive a tax-free salary of RMB 3,500 that is yours to spend as you wish.

Teachers are also eligible for a 1,250 RMB performance dependant bonus every 12 weeks and additional monies are also offered through participating in marketing and other activities

Included in our package is constant 7 day a week support in all facets of your daily life in China, from opening bank accounts and obtaining local mobile phone numbers, to contacting home to medical support. Your accommodation will be of a standard second to none. We guarantee to make your transition to life in China as easy and as smooth as possible.

Initial 1 year teachers who elect to remain on and extend their contract for a second year will receive an enhanced salary of 5000 RMB per month with accommodation or 7000 RMB without enabling you to make a personal choice in regards to your living arrangements. Full support continues regardless of which 2nd year package you choose. Plus additional training and opportunities for career growth within the organization.

Teaching Hours

The standard workload consists of up to 25 hours of class instruction in one working week. The school is open seven days a week and work hours are 14.00 to 21.30 Mondays to Fridays and 10.00 to 18.00 Saturdays and Sunday. Remaining hours are devoted to class preparation, training workshops, assessment, student excursions, extra-curricular activities and faculty meetings. During this time two consecutive days will be allotted as a �weekend� but these may not be on Saturday or Sunday. Any time worked over the base 40 hours will be given as Time Off in Lieu

Fees

Application Fee: USD $90
Registration Fee: USD $390 (6 month placement)
USD $690* (1 year placement)

*1 year placements also require a deposit of USD $1200. This is fully refundable upon completion of contract.

* For teachers who renew their contracts for a further year the deposit will be refunded in two halves, one at the 18 month point and the second payment at the 23 month point

---------------------------------------

Note: It's nice that the 3500 is tax free! The fact that it's 1300 under the taxable threshold MAY be the reason. And you can spend it "as you wish"! Not like at my job, where they tell me what I can or can't buy. My requisition form for toothpaste and TP has been denied for months! I have to steal packets of salt from McD's and strip the bamboo plants around my apartment block of all their leaves. But man, the experience of exotic China!

RED

[glimmer]

[Brian Caulfield]

Heh China is a developing country and high school principles get by on 1500 rmb a month. Your 3,500 rmb is way above what people make in Beijing. And don't forget student tuition is only 90 rmb a month in Beijing.
Run don't walk to join this organization.

[Lorean]

[Lorean]

FYI my FIRST job in Beijing as a naive off-the-boat foreigner with NO experience payed close to 7000 RMB a month for 18 hours.

I would never accept that salary again. Nor would I ever work in Beijing again for anything less than 13K.

[glimmer]

[Lorean]

[glimmer]

[vikuk]