Job Discussion Forums

[flicknut]

I've received some job offers for universities in China. However, if the job is advertised as 5000-6000 RMB, the contract always comes back on the low end at 5000 RMB. I have tried to negotiate with some schools and it seems they lose interest. Do you recommend negotiating your first contract? How do you go about it? My qualifications are two years of teaching experience in Korea, a B.S. degree, and a CELTA certificate.

On another note, I've seen some jobs with ridiculous spreads, like 7000-12000 RMB. Is this just a bait and switch?

[Ramblin' Man]

In theory, spreads like that are supposed to be based on the FT's credentials and qualifications. I am not sure how you tried to argue your case for higher pay, but with two years teaching experience, a degree and CELTA certification you should at least be getting $5500 a month if not the full $6000. They might argue that they want to see a Masters or a Phd before they pay the full $6000, but your credentials should definitely get you more then the bare minimum.

As I said though, that is all in theory.

I recently experienced the same issue. I have had two previous jobs in China, and didn't negotiate either time. I tried to negotiate a job contract just recently and was ignored. That doesn't mean I am going to settle for a shitty job contract though. I don't suggest you do either.

[North China Laowei]

[Ms Bean]

The 7,000 to 12,000 are language mills.

It IS possible to negotiate with the public universities. The earlier you begin looking at the upper-tier schools the better your chances. Aternately, If you wait until the last few weeks before the start of a new term, the really desperate schools will negotiate, sometimes beyond the stated salary range, and often beyond the normal market worth of the teacher.

I have never seen CELTA or any other certificates make any difference whatsoever to the universities. They may advertise that they prefer some sort of certification, but when it comes right down to pay, it makes little difference to the public universities.

Experience and an advanced degree will give you the edge.

[kungfucowboy83]

i did but just barely i got a few fewer working hours a month and a lower required number of on site hours(which no one paid attention to anyway). I didn't try very hard to negotiate. However i really suggest anyone follow what i say not what i did. Negotiate. There is no reason not to, I just didn't know you could.

[arioch36]

500 a month more at my first uni without trying too hard.

Rememebr, 4500 14 hours at a uni is often much much more then 8,000 for 22 hours at a language mill ( doing weekends and nights and no vacations