Job Discussion Forums

[No Moss]

This is related to James S's topic, but more general. I live in Shenzhen, and I'm not looking for a full-time job. But I would say that hours in the language schools seem to be down, since I'm not getting any part-time work these days. Part of that is attributable to the approaching Spring Festival, but I used to get fill-in work as the local native teachers left for the Christmas holidays. This year, hardly anything.

I've always maintained that there is a limitless demand for English in China, but a limited amount of disposable income to pay for English instruction, especially by us native speakers.

So what's your experience or opinion?

[Mikeylikesit114]

Demand is defined as willingness and ability to pay, which is why it is influenced by factors such as income and expectations about future income.

What do Chinese expect about their future incomes???
You tell me.

[vikuk]

they've stopped buying property, they've stopped buying cars - so maybe some of them will decide to stop paying for English lessons

[Eyrick3]

[Ms Bean]

Since I began considering a return to China, I have noticed fewer offers and advertisements from "Language Schools". I've also noticed an increase in pay from public universities in general.

Another trend that I've noticed is that public schools offer half-year contracts which are renewable (as one FAO told me) "depending upon what kind of teacher you are."

I think that China's economic engine will run a bit differently for awhile, given the fact that the rmb has risen in value while the dollar has dropped in value. (Yeah, I know, this has already been raised, but it is relevant to the discussion). Perhaps as China's currency strengthens, its economy may become more consumer-oriented, rather than manufacturing -oriented.

[China.Pete]

"...I would say that hours in the language schools seem to be down, since I'm not getting any part-time work these days." -- No Moss

The economy is definitely slowing down in China, as it has elsewhere. I've heard of people being put on unpaid leave for up to a month, or even longer. Some people's traditional Lunar New Year's bonuses could be chopped. This uncertainty is bound to have an effect on the discretionary end of the education market. Someone who has a kid in high school or university is unlikely to pull him/her out mid-course. But I think the language school market is more likely to be hit. And, if the slow-down goes on long enough, some of the private schools could potentially see a drop in their recruitment numbers.

[Buck Lin]

I am in between jobs at the moment. My top university has hundreds of students who have graduated long ago sitting around and self studying. If they get high marks on tests coming up this week they will get jobs. Otherwise they must pay for a job. This was the same at my last school. The school will provide a job for a few thousand rmb.
Education is usually a good field to be in during bad times. People stay in school or go back for upgrading. But maybe the leaders of China would like them to do other things than look at books.

[Lhenderson]

I've notice alot more foriegn teachers arriving in the past few months.

Interestingly, I've never seen so many female teachers applying before.

[vikuk]