Job Discussion Forums

KHS08 · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Brooklyn, NY

Hi all,

I'm a newbie and I'm currently in the application process for finding a job in China. I've heard back from a few schools in Huzhou, Guangzhou and Taipei. Yet, every time I search the school in the forums, all I find is reviews from angry teachers who hated their experience at the school. All the bad reviews are making me feel like I may never find a school that isn't corrupt and doesn't cheat teachers out of time or money. Have I just had bad luck, or do people who have positive experiences just not post about it?

Since I'm new, I don't want to sign my life away for a year to the wrong school. Can anyone make any positive recommendations for me for schools in South East China (cities larger than 1 million) or Taiwan?

I am posting this in the China board too.

Thanks for your help!

YAMARI · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Posts: 247 Location: shanghai

For my first job I would take a University position with low hours and see how you like teaching.

Don't take anything over 22 classes a week. Major cities expect more pay. Taiwan is expensive and Esl is not such a great industry there.

If you want more cash Korea is the go but it is very boring here in Korea compared to China.

Lhenderson · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 135 Location: Shanghai JuLu Road

double post

Lhenderson · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 135 Location: Shanghai JuLu Road

bradley · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 235 Location: China

Well, of course the angry teachers are more vocal than their counterparts. I'm very happy here in China.

eddy-cool · Joined: 06 Jul 2008 Posts: 1008

Angry people always get more notice. How unfair.

Ms Bean · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 110 Location: Wilmington

Worldly · Joined: 04 Dec 2006 Posts: 74 Location: The Cosmos

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

eddy

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

"Since I'm new, I don't want to sign my life away for a year to the wrong school." -- KHS

Personally, I think that a year or so in a language school, one that uses a set curriculum (textbooks) and provides decent pre- and in-service teacher support, is a good way for you to get to know whether the profession is right for you or not. Such schools may be few and far between in China, but you can at least have a look.

If you do get your start at a university, as so many here do, you will seldom have any meaningful curriculum or support, and there will be little expected of you, least of all from the administration. Of course, you can always demand such things as textbooks, but that requires a confidence in your ability to use them effectively that can only come from experience.

Perhaps the best way to improve your odds of not ending up at a bad school is to avoid being a "bad teacher." For example, enroll in a TEFL course (these are even offered online), read up on culture shock, and generally do whatever you can to hold yourself up as an exemplary teacher. At least then, even if they work you over, you'll be better able to pick yourself up and move on.

Teatime of Soul · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 905

Definitely read the free guide to living and teaching in China at:

http://middlekingdomlife.com/guide/china-english-teacher-comprehensive-checklist.htm

The link above will answer questions you never thought to ask in the form of a check-list to help you choose a school.

KHS08 · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Brooklyn, NY

THANKS Everyone!! this has been very helpful.

As a new teacher, I'm looking for just a great experience overall and that does not need to include lots of money. I wouldn't mind working a full 40 hr week, but I definitely would like 2 days a week to explore my new environment as well as some vacation time to travel throughout the region.

I've traveled all over the east coast of China before, and I'm half Chinese and very used to the culture so I'm not worried about culture shock at all, but I would be nervous at the new job without a little support. I think since I'm new, working for a school with lots of resources, extra training and just you know that extra support that helps someone settle in would be great.

Thanks for everyone's posts, this has really helped me figure out my priorities!!!

Sonnibarger · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 320 Location: Wuhan

My experience has been 50/50... 2 schools were total crap.. 1 fulltime 1 parttime.. 2 schools have been great... had 1 great summercamp and 1 horrible camp... Keep doing the research man you will find a good school... try and get into contact with teachers and ask them about the working conditions... the first job is the most important.. I felt i had to stay the full year at my first school to get a year experience.. breaking contracts in China is easy but potential employeers love to see at least 1 full contract completed on your resume. The job i have now is great.. pretty good money, great hours, and respect(rare in china).

Lhenderson · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 135 Location: Shanghai JuLu Road

NateM · Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 358

Yeah, but the classroom situations you are going to face in China are going to be quite different from what you'd face at home.

I think one thing you need to learn in China is to control your temper. This isn't to say that you should just put up with all the BS your schools may put you up to, but you need to find a way to deal with it and not let it get to you, without looking like everyone's most-hated angry laowai. I've seen a lot of people who were good teachers lose it because they let silly unimportant crap build up in them and drive them nuts.