Job Discussion Forums

[ToFFs]

Dear all,

I am an entry level qualified teacher and have been offered a job in Beijing for about 4000 RMB a month (20 contact hours a week), with airfare paid for and rent largely-subsidised. I'm not that bothered about the money factor but was wondering, does lower pay mean poorer treatment of teachers? I was also offered the contract without having a phone interview. They know that I have a CELTA certificate but do you think that this sounds a little dodgy anyway?

[Roger]

I wholley concur with the previous poster! Relativelky low pay often means you are working for a public school, which can naviagate the various vicissitudes of time with less concern about the cash-flow.
It does not automatically mean you are headed for a trouble-free ride, though!

I would wonder, for instance, why they pay part of your rental. NOrmally, public schools house you for free, full stop. You may or may not have to pay for utilities and the telephone.

You should furthermore enquire about your legal status. Do you get a work visa, a residence permit and a work permit?
All are mandatory but often not obtained. Without them, you are vulnerable, but worse still, you can not convert your income into foreign currency of your choice legally.

Anyway, 4000 RMB is acceptable though you will largely burn it in expensive Peking bars and on travels. IT is a big and interesting place that will easily fascinate you for the coming twelve months!

[ToFFs]

Thank you for your replies. Both have very good tips that i am going to keep in mind. To the last post, thank you - I was worried myself about why they are only subsidising the rent. They are apparently doing this on a sliding scale from 1500 - 3000.. but havent said what this depends on and how much...

I do feel that this is a little dodgy- I wasn't asked for any references, I dont really have to sign the contract till I get there, I only have about 2 weeks to get a visa, and have no idea about who I'm teaching, and what books I will be using. I know that they are employing me in a rush, but I have a feeling that I will get fleeced as soon as I land in China!!! Any thoughts before I start applying for the visa? Do you think I should give this one a miss, or are most China contracts very similar to this?!!

I am getting a little caught for time, but Dave has interested me in Thailand. Job opportunities over there, are these possible for someone with only 8 mth to spare, a CELTA cert (I know I keep mentioning that!) and 3/4 way through a degree????!

Any posts would be REALLY helpful, thank you.

[Peter]

All the signs point to a sloppy outfit, not an unusual matter.It may be yoor advantage, chaos means that you can do what you like, as they havenot got a clue in the first place.
Your salary for the hours is low, in Beijing you need at least 100 per hour from your primary source, unless the overheads are free.
Renegotiate.......there is so much on offer; you are a free agent and so much work is found by word of mouth
Education is a business here, your low pay is the assumption of the employer that you are ignorant and fairly helpless.
If worried about Visas, go to Hong kong first and get a 6 months tourist visa;Phoenix travel, Nathan RD, opposite the mosque in Tsim Sha Tsui, 7th floor, 600 0r 700 HK, 2 passport photos and you will have TIME to find another job

[MW]

See "China ESL: An Industry Run Amuck?" at teachers.net "Gazette"

[Dragon]

Dear Comrade MW,
Thanks again for your insight into insightful reading. Comrade, I will strive to follow thorugh on all your postings as your leadership has only now come into being on this forum. Please keep up your substantial postings as my file is becoming full and it makes me so happy to have your words. I can only hope you will not be dashed by those who try to undermine you with derogatory comments on this forum board. Comrade may you live 10,000 years.
DRAGON