Job Discussion Forums

[LanGuTou]

Sadly, I think mistreatment of foreign teachers goes deeper than the salary that they receive. I think that there is a mentality and morality issue built into the equation too.

In China, social status is everything. There is an underlying phenomenon that resembles the caste system in India (but is less official or recognized). It goes back to the Orwell philosophy that all animals are equal but some are more equal than others. Leaders in China enjoy having underlings that they can use and abuse. Dissent by anyone is frowned at. Respect for subordinates is non existent. They abuse people because they can.

FT's have a lowly position in this social status ladder. Some Chinese leaders will see us as no more important in their lives than the waitress that serves food at the banquet. I bet senior police officers abuse rank and file officers in the same manner. So too, in the military.

Having been in China for many years, I now accept this has being reality. We are just expendable nothingness in the lives of the political hierarchy. Maybe the leaders shake hands with us, smile and supply the odd food binge. Beyond that, we are a meaningless commodity.

[KarenB]

You're absolutely right -- many school leaders perceive of the FTs as nothing more than a commodity.

Many -- most -- Chinese fail to plan ahead (for instance, the Head of my English Dept. had no idea earlier this week when Tomb Sweeping Day was to be celebrated) -- our FAO finally officially informed us today that Monday is a holiday. So, yes, treat the foreign teacher shabbily to save a few bucks, and if they don't like it, they can be replaced.

Some of the leaders think that FTs don't really teach, they're just there to practice English with the students.

And, some of the unprofessional behavior of some of the FTs seems to confirm that they aren't really worth anything except for a nice photo on the school website.

There are a few schools out there that do value educated, experienced FTs with a professional approach to teaching, and to have a warm relationship with students and colleagues, and at least a clue about Chinese culture. These schools will provide nice accommodations, decent salaries and benefits, and will take frequent opportunities to show their FTs that they appreciate the contribution they make to the school.

But even the good schools can change when new leadership comes in -- alas, this is my current plight.

[rogerejones]

Yes, I agree with much that's been posted here; and yes, I get sick and tired of the lack of planning. At some point, though, especially if you plan to stay here long-term, you have to move past all of that. Just to play devil's advocate, try working in a "language mill" (for-profit English school) in the U.S., as I did in Los Angeles. $10-$15 an hour, 25 students crammed into a tiny room when the school promised no more than 12 to a class, pressure to "entertain" the students (get them to come back and pay for more classes) - and all the lack of respect you can handle. I'll take China any day. After all, didn't we come here for a different experience? I guess I come from the "If I can get through to just one student, it will be worth it" school. So sue me.