Job Discussion Forums

[IanH]

I suppose most importantly -has anyone here heard of or dealt with Changzhou Wujin Huangli High School?

I only have an associates degree (with no teaching experience) but I have obtained a contract offer from the school mentioned above to teach conversational English. I've looked over the contract a half a dozen times so far, but since I'm a total newb, I don't know what is standard and what isn't. Details like income tax, overtime rates, etc -whats the norm over there? Also, what's a reasonable salary for someone like me without a 4 year degree or teaching experience? I've found enough info online to know about the Chinese government agency SAFE, and I've been told that reputable schools have some sort of certification from that government body -is this true? Is 80-90 teaching hours per month too much? Is it normal for teachers to work 6 day weeks and get 10 days of holiday per contract year?

Thanks for for the help!

[deputamadre]

6 days a week is normal if you're a Chinese teacher. You shouldn't be working that many. And 10 days of holiday is far too little. I've seen private schools offer at least 40 days of holidays. Public schools give you time off for the all of the Chinese holidays (winter, summer breaks, etc.).

[JGC458]

OP, I don't want to seem dismissive, but there really IS a lot of info on here about contracts. There's even a sticky on the main index page towards the top of the page. Also search for SAFEA.

Btw, the offer you have looks exploitative. But you don't have a 3 or 4 yr degree, any experience or a TEFL cert(?). Still, if you try you could get a better deal - perhaps in a less desirable location.

Good luck

[Zero]

Less desirable than Changzhou? Is there such a place?

Just kidding. Changzhou is OK but doesn't have much in the way of tourist attractions or anything else beyond shopping and factories. Good proximity to Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou etc. though.

[JGC458]

[jibbs]

I know an Australian guy in Changzhou who has been there over a year. I could send you his email if ya want, I'm sure he wouldn't mind...he might be able to answer you or find some answers..

[IanH]