Job Discussion Forums

[chengdu619]

I know this thread has been done before. I am going to narrow it down a bit. Does anyone have experience teaching privates, while working for a public university in Beijing in particular? I am considering taking the plunge. Ultimately, I need the money. I am thinking of 6 extra hours per week. The place is about 5 subway stops from my school. Anyone have any suggestions? I have asked another FT at my school and he said everyone does it. However, I cannot afford to lose my current job, mainly for visa purposes. Any ideas? Is it worth the risk? And what is the risk?

Thanks

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

i've mentioned it on here before, but noone else confirmed it with their own info. my current contract allows me to do outside work. its a change from the previous contract where outside work was also not forbidden, but to do any part time jobs, we had to request permission of the FAO.

just do the part time job (keep it quiet), many teachers do it, including the chinese teachers. if you're worried about the repercussions of anyone at work finding out, check your contract to see what penalty may apply, then act accordingly. my contract from two years ago stated part time work without approval was a violation of the contract and could result in a breach penalty or dismissal.

[ttorriel]

If you "need" money then you've come to the wrong country; unless of course you have legitimate western teaching credentials and can get a job in the International schools that pay comparable U.S. type salaries for their teachers.

[samhouston]

I'm sure ttorriel's brilliant post clears up a lot of potential misunderstanding. Keep up the good work! Be sure to write a snappy post script demanding an explanation for the discrepancy between the OP's name and city.

I will now continue with this brilliant post of my own, first by stating that I've never even been to Beijing. But my golden advice is not tied to any particular location. You mentioned talking with a FT at your school about your situation. Never bring it up with him again. Foreign teachers can be a treacherous and outright treasonous bunch, sitting up late at night spinning plots and scheming their own deceitful power plays.

Five subway stops away is a good distance, although a few blocks would probably suffice. Review the French Connection for instruction on how to properly lose a tail on the subway.

I could be terribly mistaken here, but I doubt a FT in good standing with his school would get the boot-and-RP-revocation treatment in response to doing some casual cultural exchange on his own time. Unless your superiors are sniffing out a reason to give you the ax, why would anyone care? I'd say they don't. Go for it.

[Lobster]

That's good advice, and here's another bit. Don't recruit students from your own university for exactly the same tongue-wagging reasons.

RED

[Zero]

[Hansen]

Not sure about Beijing. In these parts, the issue is not with your school, it is with the PSB. Although contracts say you may not teach unless you have permission, it has been standard to not give permission. Somewhat like the Chinese way of saying that you can't teach elsewhere.

I have heard, just heard, of FTs who have been expelled from China for teaching outside of their school. It is illegal. Only schools properly licensed are allowed to employ FTs. If you go to Wang Hung Low's English Training School and teach, you are violating, not only your contract, but Chinese law. So is Wang. He can be fined. You can be expelled.

I can only imagine this happening if the mistress of the PSB chief or his wife runs a school which competes with Wang Hung Low's school.

I have tried to do some side teaching but it is usually more trouble than it is worth. Those of you who are taking in several thousand doing it, good for you

[chengdu619]

I will report back after this week. Oh, and the discrepancy between my name and my location of work has to do with my love for Sichuan (actually not Chengdu in particular). I chose Beijing because I am familiar with the city, but if I end up spending a long time in China, I think I might move out Southwest.

[chengdu619]

Hansen, that is a consideration. Anyone know how to check if a place is licensed or not?

[The Ever-changing Cleric]