Job Discussion Forums

aimosaku · Joined: 22 Jun 2009 Posts: 4

I've seen a lot of variance in the wages that teachers earn. All sorts of things, such as geographic location, type of school, adding part-time income to base income, TEFL Certifications....

If I am to stay in China for a long time, which I am considering, what can I do to earn the larger salaries - 20k RMB/Mo, either via contract or contract + part time? Right now, I have just 5k/mo. contract.

Are there some good ways to find other work? Some people tell me foreigners can get work in print advertising. I don't speak Chinese, unfortunately - and have been here for 3 months.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

it takes time to build up contacts to get a lot of decent part time work. i dont think too many esl teachers in this country started making 20,000 on arrival - it can take months or years of networking and finding out how things work in this country to start making that kind of money.

i've never made any effort at looking for part time work myself, it always finds me - i've received many phone calls from people i dont know, and they want me to do work for them. they got my number off of other people who do know me, other teachers at the same school or current and former students.

stick around awhile and see what happens. get out and meet people and spread your name around a bit.

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

You could go back to your home country and get certified as a bona fide teacher, like in public school. Then come back and work for an international school, where the kids of foreign diplomats and executives go; that can lead to excellent money and benefits.

You could continue your current job and try to drum up as much extra work as possible (private lessons). You'll need time, networking and a high energy level.

Chris_Crossley

When I first came to China in October '01, I started out on 5,500 RMB/mo, yet, eight years on, I earn more than triple this amount, so matters have come right for me in the earning stakes.

As has been mentioned, it requires both experience and the right contacts, not to mention luck in some cases, to land really good TESOL jobs in China, so give it time and let the future take care of itself, provided that you are not up to your eyeballs in high debts back home which you need to pay off relatively quickly (as in my case when I first came)!

I got my present job only when a friend and now-ex-colleague of mine told me about a position that he had applied for, only he was unsuccessful and suggested that I try. I got the job and I'm still here after more than 4 1/2 years! Very Happy

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

Chris,

what kind of TESOL do you have that pays that kind of salary? In a university, a private training center, etc.? Do you have special qualifications?

Chris_Crossley

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

That is a good chunk of change for China. I bet your wife if very pleased.

alter ego · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 209

IELTS in China is always looking for new examiners and you can earn around 10K/month working on the weekends, half day Sat. and full day Sun.

Earn a Master's online in linguistics, TESOL, or some content area of education, go home and get a PGDE or teaching credential, and learn Chinese. Making ourselves stand out skill or education-wise, giving ourselves an edge in the job market, etc. takes time and effort.

I get unsolicited calls for jobs too, but many of them are from run-of-the-mill language schools offering average wages. In China extra training and education doesn't always equal the big bucks but they usually lead to better jobs and situations.

With a B.A., TEFL cert. and solid teaching chops FTs in Shenzhen can earn 15K/month without too much effort by doing uni gigs and moonlighting as English trainers and tutors.

If you've got the basic credentials you want to make more money, all it sometimes takes is a little more hustle.