Job Discussion Forums

wilco · Joined: 22 Jan 2009 Posts: 39

Just been offered (based on my cv with no interview required!) 5000yuan pm for 8 lessons pw at the Uni, fully rigged apartment thrown in, no other benefits beyond "assistance" with getting Z visa. Only native-speaker is " on his way to see sick mum" therefore no email contact available. They want me urgently. Is this ok or do alarm bells go off?

Dave

ttorriel · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 193

Dongfang Finance Institute ?

Gooooooooooooooooood luck

wilco · Joined: 22 Jan 2009 Posts: 39

They go by the name of China ESLConsultant. Uni is in Tai'an but name not specified at this point. The photos they sent seem pretty impressive, if empty, giving a "newly built" appearance.

daCabbie · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 244

The only real Uni's in Tai'an are the Tai'an Normal Uni and the Tai'an Agricultural Uni. The Medical School also hires foreigners.

China ESLConsultant, is a recruiter. You need to ask for direct contact with the school to make sure the offer is legit. I would question any school that hires someone with an interview. They don't know you and you don't know them. You might not be a match and ten minutes on the phone can sometimes clear this up.

The salary and hours they have offered is normal, nothing exceptional. What does 'assistance with the visa' really mean? Do they pay for it or do you? Are they going to arrange a Z visa before you come in country or are they going to make you go to Hong Kong to get a proper Z visa after you have entered on an L visa?

Do you have a contract in hand? Because if you don't than you really don't have an offer.

ttorriel · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 193

There is no Taian Normal University. Nor is there a Taian Agricultural University.

There is however:

Taishan University
Shandong Agricultural University
Taishan Medical University
Shandong University of Science and Technology
Taian Public Health School (vocational - ages 15-22 or so)
(These are located in the Taishan District of Taian)

There are some other colleges, including Dongfang Finance Institute, which are not in Taian central (Taishan District) and are some haul away - hardly to be considered "Taian" - but by definition, they are.

There are also a half dozen or so other smaller "colleges" and "school" with professional and late teen, early 20's aged "college students." One most commonly with foreigners is SEPIS. Also, a couple so-called international schools.

As well as others.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Eight lessons? Is that eight 90 minute classes?

wilco · Joined: 22 Jan 2009 Posts: 39

The deal is for 8x45 min lessons - plenty of time off. Easy to get private students - I have the Uni's permission. Still don't know which one, it looks a new and imposing place with fountains, landscaped grounds, etc. Language lab looks well equipped.

They want me to enter on a turist visa with a subsequent run to HK to get the Z. They will provide paperwork, I pay.

5000 seems ok for such a small workload, I hope I will find enough to further occupy my time. Is it possible to save any of that size salary - I will be living a quiet life with my wife, non-drinking/smoking, no party scene, just travel?

The sticking point I have is that they are keen for me next week, my contract in Russia expires May 31 - with a substantial bonus that I don't want to lose.

Thanx for the answers so far.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Yeah, that is a light schedule. Just a couple of things don't ring true. "Chomping at the bit" for a new teacher is usually a warning sign. Most universities pay all visa fees, including travel.

LanGuTou · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 621 Location: Shandong

daCabbie · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 244

The hours sound good, better than my school. They pay is enough to save half and still live comfortably. But you need to talk to the school directly and if you don't have a contract in hand you don't really have a final offer. Everything you have been told is from the recruiter not the school.

The school term has started here that is why they want you here quickly. Don't mess up your bonus from Russia.

What about flight reimbursement and travel bonus each term. Most schools offer an extra 1100rmb for domestic travel every semester.

Good luck.

ttorriel · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 193

I live/work in Taian, though not for the school in question and can confirm that their only foreign teacher did leave for "family reasons."

Average university salaries in Taian is 3000-3800 per month for 16 classes per week. Public (K-12) schools pay significantly more (if you want more information for availability, PM me).

Taian is ridiculous cheap to live in.