Job Discussion Forums

[Last Buffalo]

Anyone have any experience there?

I'm about to graduate with a BA and some classroom Chinese experience, and I've received a job offer for a position at Shanghai High School in the Internaitonal division.

The offer breakdown is such:

1900-2000 US dollars each month

5200 USD travel reimbursement

On campus apartment with amenities

One meal per workday

22-25 hours a week in class.


I found this job through some faculty recommendations at my school, and it's the first one I've received. I'm not wise to the job market for English Language teachers in China, but this salary seems high compared to what others are posting. Is there some catch here that I'm not seeing? Is there another element to a teach post at a High School that accounts for the perks. This sounds a little too good to be true, so I'm wondering if any more seasoned laoshi might already notice something I don't. Thanks.

[judoka]

Last I heard, they paid 700 dollars a month. I checked their web site and it is stated you should get between 2,000 to 2,200 a month. I guess they have lowered it since they are offering you 1,900 to 2,000.

One question. How did you apply? Did you contact them yourself through their website or are you using some recruiting agency?

[Mister Al]

22-25 hours seems a lot but it depends on

a. Are they academic hours and how long are they?
b. The types of classes. Will you be repeating classes so you can cut down on lesson planning?
c. When the classes are.

Also did you get any photos or info on the accomodation?

The money's okay with the accomodation and lunch and if the lessons are academic hours, with some repetition and at a decent time.

[Last Buffalo]

A. That's total required time: any time I'm not teaching during those hours I need to be in my office for students.

B. They're telling me classes will be sorted out once I arrive for orientation. Though they're saying I'd likely be needed in writing and composition

C. Not sure. Though school hours for all classes are between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM


I found the job through a professor at my school who knew of the school and gave an administrative contact. They also seem to have tons of listings on other sites.

What courses should I be weary of teaching? I'm interested in doing composition and writing, and want to see if I could also aid with one of their art classes. Thanks

[ShanghaiSurprise]

I was offered a job there 2 years ago. The school has a strong reputation. The school is a top school... the job might not be perfect (by that I mean no job is) but it's not a scam in any way.

Isn't the 5200 USD the money you get for the 2 summer months that you won't be working, and thus not getting paid?

The accommodations are a good size, but can't recall exactly. Certainly, for 1 person you will be fine.

As for the poster above who said the salary was $700... no, it's not, and hasn't been for a while since I've known about the job. Not sure if/when it was that rate. I can't remember what I was offered, but it was about $2400 I think. At the time, it also said $2000 to $2200 but I was bumped higher after the interview.

I'm not sure if you'll be teaching the IB courses or not, but if you can get those, that's good for your resume. Teaching in that program is really good for you to stay in the international school circuit, and with only a BA and no experience, you are lucky to get into it (in my opinion). That school has a big staff and goes through a lot of teachers, so maybe you are dealing with them when they need to fill a lot of spots.

By the way...you said you're not too familiar with the market. I will tell you that you aren't going to get a better paying job. That job you are trying for is wanted by a lot of people because the salary is good.

I suggest you take it...but of course, just my opinion.

[Last Buffalo]

Cool. I've just accepted the position. Any experience with teaching IB classes? I assume my students would all be working to go to school in the US.

[jburns2323]

I am working at Shanghai High School next year as well. I worked in China 5 years ago and echo the sentiments of some of the other posters, this is a good job offer. Teaching at Shanghai High School has much greater savings potential than teaching in America, even with a Masters in Education.

I am sure that the job requires a lot of hours, but in order to be a good teacher it is necessary to put in a lot of hours anywhere you teach. Additionally, I enjoyed living in Shanghai more than I have any American city, so I think you have chosen wisely.

J

[the dakota kid]

I interviewed and they have told me most of the points of the contract via Skype, but they did mention 'Appendix A', which they said they will not email and you will first get a copy of at orientation.

Long story short, Appendix A lists all of the penalties and fees associated with breach of contract and sick leave. Why they won't send it, dunno.

Anyone else hear the same thing? I have asked around the web and the school seems quite legit and normal, as the posters above have stated as well, but....

Any other comments about the school? Pluses or minuses?

tdk

[the dakota kid]

I have been teaching here for the past year, if anyone has any questions, send me a PM.

tdk

[Count Nomula]

This is an old thread, but hopefully someone can help...

My girlfriend and I were offered contracts at SHSID, and we also did not receive appendix A. We feel a little funny signing a contract that doesn't have our hours and other things laid out on it (benefits, housing, etc). Anybody have any insight into the school? How good are they with keeping promises?

[kev7161]

[shadowrider]

[twilothunder]

[kev7161]

I get it - - he was thinking "wary" and/or "leery" at the same time and typed in a combination of the two: "weary"!

[Count Nomula]

Although I appreciate the bumps, does anyone have any info on the school?