Job Discussion Forums

[NATO]

Hi people.

I have a question - where are all these jobs?! As I understand it there are jobs in such institutions but I don't see many of them advertised. The most I see is the odd high school through a recruiter, or the odd advert direct from a school. Am I missing something? Are these jobs accessible mainly from within China (I am currently in UK looking for my first job in China)?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Keep in mind the time of year.

Well, it's the ending of the school term, so I imagine that many schools that do hire foreigners are waiting to see whether or not they stay on for another term, or disappear come September.

If you want a public school job with the best salary, wait until September when schools start to scramble for foreign teachers due to midnight runs, teachers who don't show up, non-returnees, etc.

As for myself, I've been offered....um, I don't know. Dozens of public school jobs in the last week. But I'm not looking for a public school job as the pay is extremely low.

[randyj]

Whiner is correct. After candidates they expected fail to show, a lot of schools will soon be scrambling. I also think the better jobs are usually not advertised, but rely on word of mouth or direct contact. We all recognize the frequent ads from some of the more notorious schools. Personally, waiting until the last minute causes me too much anxiety, so I would rather settle my future more in advance. There was a job fair in Nanjing on April 24 that was very useful for contacting schools directly.

[Halapo]

I agree with brookesdara, plus there is far less marking ( if any at all ) with public schools. I mark them, but mostly for my own interest, to see if the ones who are good in my class are also good in their other English class. Plus, the students are use to some kind of ranking system.

As was said, the public schools are focusing on the end o this year. Right now, they might be planning on replacing or keeping their FT. Mostly there are getting ready for the exams. They probably are not really that worried about it yet.

I would even go as far to say, a public school that is looking now must know they need a teacher. That means the school has lost, or cant keep a FT working for them. Or their FT just got sick of China. Odds are it is a negative reason they are looking, in my opinion.

Come July there will be a few more Public schools looking, and then a scramble in Sept/Oct when "thing don't work out", for reasons on both sides.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[drjtrekker]

Nato,
I kinda disagree with some statements here, at least in re: to uni's.

[RonHex]

contracts are being signed this week at my school.. had a few new recruits come in for a look at the school on tuesday... dont think the school advertised at all.. the FAO seems to know every laowai in town and theres no shortage of ppl wanting to work at my school. 3 openings this year 2 teachers weren't up to snuff and didnt get offered another contract(altho they both wanted to sign) the 3rd is going back to America as his wife isnt keen on China.

again with the salary debate.. I earn around the average training center salary (tops out around 8-9000 in my city) but work less than half the amount of hours I get 17 weeks holiday, every weekend off, and im home by 3pm everyday(most days Im finished at lunch) I have a great coteacher, great material (Ill reuse my lesson plans next year so 0 prep)

Usually I pick up an Extra 10-15 hours a week bringing my total take home to just under 20,000... Still working the same amount of hours as a I would in a training center.

Hard to walk into a good setup off the boat but after a year u should be able to find a good full time public and earn real money under the table chinese style

Public peanuts is the only way to go

[NATO]

Thanks for all the input so far.

I'm really looking for work in any public institution, but ideally it would be a university. My job search so far has turned up a couple of interested universities, but in a city I am not really interested in. I have had a few job offers from recruiters but surprise surprise, when I get more information on the Uni it's always out in the boonies, which I don't want. I have spent a lot of time researching Universities with campuses that are more urban, in places such as Shenyang, Nanjing, Xian, Chengdu and Shanghai. Consequently I have sent out a lot of emails, but without yielding any result to speak of.

I asked about Public schools because I am under the impression that many universities will now be coming to the end of their hiring process. If so then public high schools will be my next focus.

Any further advice or suggestions will be gratefully received.

N.B I certainly do not intend to wait until any jobs show up in September!

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[NATO]

I have been looking at mid-sized (2nd tier) cities as well as Shanghai and Shenzhen. I like places that have some life after dark (clubs/music), and some access to art. Good access to health services is important as well. I have factored local friendliness into some of my searches so far though it's not a 'deal-breaker'.

Zhengzhou is the city where I have had offers, but I'm not particularly interested in the city (especially after speaking to an FT at one of the Uni's there).

I'd be interested to know which city you have in mind.

Thanks.

[Halapo]

Just to clarify, when I said public schools, I was talking about high schools. Maybe it's a Canadian thing, or maybe its just me. I guess public can also mean University. Since the Unis are into their summer ( I think they are now, its May... ) FAO's from Universities are probably looking and thinking about next year.

I still stand by my statement that most high schools and middle schools are not looking yet. This week is "meet the parent" and reassure them about final exams, and the sports meets for athletic students. The school administration is focusing on that right now.