Job Discussion Forums

frittzy · Joined: 10 Oct 2003 Posts: 4

I sent my resume, references and passport photo to a few recruiters about a week and half ago and have had no response from these recruiters. What is the typical waiting time before I actually have a job offer with a signed contract? Am I applying at the wrong time of the year? I indicated in my cover letter that I was interested in teaching children at an elementary school because I have a teaching background (hold an expired teaching certificate) and recently got a diploma in TESOL. I am not your typical socializing person, i.e. I usually don't go out for drinks or socializing with co-workers or staff after the end of the work day/week because I don't drink, smoke and have never tried drugs. I'm afraid that I could get lonesome or homesick after a week or two because I will miss my friends, relatives and family back in Canada. I've been out of work for some time now and I have had a harder than usual time finding work in my province. I am considering coming to China because I have a teaching background and have an interest in teaching children but the higher salaries that are being offered in China is another reason why I think I should come to China. What are your thoughts about my situation?

Irish Blood English Heart · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 10:12 pm Post subject:

what higher salaries??? you are definitely mistaken! cheaper cost of living though.

You are going to be very lonely if you dont socialise mate, you might want to think about this a little. Being 12000 km from your friends isnt going to be easy if youre not going to make new ones.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Avoid recruiters and email your CV to the schools. Also, post an ad for free here on Dave's and your email box will be filled within a day with job offers. It depends on the job. Come from the States, it took me a month and a half. Move up north, it took me two weeks, but I was already in China.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Well, these days the recruiters are your besthope, especially since you are coming for primary school kids. Most schools don't have the right to hire expats on their own; they hire them through agencies or training centres. Typically, here in Guangdong middle schools pay 8000 a month, but they pay this amount to the agent or TC who gives you perhaps two thirds of the dough./
I don't know about other provinces; sometimes they hire direct, but I doubt this kind of work is very rewarding.
Besides, the hiring season is over. Those who take you now are in dire needs brought about by mishandling their former foreign teachers who absconded. Happens all the time, though I admit most of the times it happens it's because the new foreign teacher is not up to the job.