Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

It's getting to be the time when people look for jobs for the summer and fall. Before you sign a contract, there are some questions that you should ask. Also, if possible, go and visit the school. You should also talk to some of the current teachers at the school. There might have been some posts in the job information journal, but anyone can post there, it could even be a rival school. Ask the school if they can give you two or three emails/phone numbers of teachers. Be wary of schools that refuse to give you contact info for their teachers. They might be hiding something. Talk to the teachers there and you can learn about the school.Here are some questions that I usually ask, hope it helps.!


School/Students
how many students per class?
How long is each class? How often does it meet?
What are the levels of the students?
What books are used?
What is available? Copy machine? computer? internet? printer? tape player?
What Reference books are available for supplementary material?
Are you expected to completely follow the curriculum or expect to supplement it?
Are there tests? When? How makes them and who grades them?
Where are the classes? on or off campus?
How old are the students?
Why are they studying? for an exam? travel overseas? study/work overseas? for university? for a hobby?
How many teachers are there for each class?
Are you expected to put in office hours?
Are there teacher training sessions or meetings? HOw often? How long?

VisasWhat type of visa will you be on? Is it a working visa?
How long is it good for?
How many entries do you have?
Do you need to get the visa before you enter the country?
What is needed for the visa? original degree? medical?

Teachers
How many teachers are at the school?
What are their qualifications? what experience do they have?
How old are they?
Where are they from?
How long have they been at the school?

Contract stuff
IS there assistance with housing?
Will you have a roommate?
If housing is supplied, what furniture is given?
Is there a shower? kitchen?
Can you live wherever you want?
Is your flight reimbursed? When?
Is there a penalty for a broken contract?
How much notice needs to be given if you break contract?
Is there a trial period? (If not, write one in the contract, you may hate it after a week)
Is there vacation? Is it paid? When is it? Can vacation be taken when you want?
Are there sick days? Are they paid?
HOw many hours will you work?
How much is overtime?
Are there national holidays? When are they?
Is there a dress code?
Is there insurance? What type?
When are you paid? In what currency?
Are you given language lessons?

[Glenski]

One caveat to the above list of questions. Don't ask them all at the interview.